Welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This little lady turns 30 years old this year, and no Disney park has seen as many changes in as short a time as she. Let’s see what’s changed today.
30th Anniversary Banners
New signage has begun appearing for the 30th anniversary year. The official anniversary is on May 1, but the signs and such will probably be up all year long. It’s a big year for this park!
Lots of (Pixar) characters have turned out to show their appreciation for Hollywood Studios.
An Incredible Celebration
The big news today was the official opening of the new Incredibles-themed area in the former Pixar Place.
The dance party is probably the main draw for families. It’s actually really cute and worth 15 minutes of your day. You can see our coverage of it here.
My favorite part is probably the new Edna Mode Experience meet and greet. Go say hello to her and she can critique your fashion choices.
They have a nice selection of Incredibles merchandise where Toy Story stuff had been about 9 months ago.
They also have a new food stand in the area, with a couple of decent options. You can see our review here.
This news reporter is part of the dance party streetmosphering. He seemed to be having a lot of fun. I want to know where to get his shirt…
Evidence of Jack-Jack abounds in Municiberg, but no sign of the super baby himself. Apparently the scavenger hunt is delayed until they can get it working.
But enough of the Incredibles for now. The other major opening today was (supposed to be) the new Mike and Sully meet and greet at Walt Disney Presents.
Monsters, Inc. Meet and Greet
Mike and Sully were there… but the meet and greet area was not finished on time. It has since opened.
Because there was no formal queue, the line went all the way down the hallway.
Don’t worry, though. All the merchandise was available on time.
Speaking of Monsters, Inc. merch, I found this cute kids hat over on Sunset Blvd.
They also had this cute shirt to go along with it.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Construction
Star Wars construction is chugging along. The gaps are starting to fill in on the rockwork. They’ve still got quite a ways to go, but “late 2019” will be here much quicker than you think.
If you want a good view of what Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will look like when it opens, head over to Walt Disney Presents. In addition to parts of the physical model, they have a screen with concept art of the land. Some of the pictures are even slightly animated.
Fun fact: If you’re feeling exceptionally lazy, you can buy pre-built Build-A-Droids in Launch Bay.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Construction
As we noted earlier in the week, over by the Chinese Theatre, the former Great Movie Ride (soon to be Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway) exit has emerged from construction walls.
However, the extended queue on the far right of the building has also just opened back up. Not a lot to see back here, but the only wall now is at the doorway.
Get ready to stand in this line for a very long time when the attraction opens in the Fall.
Billboard Updates
Only at Hollywood Studios is this news. A shiny new “Single Parents” billboard appeared across from the ABC Commissary.
What’s this I see peeking over the gate?
Why it’s the oldest promotional billboard in the park! This Snow White ad has survived all the demolition back here. You used to be able to see it from the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground, circa mid-2016. The sun has almost completely bleached it, yet it lives on.
Over in the Animation Courtyard, for some reason they took down the Disney Junior signage for a few days.
Well, they’re back up today, and looking crisp and clean.
Mousecellaneous
We’ve been tracking this booth construction for a couple months now. I first thought it would be a food stand, but it turns out it’s definitely a DVC booth. This will be replacing the old one across from the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant.
Christmas has been over for a couple days at Hollywood Studios. If you’re suffering from withdrawals you can always go to the Christmas Shop back by Pizzerizzo…
…but not until 11 AM.
Merchandise
If you’re in the mood for a snack instead, this new product line is right up your alley. We’ve covered this before when it showed up at Disney Springs, but now it’s everywhere.
And I do mean everywhere. Both sides of Hollywood Boulevard had huge chunks of store real estate dedicated to the line.
As much as I love snacks, I think they might be overdoing it.
Entrance Construction Update
Last but not least, a small construction update.
They’ve started pouring concrete for the new tram loop and security check.
The security checkpoint has gone vertical. Hopefully the new layout will ease congestion at the park gates once Star Wars opens.
P.S. The stop light on Sunset Boulevard was missing. I don’t think this blue box has quite the same effect…