Disney's Hollywood Studios (General Discussion)

[TheUniC6]

Len Testa said on WDWMagic recently that a concept has been finalized for the Animation Courtyard replacement. It's far enough along to the point of "we can share this with the public." Looks like we might have a taste of one of the D23 2026 announcements.

 

[Floridaguy34]

so apparently accordibg to some cast members darth vader is being retired and will not do meet and greets after launch bay closes per kathleen kennedys request

 

[Freak]

so apparently accordibg to some cast members darth vader is being retired and will not do meet and greets after launch bay closes per kathleen kennedys request

She is absolutely determine to shove her failed sequel trilogy down everyone's throats, isn't she? Ugh.

"You want to meet one of the most iconic cinematic villains ever? Screw you, you're going to see Kylo Ren!"

 

[Clive]

I highly, highly doubt Kathleen Kennedy is personally making requests about what characters do and don't meet at Disney parks. Cast members would not be in a position to know this. Let's be serious.

 

[DarkMetroid567]

She is absolutely determine to shove her failed sequel trilogy down everyone's throats, isn't she? Ugh.

I’ll bite — how has Lucasfilm tried to shove the sequel trilogy down our throats in the last five years? Feels like all I see these days is prequel slop.

 

[Floridaguy34]

let’s see kennedy trying to do a new rey trilogy

 

[WebHead1138]

KK needs to be fired. She ruined Star Wars forever.

 

[Jake S]

folks, your bad takes are off topic.

 

[Alicia]

so apparently accordibg to some cast members darth vader is being retired and will not do meet and greets after launch bay closes per kathleen kennedys request

I find your lack of faith disturbing

 

[UniversalRBLX]

Maybe not immediately after Launch Bay closes, but I'm pretty sure there's still a plan in place to get legacy SW characters into SWGE sooner than later. I'd imagine they have to find a location to build a M&G (like that awning for starcruiser departures)

 

[GA-MBIT]

I think there have been pushes to de-emphasize the classic elements of Star Wars over the past 10 years within the parks, and I largely think those pushes misunderstand the point of buying Lucasfilm in the first place.

Regardless if this rumor specifically has any merit, I do hope we get some confirmation soon on the status of classic Star Wars (and DHS honestly!) characters like Darth.

 

[UniversalRBLX]

I think there have been pushes to de-emphasize the classic elements of Star Wars over the past 10 years within the parks, and I largely think those pushes misunderstand the point of buying Lucasfilm in the first place.

Regardless if this rumor specifically has any merit, I do hope we get some confirmation soon on the status of classic Star Wars (and DHS honestly!) characters like Darth.

They've reversed course on that philosophy. However they've been very slow at introducing characters into SWGE.

 

[OrlandoGuy]

I find your lack of faith disturbing

Bro has a pretty good track record tbh

 

[PerceptiveCoot]

I would believe Darth Vader is being retired so people can notice his prolonged absence before he reemerges at a new venue as a 2026 marketing addition

 

[Clive]

Bro has a pretty good track record tbh

I mean, that track record includes claiming there wouldn't be Epic previews and that Ministry wouldn't open with the park.

I suspect there is a game of telephone going on here.

 

[GA-MBIT]

I would believe Darth Vader is being retired so people can notice his prolonged absence before he reemerges at a new venue as a 2026 marketing addition

Now this seems like a modern Disney World move. Repackaging a pre-existing but defunct entertainment offering with some nice new glitz and promotional material, without adding too much more than what was already there before.

 

[LPCaptainDeath]

Are you ready. To. ROCK?!
If not, you have until next year to prepare, because Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets comes speeding into Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026, fueled by the tasty tunes of the Electric Mayhem and the high-speed hijinks of The Muppets.
And even more exciting – today, we have electrifying new details to share about the colorful cast of characters you’ll meet while hanging around the recording studio.

The Electric Mayhem: One Night Only!​

The Electric Mayhem are headlining their biggest Hollywood concert ever! Anyone who’s anyone is in attendance to witness Animal, Dr. Teeth, and the rest of this groove-tastic group rock the house down. There’s just one little problem: the band is nowhere to be found!

Across town at G-Force Records, we’re treated to a VIP tour of the legendary rock and roll recording studio. Things might look a little different around this Hollywood institution, as the label has recently come under new management – The Muppets! We’re happy to say that our colorful crew has landed some new digs … with just a little help from Scooter’s uncle, real estate tycoon and owner of the Muppet Theatre, J.P. Grosse (he really puts the G in G-Force). Just wait until you see how they’ve made these hallowed halls their own, creating the perfect place to make sweet, sweet Muppet music together!

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Courtyard​

For fans of that big – really big – hilariously big guitar, you’ll be stoked to know that the newest residents of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are putting their own spin on that ruby red paint job.

A vibrant and psychedelic new design will grace the bottom of the guitar (inspired by a classic Muppet car paint job), and the piano motif at the base will feature a golden key as a nod to a certain far-out band leader.

Welcome to the Studio​

With your VIP passes, you’ll be welcomed inside the recording studio, where – wouldn’t you know it – you’ll find the Electric Mayhem are cranking out some seriously rocking tunes. Along with the finest audio engineers (all penguins, of course) we’ll see Scooter doing his best to convince Electric Mayhem to stop jamming and get to their increasingly restless fans. But will it be enough to get the band across town and onstage in time?

A Rock ‘n’ Roll Roadtrip​

With the help from our friends at Muppet Labs and a very fast limousine, we’ll take a twisting, turning, and screamingly fun road trip across Hollywood to reach the concert in time. The iconic scenery and landmarks of Tinseltown will feature a Muppet twist.

And throughout the journey, you’ll hear the Electric Mayhem playing some of the most iconic, rockin’ hits in your ears to keep the music and adrenaline pumping. Hopefully G Force Records will release a concert setlist soon!

There’s more to this Muppet-filled melody yet to come, so stay tuned for more news. In the meantime: rock on!

 

[OrlandoGuy]

I mean, that track record includes claiming there wouldn't be Epic previews and that Ministry wouldn't open with the park.

I suspect there is a game of telephone going on here.

Yeah but to be fair…I forgot about that lmao

 

[Alicia]

Bro has a pretty good track record tbh

I was quoting Darth Vader.

 

[GA-MBIT]

View attachment 27619 View attachment 27620

... .
Hmm.

Well, the good. I think the exterior is nice! And having penguin and Scooter animatronics is fun!

But, yeah ... this is not boding well for them to do anything meaningful in updating G-Force Records. The hope was for even half of the zany Muppet-Vision queue energy to make it's way here. Paint marks, colorful crates, wacky props, signs, and costumes. Even Seaworld Orlando's Sesame Street Land capture that specific vibe inside of it's store and meet and greet locations.

But .. yeah, that really just seems like a pristine condition, barely changed version of the music studio building we have now. That's really unfortunate.