Theme park and attraction news, rumors and videos.
2020 was a year we soon won’t forget in the themed entertainment industry. Theme parks worldwide shut down, and some are still closed. The year began strong with some new attractions, and then we got to experience the parks in new and imaginative ways. Here’s a look back at the Top 10 videos from our YouTube channel in 2020!
In a surprise move, First Order Stormtroopers have been spotted patrolling above the shops in Disney Springs.
Stuck at home, missing theme parks and wanting something to do? Try out our free theme park inspired jigsaw puzzles.
New Sith Trooper merchandise inspired by the upcoming film, “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” is now available at the Disney Parks.
This Saturday, July 30, 2011, the 501st Legion: Vader’s Fist will march through Heritage Square at the Orange County History Center. The march will take place at 11 a.m. and is part of the History Center’s 10th Anniversary Celebration.
“We held this event last year in conjunction with the costume exhibition,” said Marketing Manager Jen Cipolla Laney. “This year, we’ve been presenting popular exhibits and events from the past 10 years in honor of our 10th anniversary downtown. Since this event was one of our most popular of the last 10 years, we’re doing it again.”
Other events include a Tusken Raider Camp, a Droid Shop, a chance to build a lightsaber, coloring stations and a Lego playroom, as well as photo opportunities. The event lasts until 2 p.m. and is included with museum admission. For more details call 407-836-7010.
Column by Andy Guinigundo
For the past several years, Star Wars Weekends at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been very popular. Even from my vantage point, out of the loop 932 miles away, I can’t wait to see the videos emerging from these weekends. My favorite every year is the always hilarious Star Wars “Dance Off”.
This past weekend in seemingly a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars Days commenced in California, but not at Disneyland. Legoland California hosted its 5th annual Star Wars Days Aug. 7 and 8, 2010. [Read more…]
Everyone can give a thumbs up or down to any photo in our gallery. As you’ll see below, our American Idol pictures were very popular by visitors to our online gallery. Here are the top 10 photos from 2009 that received the most thumbs up (and least thumbs down). Click on any of the photos to pop open a larger version.
A night view looking down to the pool area from an upper floor of the new Hilton Orlando.
Photo courtesy of Hilton Orlando
American Idol television stars pose with Mickey Mouse outside The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
The entrance to SeaWorld’s new Manta flying roller coaster.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
David Cook and Carrie Underwood sing a duet during the opening of The American Idol Experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
A panoramic night view from the Top of the World lounge of Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
An usher greets guests without a smile at the gates of Universal Studios for Halloween Horror Nights.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Fans arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are greeted by some Stormtroopers up above.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Carrie Underwood and David Cook smile as they stand next to Mickey Mouse for a group photo.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
David Cook rides down Hollywood Boulevard during a parade for the opening of The American Idol Experience.
Photo by Julie Saunders
David Cook and Carrie Underwood share a ride on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s Hollywood Studios after the opining of The American Idol Experience.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
After years of rumors, a much-anticipated makeover of the Star Tours attractions at Walt Disney World and Disneyland is on the way. The announcement was made at the Disney Parks & Resorts presentation at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, Calif. on Sept. 12, 2009.
Details are scarce at the moment as Disney’s Imagineers are working hard with Star Wars creator George Lucas and his team to create the new experience.
The rides will close in 2010 to reopen in 2011 at Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a new 3D experience bringing guests to new Star Wars scenes. 3D footage of a pod-racing scene was shown to the audience at the Expo after Stormtroopers and Darth Vader joined in the fun.
We’ll have a video of the Star Tours reveal online soon. In the meantime, here’s the scene that Disney showed the D23 Expo audience (shown in 3D at the Expo):