There is a world of change on the way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let’s take a look at this sleepy little park which will someday play host to a brand new Star Wars land and a Pixar Toy Story Land as well.

Welcome to DHS!
Welcome to DHS!

The Darkroom and Cover Story shops are both currently closed for remodeling.
The Darkroom and Cover Story shops are both currently closed for remodeling.

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AP sales happening in the middle of the park.
AP sales happening in the middle of the park.
When the Star Wars 'A Galaxy Far, Far Away' show happens, you can get some cool photos of the cast from behind the stage.
When the Star Wars ‘A Galaxy Far, Far Away’ show happens, you can get some cool photos of the cast from behind the stage.

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Toy Story Land has gone vertical, as that large building should be for the Slinky roller coaster.
Toy Story Land has gone vertical. That large building should be for the Slinky roller coaster.
Ads of the month.
Ads of the month.

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Lots and lots of dirt has been moved into the Star Wars Land area.
Lots and lots of dirt has been moved into the Star Wars Land area. Those of you following the Star Wars construction in California know how the mounds of dirt were huge and moved from one area to another. Well, now we have our own Dirt Star in Orlando too.  😉

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Move along, nothing to see here.
Move along, nothing to see here.

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Miss Piggy update: still a planter.
Miss Piggy update: the fountain is still a planter.

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Nothing to see back here by the Muppet Vision exit.
Nothing to see back here by the Muppet Vision exit.

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Current Star Wars view from the second floor of Pizzerizzo.
Current Star Wars construction view.

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All of the busts of Hollywood elite are gone now next to the Frozen sing a long show.
All of the busts of Hollywood elite are gone now next to the Frozen sing a long show.

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Long waits due to South American summer vacations.
Long waits due to South American summer vacations.

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Current Tower of Terror merchandise.
Current Tower of Terror merchandise.

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Here you leave today, and enter Express Transportation.
Here you leave today, and enter Express Bus Transportation to the other parks (an up-charge option).
90 minutes for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.
90 minutes for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

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Some interesting Star Wars march in the park.
Some interesting Star Wars march in the park.

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The old Cadillac behind where Starbucks is has been replaced with tables, it seems.
The old Cadillac behind where Starbucks is has been replaced with tables, it seems.
Special Princess/General Leia themed drinks.
Special Princess/General Leia themed drinks.
I ran back for another set of this show to get some better photos of the Death Troopers from Rogue One for you.
I ran back for another set of this show to get some better photos of the Death Troopers from Rogue One for you.

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More news from around Walt Disney World:

  • This coming Friday thru Monday, Epcot International Festival of the Arts will host a special musical showcase at the America Gardens theater. This special program will celebrate favorite Disney music sung by Broadway stars. This weekend will feature Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey. They will perform songs from Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, Newsies and Aladdin. Performances are scheduled for 5:30pm, 6:45pm and 8:00pm Jan 27th thru 30th  at the America Gardens theater.
  • This past weekend “Disney After Hours” event nights returned to Magic Kingdom park. The separate ticketed event will be offered select evenings in February and March. Early Evening Entry into the Magic Kingdom will be available. Special Snacks are included along with minimal wait time for favorite attractions.
  • If you missed them, Splash Mountain themed Tsum Tsum were released recently. These six 3 inch stackable plush were inspired by the fan favorite attraction. Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox, Brer Bear and several other classic characters are featured.

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  • The Plant Hollywood Observatory located at Disney Springs has begun taking reservations starting February 1st.  This newly remodeled and reimagined space will feature a massive 4,500 foot video wall with cutting edge media. A new menu will debut showcasing items created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. Also opening with the restaurant will be 2 new lounges. Upper Bar will feature specialty cocktails. Stargazers Bar will showcase live entertainment nightly on its outdoor patio.
Time to head out!
Time to head out!

 

So, what does everyone think? Is DHS progressing at the rate you would like it to? 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.