Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land – Opening June 30, 2018

Published on March 14, 2018 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

This Summer, Get Ready to Play Big in a New Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

I was invited to a special industry showcase hosted by the Walt Disney Company to learn all about the park-wide reimagination for Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Orlando.

In this NEW eleven-acre playland in the larger-than-life setting of Andy’s imagination, Andy has designed the perfect play space decorated with more than 400 toy blocks and towering toys from the hit Toy Story franchise.

Toy Story Land also brings the addition of new attractions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios…

Slinky Dog Dash, with a 38” height requirement, this is a family-friendly toy-filled coaster that twists around curves, hills and drops.

Alien Swirling Saucers, with a height requirement of 32”, is designed to be your very own toy rocket. Hang on tight as the Aliens take you on a spin through space. But, watch out, you may be “chosen” by the Claw!

BOTH of these new attractions will be eligible for FastPass+

The entrance to Toy Story Land is near Toy Story Mania!, which remains one of the top attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Toy Story experience that stared it all!

And don’t forget about the food… As “honorary toys” you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Woody’s Lunch Box. This new dining experience will be a Quick Service option and will accept the Disney Dining Plans. Woody’s Lunch Box features classic American fare, old-fashioned soda floats and other Toy Story-themed specialties with tasty treats like three-cheese grilled cheese and a banana split parfait. Be sure to check My Disney Experience for updated menu information.

So buckle up your space ranger utility belt, set your lasers for big fun and get ready for the biggest play date of all time – June 30, 2018!

Toy Story Land—where kids of all ages can play and experience new adventures.

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Disney’s Express Transportation – Walt Disney World Resort

Published on May 7, 2017 in Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

There’s a new way to get around Walt Disney World parks and it’s a VIP experience!!

If you have been to Walt Disney World Resort recently, you know all about getting through security and bag checks… Wouldn’t you love if you only needed to pass through a security checkpoint once per day? Now you can!!

If you have a Park Hopper ticket or are an Annual Passholder, you can add Disney’s Express Transportation option and only go through security and bag check once each day – even if you hit all 4 parks – giving you more time in the parks! Disney’s Express Transportation picks you up and drops you off INSIDE the parks!

Start your day in one park, using the normal security checkpoint, and when you are ready to head to the next park simply check-in at the Express Transportation kiosk location inside the park and a Cast Member will escort you backstage to your VIP transportation.

Purchase your Express Transportation access at any ticket window outside a park, Guest Relations inside a park, Disney Springs ticket window, your hotel concierge, or at the kiosks at the Express Transportation check-in locations and you are ready for VIP transportation for one day for date of purchase or up to 7 consecutive days beginning on date of purchase. Advance purchase is not yet available.

Disney’s Express Transportation service departs approximately every 30 minutes and runs each day from 10:00 AM until park closing. Your VIP Express Transportation will travel directly between each of the theme parks, no stops along the way, and drops you off inside the park so you are ready for fun from the moment you arrive! You will have unlimited transfers between all 4 theme parks for as long as your Express Transportation ticket is valid.

Price per Guest (Ages 3+)
Single-day ticket: $19 – Valid for date of purchase only
Multi-day ticket: $29 – Valid for up to 7 consecutive days beginning on date of purchase
*NOTE: Pricing and availability are subject to change.

I took advantage of Disney’s Express Transportation during my last stay at Walt Disney World Resort. It was so quick and easy to get from one park to another. This VIP experience is definitely the way to go, especially if you have little ones with strollers and bags, and I felt the price was very fair!!

**Please Note: The Express Transportation add-on service at Walt Disney World Resort will end Wednesday, August 23, 2017. The last day for guests to purchase this service will be Wednesday, August 16, 2017.

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Everything Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Published on April 23, 2017 in Orlando/Stay on Property/Walt Disney World by Crystal Boston

UPDATED: 7/20/2020 With the reopening of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, some Star Wars experiences may be modified or no longer available, please be sure to check your My Disney Experience Mobile App for the most up to date information. UPDATED: 1/24/2020 With so many new Star Wars experiences added since I first wrote this blog it was definitely time to update the information… Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still THE PARK for everything Star Wars! Discover new and updated Star Wars experiences that bring you closer to the epic saga than ever before. It’s all here for you to explore! In order to help you plan your Hollywood Studio’s visit, you will find below links and information for all of the Star Wars experiences. When the land is busier, for access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge you can use a Boarding Group feature in your My Disney Experience Mobile App to reserve your entry time rather than waiting in a physical line. See my Blog for detailed instructions. •Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge (SWGE) •Hollywood Blvd (HB) •Echo Lake (EL) •Animation Courtyard (AC) •Commissary Lane (CL) •Grand Avenue (GA) •Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) Rides, Shows, Stage Shows & Fireworks: – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (SWGE) (38 inches) Ride in the famous cockpit of the Millennium Falcon on a daring flight—and whether you’re a pilot, engineer or runner, every role is crucial. *Check out my experience riding Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run *Tip: FastPass is available for this experience and is recommended.

*Tip: For vacation dates on or after February 19, 2020, you are now able to secure an advance FastPass+ time. In some cases you may need to join a Boarding Group in order to enter Batuu and/or experience Rise of the Resistance, be sure to ask a Cast Member on arrival at the park. – Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (SWGE) (40 inches) Join the Resistance in a climactic battle against the First Order. *Check out my experience riding Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

– Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (EL) (40 inches) *Offers Rider Switch

Make the jump to hyperspace—and to a new destination from Star Wars: The Force Awakens—during a 3D, motion-simulated space flight. *Tip: FastPass is available for this experience and is recommended.

– Star Wars: Path of the Jedi (EL) Watch a 10-minute retelling of the blockbuster Star Wars saga and get a peek at the future of the galaxy. – Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (EL) Watch younglings train in the ways of the Force and put their skills to the test against the Dark Side!

*TIP: Arrive before park opening to register your child, ages 4-12, for this experience. Your child must be present at the time of registration to participate. Registration is located at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost located between the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! and the 50’s Prime Time Café. Availability is limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Be flexible with your schedule to accommodate training times. *TIP: During this experience a PhotoPass Photographer will be taking photos of everyone participating, including your child, and each participant will receive a PhotoPass Card so that you can download the photos to your Memory Maker. If you take the card to the Memory Maker Sales Center located just inside the park entrance, they will access the photos and add only the photos of YOUR child to your Memory Maker account. – Star Wars Launch Bay (AC)

Check out movie props, play games, snap photos, screen videos, and greet Star Wars heroes and villains. – Star Wars Launch Bay Theater (AC) Watch a behind-the-scenes video and see how a new generation of filmmakers is designing the future of the Star Wars saga. – March of the First Order (HB) *Temporarily suspended Watch and listen as Captain Phasma leads her squad of Stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard to Center Stage. *This experience provides a great photo or video opportunity too!

– Star Wars: a Galaxy Far, Far Away (HB) Witness the power of this live show that brings iconic Star Wars moments to life.

*Tip: If you have seen this show previously or the viewing area in front of the stage is already full, stand behind the stage during the show and then just to the left facing side of the stage as the show is ending and you will see the Star Wars characters as they exit, sometimes getting a fist bump or two, for great photo opportunities! Another good spot to see the characters enter and leave the stage (if you have already seen the show) is in the courtyard behind the stage. – Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (HB) Conclude your day with an out of this world fireworks finale bursting with Star Wars music and magic.

*TIP: Cast Members will ask everyone to stand up before the show starts. The best location is, of course, front and center stage – but you will need to arrive early to snag a spot! If the front section is full, the next best spot is center to the stage just to the right of the handicap area behind the section taped off for a walkway or any spot center to the stage will be a good viewing area. The There is no stage show, everything happens on the screens mounted on the stage or in the sky. Watch for the light sabers too! Star Wars Characters Meet & Greets: – Darth Vader at Star Wars Launch Bay (AC)

– Chewbacca at Star Wars Launch Bay (AC)

– BB-8 at Star Wars Launch Bay (AC)

*TIP: Wait times can be long but the lines do move quickly, so don’t be intimidated by a long wait time – at least it’s air conditioned! If you are a Disney Visa Cardmember, just present your Disney Visa card for a special character meet & greet offered daily from 11am to 4pm. Characters may vary daily for this offer. Also, during the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party is a great time to experience the characters as wait times are 20 minutes or less. Photo Opportunities: – Star Wars Photo Opportunities Snap a photo in Star Wars settings throughout the park, including Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Dining: *Disney Dining Plans not accepted. You can now use Mobile Order via your My Disney Experience Mobile App to avoid waiting in lines at select Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Quick/Counter Service locations. – * Oga’s Cantina (SWGE) Oga’s Cantina in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the notorious watering hole where smugglers, bounty hunters, and weary travelers of all ages can come partake in some out-of-this-world refreshments. To make trip planning easier, Oga’s Cantina will follow the 180-day reservation process currently offered for restaurants requiring reservations. While there will be limited walk-up availability, reservations are highly recommended. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; however, any no-shows will be charged. *Disney Dining Plans not accepted. *Check out my experience at Oga’s Cantina

– * Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo (SWGE) Mobile Order Hungry travelers can fuel up on galactic grub at this local eatery in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – * Milk Stand (SWGE) Mobile Order Quench your thirst with a cup of Batuu’s legendary blue or green treat, served frozen – * Ronto Roasters (SWGE) Mobile Order Sink your teeth into a savory grilled sausage and roasted pork wrap at this exotic meat stall – * Kat Saka’s Kettle (SWGE) Pop into this eclectic food stall for some Outpost Mix, a sweet, savory snack made with popcorn – Backlot Express (EL) Two Suns of Tatooine Hummus available at this Quick Service Dining location Shopping: – Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (SWGE) Constructing a lightsaber is a rite of passage in the life of a Jedi, as this elegant weapon from a more civilized age is attuned to its wielder through the Force. Inside Savi’s Workshop, your Clients will feel the presence of the Force as they craft their own lightsabers, customizing them with various hilts, accessories and the all-important kyber crystals. For the Savi’s Workshop experience, there will be limited walk-up availability, but reservations are highly recommended. A credit card guarantee is required for each reservation. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; any no-shows will be charged the full price of the experience. Guests can bring one guest to observe the experience. UPDATED: 7/20/2020 – Savi’s Workshop is currently a modified experience and advance reservations are not required. Legacy lightsabers are available for purchase and you scan a QR code on arrival to view the available options. Below is a sample of available options during a recent visit.

– Droid Depot (SWGE) Droids can be some of the most loyal companions in the entire Star Wars galaxy, and now your Clients can have the chance to build and customize their own astromech friends at the Droid Depot. Patrons pick pieces and parts off a conveyor belt to construct one of two core models (R-series or BB-series), which can then interact with elements throughout Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Reservations are highly recommended and there will be limited walk-up availability. A credit card guarantee is required for each reservation. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; any no-shows will be charged the full price of the experience. The experience area is limited to the builder and one Guest—at least one person in the party must be age 14 or older.

– Creature Stall (SWGE) Discover curious creatures and critters from across the galaxy—and take home a new friend! – Toydarian Toymaker (SWGE) Browse handcrafted toys and collectibles at this whimsical workshop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Black Spire Outfitters (SWGE) Outfit yourself for galactic adventures at the colorful apparel shop in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – Jewels of Bith (SWGE) Features exclusive items from Batuu. – Resistance Supply (SWGE) Pick up gear that proves your allegiance to the Resistance and helps fight the First Order – Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities (SWGE) Shop for mysterious and unique galactic artifacts collected by a legendary antiquities dealer – First Order Cargo (SWGE) Proclaim your allegiance to the mighty First Order and shop for recruitment gear and supplies – Tatooine Traders (EL) Descend upon this desert dome to procure rare Star Wars memorabilia and create your very own lightsaber or droid. – Launch Bay Cargo (AC) Take home a piece of the Star Wars saga—including life-size sculptures, autographed memorabilia, high-end movie prop replicas and print-on-demand phone cases featuring your choice of extraordinary Star Wars art. – Keystone Clothiers (HB) Star Wars fans, your shop has come in! And it’s loaded with epic apparel, gifts and gear for the whole crew. Special Events & Tours: – Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party Watch the fireworks from a reserved viewing area with Star Wars-themed desserts and drinks.

*Tip: Advance reservations are highly recommended.

–Star Wars Guided Tour This seven-hour guided tour will be led by a Star Wars “all-in-the-know” tour guide. You will blast off on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, get an in-depth, insider’s tour around Launch Bay. Plus, Guests age 4-12 will have an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. And, the finale of this unforgettable day includes reserved viewing for the fireworks show.

*TIP: I highly recommend this experience, especially if you are a Star Wars fan! The cost for the tour compared to the cost for the dessert party is a DEAL! Plus, this BONUS, if you have younglings that want to participate in the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple experience, doing the tour provides the opportunity to participate without the need to arrive before park opening to sign up. Disney’s Hollywood Studios park admission is required for both experiences. Additional fees apply for these separate ticketed experiences. COMING SOON: Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser A 2-Night, All-Immersive Adventure. Come live your very own epic Star Wars story with exclusive amenities and experiences, including a planet excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! Scheduled to open 2021. *Please check your My Disney Experience Mobil App or Times Guides at the park for current performance times for the major stage shows and fireworks. You can also follow me on Facebook for more live posts and photos as well as Instagram and Pinterest – SWGE!

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