Disney Reveal Details of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Disney’s D23 is off and running in California. For those not in the know D23 is an annual conference where Disney bosses give us an update on all things Disney (I’ve written Disney a lot of time there). It’s a Disney Geek heaven and I love it.

First up is a little update on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway…

Set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Imagineers are getting ready to open next year. You’ll be invited to the Chinese Theatre, which serves as the magic portal through which theatergoers will step from the human world directly into the cartoon world for one Goofy adventure aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway puts you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy® Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts! Once you step into the cartoon world of Mickey and Minnie, you’ll board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, one magical moment after the next leads you to a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

With an original story and lovable theme song, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway uses state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects to transform the cartoon world into an incredible and immersive multidimensional experience.

We’re expecting further details the closer we get to opening.

Smiles included…

Jamie

Reservations now open for Galaxy’s Edge Experiences

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Reservations are now open for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Experiences!
All the info on how to book these ‘out of this world’ experiences is below…

If you’re planning to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios beginning Aug. 29, 2019, you can now make reservations for several galactic experiences.

Whether it’s customizing your own legendary lightsaber, building a droid at Black Spire Outpost’s industrial depot or hanging out at Oga’s Cantina, there’s much to explore as you become part of the Star Wars story.

Craft a Lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop – 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, you will feel the presence of the Force as you craft your 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 deposit of $199 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 also bring one guest to observe the experience. 

Build a Droid Inside the Droid Depot – Droids can be some of the most loyal companions in the entire Star Wars galaxy, and now you can have the chance to build and customize your 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.

At Droid Depot, reservations are highly recommended and there will be limited walk-up availability. Cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; any no-shows will be charged the full price of the experience. Guests may also bring one person along for the build experience.

A father holds a droid as his daughter tightens a screw

Hang Out at Oga’s Cantina – 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 and experiences requiring reservations. While there will be limited walk-up availability, reservations are highly recommended. And like our other experiences, cancellations can be made up to the day before without penalty; however, any no-shows will be charged.

Reservations for the experiences above can now be made through My Disney Experience app or on www.mydisneyexperience.co.uk. Reservations will be available for dates up to 180 days out.

*Reservations for the above experiences in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are highly recommended. Walk-up availability may be limited.

Smiles Included,

Abby

Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary

Hey thrill seekers,

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is set to celebrate its 30th Anniversary on the 1st May, it is going to be the perfect opportunity to celebrate the past, present, and the new, exciting future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the park continues to evolve into a thrilling destination where you can let your adventure begin. 

Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary logo with Slinky Dog

Here’s a taste of how guests can celebrate the milestone anniversary at the park on May 1:

  • View a Star Studded Celebration – A Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Star-Studded Celebration cavalcade starring Mickey and friends will step off at 10 a.m. and will head down Hollywood Blvd.
  • Pick Up a Commemorative 30th Anniversary Guide Map & Button – Guests entering the park can grab a special 30th anniversary commemorative guide map and button.
  • Grab Exclusive 30th Anniversary Merchandise – Special 30th anniversary merchandise will be unveiled on May 1, including a new adult T-shirt, baseball cap, Tervis 24-oz tumbler, MagicBand, ornament and much more.
  • Taste Special Food & Beverage Items – A slew of special anniversary food & beverage items will be available throughout the park, including Kylo Ren Cupcakes, Incredibles Macarons, Tres Leches Verrine and many more. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog next week for an official foodie guide!
  • Stay For the Debut of “Wonderful World of Animation” – The park’s new nighttime projection show will light up the park for its official debut on May 1. Watch in wonder as the façade of the Chinese Theatre is magically transformed – displaying this stirring tribute to animation. Behold spectacular sequences celebrating themes like magic, family, adventure, romance andfriendship. Each theme is brought to life through unforgettable moments from beloved films—like “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Incredibles,” “Coco” and many more. The show will debut at 9:05 p.m. ET, just prior to the park’s “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular” fireworks show

Smiles included,

Abby

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has an opening date!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We now have opening dates for the most anticipated land in a Disney park everrrr!

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is opening on the 29th August 2019 at Hollywood Studios Orlando (and 31st May at the California park) A lot sooner than we expected to be honest!

Disney have said that the lands are debuting early due to ‘high guest interest’ however there are a few differences with this opening than past debuts (such as Toy Story Land and Pandora).. Disney are opening Galaxy’s Edge in what they’re calling ‘phases’.
On opening day of ‘phase 1’ guests will be able to experience Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run, try out all the food and drink and shop til they drop in the merchant stalls. It won’t be until phase 2 though that guests will be able to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance which is opening ‘later this year’ do you think this is a good idea by Disney or is ‘the most ambitious, immersive and advanced attraction ever imagined that will put guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance and will blur the lines between fantasy and reality.’ just not going to be ready for the opening dates?

If you’re planning on visiting the Disneyland park for the opening in May, on top of your valid theme park admission you will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability to access the land. Information on how to make a reservation will be available at a later date.
Guests staying at one of the three Disneyland Resort hotels during these dates will receive a designated reservation to access Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge during their stay (one reservation per registered guest); valid theme park admission is required.

But more importantly, a reservation will not be offered or required to experience Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at the Walt Disney World Resort at this time. At the moment all you’ll need is your admission and you’ll have to bear in mind that capacity is limited. I can already picture peeps camping outside days before the opening!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios WILL be available during extra magic hours though. During Extra Magic Hours guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels can spend extra time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios enjoying select attractions.  Details will also be available at a later date.

Here are some tips that Disney have shared to help with planning..

Park Admission: Regular theme park admission is required to enter Disneyland Park and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There will not be a separate ticket for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.   To visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland park between May 31 and June 23, 2019, guests will need valid theme park admission and will be required to make a no-cost reservation, subject to availability, to access the land.  We’ll share information on how to make a reservation at a later date.

Land Entry: Because we anticipate galactic excitement during the opening months this year, we are planning ahead to deliver the best possible experiences for our guests.  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be open during normal park operating hours. It will not be included in Extra Magic Hour or Magic Morning at Disneyland Park.  It will be available during Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Attractions: For your vacation planning purposes, please be aware that Disney FASTPASS service, including access via Disney MaxPass, (at Disneyland park) and Disney FastPass+ service (at Disney’s Hollywood Studios) will not initially be offered at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. We will continually evaluate our operations and services in order to help provide a great guest experience.

Planning: You should also note that vacation packages, park tickets and Disney Resort hotel stays do not guarantee access to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  The land —including participation in its experiences—will be subject to capacity restraints and other restrictions.

In a post by Attractions Magazine it looks as though the height requirements have been released too – ‘Height requirements for both rides were also released. At Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, guests must be 38 inches or taller to ride. Once it opens, guests must be 40 inches or taller to experience Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.’

Check out this new video for more details:

Now we have an opening date you better get planning!! 😉

Smiles Included,

Abby

in-park images, Food and Merch coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

So we said yesterday that Disney were going to be releasing more information on Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and we’ve got a hell of a lot to show you!

New ‘in park’ imaged as some concept art have been released which show different locations, shops, dining and more. Let’s take a look..

new village illustration!

This is a multi-purpose transport shuttle which looks as though it is docked on top of a large hangar

This location will be called Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities and will feature rare items from across the galaxy. Guests will be able to get their hands on holocrons, ancient Jedi and Sith artifacts, lightsabers and more.
Guests will also be able to walk through the corridors of a Star Destroyer on their way to the Rise of the Resistance attraction

We’ve also got some images and descriptions of the food you will be able to re-charge on when visiting Batuu!

These ‘out of this world’ looking food and beverages can be found at
Oga’s Cantina and the Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Beverages.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo Beverages.


For dessert guests will be able to choose between a raspberry créme puff with passion fruit mousse (left) or chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse and coffee custard (right).

The Phattro and Moof Juice (Non-Alcoholic)

Oga’s Cantina

Here are some drinks that can be found at Oga’s Cantina


Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession, and Cliff Dweller (Non-Alcoholic)

The Outer Rim, Bespin Fizz, Yup Nub, and Fuzzy Tauntaun (Alcoholic)
These are breakfast beverages.
From left to right: Moogan Tea, Blue Bantha, Bloody Rancor (contains alcohol), and the Black Spire Brew.

Other food and drink that you’ll be able to find in Black Spire Outpost

Merchandise

Just like at WWOHP at Universal Orlando you’ll be able to get your hands on loads of immersive merchandise and apparel. Here’s a first look at some of the merch up for grabs.

Apparel

Jedi outfits for the whole family

Personally, I think these are THE coolest ^^

Merch

At Dok Ondar’s Den of Antiquities guests can find loads of rare and unique items, including these Jedi artifacts.
You will be able to find Holocrons, relics left behind by the Sith and Kyber crystals can unlock even more content in both the Jedi and Sith Holocrons. These look expensive!

The Toydarian Toymaker stall in Black Spire Outpost will offer a line of artisan-style plush characters, wood and tin toys, as well as musical instruments and the Creature Stall will offer creatures from all over the galaxy, including porgs, tauntauns, and more.

Savi’s Workshop is where guests can craft their very own lightsaber – guided by ancient wisdom, but crafted based upon the decisions they make on their adventure. Each build will start with a personal connection to a cyber crystal that will ignite the lightsaber. – How cool!
Guests can also stop by the Droid Depot to build their own R-series or BB-series droids that will be their friend throughout the village of Black Spire Outpost.

Now we have more information on what to expect from Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge which is opening at Hollywood Studios this Fall (with the California one opening in summer) i’m more excited than ever to step into the world of Star Wars!

Smiles Included,

Abby

Everything we know about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Last week I wrote about all of the new details we have learned about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and yesterday some anonymous sources leaked information to Attractions Magazine, especially about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and it’s sooooo cool!

I mentioned in my last post that it sounds as though there was going to be 2 parts to the attraction – a different ride vehicle for each part with a trackless section and this now appears to be true. Lets see what we have discovered from the leaked information..

Pleaseeee be aware that this hasn’t been confirmed by Disney so is still purely rumours and the below contains a hell of a lot of SPOILERS.

There is a blue transport ship currently on display at Hollywood Studios which has also previously been featured in other displays and art concepts. It is said that guests will be loaded on to this ship (first ride vehicle) which will then spin 180 degrees. Large screens and sound effects will make guests feel as though they are taking off from planet Batuu into space. During this journey the whole entire ship will be taken over by the First Order who will ensure the ship lands inside one of their Star Destroyer Hangars.

It sounds like guests will then be treated just like real rebels by The First Order as they exit into the hangar they will be told to ‘move along’ whilst trying to take in their surroundings – animatronic stormtroopers, TIE fighters and even a view of space. This will be one of the largest rooms in the attraction. The First Order will then instruct guests to enter individual load rooms (12 in each room is my guess from the image of the ride vehicles) which will be themed to prison cells. Once in the prison cells a droid will give the infamous safety talk whilst keeping you up to date with the story (i know i’d definitely be paying close attention to this so that i don’t end up asking my peers ‘whats going on now’ throughout the ride!)

The 12 in each loading room will then be split into 2 groups of 6 to board two different First Order vehicles (2nd ride vehicles) which will be accompanying each other throughout the rest of the attraction and will not be separated for more than a few seconds throughout. The vehicles are going to be trackless and will navigate through 4 showrooms. It is said that no room will have more than 2 vehicles in it at a time so this means there will be eight different ride vehicles navigating at a time meaning a continuous stream of guests going through the sequence (that is if they have more than just the 8 vehicles obviously).

The first room you enter will be a blue room where a ‘rogue droid’ will hack into the First Orders system and take over control of guests vehicles which will suddenly ‘take off’ to start the escape mission. The second room will be themed to the hallways inside a Star Destroyer and guests will come face to face with Kylo Ren (animatronic Kylo Ren might i add) who will scare off the rogue guests with his lightsaber and as the ride vehicles back up they’ll take a different route into the AT-AT room which is room number 3 of 4. The buddy vehicles will separate briefly at this point as they travel up individual lifts to more than 40feet high – the AT-AT walkers will be nearly to the size scale that they are in the films (Remember this land and its attractions are all about immersiveness!) each one of the AT-AT’s will have moveable heads which can breathe fire…

The two ride vehicles will then exit the lift and pair up again as they both go under an ‘elevated area’ which will feature both Kylo Ren and General Hux (animatronics) in deep discussion about how the Resistance have come to save the guests. It sounds as thought the pair will not hear that they have company so the guests will quickly sneak away into the 4th room ‘the gun room’ which is said to not actually feature the likes of stormtroopers wondering around like the promo video. 🙁 There will however be a row of the large guns shooting off and guests will get to feel the power on the shots and recoils. There will also be screens (windows to space) showing the resistance fleet getting blasted. Guests will then come face to face with Kylo Ren once again where he will nearly grab them but a huge blast will hit the Star Destroyer just in time causing Ren to get sucked between a broken piece of the ship and the guests :O

From there the guests will get some intel from the resistance about some escape pods – the hacked vehicles will then input the coordinates supplied by the resistance and take off. Unfortunately they have one more encounter with Kylo Ren just before they can fully escape. He uses THE FORCE to keep guests still as he makes his way toward them but luckily a wall suddenly collapses which diverts his attention letting the guests escape, each vehicle will back up into its own escape pod. From there comes another twist as this ride becomes more thrilling than i ever imagined it to be since most peoples focus has been on the Millennium Falcon attraction! Apparently the escape pods are actually lift shafts that will drop guests from the highest point in the show building (remember guests are still 40feet up!), along with the addition of giant screens guests will feel like they have just blasted off into space!! It is said that there may also be windows in the escape pods which will show other ‘guests’ falling through space back to Batuu. Its still not over though as guests will take on a crash landing into an old warehouse before entering the unloading area.

How COOL does Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance sound? I know right! remember the ‘First Order vehicles’ are trackless which i think will work sooo much better than a track for the above ride concept!

Who else is now even more excited for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to open this Autumn?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

‘Incredible’ Celebrations at Hollywood Studios

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Hollywood Studios is definitely the park to watch this year with loads of new attractions opening and of course Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Disney have also announced a limited time event coming to Hollywood Studios next week that will transport guests into the world of The Incredibles.

Beginning on the 18th January Pixar Place at Hollywood Studios will reopen and it has been transformed into a Municberg city block where guests will be able to take part in loads of ‘incredible’ experiences.. see what i did there? 😉

The Edna Mode Experience
It looks as though Edna Mode is heading to Hollywood Studios, and is bringing a pop-up gallery filled with original Super Suit designs, awards, sketches, and more with her. Guests will also get to meet Edna in her own dedicated area! i bet this will be a great meet & greet as Edna has SASS.

Super Shindig dance party
The Community Chair, Bev, will be hosting a special dance party, which is being billed as “the most incredibly interactive party Municiberg’s ever seen”. During this regularly-scheduled dance party guests will be able to learn new dances, play games, and meet popular Incredibles characters like Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone.

Jack-Jack Interactive hunt
Jack-Jack is my favourite character from The Incredibles and he is of course going to be causing mischief during this celebration! Guests will learn that Jack-Jack has gone missing and will need to follow his trail around the street party, looking for evidence and clues related to his powers to find him. It sounds like there will be plenty of interactive surprises looking for him!

No limited time event would be complete without special food and merch would it? A Municiberg Gift popup shop will be the place to go for all your incredible merch and the Neighborhood Bakery will be serving up incredibles themed treats such as a Num Num cooking, Hero Sandwich and Mrs Incredibles mask with cheese…. not really sure on the last one!!

Who’s excited for this? I definitely am!

Smiles Included,

Abby

More details arise about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We’re calmly (not really) anticipating the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s edge in Hollywood Studios and there’s a
lot we already know about Galaxy’s edge but lots of new – what may seem small – details seem to be popping up that are getting us even more excited.

The name of the planet is Batuu which was mentioned in last years Solo: A Star Wars Story. My guess is that they went with this planet because it is not widely known which allows room for all guests to feel included with the story no matter how much Star Wars knowledge you have.
We also know the name of the village – Black Spire Outpost:
The largest settlement on the planet Batuu, Black Spire Outpost is an infamous stop for traders, adventurers, and smugglers traveling around the Outer Rim and Wild Space. Off the beaten path, this outpost has become a haven for the galaxy’s most colorful — and notorious — characters. Widely known for the petrified remains of its once towering ancient trees, the spires now stand guard across the river valleys and plains and have long captured the imagination of travelers to this planet. To the first settlers, these petrified spires became more than just landmarks; they became the heart of the outpost itself.

Some cool new things we have found out include a shop that will feature customisable droids which can be designed by guests through an interactive experience. It is said that the droids will then react in ways that reflect their design. For example if you design a droid to be afraid of something and that something comes near it will signal fear. There is also rumours that droids owned by members of the same group may recognise each other when near – these sound expensive right?
Another shop will be run by Dok-Ondar who is a collector (mentioned in Solo) and it sounds like this character will be an animatronic in his own booth where guests will be able to interact with him, maybe for a bit of bartering on prices? 😉
As well as these two shops will be the outdoor market which is one of the exotic market places of Batuu where you can find in-universe toys and souvenirs which are said to be exclusive. Imagineers want this part to be ‘romantic and ancient’ and have visited various marketplaces in Instanbul and Morocco for inspiration! The stall in the image below is run by a “Toydarian”(who sells toys) which Trowbridge has said was introduced in Episode I: The Pantom Menace” on Tatooine. Apparently there will also be a pod-racing engine at the market that will be used to roast meat!

Lets not forget the two rides Milennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run and
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance:

In Smuggler’s Run a pirate named Hondo Ohnaka has made a deal with Chewbacca for the use of the Millennium Falcon. Guests will fly in teams of 6 and their actions will affect the experience within the whole of Galaxy’s Edge. The attraction entrance sounds like it will be subtle so that it doesn’t stand out or become an eyesore in the immersive land. This ride will
“place guests behind the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy in one of three unique flight crew roles.”

In Rise of the Resistance guests will be put in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order. It sounds as like there will be 2 parts to this attraction with 2 different ride vehicles, firstly a shuttle to the battle ship and then (see below) a 6 person vehicle with a droid at the front which we think will be a lot like Transformers over at Universal. Groups of guests might even be “captured” ordered along by the enemy, before making their escape aboard a trackless troop transport. Maybe that’s where you will be taken from one ride vehicle to the other?

Also, we know that Oga’s Cantina  will serve  yummy food and drink to bounty hunters, pilots, smugglers, locals, galactic travellers and you when it opens next year.
Oga’s Cantina is the kind of establishment that attracts some of the most interesting and disreputable characters in the galaxy. And you never know when a stormtrooper or a familiar face will show up. Patrons of the cantina come from across the galaxy to sample the famous concoctions created with exotic ingredients using “otherworldly” methods, served in unique vessels. With choices for kids and libations for adults, the cantina will make for a great stop!

I didn’t think we could get any more excited about Galacy’s Edge set to open in fall this year but i think it’s safe to say that we can!!

Smiles Included,

Abby

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy due to open early 2019!

Hey Thrill Seekers,

We all know next year is going to be HUGE for Hollywood Studios, especially with the opening of Galaxy’s Edge but lets not forget about all of the awesome other attractions due to open at HS next year too and today in particular, Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy!

***UPDATE***

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is opening on the 31st March 2019!

Disney have recently released some additional information to add to what we already know about this attraction.

The show will be performed daily in the Sunset Showcase Theatre and there will be a giant wraparound screen that is said to be nearly 2 stories tall and more than 200 feet from end to end!

This show is going to be a sequel to Cars 3 so will basically take place after the events that happened in the film and we will see McQueen looking back on some career highlights and demonstrates what he’s learned over the years plus he will test a new racing simulator. Guests will then take on the role of rookie racer and come face to face with Lighting McQueen as they cruise into the theatre to see him ‘live’ on stage to join his journey where something is bound to go wrong! Other favourite characters from Radiator Springs such as Cruz Ramierz and Tow Mater will feature in Lighting McQueens Racing Academy as Disney are working closely with Pixar to bring this to life and have it as close to the films as possible.

Even though a lot of the action will be carried out on the giant screens you will also be able to see a live Lighting McQueen jump into a giant racing simulator like what was used in the training in Cars 3 which is said to be a huge prop with moving parts and its own screen, again, just like the film!

It’s been a while since there was a Cars meet and greet at Hollywood studios and this attraction will open the door to bring them back. It looks as though there will be a post show meet and greet area to meet Cruz Ramirez.

We still don’t have an exact opening date for this show however Disney have confirmed that it will open ‘early in 2019’ which isn’t far away at all!

Who’s excited?

Smiles Included,

Abby