A lot of sites have been recently talking about a name change for Disney's Hollywood Studios to Cinemagine Park. This was from the supposed list if names from a good while back, which were all pretty horrible. I wasn't going to talk about it until confirmation, & I'm very happy to say it's not going to happen anyway. Due to all the reports to the contrary, Disney Parks Blog wanted to let everyone know that Disney's Hollywood Studios will be named just that for the foreseeable future. As a consolation prize we were given this concept pic of the upcoming Aliens Flying Saucers from this summer's Toy Story Land. Don't really know what to take from the pic l, as there is a lot going on there. It looks like a cross between the old flying saucers from way back Disneyland, bumper cars, & Luigi's Tire Ride from current Disneyland. I've never been to Disneyland, so I can't really pull from experience. Sometimes these concept art pieces come off too animated to really get ahold of what's real. Still it looks bright, big, & fun no matter what. The real thing here is thank the makers we don't have to attend Toy Story Land in Cinemagine Park. What do y'all think though? Who's rode Luigi over at Disneyland? Does this look similar? Did you like the name? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Walt Disney World Has An "Incredible Summer" Lined Up For 2018
All four parks at the Walt Disney Resort are taking part in what they're calling Incredible Summer . Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, & Frozone of the Incredibles will be taking over Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom. They will also be joined by superhero costume designer Edna Mode in her debut appearance. If that's not enough each night will feature a "SUPER" dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. Is it bad that I'm probably going to make my way here just to get a pic with Edna Mode? Epcot's getting ready for their future with StarLord & Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy will join an extraterrestrial band jamming out to hits from my personal favorite soundtracks ever put together, Awesome Mix Tapes 1 & 2 . Meanwhile, over at Animal Kingdom they'll be celebrating their 20th anniversary. They'll be debuting a new bird show featuring Russell & Dug from UP! , titled Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure. I'll be honest, I usually skipped the previous bird show, & thus one will probably suffer the same fate. I will however, check out a "dino-tastic" celebration withb Donald Duck taking over Dinoland, U.S.A. in a new character celebration. Disney Springs AMC will feature Incredibles 2 starting June 15th, but it all really caps off with the Grand Opening of Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios. All this set to begin May 25th, 2018. I will so be there for Toy Story Land's opening. Needless to say, details will come. What do y'all think though? Does this sound like it lives up to the name? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Patents To Make Your Lightsaber Dreams Reality At Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge just got even better if this is what this is for. Ever since the announcement of a Star Wars themed land the question on everyone's mind has been lightsabers? They've talked AR, & it looks like they're getting ready to make that happen. This sounds amazing, technical, but amazing nonetheless. WDW News Today reported via blooloop.com, Disney has filed a patent for an AR system to make your laser sword dreams a reality. Actual wording, "relates to systems & methods for augmenting an appearance of a hilt to simulate a bladed weapon." This doesn't describe the intended use. So while could be walking around like a Jedi in Batuu, this could also be for a console or mobile game. I doubt it though, the scale of this thing is pretty intense. There will be a physical hilt containing motion & orientation sensors to determine where the hilt is. On a display (headset, phone, visor) you will see the overlay of "a broadsword, an axe, or a katana." That cover any other uses, but we all know what this is for. Especially when you look at the hilts & notice a dual-blade, "Darth Maul" option. You'll have control over type, size, shape, & color as well, with other users seeing what you see. Also in the patent is a speaker & haptic generator for sound & vibration. The blades will interact with real objects both static (doors, walls, rocks) or dynamic (moving doors & targets), as well as virtual objects both static (force field, another virtual blade, etc.) or dynamic (moving virtual blade, virtual blaster fire, virtual moving robot, etc.). Interaction with objects will trigger visual, audio, & tactile effects. If that doesn't sound like the most awesome thing you've ever heard, one diagram shows deflecting blaster fire with a flash occurring, & two lightsabers flashing as they connect eluding to dueling. The patent even goes as far to describe deflecting a blaster bolt back at the stormtrooper that fired, triggering audio of being hit. This is amazing on so many levels. I can't believe this is a real thing that is actually about to happen. So excited. What do y'all think? Wanna get your hands on a lightsaber? Put it in the comments like & share.
Cards Paint A Vivid Picture Of "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge"
This is so cool. Apparently, last month at Galactic Nights in Hollywood Studios guests who attended the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge panel we're given some cards. WDW News Today just put up a picture of them all, & not only do they give details of what to expect, the back is map of the planet Batuu. The cards feature a host of details. Captain Rex from the original Star Tours is now a DJ in the local cantina. We'll get fired on by some AT-AT walkers in "Battle Escape". Based on your rep you could have to get out of soome situations with local thugs & bounty hunters. Speaking of which, you can join the Resistance, First Order, or become a bounty hunter/smuggler. You may even come face to mask with Kylo Ren. The maps one of the really intriguing parts though. "Black Spire Station" selling droids & parts. "Docking Bay 7" looking like the place to get some grub. The "Cantina", my favorite concept here, seems to be the main hub of all the action. "Surabat River Valley" is a spot that most likely will wind up the Millennium Falcon's backdrop for the upcoming attraction. "Merchant Row" will be home to many shops like the toy store that will carry Batuu made toys, with "Docking Bay 9" being the place the First Order will "set up shop for their recruiting." There's a part of me that still can't even believe this is happening. The level of emersion they're going for is amazing! I can't wait to walk these streets & lose myself in this world. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"Galactic Nights" Reveals New Details About Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
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?
See The Hollywood Tower Four Different Ways At "Flurry Of Fun" In Disney's Hollywood Studios
I keep seeing shots of all the tower projections from Galactic Nights, & I really wish I could've seen them in person. I found all but one a little underwhelming on video. When you see the castle transform during Happily ever After, it all but becomes something new. I'm not getting that with even this video from Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun celebration either. I just can't separate it from the Tower itself. Like I said though, I have a really good feeling this is because I'm seeing it on video though. I really want to see this in person to get a better idea of how the effect plays out without being "zoomed in". This celebration sound awesome though, not just for the projections either. That last bit where he said the parks lights were in tune to the music? I'll bet that is a sight to behold. And I always love it when they make it "snow" in the park. Not to mention, I absolutely adored Olaf's Frozen Adventure, so I would really like to see the special showing. Anyway, what do y'all think about this, & has anyone ever been to the changing of the Hollywood Tower? Does it look better in person? I still really want to see it changed into the gingerbread house if so.. Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disneyworld Tidbits: Tiger Cubs, Random Millennium Falcon Pic, & Stitch's Last Ride
The past couple of days have had some major little things pop of at Disneyworld that are at least worth a mention. There's the tiger cubs, Jeda & Anala, now able to be seen on the Maharajah Jungle Trek in the Animal Kingdom. These endangered cuties are just friggin' adorable...
Then there's this random pic of somewhere in the Millenium Falcon attraction coming to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Hollywood Studios. I'm not really sure what to make of it without knowing what exactly I'm looking at. Best guess, it's part of the queue? It's a picture though, & it's inside of something Millenium Falconey....
Last but not least there's the matter of Stitch's Great Escape. It's starting to really look like this is going to be the last season the attraction opens. December 23rd through January 6th will be the last run of this cursed attraction. I'll be down there for New Year's so I will get to ride this one more time. I hope my daughter's big enough, Stitch is her favorite. I don't remember having fond memories of this ride, as there's not much to it. I never got to ride it as it's original Exterrorestrial Encounter, I think it was called, but it's never been a fan favorite. Unlike the losses from earlier in the year, I'm excited to see this go, & honestly would love an actually good, thought out Stitch attraction.
Disney Skyliner Transportation System Sounds Like It May Wind Up The Most Beautiful Ride In The Park
The first awesome detail about these gondolas is select cabins will have characters included in the exterior to give the appearance Disney characters are riding along, & that's just the icing on the cake. I'm putting these concept photos in order so you can get a sense of the ride this upcoming transportation system has in store. There's a station at the International Gateway of EPCOT inspired by the nearby European Pavilions where guests traveling in will get an overhead view of the World Showcase. Then there's the Caribbean Beach Resort station, designed after open air marketplaces of the Caribbean. This is the hub of the Disney Skyliner, where guests can change routes. Going from there to the Hollywood Studios hub will give you an amazing aerial view of Hollywood Studios attractions. This hub will match the façade of Hollywood Studio's main entrance. Hubs also included, but with no concept art are Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, & a slow down at a turn-station along Buena Vista Drive where you can see the components that make up the Disney Skyliner. Through those stops they do mention you will get a beautiful view of not only those two resorts, but right over Hourglass Lake as well. This sounds so friggin amazing! I can't wait for these to be up. I'm probably going to make a trip just to ride these all the way through when they are first put up.
"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.
"Magic Of The Holidays" Video Shows Festivities Throughou The Disney Parks
Disney put out this Magic of the Holidays video to show all the different ways Disneyworld & Disneyland will be celebrating the holidays this year. There's some amazing stuff in here. Sad I can't attend any of the Disneyland offerings, as my daughters would probably sell me to check out that restyling of the Haunted Mansion for the holidays. My thing is the Hollywood Studios set-up though. After Happily Ever After, I'm all into this projection thing. It's probably one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. I'm still trying to find some time to sneak away from my other life to see this before the holidays end. Currently it is an uphill battle. I've seen the Magic Kingdom for the Holidays, even going as far as attending Mickey's Christmas Party. Which was awesome by the way, all-you-can cocoa & cookies has to be the greatest add-on ever! I've saved my personal favorite for last though. Every year I try to find some time to go to EPCOT to check out Christmas as it was thought up & celebrated around the world. The stories are amazing, & help paint a picture of the real meaning to all of this Holiday stuff, celebrating family, celebrating life, & celebrating love. I hope I can steal a couple days away from the man & see my favorite places in the world as they celebrate the holidays. What did y'all think of this video though? Will anyone be trying to sneak away for any of this as well? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Gives A First Look At Woody's Lunch Box For Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is shaping up to look pretty awesome. Hollywood Studios needs it too. The whole park has been under construction for to long now with this & Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Now Disney just gave us a look at the quick service meal restaurant that will reside in Toy Story Land. Woody's Lunch box will serve tasty meals & old-fashioned soda floats from a spot designed to look like a giant lunch box & thermos. It totally fits the motif, & I'm all for quick service food. I actually prefer quick serve spots to Disneyworld's sit-down restaurants. Eating gets in the way of my fun anyway. Plus it helps that the food is usually close to the same food cheaper, & amazing none the less. The real thing's that got me excited though, is the old-fashioned soda floats. As long as it isn't any of the nasty sodas offered at EPCOT's Club Cool. If this is really old-fashioned soda it's going to be amazing. This is definitely on my list for Summer 2018. How bout y'all? Couple of things, your excitement for Toy Story Land, & your preference sit-down or quick serve restaurants at Disneyworld? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Dates Have Been Announced For New "Star Tours" Destination
I had the pleasure last week of taking a couple different Star Tours at Disney's Hollywood Studios. I got to go to the busy, cityscape of Corucsant, followed by another trip to the underwater, Gungan cities of Naboo. On my travels, I couldn't help but think of my last trip to Jakku being timed with The Force Awakens, & when they would be adding any new planets from The Last Jedi. I wasn't too surprised to get home & see that Disney has now announced that November 17th in the states, November 22nd in Paris, & December 15th in Tokyo, Star Tours will be taking passengers to Crait. Right in the middle of the battle featured in the trailer. If you don't know what I'm speaking of, it's the scene with all the ships blowing red sand or smoke behind them. This is cool, I love Star Tours, it's my second favorite ride in Hollywood Studios. (Next to Aerosmith Rocking Roller Coaster nothing beats speeding around a coaster to the tune of Sweet Emotion in the dark.) Now that I finally got to go to two different destinations on the same day, I'm really digging how this ride can be a totally different experience every time you get on. If this is anything like last time they will turn all the tours to Crait for about a month so everyone gets a chance to check it out. What do y'all think of this addition to the list of out of this world destinations for Star Tours? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Disney Files Patent For New "Swinging" Ride System
"One goal in designing the ride system was to deliver an experience similar to what it would feel like to be with Tarzan or a similar character swinging between trees of a jungle on a vine or with Spider-Man or a similar character swinging on webs between buildings as you move down streets of a city. [The ride is] intended to have swinging sensation provided while also having forward travel along a ride path in a direction of travel and for the swinging sensation to feel thrilling and fun." That's the description that came with these pictures according to the Orlando Business Journal. Now the real questions are what is this going to be, & where is it going to go? The easy pick would be a Spider-Man ride. To me that just sounds a little iffy with the studio team-up situation Disney has with Sony when it comes to Spider-Man. I could be wrong, but I'm not sure Disney would want to go with an attraction for a property they only have a half interest in. If I had to go with my gut, I'm thinking this is something for either the Guardians of the Galaxy coaster, or the Millenium Falcon attraction planned for Galaxy's Edge. The patent also mentionsthe movement of the swings could be controlled where the arm could be slower at the top of a roll to simulate a pause before swinging downward quickly, speeding up as it reaches the bottom-most part of the swing to simulate natural movements. That also gives me that idea as opposed to it actually being a Spider-Man ride. It's all speculation right now though until we hear more. What do y'all think though? 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.
The Slinky Dog Has Been Hooked To The Track
Disneyworld has released this video celebrating yet another milestone in the life of the upcoming Slinky Dog Dash Ride to be featured in the upcoming Toy Story Land. I've already discussed my views on another roller coaster being added to a Disney Park. I personally just feel like Disney Parks are better than that. A roller coaster just seems child's play amongst all the amazing attractions of Disneyworld. After this video I'm a lot more intrigued though. One, I've never seen a vehicle be added to a coaster track. That was a pretty neat behind the scenes look. Two, they mentioned that the slinky springs on the vehicle will have some incorporation into the ride. That's the out the box thinking from Disney that can actually get me into the idea of another coaster. What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Please Tell Me These Really Aren't The Best Names Hollywood Studios Could Come Up With As A Replacement
I've been seeing this a little of everywhere, but it's origins come from the Mickey Views YouTube Channel. There's been a rumor that with all the upcoming changes, Disney may be looking to rename Hollywood Studios. Mickey Views posted shots from a survey tossing around some proposed names. These names are just tragically horrible: Disney Kaleidoscope Park, Disney Storyverse Park, Disney Hyperia Park, Disney Beyond Park, Disney Cinemagic Park, Disney Legends Park, Disney XL Park, & Disney Cinemagine Park. I'd have to wish for more wishes & send the survey back asking for more choices. These are bad. It's a hard choice for a re-name, with the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge & Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios just works. I guess the lesser of two evils would be Cinemagic or Cinemagine. How about a Toontown resurgence, & just go with Maroon Studios? I don't know, it just seems like they could do better than those. That's almost the equivalent of saying, "Let's just call it Disneyworld the Sequel." What do y'all think though? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Video Shows An Excited Toy Story Cast To Celebrate The Arrival Of Slinky Dog Dash Ride Vehicle
This thing's been sighted all over the highway, & now Disney has put up this video celebrating it's official arrival at Hollywood Studios. I'm actually more into this video than I am this ride's arrival. The video is great & has some fun with the arrival involving the Toy Story characters from the park. The ride cart's cool, looks like a slinky-dog. It's just, as excited as I am about the addition of Toy Story Land next year, I'm not really excited about a roller coaster being added to the park. When I think of Disney Parks, I think of attractions far more immersive than just a roller coaster. A coaster seems like an easy way out of sorts compared to the out the box fare one expects from a Disney Park attraction. At least the TRON coaster is something different, this just seems like a run of the mill coaster. Anyway, check out he video it's great, but I really want to know what y'all think of the addition of this coaster? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
"One Man's Dream" To Become "Walt Disney Presents"
We that are into comic books know this as a "soft reboot". Beginning in September the Hollywood Studios' attraction known as One Man's Dream will become Walt Disney Presents according to Chip & Co.. It will host the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model from the D23 expo. As well as a never-before-seen model of Toy Story Land with concept art & look at ride vehicles as well. In addition guests will also get a first look at concept art for the new Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction scheduled to eventually take the place of the former Great Movie Ride. The best part of this news lies in the fact that they go on to mention the space will still continue to feature sketches, photos, & storyboards from Walt Disney's history, Host character greets like Star-Lord & baby Groot, & sneak previews of upcoming Disney films. This makes it sound like a majority of the original walk-through attraction is staying the same which totally works for me just fine. This is just something that should just always be around to keep a piece of Walt in the parks no matter what. I can't wait to get back down this fall to see what still going to be there. Does anyone else feel anyway about this? If you've been, is there anything you hope stays? (For me it's the multi-plane camera.) 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.
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.
