We’ve got a lot to cover at Walt Disney World with updates from TWO parks this week: Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. With the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge only a few weeks away, WDW has a lot of work that needs to get done. Let’s take a look at the construction going on in the parks and what to expect for Star Wars land.
Welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
There is a large bag check/security area at the entrance to Hollywood Studios.
You’re counting down to Star Wars, right?
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Let’s mosey down Hollywood Boulevard to see what’s happening.
We imagine the work around the park will all be done before the 29th (or at least, we hope so). What do you think?
It seems as if Mickey’s of Hollywood has been closed all summer. This refurb of the store better be worth the wait!
Digital signage is in the park displaying wait times. I’ve seen these all over and I’m not a big fan of the displays. I mean, how many times would you see a flat-screen monitor in 1930s Hollywood?
These walls have been up for a little over a month now.
So have these walls. I sure do miss the old speeder bike photo op.
Galaxy’s Edge Updates!
Let’s make our way to Grand Avenue and Toy Story Land to see how Galaxy’s Edge is coming along.
Cast previews of Galaxy’s Edge are underway and Annual Passholder previews start this weekend. Are you registered?
Oooh! Batuu font!
I think even Miss Piggy is hoping to get in on the cast member previews.
The Batuu View from Toy Story Land
How do you think the opening of Galaxy’s Edge is going to affect the crowds and traffic flow in Toy Story Land?
So close…
Wheezy looks excited to be here. Think he’s been inside Batuu?
And for my intrepid readers, I braved Slinky Dog Dash to get some views of Batuu.
So, besides the mountain-on-a-stick©, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge looks like it is ready to go!
In fact, here’s the latest drone footage of the land in action:
Have you ridden Slinky Dog Dash? I still think it’s one of the best coasters at Walt Disney World.
Shops on Sunset Blvd are closed as well and have been for months.
Let’s say goodbye to Hollywood Studios for now…
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
The tram area at Animal Kingdom is being redone.
And the Lion King is still celebrating! I really love seeing the colorful banners around the park.
Let’s head through the Oasis to the Tree of Life.
There is still a lot of Lion King merchandise in the stores.
The Lion King 2019 remake is Disney’s highest-grossing non-Marvel/Lucasfilm to date, so all of the merchandise in the park makes sense!
Did you see The Lion King? What did you think about it?
There’s a new sign outside of Nomad Lounge. Maybe this is an attempt to lure guests in?
It’s Time for Pandora!
What do you think will happen to the lines at Pandora once Galaxy’s Edge is open? Will we finally see shorter queues?
Flight of Passage was running at reduced capacity during our visit; there was a posted wait of 165 minutes.
Pandora is still gorgeous land to visit and take in all of the details and fauna.
There’s a Lion King cupcake for sale at Pizzafari. Have you tied it?
It was weird seeing the park so busy, yet food and beverage locations were closed for the entire day.
Harambe is still one of the most beautiful areas in all of WDW.
There are Lion King scavenger hunt maps for sale in Mombasa Marketplace.
Can you feel the love tonight?
There used to be set decoration in the Harambe Market, but it seems they needed to expand the seating area. At least the seating fits the area.
We wish this Circle of Flavors: Harambe at Night eatery was open more often, as the food is unique and more palatable than burgers and chicken nuggets.
Hey, Russell.
A beautiful view before exiting the park.
Boy, that was a lot of ground to cover this week!
Are you heading to Hollywood Studios to check out Galaxy’s Edge in the next few weeks? Or will you head to Animal Kingdom to (hopefully) enjoy a less crowded Pandora since another mega-land will be opening?
Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
MiceChat Sip and Nibble 2019
Join us for an epic tour around World Showcase and the amazing Epcot Food and Wine Festival this October. We may a whole day of sampling items from EVERY booth in the festival!
MiceChat is headed to Epcot on October 18 for MiceChat’s 2019 Sip and Nibble. You can experience the epic grandeur of Epcot paired with fantastic selections of food and wine, while getting to know some fellow Disney lovers.
Of course, that’s not all, we’ll invade Orlando from October 17-19, and we would love for you to join us. We’ll attend Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, visit Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and much more.
After the theme parks, we’ll set sail on the largest cruise ship at sea, the Harmony of the Seas, for a trip to the Caribbean from October 20-27. This is a great opportunity to see the world, visit theme parks (particularly during Halloween) and meet some fellow Disney fans.
We invite you to join us for part or all of our October MiceTrip. For more information, contact [email protected]. Don’t miss the boat!
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