One of my favorite experiences at Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney area would be taking in dinner and a movie at the AMC 24 Dine-In Theaters! The place serves great pubfood and drink and has excellent service. The seats are comfortable and is perfect for date night or family movie night. It's a great treat experiencing films with the brilliant big screen and state-of-the-art digital sound system. Do yourself a favor and check it out for yourself. It's worth the price of admission!
Enjoy your favorite foods and cocktails paired with great movies in an immersive big-screen theater. Select from an extensive menu featuring a flavorful variety of classic favorites. Fork & Screen® features reserved seating with upgraded seats, a personal call button, and seat-side service. Follow them on Twitter@WDWDowntown for the latest news, offers, and special events.
Earlier this week Disney officially crownd a new Princess! Check this footage out!
Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new official Disney Princess! Merida, the heroine from the Disney●Pixar film, "Brave," was officially welcomed into Disney royalty earlier today in a ceremony held at Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom Park.
As we gear up for the debut of "Mickey and the Magical Map," the latest and greatest new show at Fantasyland Theatre in Disneyland park, it triggered memories from my colleagues about what's been featured in this popular theatre in years past.
The city's Traffic Commissioner, James Muhic, says the film company has been required to staff a number of posts throughout Cleveland with police officers. Those posted officers will be tasked with keeping traffic moving especially during the production's closure of the West Shoreway for two weeks in late May through mid-June. Cleveland stood in for New York City during The Avengers filming in the summer of 2011. This May and June, Cleveland will stand in for Washington D.C.
"Marvel's - The Avengers" production in Cleveland.
The Division of Traffic & Engineering and the Public Safety Department have been working with the production company, traffic-engineering consultant American Roadway Logistics and GCRTA to develop a plan to accommodate the needs of the film and help keep traffic moving throughout the city.
As mentioned, primary among the road closures will be Cleveland's West Shoreway, which will be closed in each direction from Lake Avenue to E. 9th Street from May 29 through June 14. Edgewater Park and the marinas north of the Shoreway will be accessed via West 49th Street.
Other street closures will occur in downtown Cleveland, primarily between May 18 and June 14, but additional closures may occur between June 14 and June 28th.
Updates will be provided on a regular basis through additional traffic advisories and social media at #CLECaptTraffic.
Some of the road closures may affect RTA customers as well, so all passengers are advised to visit www.riderta.com or call the RTAnswerline at 216-621-9500 for all the details.
Below, you will find a larger breakdown of the road closures that will be impact both traffic and pedestrians (subject to change):
May 18 - May 26: Rockwell Avenue between E. 9th Street and West Mall Drive. Alternate route: Superior Avenue. Note: A lane will be maintained for parking garage access between E. 9th and E. 6th streets.
May 18 - May 26: E. 6th between Superior Avenue and St. Clair. Alternate route: E. 9th Street. Note: E. 6th Street at Theresa Court - ABM Lot closed from May 18 - May 23.
May 20: E. 6th Street between Superior and Euclid. Intermittent traffic control. Note: A lane will be maintained for access to the 515 Euclid garage.
May 23: E. 6th Street between St. Clair and Lakeside. Alternate route: E. 9th Street. Note: Access to parking garages will be maintained.
May 23: Lakeside Avenue between E. 9th Street and East Mall Drive. Intermittent traffic control. Note: Access to parking garages will be maintained.
May 24 - May 25: Euclid Avenue between E. 6th Street and E. 18th Street. Alternate route: Superior Avenue. Note: Buses will be re-routed to Prospect.
May 24 - May 25: E. 9th Street between Chester and Bolivar. Alternate route: E. 18th Street.
May 24 - May 25: Prospect Avenue between Ontario and E. 18th Street. Note: Open for car traffic. No parking on this street to allow for the rerouting of buses from Euclid Avenue.
May 26: Prospect Avenue between E. 2nd Street and E. 17th Street. Alternate route: Superior Avenue. Note: Access to the Horseshoe Casino parking garage will be maintained.
May 26: Huron Road between Ontario and Prospect. Alternate route: Carnegie Avenue.
May 26: Bolivar at Prospect. Alternate route: Carnegie Avenue. Note: Access to Gateway East Garage will be maintained.
May 28 - June 1: Prospect between E. 4th and Bolivar. Alternate route: Carnegie Avenue. Note: Access to parking garages will be maintained.
May 28 - June 1: E. 9th Street between Chester and Bolivar. Alternate route: Carnegie Avenue. Note: Access to parking garages will be maintained.
May 28 - June 1: Huron between Ontario and Prospect. Alternate route: Carnegie Avenue. Note: Access to parking garages will be maintained.
May 28 - June 14: West Shoreway between Lake Avenue and E. 9th. Alternate route: Detroit Avenue. Note: Edgewater Park and the marinas north of the Shoreway will be accessed via W. 49th Street.
May 30 - June 14: W. 3rd Street between Alfred Lerner Way and St. Clair Avenue. Alternate route: E. 9th Street. Note: Access to Huntington Garage will be maintained off Lakeside Avenue.
May 30 - June 14: Lakeside Avenue between W. 6th Street and Ontario. Intermittent traffic control.
June 13: Prospect Avenue between W. 6th and Ontario. Intermittent traffic control. Note: Parking garage access will be maintained.
Star Wars Weekends is plenty of fun, especially if you know what to expect. During SWW Disney's Hollywood Studios is very busy and for some first timers, can be quite overwhelming. So here are a few tips (in no particular order) so you can maximize your enjoyment during a party of galactic proportions.
5) GET THERE EARLY
If you plan on getting autographs you've got to get there super early! Disney's Hollywood Studios opens at 9 a.m. and the earliest you'll be allowed into the park is generally around 8:30. Hardcore fans have camped out the night before the park closes to be the first in line to secure an autograph FASTPASS. You won't be able to get over to the Star Tours area until the official rope drop at 9. Getting there early doesn't just apply to autographs, but to shopping and attractions which I cover in more detail below.
Sorcerer Radio's Kristen Hoetzel getting a Her Universe shirt signed by designer/Star Wars voice actress Ashley Eckstein. Photo by Aljon Go.
4) GET YOUR FASTPASS
As in years past there are no additional charges for the celebrity autograph sessions at Star Wars Weekends. Autograph lines will be using a FASTPASS-type system. FASTPASS tickets will be extremely limited and are distributed on a first-come, first served basis at Disney’s Hollywood Studios main entrance, to the right of the turnstiles. For the past few years distribution has been done prior to the park opening. So get there early!You must have a FASTPASS ticket to receive an autograph. To receive a FASTPASS ticket:
Join the line of the celebrity you would most like to meet. You may not save a place in line for other party members.
While in line, you will receive a wristband. Your Theme Park admission media and wristband allow you to receive one FASTPASS ticket. Only one autograph FASTPASS ticket per Guest. Each Guest must be present to receive a FASTPASS ticket. You may not get FASTPASS tickets for other members of your party.
After receiving your ticket, continue to wear your wristband. You will need to be wearing your wristband to get an autograph. Your FASTPASS ticket will have a designated autograph return time. Until that time, you may enjoy other Star Wars Weekends activities.
At your designated time, proceed to the Celebrity Autograph Location at Echo Lake to show your wristband and present your FASTPASS ticket. Once FASTPASS tickets for visiting celebrities are distributed, we may distribute a limited number of stand-by tickets with a return time. Stand-by tickets do not guarantee you an autograph.
3) SHOP AT NIGHT
Darth's Mall is back for another year. Unless you really really want to get some of that limited edition merchandise like pins, Vinylmations and collectibles you may want to wait until after lunch when the crowds die down. I prefer to wait until the evening hours where I don't have to spend hours in line in the hot sun. There are significantly less people shopping inside the tent as well. It makes for a much better, non-claustrophobic experience. The only drawback to this would be if you were looking to get a piece of merchandise signed like art or books. If you do want to ensure your shot at exclusive merchandise be sure to arrive as soon as the park opens and head straight to Darth's Mall. To get certain artists signature, check your park map/guide for times and try getting there at least an hour (or more) ahead of time so you can work your way through the line. Once again, it all depends on your priorities. Darth’s Mall is located in the courtyard between Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror .
Boba Feet and Kristen have captured a Jedi.
2) COSPLAY
Many children and adults come dressed as their favorite Star Wars characters during this event. It makes for great pictures with the characters, especially with the entire family. Just be sure to pack extra clothes in case you get too hot. You can save a lot of money and perhaps surprise your kids by purchasing them costumes ahead of time. Please visit our friends at Halloween Express where you cantake 15% off site-wide with NO minimum purchase!
Bounty Hunter, Aurra Sing, looks like she is staring some trouble!
1) BRING YOUR CAMERA
Be sure to take your camera. You never know when you might run into some random Star Wars character walking about.
Characters you may run into are: Ahsoka, Anakin Skywalker, Aurra Sing, Boba Fett, Cantina Band, Chewbacca, Clone Troopers, Darth Maul, Darth Vader, Ewoks, Gamorrean Guard, Jango Fett, Jawas, Jedi Mickey, Kit Fisto, Leia Minnie, Mace Windu, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Queen Amidala, R2-D2, Shaak Ti, Stormtroopers, Stormtrooper Donald, Tusken Raiders, Vader Goofy and Zam Wesell.
Check your daily Guide Map for the best times and locations to meet these characters. I've found that times are very loosely held so please be flexible and keep in mind that characters will need to take breaks and often times be switched out. There will also be several PhotoPass opportunities as well, however by my account they will be few and far between. Your best bet would be to have character handlers to use your camera to take your picture. I generally make friends in long lines and offer to take their picture if they will do the same for me. It's a great way to get your entire party in the picture and do something nice for someone else!
There are several new attractions for this year's Star Wars Weekends making it even bigger and better. Take a gander!
PHOTO WITH A RANCOR
A photo opportunity with a "life-size" rancor. The giant beast, which was Jabba the Hutt's prized pet in Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, will be on display during the event. The handcrafted replica is 17 feet long and weighs more than 700 pounds. The reptomammal sculpture is well-traveled — it's a popular piece at Star Wars events around the globe and will make its way to our park for Star Wars Weekends.
ONE-MAN SHOWS
A trio of specialty "one-man shows" will be presented this year, giving guests a peek into the on- and off-screen worlds of three Star Wars celebrities: James Arnold Taylor, Ray Park and Warwick Davis.
"Obi-Wan & Beyond" (each event day) stars James Arnold Taylor. James takes audiences on a journey into his wonderful world of voice acting.
"Visit to the Maul" (Weekends I and II) features Ray Park. Guests can see a demonstration of amazing martial arts skills by the actor who portrayed Darth Maul on the silver screen.
"An Ewok's Tale - My Short Story" (Weekends II and III) stars Warwick Davis. Guests get a unique look into the fascinating world of this Star Wars legend.
Star Wars Weekends 2013 Dates: May 17 - June 9
Star Wars Weekends activities are included with regular Disney's Hollywood Studios admission.
If you plan on attending any of the Star Wars Weekends, be sure to arrive at the park early. Although the official park opening time is 9 a.m., you will be allowed into the park around 8:30. You will not be able to get over to the Star Tours area until the official rope drop at 9, though.
Information Desk for the event is usually located at the entrance to the event area, across from Drew Carey: Sounds Dangerous. This will be the place to have all your event questions answered and to sign up for different Trivia contests.
Here's the schedule of events for WEEK #1 of Star Wars Weekends 2013 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, which kicks off tomorrow. The annual event will be taking place May 17 - June 9, 2013.
Throughout the parks guests can get autographs and pictures with Cast Members dressed as Star Wars characters from the live-action movies and Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series. But what every Star Wars fan comes to see... the celebrity actors. The hosts for this weekend, and all four weekends will be James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
This special guest actors for this weekend include:
Ray Park who portrayed Darth Maul in Phantom Menace. He'll be signing autographs at 1:45 p.m. and performing for Visit to the Maul at 5:00 p.m. in the Premiere Theater. During this show Ray Park demonstrates his amazing martial art skills and gets future Sith Lords to join in.
Jeremy Bullock who portrayed Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back. He'll be signing autographs at 9:45 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Dee Bradley Baker, the voice of Commander Cody, Captain Rex and all the clones in Star Wars: The Clone Wars (and of course, Perry the Platypus/Agent P in Phineas and Ferb). He'll be signing autographs at 9:45 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Star Wars Weekends Event:
9:45 am: James Arnold Taylor autograph signing
11 am: Legends of the Force Motorcade and Celebrity Welcome
12 and 1:45 pm: Behind the Force: Star Wars Voices hosted by Ashley Eckstein
2:10 and 4:30 pm: Padawan Mind Challenge
3:30 pm: Stars of the Saga hosted by James Arnold Taylor
4:30 and 5:45 pm: Ashley Eckstein autograph signing
6:30 pm: Obi-Wan and Beyond starring James Arnold Taylor
8 pm: Hyperspace Hoopla!
Park Map for Weekend 1:
To get more Star Wars Weekends event information scan the QR code on the park map.
Guests are welcome to dress up as their favorite Star Wars character. Check out some great Star Wars costumes at Halloween Express.
