Hello, and welcome to Dateline Disney World! This week, we head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where a new attraction has opened and even more massive ones are on the way.  Then we head to Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex to say farewell to the boys of summer.

Skyliner

The new Skyliner is mostly installed and already testing. While we didn’t see any gondolas on the move while we were in the parking lot of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can see that the station is nearly ready for guests.  The official opening has been announced as “Fall of 2019” but it sure does feel like this will open earlier, perhaps in time for Star Wars Land 

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Sorcerer Mickey topiary and his faithful enchanted broomsticks welcome all.
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View of the Skyliner station near the entrance plaza. We can’t wait to see the gondolas arriving!
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You can see the Tram drop-off station as it nears completion.

While parking, you can’t help but notice the new parking signs. What do you think? 

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
To New Parking Signs…and beyond! We are seeing the debut of new parking lot signs with clear row numbers and great character art.
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If you haven’t seen Cloak and Dagger, it’s worth a watch! Set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this action-packed series focuses on two teens is enjoying its second season.
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
More of the new parking signs, with an emphasis on the Toy Story gang.
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What do you think about the new retro-styled design of Minnie Mouse?

Welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

30 years! Where has the time gone? It’s taken a few decades, but come August, this little park will be taking us to the edge of the galaxy itself. 

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Large 30th anniversary signage outside the entrance welcomes guests to celebrate 30 years of Hollywood Magic.
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
You can also spy the new logo throughout the park!

Signs of the time . . . 

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hollywood 5 and Dime is closed for refurbishment. The windows and doors are darkened with signs directing guests to visit nearby shops for merchandise.
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Dinosaur Gertie peeks over the hedges around Echo Lake while Indiana Jones continues his stunt show in the background.

Star Wars . . . Nothing But Star Wars . . . 

As a land far, far, away nears completion, other Star Wars related items in the park are disappearing. . . .

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Path of the Jedi continues to be closed.
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The old Endor photo op is now gone. This was a favorite area for Star Wars fans to pretend they were racing through the forests of Endor on their own speeder bike.
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Fewer than five more months until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is open to the world! Are you going to be there?

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Star Wars Resistance ads on the backlot buildings. The animated series was renewed for a second season and should begin sometime in late 2019,

The Toys at Galaxy’s Edge

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Let’s saunter over to Toy Story Land to see what’s happening in Andy’s backyard!
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Slinky Dog Dash still commands long waits most days. Any thoughts on the queue when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens next door?
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This isn’t a statue, this is standing with style!

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Some views of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge’s peaks poke over the walls in Toy Story Land.

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Walt Disney Presents

We popped in to the Walt Disney Presents to see what’s new. 

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney Presents is a relaxing area to enjoy the air conditioning and learn more about Uncle Walt!

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The Galaxy’s Edge model is exciting. 

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But Dumbo is . . . um . . . a bit scary . . . 

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney Presents showcases this slightly creepy Tim Burton version of Dumbo. Have you seen the film?

Stick a Pin in It

There’s so much on the way to Hollywood Studios beyond Star Wars. Here are a few of the projects that we are looking forward to: 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Set to open this Fall in the Chinese Theater. The early word is that this will be a very satisfying attraction. Plans to clone it in other Disney parks is already in the works.  

A brand new experience opened over the weekend. I unfortunately missed it, but we’ll be back to cover it for you very soon. . .  

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy launches Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

The show is located in the Sunset Showcase, next to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. The approximately 10 minute experience features the Cars of Radiator Springs on giant screens.

Here’s how Disney explains the attraction: 

Learn what it takes to be a champion racer from the legendary Lightning McQueen at Sunset Showcase.

High-Tech HijinksTo kick things off, Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. Of course, as this seasoned racer has discovered throughout his career, things don’t always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course.

With Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs rooting him on, Lightning gears up for the challenge. Will he emerge victorious? Speed on over to find out.

Here’s a bit of video from Disney: 

And just outside the theater, a new dance party with the cars: 

DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!

The fun and excitement of Disney•Pixar Cars extend beyond Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy into the courtyard outside Sunset Showcase.

DJ—the ultimate party car from Route 66—gets everyone revved up with his incredible music mix. Bring the family along as he kicks it into high gear at “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!” for Cars-inspired dances and games.

Also joining the lineup is trainer-turned-racer Cruz Ramirez. You can find her just outside the Academy, ready for a photo-op with her fans.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy and DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time! is parked at Cars Courtyard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios—the home for Disney•Pixar Cars at Walt Disney World Resort!

Wonderful World of Disney Animation Projection Show

And, a new nighttime projection show is set for May. The spectacular is described as “an incredible journey through more than 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation.”

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sunset Boulevard

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
All Planet Hollywood references are gone from the Legends of Hollywood retail location on Sunset Blvd.

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Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Hmm..shouldn’t it be Pixar Pier at this point? Still, what a fantastic tribute to the former land at Disney California Adventure!

On to ESPN Wide World of Sports!

Switching locations, I head over to the Wide World of Sports to say farewell to the Braves. 

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Welcome to ESPN Wide World of Sports!
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
The Atlanta Braves just wrapped up their final Spring Training at ESPN Wide World of Sports and we caught a game! Next year their new home will be in Sarasota County.

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Champion Stadium has always been a fun place to catch some baseball.
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Did you know there are over 9,500 seats, several skyboxes and multiple open-air suites?

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Yankees superstar Aaron Judge.
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Corporate sponsors grace the larger-than-life pennant flags at Champion Stadium.

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Some of the final lineups for the Atlanta Braves during their spring training at Disney.
Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Champion Stadium was very crowded for the Atlanta Braves final game at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex.

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So long, and best of luck to the Atlanta Braves in their new home next year!

Well, that does it for this week!

What do you think about the 30th anniversary banners at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Did you ever catch a game at Wide World of Sports? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

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Lightning McQueen, Dateline Disney World – Lightning McQueen Races into Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Cory Disbrow
Cory likes Walt Disney World so much, he recently packed his bags and moved to Orlando. Cory is a photographer and writes MiceChat's Dateline Disney World columns every Friday.