WDW Hollywood Studios: General Discussion

[Matt N]

For those who haven’t seen the itinerary, this article by the Orlando Informer gives a good idea of what guests can expect: https://orlandoinformer.com/blog/heres-what-4000-will-get-you-at-the-star-wars-hotel/


It all sounds pretty hands-on, doesn’t it? I’ll admit that sort of thing isn’t really my cup of tea, but I know there’s many people out there who would love this sort of thing!

 

[Rick]

You would need to pay me four grand to do that.

 

[jon81uk]

There is a summery image at WDWMagic too https://www.wdwmagic.com/resorts/st...worlds-star-wars-themed-resort-experience.htm

I've seen a lot of comments people are making about the fact its a hotel in Florida without a pool being a reason they will never go. But its a 45 hour experience, when you are paying $100 an hour for two people you don't want to be lounging in a pool, that can be done at another hotel later!

 

[Danny]

Disney could sell a literal turd in the park's gift shops for hundreds of dollars, and there are some guests who would still happily hand over their cash for it.

Absurd.

 

[jon81uk]

Disney could sell a literal turd in the park's gift shops for hundreds of dollars, and there are some guests who would still happily hand over their cash for it.

Absurd.

Disney have actually sold poop shaped candy in the past
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015...and-the-poop-candy-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/

 

[Danny]

Disney have actually sold poop shaped candy in the past
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2015...and-the-poop-candy-at-disneys-animal-kingdom/

Wow, Merlin really are second only to Disney by selling the poop emoji sweets.

 

[Matt N]

It has now been confirmed that the Galactic Starcruiser’s first “voyage” will be on 1st March 2022.

It would also appear that not all activities are included in the price, with 4 of the activities being upcharges: https://insidethemagic.net/2021/10/disney-starcruiser-not-all-inclusive-rwb1/

 

[Skyscraper]

Disney have revealed some of the characters that guests will meet onboard the Galactic Starcruiser;

https://blooloop.com/theme-park/news/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser-characters/

 

[Skyscraper]

Bump!

The welcome video that guests with bookings are starting to receive has been leaked online. (Spoilered in case anyone doesn't want to see anything)

Spoiler

 

[Skyscraper]

Bump! (again)

Well, it looks like the "shuttle" that guests will take from the hotel to Galaxy's Edge is... Wait for it... A box truck

https://wdwnt.com/2022/01/photos-bo...-wars-galactic-starcruiser-shuttle-transport/

 

[John_P]

Why would Disney (or any company) waste money themeing something guests will never actually see (providing everything works as planned).

 

[Matt N]

I guess they probably want it to look somewhat inconspicuous; they wouldn’t want anything damaging the immersion!

 

[Skyscraper]

Full walkthrough, courtesy of Theme Park Review!

Spoiler

 

[Burbs]

Bumping this ol' thread!

I've been at Hollywood Studios today and, despite that I'll be writing a full trip report in due course, I just had to mention it here while it's fresh in my mind. Galaxy's Edge, Smugglers Run and in particular Rise of the Resistance are insane!

I'm no Star Wars fan, but WOW. The immersion and attention to detail is stunning across the area, and Rise, well, is truly something else. An incredible feat.

 

[Joel]

Good news everyone…


From: https://youtu.be/KVpr71MSYV4


Fantasmic is back!

And for once it looks like they have actually improved the show rather than makes lots of changes under the guide of improvements that turn out to be terrible….

It seems they have refreshed the lighting package as well as fountains and effects, and presumably the audio too (although difficult to tell from the video), and it looks gooood!

New scenes seem to be pretty good too. Only thing I’ve picked up on is…. where’s pyro Mickey hands gone?!!

The video was from the cast member preview on the 1st, last nights Media and VIP preview was unfortunately cancelled half way through due to lightning, and tonight is the first public showing… so be interesting to see how Hollywood Studios copes with the crowds tonight!

Hopefully a few more good videos will come out too… not that I’m jealous it didn’t reopen a month ago and I could have seen it in person

 

[Imagination]

This looks great! It’s SUCH an improvement compared to Fantasmic 2.0 at Disneyland.

Thank God Elizabeth from POC didn’t make the cut in this version. IMAGINE. But in all seriousness, the lighting package and fountain package look great. The show feels so fresh yet nostalgic and I love that about it.

I just wish Aladdin wasn’t so long, I would have preferred a longer Moana segment we get Jaguar section AND Aladdin now.

 

[Skyscraper]

Bump!

It appears that a single rider queue is being tested on Rise of the Resistance.

Breaking: Single Rider Testing for Rise of the Resistance

This is not a drill! Walt Disney World is testing a Single Rider entrance for Rise of the Resistance. Check out full details for where to enter and how

www.kennythepirate.com

Only downside is it will be accessed via the ride exit, meaning that guests will miss the first pre-show and transport ship.

 

[Danny]

Long overdue, but missing the pre-show and transport ship is a bit of a cop off. Great for those who are well versed in the ride, but not something I'd recommend first-timers to try.

 

[IanB]

I visited Hollywood Studios on Thursday night for the After Hours event as part of a work trip, and Galaxy's Edge just blew me away.

As a big Star Wars fan, it really does make you feel like a kid again. For me, being able to fly the Millennium Falcon is awesome. It is like being in the real thing, which is so cool.

Rise of the resistance just takes everything to another level. I managed to stay spoiler free for most of the ride, so it was really fantastic to experience it. We managed two rides on it, with the last being just before the park closed, and seeing the area in the dark and it all lit up was brilliant. We did not make it to the cantina because of time, but its something to go back for next time.

The toy story area was great, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway was lots of fun, if not a little bit throwing you all over the place.

Tower of Terror was brilliant, and we managed two rides on this as well. I prefer this ride system to that in Paris, the moving forward just adds something extra that adds to the tension.

After a average visit to DLP earlier this year, visiting Hollywood Studios really made it hit home how far behind DLP is. Even Europa Park has nothing on the immersion level of Disney.

 

[Ian]

DHS Announcements from D23​

Monsters Inc themed area and attraction​

Hollywood Studios will continue to grow with Monsters Inc getting a new themed area.



Quite where this will be located I’m not sure, but it looks like it will include a sizeable show building because…

After over two decades of everyone saying it since the film came out, Disney are finally making a ride out of the door system from Monsters Inc! This will be the first time Disney have tackled a suspended coaster, and concepts appear to show a Vekoma train. Probably no surprises there really.


An interesting line from the announcement:

“Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”

What are we thinking here? Vertical elevator? Maybe some sort of drop-track elements?

Construction begins 2025.

Mandalorian updates to Smugglers Run​

Smugglers Run at both DHS and Disneyland will be receiving a new flight sequence, bringing the Mandalorian and Grogu into the experience.

Disney have referenced their growing partnership with Epic Games, and how using Unreal is allowing them to bring these updates to the existing attractions.

I’m not sure if this is a film in place of the current one or in addition to, a la Star Tours. Personally I’d prefer the latter from a re-rideability perspective, but we’ll see.

Timings appear to be a 2026 launch to tie in with the Mando film coming out at the same time.