Hello, and welcome to Dateline Disney World! This week, we’re looking at the continued progress of Disney Hollywood Studios as it transforms to add Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land. But first, some news from around Walt Disney World.

Dave-Perillo

The WonderGround Gallery, located in the Market Place Co-Op at Disney Springs is celebrating Artist Dave Perillo. He will be meeting guests on Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22nd. The scheduled times are from 5 to 8 pm. On Sunday, October 23rd, he is scheduled from 12pm to 3pm.

Jock Lindsey’s Hanger Bar at Disney Springs has recently started featuring a special Happy Hour menu with a wide range of food and beverages. Available Monday thru Friday from 3 to 6pm, appetizers, beers and cocktails will be offered.

If you’re a Disney Visa card holder, the popular Epcot Character Meet & Greet has moved from Innoventions West to the  Imagination! Pavilion. But don’t worry, You can still meet your favorite characters from 1 to 7pm daily.

Over at the Epcot Food & Wine Festival the “Eat to the Beat” concert series continues with some big names (or at least some names you might remember). Performances are scheduled for 530pm, 645pm and  800pm at the America Gardens Theater:

  • Oct 17th thru 19th showcases “Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx”
  • Oct 20th and 21st  will feature “Christopher Cross”
  • Oct 22 and 23rd “Toad the Wet Sprocket” is a new addition!
  • Oct 24th and 25th showcases “Chaka khan”

Now, as they say . . . On with the show . . .

Welcome to the Studios!
Welcome to the Studios!

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Rogue One merchandise has arrived at the parks.
Rogue One merchandise has arrived in the parks.

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Nice golden hour on Sunset Blvd.
Nice golden hour on Sunset Blvd.

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No Guardians here!
No Guardians here!

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Looks like the busts of famous Hollywood folks will be going away.
Looks like the busts of famous Hollywood folks may be going away.

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You can no longer see the New York skyline from the Streets of America.
You can no longer see the New York skyline from the Streets of America.
Star Wars will be taking that area over.
Star Wars will be taking that area over.
Gonzo's Royal Flush restrooms are now open.
Gonzo’s Royal Flush restrooms are now open.
View of where the Streets of America used to be.
View of where the Streets of America used to be.
Pizzerizzo is moving right along towards an opening date that will hopefully be soon.
Pizzerizzo is moving right along towards an opening date that will hopefully be soon.

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The sign has been aged, which looks nice.
The sign has been aged, which looks nice.
Heckler tomatoes!
Heckler tomatoes!

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The walls by the old Writer's Stop have been pushed further into guest territory.
The walls by the old Writer’s Stop have been pushed further into guest territory.
This facade will be the last to go.
This facade will be the last to go.
Doctor Strange signs up in the animation area.
Doctor Strange signs up in the animation area.
As you can see here, the entire Backlot area is now gone.
As you can see here, the entire Backlot area is now gone.
Toy Story Land will be arriving here in the next few years.
Toy Story Land will be arriving here in the next couple of years.

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The area that shows new area models in One Man's Dream is walled off. Will an Avatar or Star Wars model arrive here soon?
The area that shows new area models in One Man’s Dream is walled off. Will an Avatar or Star Wars model arrive here soon?
There is a 10 minute Doctor Strange preview happening here as well.
There is a 10 minute Doctor Strange preview happening here as well.
Another angle on the walled off final room in the exhibit.
Another angle on the walled off final room in the exhibit.

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Some pretty nighttime photos for your viewing pleasure.
Some pretty nighttime photos for your viewing pleasure.

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Got the chance to catch the Star Wars fireworks as well.
Got the chance to catch the Star Wars fireworks as well.

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They aren't as good as the old Star Wars show, but still fun.
They aren’t as good as the old Star Wars show, but still fun.

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Well, that does it for this week. Is it weird to see the Backlot gone? How do you feel about all the changes at DHS? Let us know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

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Cory Disbrow
Cory likes Walt Disney World so much, he recently packed his bags and moved to Orlando. Cory is a photographer and writes MiceChat's Dateline Disney World columns every Friday.