Howdy! Today was a very busy and hot Saturday in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Luckily this is one of the most aesthetic parks, so I enjoyed those details while updating you on what has changed. New Star Wars merchandise, small progress in the Toy Story Land seating area, and more finds throughout the morning.
Good Morning from Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Good morning from a pretty busy Hollywood Studios. The weather is already getting hot before the sun is fully up, but the good news is we are finally getting some rain later today. Making it for a super humid morning, but good for the current drought.
You know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” Well, a dry April usually means May monsoons. If I’m right then we will have lots of rain ahead of us. To be fair May is usually when the heavier thunderstorms start rolling in for their afternoon appearances here in Orlando.
Keystone Slowly Being Repaired
Keystone Clothiers facade is looking good with slow progress made. Earlier this week we reported that the green marble facade had been added to the center doorway, now there are white marble overhangs above the windows. I don’t think that any of this is genuine granite or marble, but rather just a look-a-like like you would see in the movies.
Star Wars Apparel in Legends of Hollywood
In Legends of Hollywood and in Tatooine Traders there is a new Star Wars Rebellion collection. This feminine collection features embroidered designs, repeating patterns, and cozy textures.
The purple shirt is available for $44.99. The hoodie with a plunging neckline features the original crew on the back in embroidered silhouettes similar to the cardigan. The hoodie is available for $59.99 and the cardigan for $69.99. Finally, for those facing the hot Floridian conditions ahead, there is a tank top available for $31.99.
Villain’s Theater Slow Progress Outside
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is still holding strong against the new villain’s show, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. The walls featuring the Cars color scheme have been repaired from the damage left behind when the posters here were removed. Nothing has changed in the entrance, from what I can tell concrete work continues.
Seems like Disney is focusing on the inside of the theater for now, which makes sense. This way the show can be rehearsed. I’m sure the outside will be one of the last things they complete and it will likely be completed quickly and cheaply.
Tower Hotel Gifts Pathway Damaged
Tower Hotel Gifts is a gift shop located at the exit of Tower of Terror. When I went to go see if there was any new merchandise I noticed that there was some damage to one of the bricks in the doorway.
To be honest, throughout my day in Hollywood Studios, I found a lot of these stanchions protecting busted concrete. Sorta a weird choice, but if they tried to do something fun like a cone someone would take it or move it. People are people these days.
Rock the Shop and Third Party Shirts
Back in Rock the Shop, the exit gift shop to Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, I found two third-party t-shirts featuring generic rock ‘n’ roll themes. The red shirt is available for $29.99 and the gray for $34.99. I wonder if we will continue to see third-party merchandise in the parks. We found Tower of Terror merchandise by this same company a few months ago.
Once Upon a Time Flower Bed Refurbishment
Near the entrance of Once Upon a Time I noticed that one of the flowerbeds is currently under refurbishment. It is currently covered by a box and tan scrim. The drinking fountain is still available.
Little Mermaid Theater Slow Progress Outside
There isn’t much to report here at the Little Mermaid Theater. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will open later this Summer. I am definitely more excited to see this show than the Villain show. I think the refreshed puppets and effects will be a wonderful enhancement to what was already a great show.
For now, the queue is being rebuilt. They have removed most of the concrete. I imagine like the Villain Theater that most of the work remains behind the closed theater doors and we won’t see much changes outside until right near the end.
Woody’s Lunchbox Seating Update
OI VEY! I hate this more than I care to admit. I’m sick of covering the Woody’s Lunchbox seating saga and I’m sure you’re just as sick as I am waiting for it to just be completed. It doesn’t look like it should be all that complicated of a project. But here we are years later still covering the small progress made here and there.
I wonder if it’s just one person by themselves trying to get this thing together. It certainly feels like it must be. For actual information on this update please visit our website for an in-depth look.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Appreciation Post
This morning took a little longer of a stroll than normal through Galaxy’s Edge, the Star Wars-themed land of Batuu. I loved seeing the animatronics, like Dok Ondor and the Ronto Roaster Droid, 8D-J8. Unfortunately, 8D-J8 wasn’t fully functional, instead, he was just going through the motions. I wonder if droids can do that, just turn off their consciousness to check out. Usually, he talks and his eyes are lit while he’s roasting the Ronto meat.
I found Diet Coke and Sprite droids displayed in the area where you could once board to return to the Star Wars Galatic Starcruiser Hotel.
Lights Motors Action!
In the Marketplace I found a nice little shoutout to the attraction that used to sit in this area, Lights, Motors, Action! Before there was Galaxy’s Edge there was a stunt show called Lights, Motors, Action! where guests could watch stunt cars in action live. It was an amazing experience, but so is Galaxy’s Edge. I like that there is this little homage in Aurebesh, the Star Wars language.
Batuuan Carvings
At the end of the Marketplace just as part of the design of the land, there are these wooden figures. I wish you could buy these, or maybe even have a wood carver sit here and make them like they have in EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. I think that would be a cool way to make the land feel even more lived in.
Muppet Vision 3D Nostalgia
A moment of Muppet appreciation. Tomorrow will likely be the last day we as guests have access to Stage 1, the gift shop that remains closed for daily operation. The space is open during special events like May 4th. I think that will be the last time we get in before the Monster Inc. land starts to move in. I’ll miss the silly props and fun I Spy games in this area.
Tatooine Traders More New Star Wars Merchandise
In Tatooine Traders, I found a new Spirit Jersey featuring the iconic line, “May the force be with you”. I love the simple design of this Star Wars top, but I do not love the $79.99 price tag. There was also a new R2-D2 collection. The backpack is available for $39.99 and a hat for $29.99. Stay tuned to our website to see more from this collection.
Dinosaur Gertie Appreciation Post
Dinosaur Gertie appreciation post. I love the story of Gertie. I love that Gertie is still refurbished, loved, and works. The ploy of Gertie back in the 1930s still draws people in 2025. I think it’s cool to have these little moments of history.
Missing Roger Rabbit
Another one of my favorite things in the Echo Lake area of Hollywood Studios is the giant Roger Rabbit billboard. This is certainly a Michael Eisner era cartoon and love how irreverent it is. I wish we could have more of this theme at Disney, but I understand the necessity of being family-friendly, but kids don’t understand all the jokes.
Tinseltown Photos
Okay, I’m being a bit indulgent here at the end of the day, and I may show my age a little here, but does anyone remember when this, now a PhotoPass spot, was a thrift shop of sorts? It had old pieces from movies and headshots signed by the stars. There were even some signed Walt Disney pieces. Today you can find those pieces in Art of Disney in Disney Springs.
I do appreciate that Disney kept some of the old props in the front. I love the fifties vibe of the garden. I want to live with this outside my house and the Tune In Lounge for my living room, and keep the full bar. It feels very American.
I hope you enjoyed our morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Consider this visit the calm before the storm. Tomorrow is Star Wars Day, May 4th. Be sure to stay tuned to our website for the most in-depth coverage of tomorrow’s madness.
Let me know in the comments below if you celebrate Star Wars Day and how. I enjoy celebrating with super fans, but I do not bring the party on Star Wards Day, more of a voyeur.
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