Today we’re checking back into construction central, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where things are still very much in flux, even after Toy Story Land has opened. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is starting to come together, with themed rockwork and elements now visible from guest areas. There are work walls around the Chinese Theater while minor facade and queue work is going on for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The concrete area where the Star Wars daytime shows happen is being worked on as well, so there are not any shows in that area currently.
The Skyliner station is looking more and more complete by the day, and entirely new bus stations in the parking lot are taking shape. It’s somewhat of a nightmare working your way from your parking spot to the park entrance, so hopefully the work will be completed soon. Plus, minor projects and changes can be seen around the park, including a refurbishment to Tatooine Traders, new Pixar and Toy Story products taking over Sweet Spells and Reel Vogue, and Disney Junior Live is closed to bring in a new show. Check out the extensive photo report below for more details and stay tuned for more theme park news and updates coming soon!
Welcome to Hollywood Studios! This picture epitomizes your day here
After parking this is the first thing you may see today
Skyliner supports cross through the middle of the parking lot
After being dropped off by the parking tram, you still have a lonnng way to walk
A long walk to the park entrance
Concept art for coming attractions line the work walls
Parts of the parking lot being worked on in front of the park, including the tram stop and old bus loop
Don’t get lost on your way in!
A look at the back of the Skyliner station
The front of the Skyliner station
New bus loops being constructed in their new location near the water
New bus loops with Tower of Terror in the background
Soda machines with the dancers on them removed, and bathrooms walled off
Bag check area expanded with temporary tables
Bag checks actually moving very quickly thanks to this extensive temporary addition
Finally, we made it into the park!
The Chinese Theater framed by plant walls instead of the outdoor mobile stage
Without a mobile stage the outdoor Star Wars shows are not currently running
Plants on the backside of the area blocking view of work being done
A peak through a gap in the bushes as the concrete work being done in the plaza
Moving on…
Signs for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming to the Chinese Theater next year
Work walls up around entrance facade and extended queue area
New sign hooks have been installed above the doors
Close view of new hooks above entrance
Queue entrance seen behind walls on right
More than half of the hand prints are unavailable at this time to guests
A look at the old ride exit behind walls as well
Looks like some painting was going on here
Photo op for the new ride near the exit on left side
Walls up around small section between Grand Avenue and Tatooine Traders
Trees that were planted just last year have been removed to help add more walking path
Walls butt up against entrance to Tatooine Traders
Interior of Tatooine Traders is being refurbished, this side is already complete
The opposite side is now behind walls
Top part of this wall has been cut down
Newly refreshed themed wall
DJ Rex in da house! One of the first pieces of Galaxy’s Edge apparel available
Registers have been moved to the opposite side of the store, for better foot traffic from ride exit
High scale items available behind counter
Build-a-lightsaber is back, now against the wall
Stopping in at PizzeRizzo, which is reportedly going seasonal beginning next week
You may not be a fan, but I actually really like the veggie pizza!
Goodbye, old friend. Hopefully unlike Stitch, going seasonal does not mean the end for PizzeRizzo
The Studio 1 store is finally back open after refurbishment
Despite what the sign on the door still says, there is not any Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise inside
Inside they now offer Muppets…
And Disney Art merchandise
The store is themed like a nursery set
There are oversized doors
And a large window
Despite being themed like a Muppet nursery, you cannot find Muppet Babies merchandise here
A cart on Grand Avenue is selling Muppet Babies plush though
Also on Grand Avenue is the future entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
If you look very carefully you can spot some spires in the distance
The new land is rumored to be opening late 2019
Also on Grand Avenue we can see a temporary stairway installed at the back of the Mickey Mouse ride building
Toy Story Land opened over the summer
The new area is very popular
Slinky Dog Dash
New entrance to Toy Story Mania, through what used to be the back of the building
Alien Swirling Saucers
The back of Andy’s backyard offers a great view of Star Wars construction
Large rockwork rising above the land
Giant hollow tree trunk spire, that gives the village its name: “Black Spire Outpost”
A ship that has landed at the outpost
Round structure
Quick glimpse at some of the lower rockwork being added
Various layers of rockwork, buildings and themed elements coming together to create a cohesive look
Trees planted along berm on right side of gates
One last look before moving on
Just outside of Toy Story Land, walls are up near the former Pixar Place entrance
This area will host a new Incredibles meet and greet space starting next year
Poor Joffrey’s Coffee is hidden away in the corner, but still open during construction
These walls up behind Chinese Theater facade area
Checking in on Walt Disney Presents, The Nutcracker has a preview playing
The film preview is 12 minutes long
Some costumes from the film are on display in the lobby area
There is no meet and greet where Star Lord and Baby Groot were meeting previously
The Star Wars model has been moved to the larger case where Toy Story Land was. It is still only a small section of the Galaxy’s Edge model however
New Millennium Falcon model on display, which will be one of the two rides at the new land
Resistance Intersystem Transport Ship will be featured in the other attraction, as a way to move guests from Black Spire Outpost on Batuu to the Star Destroyer in space for the battle escape ride (kind of like a preshow that’s a simulated transport to space first, at least that’s the rumor anyway.)
AT-AT Walker in place where Galaxy’s Edge model section was originally. The AT-ATs will also be featured on the battle escape attraction
No changes to the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway exhibit
Moving on, the Disney Junior soundstage has been painted blue to match Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. Gone are the painted clouds behind The Brown Derby Restaurant
Newly painted soundstage, now missing soundstage number
Nearly all of the stages are now missing stage number signs, ending the “Studios” part of Hollywood Studios
Former entrance to Disney Junior closed off
Hole in the wall where entrance facade and signage was connected
Advert poster frames empty for painting
Disney Junior Live on Stage will be returning with an all-new dance show December 22nd
The new show’s entrance has been moved to the left near Launch Bay, freeing up the middle of the area for meet and greets
Newly relocated show entrance
Over at Sunset Blvd, Christmas decorations are already starting to go up!
Stars can be seen up and down the street
The Sweet Spells bakery is back open, but is now a Toy Story store
The bakery case with freshly baked woopie pies is all gone. You can still get the carrot cake cookie and Butterfinger Cupcake at Starbucks across the path, but everything else is gone
You can find Toy Story and Toy Story Land merchandise here
Luckily candy and snacks survived the store change!
You can find candy in the middle between the two shops
Reel Vogue has also received a makeover, and no longer focuses on Disney villain merchandise
Now the store is all Pixar related merchandise
How do you like the change, darling? It’s all about synergy.
That’s all for this Hollywood Studios update! Let us know what you think of all these changes in the comments
That’s all for now! For help booking your next trip to Walt Disney World request your free quote from Elizabeth at Destinations in Florida today! She’ll help you plan the perfect vacation with the best rates on ticket packages and on-site hotels, and her services are totally FREE to you.
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