Home Features Dateline Disney World Dateline Disney World: Winds of Change Blowing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Dateline Disney World: Winds of Change Blowing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

September 7, 2016

The Zika scare has made its first foray into the parks. Mosquito prevention stations have been set up in the parks. But does this make tourists feel safer or just remind them of the threat? But the real news is all the construction going on in this little park. We’ll take a look at the sweeping changes all over the Studios. But first, news from around Walt Disney World:

Though it just debuted this summer, “Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire” is showcasing a new Fall themed grand finale. New costumes and magical moments will be performed all in celebration of the upcoming Autumn season.

Mickey-Royal-Friendship-Faire — Photo ©Disney

Also be on the look out for a new limited time “Fall edition” of the “Main Street Trolley Show” taking place along Main Street in the Magic Kingdom.

Though we just celebrated Labor Day and the end of Summer, the Magic Kingdom is ready for Halloween- Time! “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party” kicked off last weekend and will run thru the end of October. This is a fun and family friendly event… and not so scary. New additions this year include the crew from Zootopia joining in the fun on Main Street and fan favorite “Vanellope von Schweetz“ from “Wreck It Ralph” added to the “Boo To You” Parade! There will also be many returning favorite elements to Mickey’s party: trick or treat stations, “Mickey’s Boo-to-You Halloween Parade,” “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” “Happy HalloWishes” fireworks, villain characters in the park and Halloween treats.

Hocus-Pocus — We loved seeing the Sanderson Sisters at last year’s event. Photo ©Disney

If your visiting any of Walt Disney Worlds four theme parks there is a new bus service that directly serves “Town Center” at “Disney Springs”. Buses start running at 4pm from the Theme Parks to “Disney Springs”. As always, buses will be available to return you to your Disney resort when your evening is done.

Disney-Springs-Bus-Loop — New Disney Springs bus loop. Photo ©Disney

We will have all the newest info and latest updates on the upcoming Epcot Food and Wine festival in the near future. Now, as they say, “On with the Show.” Let’s see what’s going on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Has the threat of Zika impacted your Florida theme park plans? We’d like to hear your thoughts. There’s been a lot of news about the spread of Zika and we’d really like to know if tourists are avoiding Florida for now or taking the plunge so they can see their favorite mouse.

There are mosquito prevention stations all throughout the park with the recent Zika scares in Florida.

_DSC6560 — We hate to rub it in for you Anaheim folks, but our Tower is staying. Come visit us.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will be heading down for a short refurbishment in late October. — Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be heading down for a short refurbishment in late October.

_DSC6563 — The Florida Tower of Terror has a amazing themed exterior area.

_DSC6564 — There’s a shop inside the Carthay, no fancy restaurant.

This location looks new. Anyone know? — Sunshine Day has replaced Toluca Legs Turkey Co.. It’s mostly an overflow location which opens only during busy days.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story marketing has begun! — **Rogue One: A Star Wars Story** marketing has begun!

One Man's Dream is back to normal, no more Pete's Dragon preview. — One Man’s Dream is back to normal, no more Pete’s Dragon preview.

Definitely some land clearing has been done where the old Honey I Shrunk the Kids area was.

That green pole looks like all that's left from there. — That green pole looks like all that’s left from there.

_DSC6578 — A Toy Story Playland is on the way to the area at the back of Pixar Place.

Took a spin on Midway Mania, which has a much faster moving queue ever since adding the third track.

Over by the Streets of America, one whole side has been demolished making way for Star Wars. — Over by the Streets of America, one whole side has been demolished, making way for Star Wars.

You can see the Muppet Vision marquee from over by the Sci-Fi Dine in!

Views from the Muppet Courtyard of the OTHER side of the street.

This arch may be all that's left of the one side. — This arch may be all that’s left of the one side.

It's odd to see, and also odd to have so much sunlight pouring down on this part of the park. — It’s odd to see, and also odd to have so much sunlight pouring down on this part of the park.

Wide view from the Muppet Vision entrance.

Pizzerizzo is moving along at a nice pace. — Pizzerizzo, the new Muppets themed restaurant, is moving along at a nice pace.

Shouldn't be too long until this opens up. — Shouldn’t be too long until this opens up.

And yes, the restrooms now have a sign that reads 'Gonzo's Royal Flush'. — And yes, the restrooms now have a sign that reads ‘Gonzo’s Royal Flush’.

Anyone else excited for season three of Rebels?

The food booths that were along Echo Lake are now gone.

They probably needed to head to Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.

That’s all for this week! How do you feel seeing the Streets of America demolished? Will having Star Wars there soften the blow? And what about the Zika scare? Has it made you think twice about visiting? Let us know in the comments. Thanks for reading!

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