Hooray for HOLLYWOOD! Hollywood Studios, that is!
We took a stroll around the park recently and were surprised with a ton of new fun finds, from big to small! And we’re starting at the brand newest of them all. Welcome to…
Grand Avenue
You already know that BaseLine Tap House made its debut at the very end of September.
It’s housed at the top of the brand new Grand Avenue area of the park, which is now open to all guests.
Much like the Streets of America that came before it, Grand Avenue is made up of shop facades featuring windows where it’s all in the details.
At 728 Grand Avenue, Angeleno Alterations stitches up garments for the ladies and gents.
And the Spring Flower Market has been “Blooming Happiness since 1978.”
But the Garcia Sisters have been serving Fine Foods even longer… since 1933!
And Luxury Units are now available at Grand Lofts.
I wouldn’t mind living in one of the luxury units here… especially once the nearby walls to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge come down in 2019!
New Starbucks Cups
Have you seen the new Animal Kingdom Starbucks Mickey Tumbler we found at Creature Comforts? Well, we told you there would be more to come, and indeed there is. Check out the Hollywood Studios Starbucks Mickey Tumbler at the Studios Starbucks location, The Trolley Car Cafe!
The Tumbler Mickeys are made up of park icons, attractions, and even visual patterns that capture so much of each park. And, just like at Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios has its own new design for the “You Are Here” Mug.
But The Trolley Car has something we haven’t seen at the other in-parks Starbucks locations… yet. It has its very own specialty drink: The Golden Age!
This Chai made with Toffee Nut Syrup can be made iced, hot, or as a Frappucino.
Echo Lake Refurbishment
The refurbishment of Echo Lake continues, as the lake surrounded by spots like Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner has been completely drained.
Once the refurbishment is complete, it won’t only be water coming back to the lake. Gertie herself — of Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction — will be dawning a brand new accessory — a Santa Hat!
You see, Echo Lake should be all set just in time for the Holidays to roll around, which — as far as Hollywood Studios is concerned — is November 9th! That marks the return of the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Spectacular, as well as new holiday experiences debuting around the park.
Sunset Seasons Greetings will bring SNOW to Sunset Boulevard, along with new decorations and a holiday projection show at the Hollywood Tower Hotel running throughout the evening.
Minnie’s Halloween Dine
But let’s not rush through fall just yet! Your place for Autumn Fun in Hollywood Studios is Hollywood & Vine.
That’s where Minnie’s Halloween Dine — featuring Minnie, Mickey, Daisy, Donald, and Goofy in their Halloween costumes — is in full swing!
And remember, as of last month, Minnie’s Seasonal Dine is available during lunch as well as dinner! (Breakfast remains the Play ‘n Dine experience featuring Disney Junior Characters.)
Coco Cupcake
Counter Service locations around the park are serving the new and colorful Dulce de Leche Coco Cupcake, in celebration of the upcoming Pixar film. (I can’t wait for this one!)
Look for it in spots like The Trolley Car Cafe.
Fairfax Fare
Remember the Loaded Baked Potato at Fairfax Fare?
It’s been replaced by a 7-Layer Rice Bowl.
Cilantro rice, black beans, a corn medley, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheddar cheese can be topped with your choice of pulled pork or grilled chicken.
Sangria Slushy
If you aren’t able to swing by Amorette’s Patisserie in Disney Springs for one of their new Wine Slushies, you may want to stop by… Anaheim Produce, of all places!
They are serving up Sangria Slushies with Beso del Sol Sangria!
Woot!
BB-9E Krispy Treats
BB-9E
— the First Order Droid we’ll get to know (and fear) when The Last Jedi is released — is featured on one of the redesigned prepackaged Star Wars Krispy Treats. (FYI — TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR THE LAST JEDI!!! GET ON IT!!!)
You’ll find other refreshed Krispy Treat choices around the park, too.
ABC Commissary
Oh, my goodness, this is taking me back… Does anyone remember the days of Chicken Breast Strips, long before the arrival of Chicken Breast Nuggets in Disney World?
Well, they’re back! In one location, anyway. Stop by ABC Commissary for some good ol’ Chicken Strips!
Check out the new Modern Family and Speechless displays while you’re there.
And remember this from Modern Family: “When life gives you lemonade, make lemons. Life will be all like, ‘What?!'”
PizzeRizzo
At PizzeRizzo, there’s a new drink on the menu.
A Frozen Italian Margarita has replaced the Wild Berry Basil Limoncello.
Backlot Express
And just a small update from Backlot Express before we go…
The Royal Guard Burger from the Backlot’s Star Wars-themed menu is no longer served on a black bun.
Thanks for joining us! And now, as they say in Hollywood Studios…
THAT’S A WRAP!
And by the way… if you’re wondering how ALL THE RESTAURANTS (and more!) rank on our list, check out this DFB Video on our YouTube Channel: Hollywood Studios Restaurants RANKED!
Essie says
I like the new ‘You Are Here’ mugs, but not so much the tumblers. I’m really looking forward to seeing any new areas that have opened, and any holiday decor, whether it be Halloween or Christmas!
Amy says
The Golden Age is only served hot or as a Frappuccino® (which is spelled incorrectly in the article). It can be ordered iced, but the baristas do not recommend it. For best flavor profiles, stick to hot or Frappuccino®. 🙂
Mark says
We were there yesterday after a fabulous F&W lunch at Tutto Gusto. Did like the Grand Avenue area. The over riding impression right now is, this is a construction site. How do they justify the $100 admission for day trippers?
Lisa says
We picked up all the new Starbucks mugs last week and think they are really cute. I was just a bit upset that I missed out on the second Hollywood Studios mug that debuted for a short time earlier this year. So now my collection is missing one.
BTW Mark, we were at the same Italian Regional Lunch as you and agree it was wonderful!
Ret says
Sorry to see the stuffed potato is no longer available. I was looking forward to enjoying another one in January.
But, glad to see the chicken strips are back at the Commisary.