Howdy! I hope you are having a magical weekend. Today I explored Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where I enjoyed what’s left of the theming, found a Probe Droid in Batuu, and saw characters literally everywhere all day.
Good Morning from Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Good morning from Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is already humid and hot here before the sun even fully rises. ‘Tis the season. I am happy to report that we have started getting some rain in the afternoons, which is great for the current drought, but not so great for Slinky Dog Dash.
Theming of Hollywood Studios
I love the small details in Hollywood Studios. It’s slowly dwindling as time goes on, but what remains is still very cool. Stick with me here, I think the Coca-Cola billboard would be especially cool if the girl smiling resembled a Princess performing just next door. I think it would be a funny gotcha.
Also, a side note, I do think a therapy office where you visit cats and dogs would be genuinely therapeutic, and I think people would pay for it. I’m sure Hugo Bark remains booked at all times.
Keystone Updates
Keystone Clothiers is ever so slowly making progress in repairing the facade. There are even more details added since my visit yesterday. Inside, the Empire Strikes Back anniversary merchandise is still available. I feel like the May 4th merchandise sold faster last year than this year.
Box Office Theming
The Legends of Hollywood shop facade is made to look like the entrance of a theater. I think Legends of Hollywood has one of the coolest photo ops. The box office has always been dressed with different props, and one of Walt Disney’s original cartoons is even on the poster on the door.
Have you ever taken a picture in front of the shop’s facade? Let me know in the comments below. I certainly have a few times throughout my life.
Walt Disney World Sweater – $64.99
In Once Upon a Time, I found this new light blue sweater. I like the simplicity of the design. Although I don’t think anyone would need it in Orlando, Florida, for a few more months.
I especially like the holographic details on the front bordering the iconic D.
The Hollywood Tower Hotel
We are more than halfway to Halloween this year, and I couldn’t be more excited. I love Fall and all things campy when it comes to the spooky season. I love the idea of there actually being an elegant extravaganza set in the golden age of Hollywood. It would make for a fun adults-only after-hours event.
Happy Halloween
This is precisely what I mean by campy Halloween decor. This is 110% the decor I want, have, and create every season. I’m also a huge scaredy cat. I love horror movies and Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, but I am more interested in the spooky decor and costumes.
Let me know how you like to decorate for Halloween in the comments below.
Sunset Showcase Tows Cars for the Villains
The Lightning McQueen Racing Academy is slowly being erased from the facade of Sunset Showcase. The wall above the awning has been repainted to erase any sign of the previous sign for the Racing Academy. The only remnants that remain are the one back wall, the gates, and one sign at the entrance as you pass Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith.
Rock the Shop
I become more nostalgic for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, knowing that it will close soon to make way for the Electric Mayhem rebrand. Part of me hopes they will keep some small details of what was with these Mickey and Minnie guitar pic shapes at the checkout desks.
For now, third-party merchandise is moving in to replace the Disney brand. Are you in your “Rock Era”? I am excited about the impending Electric Mayhem merchandise.
Walt Disney Presents
I love walking through the Walt Disney Presents experience. If you aren’t in the mood for the history lesson or the Ariel live-action meet and greet, it’s a fabulous place to escape the elements for a moment.
Every time I walk through here, I always giggle at the idea that someone took the time to create the backside of water from the Jungle Cruise in the Disneyland diorama, but whoever covered the ‘Song of the South’ reference with a decal couldn’t be sure to get all the bubbles out. It’s the little things for the super fans.
Character Takeover
The park wasn’t very busy today, so the characters were living their best lives. Edna Mode literally caught me looking at her and brought me in to hang out. It was wild. I saw Frozone, Mrs. Incredible, and Sully as well.
On my way out of the small Pixar Street into Toy Story Land, I saw Woody stopping a Cast Member toting a smaller him backstage. Woody had a whole double-take moment, and it was hilarious.
I love when guests are respectful of the characters and they have space to create these moments, even just for themselves.
First Order Probe Droid – $79.99
In the Droid Depot in Galaxy’s Edge, I admired the First Order Probe Droid, which is available for purchase. The display is pretty cool. The droid can swivel its head and light up red. I refuse to let myself start the droid collection to protect my wallet. As cool as they are, that is one expensive, dangerous path for a Jedi.
Batuuan Residents
I had a little too much fun with the creatures of Batuu today. I can’t get over how many little secret creatures and droids there are throughout this land. I do wish there were more entertainment in some of their empty-themed spots, but maybe one day. To be fair, it is the edge of the galaxy.
Happy Disney Moments
When I finally made the journey back to Earth I was surprised with the Mickey Mouse sticker that is currently being phased out for a new design. I love the simplicity of this one, so I may just have to keep it in my Disney keepsake box. I usually keep stickers on me for parents who could use the distraction for their kids.
Speaking of kids, I saw the sweetest moment between a guest and Daisy and Donald Duck. The small guest had a plush Donald Duck that Daisy was, of course, in love with. You can see Donald holding his heart and the guest’s hand. It was Disney-coded, as the kids would say.
Momma Melrose and Muppets Courtyard Memories
Today is the last day that Momma Melrose will be open for operation. This marks the first closure in Muppet Courtyard before the Monster Inc. construction moves in. Don’t scream, it’ll only fuel the monsters. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for more details on the coming changes.
Disney Jr. Courtyard Construction
Construction has started in the Disney Jr. meet and greet areas. I was told this is in preparation for the “Cool Kids Summer”. Which got me thinking… Does this mean the Disney Jr characters are meeting elsewhere? I check My Disney Experience, the app Disney World offers guests. Sure enough, they appeared to have moved to Echo Lake.
The Waiting Game
I found a shady spot to camp and admire Gertie. I prepared my phone and my autograph book for a wild back-to-back-to-back character meeting experience.
Disney Jr. Characters Rehomed in Echo Lake
No lie. In less than 10 minutes, I had met all three Disney Jr. stars. Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, and Vampirina all came out to Echo Lake at 12:30 p.m., and really, there was no line for any of them. I was told that they would remain here for the summer for now.
All three expressed happiness for their new space and change in scenery. Fancy Nancy was particularly fond of our girl Gertie. Can you blame her?
I hope you enjoyed our morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I most enjoyed seeing the characters and enjoying the current state of the park before another huge construction project begins; it feels like yesterday that Galaxy’s Edge was behind walls.
Let me know in the comments below what you think of the changes coming to Hollywood Studios in the comments below.
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