May 1, 2016
While the Star Wars Experience currently under construction at Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios will no doubt be incredible, it puts Disney in an interesting transition phase. With a new Star Wars movie being released every year, fan interest at an all-time high, and Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios under major renovation, including the addition of a 14 acre Star Wars land (that’s at least 18 months away) how do you keep guests coming back?
The answer is temporary Star Wars Experiences that are available every day, not just on the weekends. Of course Star Tours, including new Episode VIII footage and Jedi Training Academy have always been available, add Star Wars Launch Bay – the Star Wars reimagined Animation Building along with a “First Order March” led by Captain Phasma, a stage show/photo opportunity, “A Galaxy Far, Far Away” and a nightly fireworks “Symphony in the Stars”.
This episode of Sams Disney Diary features footage from April 2016, including the stage show, Captain Phasma processional and fireworks including the dessert package. This is the “temporary fireworks” Symphony in the Stars that will be replaced by “Star Wars a Galactic Spectacular” fireworks / projection show currently under construction and scheduled to start this summer. Looks like I’ll need to plan another trip ;-)
While Disney may have enough to satisfy the average Disney-Star Wars fan, for those of us who loved Star Wars Weekends, there is too much missing to fill the void. Celebrity motorcades, the 501st Legion, Stars of the Saga Talk Shows, celebrity autographs – I’m sure the new Star Wars Experience will be worth the wait, but it’s going to be a painful 2016 and 2017 as we wait for the opening. I’m not sure what I miss the most… Hyperspace Hoopla, the 501st Parade, Stars of the Saga, celebrities or maybe “James Arnold Taylor”. At least I have older episodes of Sams Disney Diary to look back on, and so do you!
Be sure to check out the video in the bonus section of the app and check out the blog at www.samsdisneydiary.com