Tink in the Parks: A Quick Spin Around Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hi there, Tinkers!

     The other day the fam and I went to Disney's Hollywood Studios for lunch, (I'll be sharing a review soon!), and did a quick little stroll around the park. I wanted to share with you a few pictures and give a quick update, so let's get to it!

     The Studios has been getting some negative feedback from Guests about the lack of stuff to do there. The park is undergoing a huge transition right now, to get ready for Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land, and as a result, several attractions have closed. In my opinion though, there's still plenty left to do. After all, still open are rides like The Great Movie Ride, Star Tours, Toy Story Midway Mania, Tower of Terror and Rock' n' Rollercoaster. There are still plenty of shows, including Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, the Frozen Sing-a-Long, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Disney Junior Live on Stage, Lights Motors Action Stunt Show and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. There's also great restaurants, Muppetvision 3D, Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground, One Man's Dream, character appearances, Streetmosphere performers and all sorts of shops. Personally, I think The Studios has some of the best little details in the props and set-dressings of the different areas, but especially on Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards.  Have you ever noticed this pun-filled sign? Or any of the other throw-back store fronts?

 

     K really liked these statues. He must have felt badly eating his snack in front of them, because I caught him giving his graham crackers to them. Ha!

     Looking for a new place to live? Have you looked into Echo Lake apartments? Since they're right above Hollywood and Vine, you'd have a great view of the Chinese Theater. Touches like these around the park are so enjoyable to me.

     After amusing ourselves for a while in the Echo lake area, it was time for lunch at Hollywood and Vine. We had a fantastic lunch with Sofia, Doc, Jake and Manny, and I'll tell you more about that soon. When we were done eating, we went back out for a little more exploring. We stopped by the old Backlot Tour entrance, and saw that it is currently being used as a meet and greet area for Sorcerer Mickey. (RIP Backlot Tour. Sniff.)

     And over on the Streets of America, installation of the 20th and final Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is well underway. 

 

     But WAIT! What does that sign say on that building??? Mr. Gold's Pawnbroker??? Holy cow, guys! Storybrook has come to the Hollywood Studios! If you are a fan of ABC's hit "Once Upon a Time", you will LOVE looking through the windows of Rumple.. I mean, Mr. Gold's shop. Such cool props from the show! 

Look! Cinderella's slippers!

 

Recognize any of these wands?

Didn't Gold use that to trap Peter Pan?

Aladdin's Magic lamp

Aww... the unicorn mobile that was meant to hang above Emma's crib

     This store front is SO awesome! I wish they would bring more Once Upon a Time stuff to the parks. There were many Guests waiting to take pictures in front of Mr. Gold's, so I'm sure there would be interest in it. (Do ya HEAR me, Disney?)

     After I had my little fan-girl moment over Mr. Gold's shop appearing on New York Street, we were ready to head out of the park for the day. The daily storms were rolling in and I was full and happy. Ahhh. 

     Hope you enjoyed this quick little pop into the park, the way I enjoy my little visits. Be on the lookout for my review of Hollywood and Vine, coming at ya very soon. In the meantime, have a magical rest of the weekend!

Extra! Extra! Tink All About It!: Spectacle of Dancing Lights Goes Out With a BANG!

Good morning, Tinkers!

     So what everyone is talking about this morning in the Disney community is that fact that it is now confirmed that this will be the final year for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This also happens to be the 20th year that the lights have illuminated Disney's holiday celebration. This display of millions of dancing, twinkling, flashing lights has been a Guest favorite for the past 20 years, and many will be sad to see it go, but since the park is also preparing for a HUGE face lift with the addition of Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land, this is the last year that it will be feasible for the display to happen. The good news is, you can still enjoy this incredible display this year!
     From November 6th, 2015 to January 3rd, 2016 the display will dazzle Guests on the Streets of America. Complete with holiday music, festive treats, and even "snow", it's a "Must Do" if you'll be in the park this holiday season.

     And to mark this 20th and final year, Disney is giving us an awesome way to celebrate and enjoy the lights! Get ready for the Merry and Bright Dessert Party and the Merry and Bright Dinner Reception! Both options will be overlooking the breathtaking display of lights.  For the Dessert Party (Nov. 6- Dec. 30), enjoy sweet treats with a holiday twist. New this year, the Dinner Reception (Jan. 1-3) will feature a selection of small bites as well as beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Both events will be open to bookings on September 16th, and I'll share more details about the parties then! In the meantime, you might want to break out that light up holiday sweater that your family told you you'd never wear. It'll be PERFECT for this!