Hello, and welcome to Dateline Disney World! This week, we’ll take a look at what’s been going on over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! It’s be a while since we last covered the park. Let’s see what we can find. Lights, camera, ACTION!
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Welcome to the Studios!
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5005.jpg[/img]
Upon entering the park, we have Sid’s, which we reported may become a MyMagic+ station. I’m glad to report that while some of it is being used for MM+, it has not taken over the entire store.
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They have old time tv’s with touch screens with the My Disney Experience app loaded onto them, or at least the WDW website.
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The large stage is STILL in front of the Hat, which is STILL in front of the Chinese Theater. I try not to harp on the negative, but that stage really bums me out, way more than the hat does.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5010.jpg[/img]
Wait times on a busy August day. These should start to slow down over the coming weeks.
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The Hollywood Hills Amphitheater entrance for Fantasmic is also now being used for a Fastpass+ entrance for the Beauty and the Beast show next door.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5014.jpg[/img]
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Over in the Animation Courtyard, the theme is all now Planes related.
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Disney Junior has FP+ now.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5022.jpg[/img]
The planter in front of the Animation attraction is under refurbishment.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5023.jpg[/img]
Kevin and Jody tiki merchandise is still all available. I’m hoping they make it over to the Premium Outlets someday soon so I can scoop one up at a cheaper price!
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5024.jpg[/img]
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Inside the Animation building, Monsters University is still the centerpiece.
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One Man’s Dream may be one of the only attractions at WDW that has yet to receive some sort of Fastpass integration.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5029.jpg[/img]
Behind the Great Movie Ride, advertising is up for the Lone Ranger and Planes, two movies that were hit pretty hard by the critics. We’ve all seen the financial beating Disney took on the Lone Ranger. If it were up to me, I’d be taking those signs down and forgetting that project as fast as possible.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5030.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5031.jpg[/img]
Speaking of Planes, over at the Backlot Tour, they have added eyes to Walt’s plane that is on display to promote the film.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5032.jpg[/img]
I didn’t have time to ride the Backlot Tour to see, but it was the cause of quite a bit of internet rage this week, so I’d say it’s worth mentioning. It is a little frustrating to see something like that happen to something close to Walt, but at the same time, getting too worked up over something I can’t change doesn’t always seem worth it.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5033.jpg[/img]
Over at the Streets of America, I would expect to see Osborne light installation starting later this month.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5034.jpg[/img]
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Muppet Vision is closed for refurbishment until September, and it now has Standby and Fastpass+ signage.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5037.jpg[/img]
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Indiana Jones Stunt Show also has FP+.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5042.jpg[/img]
American Idol has a FP+ entrance way over to the left of the building.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5043.jpg[/img]
But Disney thought that a hideous looking arch was a good idea for the main entrance. It just looks like unnecessary clutter to me.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5044.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5045.jpg[/img]
Standby and FP+ is now also being used at the Great Movie Ride.
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5049.jpg[/img]
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Time to head out!
[img]http://www.miceshots.com/usr/72/DatelineDisneyWorld08082013-IMG_5052.jpg[/img]
Looking for a little more Disney World news? Take a listen to the Wakefield Report from the MicePod:
That wraps things up for this week’s column. How do you all feel about Planes advertising being everywhere? What about all the changes made to the park due to MyMagic+? Let us know in the comments!!
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