We have a lot to share with you today from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, most of it Star Wars related. It’s the first of the big changes at Hollywood Studios, so let’s get right into it!
Welcome to the Studios!There is a new temporary stage up near the Chinese Theater, but thankfully it doesn’t block the view that much.
Star Wars has officially landed at the park. The Sounds Dangerous theater now plays the Path of the Jedi clipshow.
The new stage and new Jedi Training show are up and running. There is a lot more stage room now for more Padawan learners.Star Tours has seen a change that features the Jakku planet from Episode VII.There is a ton of new signage around the park for all things Star Wars.This is view from the back of the new stage, where a DJ was playing Christmas dance music.Now, for what we’re all really here to see – Star Wars Launch Bay opened this week!There is artwork from the entire Saga in the queueing area.The lay of the land. There is the option to watch a ten minute film at the beginning, or to just step right into the Launch Bay.Once inside, there are lots of props and costumes, starting with the original and prequel trilogies.
Some pretty neat detail on these models.
This is the area where you can now meet Chewbacca.
Through here is where you meet Darth Vader.Some cool features while you wait in line.
Rey’s speeder from Episode VII.Star Wars-y things on the walls.Next is a mini cantina-esque room with some photo ops.
You can get your picture taken at the bar of the cantina.
Just let the Wookie win!You can also take a picture with what looks like blue milk.There is a small section where you can play Disney Infinity with Star Wars characters, but you can tell that there wasn’t much budget for the theming of this room.
I love this mural on the wall.Some little details behind a cage.
Moving on, the next room is all about Episode VII – The Force Awakens. There are some mild spoilers here, so if you don’t want to know anything about the new movie, scroll down until you see merchandise photos.There is a feature for Rey, including her scavenging mask seen in the trailers.
Poe Dameron has a spot as well.
Hello BB-8!SpoilersAnakin’s lightsaber!
Really excited to see Captain Phasma in action.
They do some explaining about Kylo Ren’s lightsaber and why it has cross guards here.
There is a bunch of artwork for sale – most of it ranging between $200-$500!
Exiting the Launch Bay, we head into the Cargo, which is the old Animation merchandise shop.There are costumes for sale at extreme prices.Also custom D-Tech smartphone cases.You can be Darth Vader for Halloween next year for only $4,000!
There are, of course, Star Wars MagicBands as well.The official poster is now up on the Mermaid show building.One last look before heading out!
The Star Wars Launch Bay is going to be a topic that divides Disney fans for sure. It is the most elaborate and most expensive thing ever? Not at all. Are there some cool details? Absolutely. Is it what we’ll want to see once a fully imagined Star Wars land gets built in this park? Not even close. But, for my money, I think it is an upgrade over what was a shell of the old Animation tour that had completely run its course in the park. And with Star Wars taking over this park, and the entire world this month, it is a sound move, and adds some desire to head to Hollywood Studios, and that is something the park surely needs.
That does it for this week. What do you think of the Launch Bay? How do you think it compares to its counterpart at Disneyland? Are you ready to see Episode VII? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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