The other day the ominous photo from the Millennium Falcon was put out & though it looks a lot like the inside of the Falcon, there's no telling what part of the attraction we were actually looking at. Now the attraction itself get some ominous details. "...until you climb through that hatch, walk through her hallways, sit inside her cockpit, power her up & actually fly her yourself, it's not quite the same." That was the description of the ride from a panel at Galactic Nights about Galaxy's Edge put on by Imagineers Scott Trowbridge, Robin Reardon & Chris Beatty, & Doug Chiang from Lucasfilm. I honestly have no idea how they're going to pull off the things that was just said right there. That's a tall order when you've also got to think about keeping lines moving. While that description leaves to much to the imagination, the next ones came wit these pics. First, a whole friggin' fleet of X-wing Starfighters. Metal, so they're the closest things to being real X-wings. I can't wait to see this, talk about photo op! What if they're secretly functioning X-wings? Sure there's no way, but can't I just tell myself that? The coolest part for me though is this marketplace photo & description. Overseen by a Toydarian, like from everyone's favorite The Phantom Menace, the marketplace will of course carry toys. However, they'll be toys form the Star Wars galaxy exclusive to this outpost. The real kicker is they go on to mention that all of it will look hand-crafted by local artisans, keeping even the merchandise in-story. That's level of submersion just takes this thing to a whole other place for me. Talk about make you feel like you're really there. I kept saying when it came to Pandora, wait 'till they use what they've learned here, & up it for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. That shop let's me know they really are going for something to make you feel like you are truly out of this world. I love it! What do y'all think about this exciting news?
I Still Can't Believe Some Lucky Passengers Got To Star Tour With Luke Skywalker
This was all over Twitter & Instagram, but if you didn't see it, check it out. These folks got a once in a lifetime chance to ride the 5-D version of Star Tours. How is it 5-D you ask? Well, simple, you get to ride witb Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill. I don't know how many times I've watched this, but I have a smile on my face every time. I don't know how I'd react to this. That said, I love the fact that there's a certain level of fame that reduces people to screaming. It's great! When he enters the room all words are lost. Just woos, eees, & aaahhs!!! I love it. Thank you Mark Hamill for being you! The Force is truly strong with you. What did y'all think of this visit though? What would y'all do? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Second New Destination For Star Tours Reveals "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" Planet's Name
Last month we talked about Star Tours going to it's new Star Wars: The Last Jedi location of Crait. Over the past week, leading up to it's debut, Disney's been giving more little tidbits of info, like the addition of another undisclosed destination, Kylo Ren, & Poe Dameron. The addition of the newer characters led to rumors that when the ride is put back on random, there will be no mixing of the Star Wars generations now. Meaning whatever "time" your ride is based in will reflect the characters you see. I actually like this concept, but I'm a cannon freak. I like to know everything has its proper place in my stories. One of the very few things I do take seriously. I didn't want to really talk about these new disclosures until we got to the part I cared about. What is the undisclosed destination? Well, upon its release yesterday, Disney announced the destination as Batuu. Apparently C-3P0 knows of this planet, a remote outpost on the "galaxy's edge", once booming, & now fell to the rise of hyperspace travel. Now it's a port for smugglers, traders, & us adventurers traveling uncharted regions. They also mentioned it's an unoccupied safe haven from the First Order. The best part is what all this really is. If you haven't caught on from the concept art they released below, or the wording used, then surprise! This is the planet shown to us in model form, that will be the subject of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This just upped my excitement to jump on this ride ten fold. I can't wait to get a first look at this planet being created for us to explore in less than a couple years. This is just one more step in building the anticipation for this monumental event, & I can't wait for more. There's still a part of me that can't believe this is happening. Anyway, what do y'all think about this revelation, & what do y'all hope gets announced next when it comes to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Star Wars Galactic Nights" At Hollywood Studios Shaping Up To Be A Must For Star Wars Fans
If you got some spare funds lying around & nothing to do on December 16th, you might want to make your way to Hollywood Studios for Star Wars Galactic Nights. You'll be joining the man who's been all over the Star Wars universe as many different characters ever since debuting as Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi, Warwick Davis. David Collins will host Inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a panel with members of Walt Disney Imagineering & Lucasfilm, giving attendees an inside look at the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge & the progress being made with these lands being added on both coasts to Hollywood Studios & Disneyland. Guests will get to celebrate the release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi at the Star Wars Launch Bay & Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. As well as having new touches added to Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular from the films debuting that night. All that, along with photo-ops throughout the park with three new backdrops, character encounters, special themed food, beverage, merchandise, & more. There's two major things however that are making me even consider this. One, is the ability to dress up Star Wars. That was probably my favorite part of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Adults just don't get to wear costumes that much without being judged, so we take every chance we get. Second, is my new infatuation ever since Happily Ever After, state-of-the-art projections. Disney put out this picture of what the Hollywood Tower will look like as it's transformed into different locations from the Star Wars galaxy, accompanied by special effects, lighting, & the iconic Star Wars score. This projection looks like you could walk right up to Jabba's Palace & knock on the door. This sounds amazing. So you see all those lightsabers in the street? It'll set you back a little with the ticket price for the 7pm-midnight event coming in at $129, with discounts for Annual Passholders & DVC Members. Times four, that's the only thing really holding me back from this, this year at least. I'm making a list for next year though, & this just found a spot on it. This sounds amazing, & coming right off The Last Jedi release, I'm going to bet the Force will be strong with this event. What do y'all think though? Impressive? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Hollywood Studios Debuts Toy Story Land & Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Models Along With Concept Art For Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
Walt Disney Presents in Hollywood Studios has finally revealed Toy Story Land model along with the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model from D23, & concept art for the upcoming Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, taking the former spot of the Great Movie Ride. Inside The Magic has put up these awesome videos giving everyone a look at them. We already saw the Galaxy's Edge model at D23, & talked about it here. However, this video seemed to give me a better since of scale. I could be imagining things, but it seems to come of taller in this look than at D23. Since I had already seen this model though the real thing that caught my eye was Toy Story Land. The giant Jenga & the whole place being made of Tinker Toys... I can't even explain how much tis does for me. This place screams fun. And as much as I talk about not wanting another roller coaster with the Slinky Dog Dash, that thing looks massive. If it has the Slinky effect while in motion this thing might actually wind up being something different. Fingers crossed. Last up, & kinda falling a little short just because there's not much to show yet, concept art for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. You get to see a glimpse of the model for the ride car. As well as some shots of the inspiration that stems from the newest Mickey Mouse cartoons. It's a "2 & 1/2D" whatever that means, they are describing it as 3D without the glasses. I got a lot of hope for this, as I really enjoy the new Mickey Mouse cartoons, but they better knock this one out of the park. It's replacing a classic. Anyway, what do y'all think of these? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
A Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Milestone, Or Another Really Cool Reason To Work At Disneyland
So this came out, & I'm not sure what I thought was the best thing about it. First, there's tallest peak of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge being completed. This is awesome in itself, especially in the video when they lay the model over the real-life construction that is there right now. Galaxy's Edge is going to be huge! The second piece of this is for anyone needing yet another reason to work at the parks. Cast Members were allowed to sign & tag up all the "bones" to the land. This made each one of them a part of history. To some it may sound stupid, but that's a small piece of "immortality" right there. They are technically all part of the Star Wars universe now. All in all this just helps prove that this amazing thing is actually happening! What are y'all's thought on not only Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, but also this awesome cast member experience? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Newest Details On The Immersive "Star Wars"-Themed Resort Are Unbelievable
The more I hear about Hollywood Studios future Star Wars-themed resort, the more I can't believe it's actually possible. According to Chip & co. this thing seems more immersive than I thought was even possible. Plan to set yourself back about $1300 for a two-night stay (minimum due to the experience) with additional guests clocking in at $400 each. This seems pretty steep at first, but you have to take in to consideration the actual immersion of this experience. The resort will be themed as a spaceship. Yes, you will be able to see "far off alien planets" out the windows. You will be given missions which determine your reputation while there. All the while getting help form the droid by your bed to complete them. The resort will be located right by Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, yet not actually inside Hollywood Studios. They can't really even put a price tag on something like this. This sounds absolutely amazing, & I can't wait. I get to live out a childhood dream that I thought was impossible. What do y'all think? Want to live like you're in a galaxy far, far away? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Star Wars: Secrets Of The Empire Looks Like It's Going Beyond Virtual Reality
“A truly transformative experience is so much more than what you see with your eyes; it’s what you hear, feel, touch, and even smell. Through the power of The VOID, guests who step into Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire won’t just see this world, they’ll know that they are part of this amazing story.” Those were the words of Curtis Hickman, co-founder and chief creative officer at The VOID. I couldn't think of anything that sounded cooler than that. This is being described as a first of it's kind Star Wars & is produced by Lucasfilm & ILMxLAB in collaboration with The VOID. It's gonna open to the public this holiday season in two VOID Experience Centers. One at Downtown Disney, Disneyland & the other in Disney Springs, Disneyworld. The description of this thing at face value is very exciting. Moving freely through an untethered, social, multi-sensory Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire experience that will allow you to interact & engage with friends, family, & Star Wars characters. I'm hoping I'm not hyping this thing up in my head, but after using words like "transport" & phrases such as "invoking all the senses" further along in the announcement sets the bar pretty high. My curiosity is definitely peaked though. I gonna keep my eye on this, it might wind up being my Christmas wish this year. What do y'all think? Any wishes or guesses on how immersive this things gonna be? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Where Have All The Jawas Gone?
With multiple sites confirming the Jawas are no longer residing in the Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Launch Bay, the real question is will they return? I thought the Jawas were a real pleasant surprise in the Launch Bay last time I visited the park. They were fun. Even though I think one was sizing up my little girl who was asleep at the time. I made sure to let them know she wasn't for sale. There's rumor their empty spot is to be filled with Rey & BB-8. I'm hoping they will reappear once Galaxy's Edge opens up in 2019. Especially since I just found out apparently you can trade with them for various trinkets. Looks like a big land though, if they want a Star Wars level of immersion they'll have to fill it with something. So I think it's a safe bet the little traders will return. Any thoughts on the absence of Jawas from the Launch Bay? Even better, any Jawa stories from visits to the Launch Bay? Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.
Concept Model For Disney Parks Star Wars-Inspired Land
Disney Parks released this video of the model of the new Star Wars-Inspired Land that will be on display at this weekend's 2017 D23 Expo. It is awesome. I'm sure the finished product will vary here or there, but this look's absolutely amazing. I can't wait for this to be a reality. I now have a taste of what people were going through when Walt came out with his glimpses of Disneyland on television way back. I kept saying while we was at opening day that Pandora was so amazing, but it just made me want to see what was in store for Star Wars even more. If this is what we're looking forward to, I was definitely right. This looks like it will take the immersion of Avatar & raise it tenfold. Anyway, check it out, let me know what you think in the comments, like, & share.
Is Disneyworld Contemplating A Star Wars "Starship" Resort?
Apparently it's on the table. WDW News Today reports Disney has begun surveying guests about the possibility of a Star Wars "Starship" luxury resort attached to Hollywood Studios. Price range will look like $900-$1000 per guest, but this isn't just a place to sleep. This sounds like a whole friggin experience. It includes 2 nights in a resort that looks & feels like a starship on specific dates as it involves a totally immersive storyline. The rooms will have an interactive "view" (galaxy or pool/atrium) & accommodate up to 4 people. You'll also get 5 meals total throughout with evening entertainment & 1 day at Hollywood Studios to visit Star Wars themed land on day 2. The most intriguing part to me however, is what's described as story-driven entertainment including live character chance encounters, & the opportunity to watch or engage in the story through things like personalized missions, flight training, starship exploration, & lightsaber training. Though this is only a survey at this time the inclusion of these concept art photos make it look like they're pretty serious about considering this one. I'm going to either have to sell off body parts or figure something out. Disney's already taking all my money, now they're taking money I don't have as well. Obviously, this is a must for me. The hard part will be getting me to leave when it's over.
Disney Imagineers & Lucasfilm Talk Star Wars Lands
Imagine sitting in the Millennium Falcon. You might not have to imagine in about a year, & that's not the only thing learned today. The Star Wars themed lands being added to Hollywood Studios in Disneyworld & Disneyland Parks are to contain things familiar to the Star Wars universe, but will be themed to completely new worlds. The focus of this world will be on the story being told. I'm not going to lie, I might have shed a tear during this video. I never thought in my wildest dreams as a child growing up that even a facsimile of this world from a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away would ever happen. Described as, "the most ambitious project I've ever seen in the history of Walt Disney Imagineering" by Chris Beatty, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering, I would have to agree based on the artist renderings & the sheer scope of the thing. What do y'all think? Let me know in the comments if you're as excited as I am or could care less to get to come as close as possible to the Star Wars universe? Or maybe just hit up an alien cantina for awhile?
CEO Bob Iger Favors AR Over VR in Disney Parks
LA Times reports that Bob Iger, CEO of Walt Disney Company, while speaking at a USC Marshall and Annenberg event in Santa Monica on Thursday said no way to virtual reality. A lot of parks in the states are using virtual reality to soup up all their old roller coasters that no one's really riding anymore. Much like myself, he favors an augmented reality over a virtual reality opening your view to the world where you can look around yourself, & not be closed off to what's around you. He went on to enlighten us on the fact that he spends each Tuesday afternoon at a Disney engineering lab sporting a head worn device that enables him to hold a lightsaber and duel away with a stormtrooper. I know this would be a personal dream of myself. Yet it also makes me wonder how he gets anything else done with the abilty to do this? The only other details was his want to make the device lighter & smaller. Stupid question, but would you want to fight stormtroopers with lightsabers in AR?
AT-ATs Begin to Emerge At Disney Parks
Here's some future Star Wars park action from Disney itself. The house of mouse released this today as a kinda, by the way remember the whole Star Wars park thing. It still feels like an eternity until it arrives in 2019, but it's nice to see things like this. Mainly because of the feeling of WOW, this is really happening.