It has been a little while since the last time we took to the skies over Disney’s Hollywood Studios to see the progress on the expansion of the park, but the time has come to see how Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are shaping up from above.
I wish it were a joke, but there is clearly just as much construction zone at Hollywood Studios as there is active, in-use park area.
Over in Toy Story Land, track was completed for Slinky Dog Dash, and now the picket fence barrier behind it is being painted. On the lower right, you can see the new entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania taking shape, on the lower left is Alien Swirling Saucers.
Here we see the Slinky Dog Dash coaster traveling behind the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction.
A backstage facility near Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is already nearly completed.
Above, we see work continuing on the Millennium Falcon attraction.
More of the two centrifuges that will hold the carousel of simulators for the ride, featuring many Falcon cockpits for guests to ride in.
A look across Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge towards Toy Story Land.
Looking back at Toy Story Land, we see the Slinky Dog Dash building at the very back, the Alien Swirling Saucers middle-left, and the small counter service location for the land to the right.
In this shot, we can see both the current and future entrances to Toy Story Midway Mania.
Moving back to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, here we see the construction of the massive show building for the “Battle Escape” ride.
The World Drive entrance offers a close encounter with the attraction.
To the left is the show building for “Battle Escape”, to the right is the circular base for the pre-show experience which will happen before guests board the Imperial Transport.
Here we see the entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, with PIXAR Place looming in the distance.
Here is where Grand Avenue meets Galaxy’s Edge, view obscured by MuppetVision 3-D and the Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway building (you know, what was The Great Movie Ride) at the top of the picture.
As we pull back, we get a better look at the scope of the projects, as well as the roadway and parking lot enhancements being made.
Zooming into Grand Avenue, we see a patio area nearly finished for Baseline Tap House, as well as trees and lampposts all along the street.
Behind MuppetVision lies the strange, concrete barrier between Grand Avenue and Galaxy’s Edge.
Another look at the Battle Escape attraction.
Now moving towards the Millennium Falcon.
Another look at Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash.
And now back to Galaxy’s Edge…
The Millennium Falcon ride from a different angle.
Grand Avenue, formerly New York Street.
Now we see the massive expansion of the parking lot and car entrance to the park.
Clearly getting ready for 2019…
Didn’t Disney try a centrifuge attraction that everyone hated called Mission: Space ? Didn’t they just have to revamp that attraction because everyone hated it? it just seems like a “you drive the Millennium Falcon” simulator ride seems a little 90’s. I’m excited for Star Wars land but I’m also skeptical of the attractions. Hopefully the Battle ride is a little more cutting edge than a flight simulator ride.
I rode the new mission space orange! It is intense! Gave me a headache and some people hurled!
Really cool stuff, Tom. Where is the Star Wars hotel going? I thought I remembered hearing that it was going in on the other side of the roadway in, but I’m not sure I remember that correctly…or that it makes sense.
How do you guys get these photos? Do you ride Tower of Terror a bunch or something lol. I’m guessing you rent a helicopter.
He uses a really tall selfie stick.
Just don’t take it inside the park :-)
Great pictures!
good job mr. corless
I was thinking that the far left section of what you are calling the parking lot expansion could be an area for the new hotel? I am not seeing any other location that would fit the bill?
Also, how are they going to incorporate the existing Star Wars ride with the new area? It would seem to split up the “story” if left outside in it’s current location? I mean, thematically, it would be somewhat odd to ride that and then have to walk through the Grand Avenue past the Muppets in order to continue the “experience”… Not very immersive…?
Any news on what eatery or eateries will be built in either land? I was hoping for some more awesome sit-down dining experiences (something that could rival the Sci-Fi Dine-in – although it would be hard to beat)… Perhaps a Toy Story character buffet at least or an Alien cafe? I’ve heard rumors but most sound like wishful thinking LOL
By the way – GREAT updates and photographic views – LOVE your webpages! Thank you!