There’s a disturbance in the force. Disney has been adding a lot of Star Wars-themed experiences to its theme parks ahead of this week’s debut of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. It’s just getting started.
Archive for Walt Disney World
The Making of ‘Captain EO’
By the mid-1980s, the Walt Disney Co. was at a crossroads. While the entertainment conglomerate was still beloved for its classic films and theme parks, it had struggled in recent decades to retain its relevance in the post-Star Wars blockbuster era.
“The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
“The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this holiday season for their fifth year sharing yuletide cheer.
The family-friendly improvisational comedy show returns to the Premiere Theater, where seasoned performers take suggestions from the audience to invent festive poems, scenarios, songs and stories. Each show is different, with a new audience and new scenarios to bring laughter to guests of all ages.
“The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special” performs six shows daily beginning Dec. 19, 2015 through Jan. 1, 2016. The show is included in park admission.
NEW STAR WARS EXPERIENCES ARRIVE AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
The Force is growing stronger at the Walt Disney World® Resort with the addition of new Star Wars-inspired entertainment now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios®.
At Star Wars Launch Bay, located in Animation Courtyard, guests can interact with Star Wars characters by choosing to encounter the Dark Side in a Star Destroyer themed area, or visit with the brave Rebels in a makeshift Rebel Base. One path may lead to Darth Vader, while the other leads to Chewbacca.
Guests can also visit two different exhibits – Celebration Gallery and Celebration Hallway to view iconic ships from the Rebel Alliance and Imperial Navy fleet, as well as replica Star Wars props and murals. Guests excited for the upcoming film Star Wars: The Force Awakens can head to Preview Gallery to explore an area filled with costumes, artwork, models and more from the new film. And of course, shoppers can get their fix at Launch Bay Cargo, a unique shop that will offer a wide selection of Star Wars merchandise, including original artwork.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
This popular attraction, which takes Guests on a daring journey through the Star Wars galaxy, has been enhanced to feature new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple
Younglings can get in on the fun over at Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. This popular offering, which allows young Guests to step into the shoes of a Jedi in training, has been enhanced to feature new characters, including a new villain – the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels.
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
If guests wish to be introduced to (or relive) the adventure and excitement of the Star Wars film franchise they can do so at Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. Here, they can view an abridged cinematic reel that reviews Star Wars episodes I-VII.
Galactic Food
New Star Wars-inspired items have been added to menus at Food & Beverage locations throughout the park. Guests can enjoy Blue Milk Panna Cotta, Padawan Limeade, BB-8 Lemon and Butter Cream Cupcakes, and much more.
But the fun doesn’t end there. The “Symphony In The Stars: A Galactic Spectacular” nightly fireworks show will begin blasting off Dec.18, 2015. And, beginning Jan. 5, 2016, guests can watch the fireworks from a reserved viewing area during a special dessert party – “Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party.” Guests can enjoy Star Wars-themed desserts and drinks. Plus, they’ll receive a souvenir stein featuring one of the most beloved Star Wars characters, Chewbacca. The dessert party costs $69 for adults and $39 for children. Tax and gratuity are included. Book today by calling 407-939-3463 or by visiting Disneyworld.com/dine.
Photo: Josh Gad (aka: Olaf) Visits Magic Kingdom
Actor-singer Josh Gad hangs out with Gaston Friday, Nov. 24, 2015, while vacationing at Magic Kingdom park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. Gad, who voiced the beloved snowman Olaf in Disney’s “Frozen,” will play Gaston’s foolish sidekick, LeFou, in Walt Disney Pictures’ live-action film adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast.” The film debuts in theaters March 17, 2017. (Kent Phillips, photographer)
WATCH: San Francisco Giants’ Hunter Pence got engaged at Disney World and it was adorable
Fellas, Hunter Pence just raised the proposal bar.
During a recent trip to Disney World, Pence proposed to his girlfriend Alexis
WORLD OF DISNEY EXPANDS AT DISNEY SPRINGS MARKETPLACE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT
Just in time for the holiday shopping season … World of Disney in Disney Springs Marketplace at Walt Disney World® Resort has recently transformed into a larger, more spacious shopping experience.
With an additional 6,000 square feet of retail selling space, World of Disney now features a new entrance, centralized register locations, a new information desk and other interior changes.
Make sure to check out the newly expanded merchandise location on your next visit to Walt Disney World Resort.
Disney World’s Least Popular Park Is Showing Signs of Life
A funny thing happened at Disney’s Hollywood Studios over the holiday weekend. The parking lot at Disney‘s least visited theme park in Florida filled to capacity on Saturday night…
Magic Kingdom Holiday B-Roll: Once Upon a Christmastime Parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Check out these video highlights from the once Upon a Christmastime Parade during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
Walt Disney World Resort & ‘Good Morning America’ Create Unforgettable Experiences for Hometown Heroes
To celebrate thankfulness during Thanksgiving Week, Walt Disney World Resort and ABC’s “Good Morning America” worked together to create unforgettable experiences for two hometown hero families who went above and beyond to help others serving in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force overseas.
The first surprise reunion took place on “Good Morning America” this Thanksgiving morning and featured a United States Postal worker from Virginia, Ron Johnson, who was recognized for helping a Naval wife, Irene Thompson, get care packages delivered to her husband, Shannon Thompson, U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman.
The surprise unfolded at Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort, with The Johnson Family serving as the grand marshals in the parade, followed by the surprise reunion with The Thompson family. Both families then dined at a special Thanksgiving feast at Disney’s Grand Floridian Beach Resort, overlooking the Magic Kingdom, with “Good Morning America” correspondent Melissa Rycroft.
Click here to see the full segment that aired on Thanksgiving on “Good Morning America.”
Viewers can tune into ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Saturday morning, 7|8c, when an Air Force Lt. Colonel gets the chance to thank neighbors who helped his family though difficult times, including an accident that seriously injured his 10-year-old daughter.
Check back here for more photos, behind-the-scenes b-roll, soundbites, and more information about the family featured on Saturday’s show on Saturday morning, Nov. 28.
