Flurry of Fun at Hollywood Studios

Hey Thrill Seekers,

I’m no longer asking if it’s acceptable to be talking about Christmas because there’s no question about it anymore. With both Halloween and Bonfire Night out the way Christmas is in full swing!

Earlier this week we saw Magic Kingdom transform from ‘Halloween’ to ‘Holidays’ overnight with six trailers of decorations, One 65-foot-tall iconic Christmas tree and less than seven hours to unpack and install it all.

Visitors to Hollywood Studios are now in for a holiday treat as the first sights of the best season of all have arrived at Toy Story Land as part of Flurry of Fun at HS! Complete with new holiday decor such as an oversized Hamm cookie, popcorn and cranberry garlands, green alien ornaments and antlers on Rex it’s the perfect place to re-live your childhood at Christmas time.

Toy Story Land during the holidays isn’t just about the decorations though as riders on Slinky Dog Dash will hear sleigh bells ringing and Alien Swirling Saucers will offer 2 holiday tracks and themed lighting!

as well as the transformation of Toy Story Land be sure to check out the festive shows and holiday decor such as a Winter Wonderland on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Tower Hotel transformed with projections and laser effects telling beloved holiday stories and every night you can experience Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!: a ‘Santa-sized spectacular jam packed with holiday music, fireworks, special effects and state of the art projections as of today (8th Nov) until the 6th Jan 2019.

Tasty Treats on offer at Flurry of Fun: Hollywood Studios

No holiday season at the Disney parks would be complete without the ultimate foodie guide! Check out some of these (CUTE) and yummy treats on offer

Festive Popcorn – This treat features caramel corn mixed with nuts, crispy pearls, candy-coated chocolates, and mini sugar cookies. Find it at BaseLine Tap House and various popcorn carts throughout the park.

Gingerbread Pop – It’s SO CUTE and one of my favorite holiday snacks, the Gingerbread Pop comes on a stick for easy on-the-go deliciousness and is dipped in chocolate. You’ll find it at Anaheim Produce, the Churro Cart in front of the Chinese Theater, and the Main Entrance Coffee Cart.

Mini Shortbread Cookies – Decorated with sugar pieces, these yummy cookies can be found at Grand Avenue Cart and Hollywood Scoops. (although shouldn’t they really be called ‘Minnie’ shortbread cookies? 😉 )

Large Shortbread Cookie – This big shortbread cookie is filled with raspberry jam and decorated in frosting. Get it at Trolley Car Café!

Santa Belt Macarons – Ho ho ho! Have a Santa Macaron! These almond macarons with hazelnut filling have climbed down the chimneys at BaseLine Tap House and Oasis Canteen and come in packages of five. These look.. AWESOME!

Santa Belt Candy Apple – Dipped in chocolate and decorated with more chocolate and marshmallow ears, you’ll definitely want to take a bite out of these candy apples available at Trolley Car Café!

Olaf Cupcake – You’ll be giving everyone a warm hug after trying this chocolate cupcake with buttercream frosting available at ABC Commissary and Backlot Express

Strawberry Mint Verrine – Head to Fairfax Fare to try these marinated strawberries dipped in peppermint crème.

Spiced Cold Chocolate – This chocolate verrine is made with house-made cinnamon marshmallows and chocolate cake and can be found at Rosie’s All-American Café.

Chocolate Chestnut Cone – Chow down on this chocolate treat served on a praline leaf offered at Backlot Express.

Chocolate Mousse Present – The tastiest present of all, this chocolate mousse dessert with chocolate ganache can be found at ABC Commissary.

Cranberry Mousse – Feast on this festive dome of chocolate-cranberry mousse available at Trolley Car Café!

Caramel Éclair – Find this tasty pastry filled with caramel at Dockside Diner.

Prep and Landing Cupcake – Get ready for some elven shenanigans with this gingerbread cupcake with cream cheese frosting offered at Rosie’s All-American Café and Dockside Diner.

Eggnog Panna Cotta – I LOVE anything eggnog, and this one is definitely on my list of favorites this year. This Eggnog Panna Cotta comes with raspberry and chocolate crème and can be found at Catalina Eddie’s.

Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Lunch Box Tart – You’ll find a friend in this yummy holiday Cinnamon Apple Cranberry Lunch Box Tart at Woody’s Lunch Box. It’s also topped with snowflakes and crispy pearls!

Hot Chocolate Flight – Warm up with Hot Chocolate Flights featuring hot chocolate with Irish liqueur, hot chocolate with vanilla vodka, and hot chocolate with cherry bourbon. The flight can be found at Fairfax Fare.

Frozen Hot Cocoa (non-alcoholic) – Cool down with some Frozen Hot Cocoa offered at ABC Commissary, Backlot Express, and Rosie’s All-American Café.

Gumdrop – You’ll be dreaming of sugarplums and gumdrops with this special holiday cocktail made with raspberry liqueur, raspberry vodka, pineapple and cranberry juices, and Sprite available at The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and mobile bars near Echo Lake and Hollywood Scoops.

Holiday Mule – There’s nothing like a good mule with vodka, lemon liqueur, cranberry juice, and ginger beer. You’ll find it at The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and mobile bars near Echo Lake and Hollywood Scoops.

Christmas on the Beach – Wishing you were on the beach this holiday season? Well you can make your wishes come true with this tropical cocktail! Made with blue liqueur, Caribbean rum, and pineapple and cranberry juices, you’ll find it at The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge and mobile bars near Echo Lake and Hollywood Scoops.

Frosted Gingerbread Martini – If you love gingerbread cookies, you’ll love this gingerbread cocktail with vodka, Irish liqueur, coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and ice cream mix available at Backlot Express.

Frostbite Cocktail – Get your freeze on with this cold cocktail made with vodka, blue liqueur, cranberry juice, and sour offered at Dockside Diner and Backlot Express.

Winterberry Margarita – Everyone loves a good marg, and we have the perfect seasonal margarita just waiting for you! Made with silver tequila, orange liqueur, sour, cranberry juice, and wildberry syrup. Find it at ABC Commissary and Rosie’s All-American Café.

I can’t wait to try a Frostbite Cocktail!! What are you excited to try?

Smiles Included,

Abby

Check out Woody’s Lunchbox Menu!

Hey Thrill Seekers!

Gavin wanted to write this blog but because of his childlike mind I though it would be safer for me to tell you all about what you can find inside Woody’s Lunchbox. 😀

You’ll find Woody’s Lunchbox inside Toy Story Land which is opening in Hollywood Studios on June 30th and will see guests shrink to the size of a toy to be able to explore Woody, Buzz, Jessie and friends world. Yesterday we spoke a bit about some of the food and drink that they’ll be serving up at the walk-up window on OAT Live. (please feel free to skip the first few minutes as Gavin broke the microphone)

Disney have put a hell of a lot of effort in to this menu and the team at Flavor Lab – the concept development kitchen have created ‘sentimental food favourites’ and put a modern twist on them both in the flavours and look of the food. Lenny DeGeorge – Concept Development Culinary Director of WDW said “Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites, we honoured these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted hot, gooey cheese-filled one?” The menu has been in development for around a YEAR!!!

Check out this snippet of what you will be able to get at Woody’s Lunchbox come June 30th..

S’more French Toast Breakfast SandwichOozy goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles. Inspired by the classic American campfire treat. This actually sounds veeerrrryyyyy tempting to me, although maybe not for breakfast.. or before a big ride..

Smoked Turkey, Eggs, Swiss, Peppers, and Onions on SourdoughThe perfect hand-held stack of breakfast goodness.

Breakfast BowlThe green army men line up for this hearty bowl of potato barrels, brisket-country gravy, and scrambled eggs. Scrambled Eggs and GRAVY?!?!

BBQ Brisket MeltWith a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, and BBQ sauce on garlic butter-grilled sourdough. 

Monte Cristo with Raspberry JamWoody’s version of this classic sandwich has layers of ham, turkey, Swiss, and raspberry jam…and is grilled to a golden brown.

Smoked Turkey, Tomato, and Lettuce on Multigrain Bread – This quintessential lunch box sandwich is a light and fresh option. And to give it a kick of flavor, we add a creamy Dijonnaise.

TotchosPotato barrels, corn chips, chili, and cheese – what’s not to love?? 

The younger toys can get a grilled cheese sandwich or turkey sandwich, both served with potato barrels and mandarin oranges.

Sides Include: tomato basil soup, vegetable macaroni salad, and potato barrels. Mini Babybel snack cheese, the official snack cheese of Walt Disney World Resort, is also an option to eat with your meal or as an on-the-go snack.

And now for pudding mmmmm…
Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon
Even toys need a sweet treat! Inspired by breakfast toaster pastries, this modern interpretation, with its uniquely delicate crust, is the perfect hand-held pastry.

Banana Split Yogurt ParfaitLayers of banana-vanilla Greek yogurt (with a hint of honey), fresh bananas, strawberries, and pineapple topped with granola and chocolate chips. A delicious and healthful way to start the day! Take out the honey (yuck) and i’m all for this!!

Also, check out this really cool Alien Sipper cup which can be bought and filled with any fountain drink or ‘the signature Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine.’

Adults or the ‘big kids’ as they will be known in Toy Story Land can try the ‘Grown-Up’s Lemonade cocktail’ which consists of cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée or the usual beer, or cider.

It’s not long now until Toy Story Land opens (it’s77 days away to be precise) and its looking better and better each time Disney give us some more info, who’s excited?!

Smiles Included..

Abby

Disney Confirm Toy Story Land Opening Date

Hey Thrill Seekers,

ANDY’S COMING!!!!

Yep fall to the floor Toy Story lovers cos we’ve finally got an official opening date for Disney’s Toy Story Land and its the 30th June Yay!!!!

Yep on the 30th June guests visiting Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will “shrink” to the size of a toy and become immersed in the world of Woody, Jessie, Buzz and Mr Potato Head plus all of Andy’s other toys.

In Andy’s backyard guests can take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit and topped off with Slinky and Jessie.

Kids can drag Mum and Dad on to  Alien Swirling Saucers for a spin the aliens are those cute little green dudes that Andy wins at Pizza Planet, they swirl about in their flying saucers with guests in tow in their rocket ship toys, while “The Claw” hangs overhead.

Guests can also walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania! Now expanded with a third track, the popular attraction will put even more guests in the action taking aim at 3D objects – using everything from baseballs to cream pies – in a variety of whimsical, fast-paced games.

Woody’s Lunch Box (hee hee) actually, Andy’s lunch box that he’s set on its side – will serve up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats from a walk-up window setting. The entire land will serve as a visual celebration of toys, with Crayons, Cooties, Green Army Men, Rubik’s Cubes, Tinkertoys, and other familiar toys and game pieces incorporated into the land’s design.

As if you need another reason to visit Disney!

Smiles included…

Jamie

Walt Disney World’s Incredible Summer

Hey Thrill Seekers,

The summer of 2018 is set to be a big one at Walt Disney World. We’ll be seeing new attractions, entertainment, experiences and much more at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom this summer and Disney have stated that it is going to be an ‘Incredible Summer’…

Lets take a look into what we can expect…

Magic Kingdom

The Incredibles Take Over Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom Park – Guests can party with Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone from Disney•Pixar’s “The Incredibles” and the soon-to-be blockbuster “Incredibles 2.” Edna Mode, the greatest superhero costume designer, will also make her debut appearance. Each evening, guests can enjoy a “SUPER” dance party on the Rocket Tower Stage. 

EPCOT

The Guardians of the Galaxy Take the Stage at Epcot – StarLord, and Gamora from “The Guardians of the Galaxy” will join an alien band, taking guests on a journey through the cosmos. The party will feature hits from Awesome Mix Tapes 1 and 2 – fun and favorite tunes from the two movies’ soundtracks – building the anticipation for a new Epcot Guardians of the Galaxy attraction.

Animal Kingdom

“Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure” & A “Dino-Tastic” Celebration for Donald Duck Will Debut At Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Two new can’t-miss offerings will debut at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in time for the park’s 20th anniversary. First, guests can discover new bird species from around the world at the new show “Adventurers Meet UP! A Great Bird Adventure,” which will star Senior Wilderness Explorer Russell and his furry friend Dug. The park will also launch a “dino-tastic” celebration, in which Donald Duck takes over Dinoland, U.S.A., in a new character celebration.

Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – One major highlight of “Incredible Summer” will be the grand opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This new 11-acre land will shrink guests to the size of a toy and allow them go explore the fun and adventure of Andy’s backyard. There, guests can experience two new attractions: the family coaster Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. Toy Story Land also will feature an existing guest-favourite attraction, Toy Story Mania!, which will expand to add a third track into the rotation. The land’s Woody’s Lunch Box will be a new quick-service restaurant that will offer up tasty meals and old-fashioned soda floats to Toy Story Land guests.

We are still anxiously awaiting an exact opening date for Toy Story Land though….

Who can’t wait to get to Walt Disney World this summer?!

Smiles Included,

Abby

 

New Attractions to Look Forward to in 2018

Hey Thrill Seekers,

2017 has nearly come to an end, we’ve had loads of cool new attractions / parks arrive in Orlando this year such as Volcano Bay and Pandora – The World of Avatar and lucky for us 2018 is not going to disappoint either with loads of new rides set to open in the coming year.

I’m going to start with Hollywood Studios as we are eagerly awaiting the opening of Toy Story Land here at OAT towers. Two new rides and a food spot have been officially named for Toy Story Land which is opening in the summer of next year; Slinky Dog Dash – a family coaster where you will find  yourself zipping, dodging and dashing around a track that Andy has created to stretch Slinky to his limits. Alien Swirling Saucers where aliens will be flying around in their saucers trying to capture your rocket toy vehicle with ‘The Claw’ and Woodys Lunch Box which will be a quick service window to grab some of Andy’s fave food.

Next up is Universal Studios where Fast & Furious – Supercharged is set to open in Spring. Now this is one i’m personally super excited about as I LOVE  the Fast & Furious films. Guests will be immersed in their own Fast and Furious story, escaping the enemy with familiar faces such as Dom, Letty and Hobbs. The new ride will also feature a Virtual Line just like in Race Through New York Starring Jimmy Fallon.

SeaWorld is also opening a brand new ride in the summer called Infinity Falls. Infinity Falls is a river rapids ride with a twist. It will be a 4+ minute ride featuring a 40ft plunge down the tallest drop of its kind. Riders will get to experience the excitement and thrills of category 4 white water rapids and use a ‘unique elevator lift’ which will create the worlds tallest drop on a river raft ride.

Aquatica is also debuting a brand new ride; Ray Rush. This ride is set to open in Spring and will be the only water ride in Florida to offer a water jet propel system which will launch riders (4 at a time) at 33 feet per second. It will have a height requirement of 42”.

LEGOLAND are also in the mix of opening new rides in 2018 with The Great LEGO Race: Opening in Spring – a new virtual-reality roller coaster adventure. This new coaster will feature virtual reality technology, a cast of wacky LEGO minifigures and is replacing the current Project X coaster.

Take a look at myself and Gavins recent OAT Live where we discussed everything we are looking forward to in 2018 (as well as my rubbish attempt at playing a Kazuu) and also another cool video below to round up all the new things to look forward to next year;

Personally, the one i’m most looking forward to is Fast & Furious – Supercharged. Whats yours?

Smiles Included

Abby

 

Disney Release First Look at Woodys Lunchbox in Toy Story Land

Hey Thrill Seekers!

We are all understandably, super excited about the opening of Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios in the summer of 2018 and Disney have just released a look in to a new area planned for Toy Story Land called Woody’s Lunchbox.

We’ve already seen some cool imagery and videos for 2 of the attractions coming to Toy Story Land – Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers and now we’re getting a closer look at one of the food stops. Toy Story Land will see visitors shrink to the size of a toy to explore the land that has been made by Andy in his backyard. Within the backyard you will find Woody’s Lunchbox where Andy has used his own lunch box and flask to build a walk-up quick service window to serve yummy food and drink.

From the picture above you’ll be able to spot lots of Andy’s favourite toys and items from his lunch. If you look close enough you will be able to see a green army man keeping a look out for Andy’s return. I love how from the images that they have been releasing that you can really see how immersive it is going to be and how guests are going to feel like little toys within the land.

Disney have hinted that a menu of the items Woody’s Lunchbox will be serving is going to be released in the next few months so stay tuned.

Smiles Included..

Abby

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Model To Be Displayed At Hollywood Studios

Hey  Thrill Seekers,

Well the title kind of says it all, what we have left out is that Toy Story Land will also be included… Here’s what Disney had to say;

Today, we wanted to share another park update that will very soon give you a thrilling, up-close look at what’s to come at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The One Man’s Dream attraction is currently being reimagined into Walt Disney Presents, which like its predecessor, will continue showcasing historic items from Walt Disney’s history, such as sketches, photos and storyboards. But wait – Walt Disney Presents will also act as a preview centre where guests explore what’s next for the park.

Starting in mid-September, you’ll be able to view concept art, ride vehicle Marquette’s and a never-before-seen model for Toy Story Land. A portion of the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge model also will be on display, as well as concept art for the new Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction.

The attraction will also continue to host greetings with characters like Star-Lord and baby Groot, plus special sneak previews of upcoming Disney films.

Smiles included…

Jamie

Disney’s Retired Attractions

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Theme parks are constantly making improvements to their parks. Attractions are always coming and going; some we’re happy about and some we’re not. I’m going to take a look into some of the iconic Disney attractions that have been retired.

Disney’s Magic Kingdom is a great starting point with Extra TERRORestrial Alien Encounter which was a brilliant attraction that was replaced in 2003 with Stitch’s Great Escape! Rumour has it that even Stitch will be leaving us soon as the park has already scheduled Stitch’s Great Escape for seasonal closures! 🙁

Mr Toad’s Wild Ride is talked about on so many Disney forums so I can only imagine how amazing it was. Originally due to be a roller coaster, it ended up being a dark ride with the left and right tracks being 2 completely different experiences! Unfortunately, I’m too young to have seen this as it closed in 1998 to be replaced by The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Snow White’s Scary Adventures opened way back in 1971 but was deemed a little too scary for some guests so closed for a refurbishment in 1994 before opening back up to the public until 2012. Princess Fairy-tale Hall is now in it’s place.

Let’s pop over to Disney’s Epcot and see what’s been changing here over the years shall we? One of my all time favourites that I remember from the first time I ever visited Orlando, Honey! I Shrunk The Audience! I’m not usually a fan of 4D attractions but how can you not love this?! I was gutted when this got taken away but it was temporarily replaced with Captain EO Tribute in 2010.

Maelstrom was an indoor log flume ride which would have it’s twists and turns before moving you backwards. Sadly, this ride closed in 2014 although I was so happy to finally see a Frozen ride, Frozen Ever After!

Horizons was a dark ride taking you through the ideas that could be used in the future to make the world even greater! Horizons was then replaced by Mission: SPACE, a motion simulator ride in 1994.

Over at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Journey into the Jungle Book was a theatrical show filled with animals as well as costumed-humans which closed in 1999 and was replaced later on by Tarzan Rocks.

Tarzan Rocks was another theatrical show lasting about 30 minutes (perfect for the AC) which closed in 2006 before being replaced with Finding Nemo – The Musical.

Pocahontas and her Forest Friends opened with the park in 1998 and had an array of live animals as well as the lead character from the movie. The theatre seated 350 guests at a time but ended for good in 2008! Nothing major has replaced this show yet even today, but you can still have a meet and greet with Pocahontas herself!

Next stop, Disney’s Hollywood Studios where it used to be best known as the home to Mickey’s Sorcerer’s Hat which was inspired by the apprentice segment in Fantasia! Since 2015, his hat can no longer be found at Hollywood Studios, but instead, a view of The Great Movie Ride.

Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian was a walk-through attraction, testing your knowledge on the movie and even includes a character meet and greet! This closed in 2011 being replaced with The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow before becoming Toy Story Land. Toy Story Land is currently under construction to become even larger in the near future.

Isn’t it amazing how much Walt Disney World has changed throughout the years?! Can you think of any other Disney attractions that we can no longer visit?

Smiles Included…

Louise

Disney Confirm Toy Story Land For Hollywood Studios

Hey Thrill Seekers,

Hot on the news that Disney Hollywood Studios would be receiving a new Star Wars Land Disney also confirmed another addition.

Enter Woody and friends, with the all-new 11-acre Toy Story Land. Visitors will become merged into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard, including two new Disney Parks attractions and one expanded favourite.

  • Family-friendly roller coaster – This coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a thrilling, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land on the back of Slinky Dog.
  • Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers.
  • Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds an additional track to this popular attraction.

image

The Hollywood Studios remake is set to be amazing!

Smiles included…

Jamie

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