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Disney Parks Other

Welcome to The Grid! TRON Lightcycle / Run Reaches Major Milestone at Magic Kingdom Park

As I shared on Instagram yesterday, the Magic Kingdom Park skyline looks a bit different today now that our crew from Walt Disney Imagineering has reached a major milestone in the development of TRON Lightcycle / Run at Walt Disney World Resort. Here you can see this image of the first piece of canopy being installed in what will become an instant iconic attraction and portal to The Grid here in Tomorrowland. 

What we set in place yesterday is the first of nearly 40 pieces that will create a dramatic “curved wave” canopy, known as the Upload Conduit. Each section is strategically assembled before installation, including alignment of the steel, welding, grinding, some painting and electrical work. It’s an intricate process and something we’ll get to see rise before our eyes over the coming weeks and months. You can take a closer look at our work yesterday in this new video: 

This canopy will be a massive, awe-inspiring structure flowing organically over you when you race beneath it aboard your Lightcycle, serving as a digital bridge for your transition into The Grid. As the Lightcycles whiz by, dynamic stripes of lights will follow along the canopy, creating a powerful visual for riders and bystanders alike. Just wait until you see this at night … it will be spectacular. 

I’ve had the chance to ride our sister attraction in Shanghai Disneyland and I can tell you we are in for an amazing new addition to the Walt Disney World coaster family. I’m proud of all the work our Imagineers have put into this attraction so far, and am looking forward to seeing this beautiful piece of the digital frontier take shape on the horizon of Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom! 

Follow me @thezachriddley for more on our design work taking shape across the Walt Disney World Resort. 

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Behind the Scenes, Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort, BtS, Imagineers, MK, Video, WDI, WDW

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HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

It’s always appreciated when any of the other four parks at Walt Disney World take part in seasonal celebrations of any kind. We’re glad to see Disney’s Hollywood Studios now has their own line up of Halloween treats to try throughout the park. Our field team recently undertook the daunting task of trying some of the new Halloween treats. Here are the highlights.

Pumpkin Bread Tiramisu from Rosie’s All American Cafe $4.99 (just okay)

If you like traditional tiramisu you may be disappointed in the Pumpkin Break Tiramisu. The espresso is missing here. But, if you enjoy pumpkin flavors and mascarpone cheese then you may enjoy this treat.

HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pumpkin Bread Tiramisu from Rosie’s All American Cafe $4.99

Frozen Apple Cider from Backlot Express – $8.99 (a hit)

Frozen Apple Cider is a great option for those balmy fall days in Florida. The humidity and heat are still alive and well in Orlando through October, so this is a great way to get some fall flavors while getting refreshed from the heat. Warning – this specialty beverage is loaded with green boba pearls. This drink has more boba pearls packed into it than a trick-or-treat bag after a visit to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.

HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Frozen Apple Cider from Backlot Express – $8.99

Box of Bones Eclair from Backlot Express $5.49 (a miss)

If you desire a traditional chocolate eclair, this may not be the eclair for you. But if you want something photogenic, this Box of Bones Eclair sure fits that purpose. Our field team expected there to be a more prominent chocolate flavor. To our team this would be a pass.

HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Box of Bones Eclair from Backlot Express $5.49

Pumpkin Cheesecake Canoli at PizzeRizzo $4.99 (a hit)

It’s hard for me to resist pumpkin cheesecake, and based on our field team’s reviews it sounds like this one needs to be on my list for my next visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Pumpkin cheesecake filling is mixed with praline crunch and fills the crunchy canoli. A good deal at $4.99.

HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Pumpkin Cheesecake Canoli at PizzeRizzo $4.99

Poison Apple from Trolley Car Cafe $5.29 (just okay)

Last year this Poison Apple treat debuted at the Starbucks location at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, known as Trolley Car Cafe. This mousse-filled treat has a delicate apple flavor and hints of caramel. Our field team said it reminded them of the desserts at Satul’i Canteen at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. If you’re looking for a light, airy autumn treat this may be a good fit for you, as long as you’re not looking for a robust apple flavor.

HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Poison Apple from Trolley Car Cafe $5.29

Straws and Glow Cubes at multiple locations

Specialty glow cubes and straws are offered as add on to enhance your Halloween beverage, and included in select beverages. These are available at multiple locations throughout Walt Disney World. We find it’s easiest to open the MyDisneyExperience app and go to the mobile ordering section and look at the Halloween Exclusives Menu of each location – where offered.

HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
PizzaRizo Mobile Ordering in Disney App

The Frozen Apple Cider comes with a poison apple glow cube. A Tire Pumpkin Straw is available at PizzeRizzo and also at Sunshine Seasons at EPCOT. Our team has a theory these were supposed to be offered at Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure which is currently closed.

Do any of these treats make you want to say “Hooray for Halloween in Hollywood?” Which one do you want to try?

The post HOORAY for Halloween Treats at Disney’s Hollywood Studios appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Drinking, Halloween, Hollywood Studios, In the Parks, Snacks, Walt Disney World (FL), disney halloween drinks, disney halloween food, disney’s hollywood studios halloween, disney’s hollywood studios snacks

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Are the New Halloween Offerings at Magic Kingdom Enough to Satisfy Fans?

It’s been a rough year. But, something wickedly fun this way comes as Halloween is now in full swing at Magic Kingdom. For the first time in forever, many of the Halloween festivities that are exclusive to Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party are now available for guests to enjoy in the park, during the day, included with admission.

Are the New Halloween Offerings at Magic Kingdom Enough to Satisfy Fans?
Halloween Decorations at Magic Kingdom 2020

Our team waited until yesterday afternoon to venture into the park to experience the Halloween offerings. This allowed the morning rush of fellow Disney enthusiasts to pass through and provide us with a more realistic view of Halloween 2020 at the Magic Kingdom.

Some of the highlights of Halloween daytime festivities at Magic Kingdom are:

  • Disney Cast Members on Main Street in festive costumes normally only worn at Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Disney Characters in their Halloween attire
  • Character Cavalcades now include a Disney Villain gathering and “Boo to You” song from Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Guests are allowed to wear Halloween costumes during the day – but they must meet Disney’s guidelines
Are the New Halloween Offerings at Magic Kingdom Enough to Satisfy Fans?
Park Guests in Costume at Magic Kingdom (@PixieRey)

Our team really enjoyed the enhanced Halloween-themed cavalcades. Keep in mind, there is no published schedule for the cavalcades in order to avoid crowds lining the streets ahead of time. I, personally, have not been back to Magic Kingdom since the reopening, but I have been to EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and without intending to, I have caught all of the cavalcades offered at each park.

Are the New Halloween Offerings at Magic Kingdom Enough to Satisfy Fans?
Jack and Sally in Halloween Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom
Are the New Halloween Offerings at Magic Kingdom Enough to Satisfy Fans?
Oogie Boogie in Halloween Cavalcade at Magic Kingdom

There are lots of Halloween treats at Magic Kingdom this year, many of which used to be exclusive to the party. During our team’s visit yesterday they tried Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake. This picture perfect mini wedding cake is $6.49 and available at Liberty Square Market.

Are the New Halloween Offerings at Magic Kingdom Enough to Satisfy Fans?
Constance’s For Better or For Worse Wedding Cake – Inside

This “wedding cake” is more of a mousse. Even though citrus-scented cake is supposed to be the main ingredient, the raspberry Bavarian cream rules over the cake. It is a good choice for fans of The Haunted Mansion, but our team prefers the Pumpkin Spice Mickey Waffle Sundae and the Poor Unfortunate Souls Float.

Even though I wasn’t present, knowing our team was seeing Disney Cast Members, characters, and guests in festive Halloween attire has brought a smile to my face. It is always reassuring when our favorite traditions return each year.

So is it worth venturing to Magic Kingdom this year for the Halloween festivities? Is it enough to satisfy Disney fans who are saddened by the cancellation of Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party?

Our general consensus would be, yes! All things considered, it is a great move on Disney’s part to weave in some of the things guests love about the Halloween Party, like the costumes, music, and unique character appearances, into the daytime for regular park hours. These are strange times, and safety is paramount. Disney has found a reasonable way to create a festive Halloween environment that still focuses on health and safety.

Our team will be at the Magic Kingdom frequently over the coming days to share with you more about the Halloween festivities, as well as helpful planning information – it’s what we do!

What’s your favorite part about Halloween at Magic Kingdom? What are you excited to see this year?

The post Are the New Halloween Offerings at Magic Kingdom Enough to Satisfy Fans? appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Dos and Don’ts, Halloween, In the Parks, Magic Kingdom, Observations, disney halloween

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Disney Parks Other

Tune in Wednesday, Sept. 16 to HGTV’s ‘Brother vs. Brother’ as Drew and Jonathan Scott Experience the Magic of Disneyland Resort

Fans of the Property Brothers will not want to miss this special episode of “Brother vs. Brother” as Drew and Jonathan Scott experienced the magic of the Disneyland Resort earlier this year. Tune-in to HGTV on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT as the Property Brothers compete against each other for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that only Disneyland can provide.

While visiting The Happiest Place on Earth, Drew and Jonathan also experienced classic Disneyland park attractions, such as Dumbo The Flying Elephant, Mad Tea Party and Jungle Cruise.  

Tune in Wednesday, Sept. 16 to HGTV’s ‘Brother vs. Brother’ as Drew and Jonathan Scott Experience the Magic of Disneyland Resort

Fans of the show can also check out an extended look at the brothers’ time at the Disneyland Resort on HGTV’s exclusive digital series “Brother vs. Brother: Challenges Uncut.” This behind-the-scenes look of the episode will debut on HGTV’s IGTV, Facebook, website, and HGTV GO platform on Sept. 17, the day after the episode airs on TV.

HGTV superstars Drew and Jonathan Scott will stop at nothing to outdo one another and win it all in the blockbuster new season of “Brother vs. Brother,” with new episodes every Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The twins—famous for their home renovation and real estate expertise—will engage in an all-out property and renovation battle in L.A.’s historic Hancock Park. Two mansions will serve as the battleground for the six-week competition to determine which renovated home will earn the highest net profit and which brother will emerge triumphant and victorious.

Don’t forget to tune-in to HGTV on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT to catch all the magic from this once-in-a-lifetime experience on “Brother vs. Brother.”

From our friends at disneyparks.disney.go.com
Filed Under: Celebrity Visits, Disneyland Resort, Celebrity Visit, DLR

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Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney

WonderGround? More like WonderGone. The gallery featuring art based on Disney theme park and characters has been replaced by a pop-up shop selling merchandise from Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland. The change happened overnight overnight with no prior announcement, so hopefully you have all the Disney art you need for now. Let’s take a look at what’s inside Star Wars Trading Post.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney The WonderGround sign has been covered by a bunch of old rags, which must be plentiful over on Batuu. To the left of the entrance is a pile of boxes with the store’s new name.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Inside you’ll find minimal theming that ties the shop to Galaxy’s Edge.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney The corner where Disney artists would sketch and paint has been replaced by crates of critter plush.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney

Yes, Star Wars Trading Post has Baby Yoda plush.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney

I heard that thanks to quarantine, games of Dejarik are up 8000%.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Lightsaber replicas of all shapes and sizes can be purchased. These are the same high quality replicas usually sold in Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.

 

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Holocrons and kyber crystals are also available.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney More creatures and characters from Toydarian Toymaker and Creature Stall for purchase at Star Wars Trading Post.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Relive Salacious Crumb’s iconic moments in your own home with the Kowakian monkey-lizard puppet.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Look good and feel good with all the Jedi robes and accessories from Black Spire Outfitters.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney The Droid Factory is represented with this small selection of items.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Patches and others items from Resistance Supply and First Order Cargo.

Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney Along the back wall you’ll fight wall items from First Order Cargo.

Will you miss WonderGround? Are you excited to be able to purchase Galaxy’s Edge items outside of the park? Let me know in the comments below.

The post Pictures: WonderGround Closes, Replaced by Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Pop-up Shop in Downtown Disney appeared first on TouringPlans.com Blog.

From our friends at touringplans.com
Filed Under: Disneyland (CA), Merchandise