After closing for refurbishment in November 2023, we now know when the Astro Orbitor at Disneyland Park is set to reopen.
Astro Orbitor Refurbishment
The Astro Orbitor webpage on the Disneyland website lists operating hours for the Tomorrowland attraction beginning on Friday, March 8, 2024, which would mean an over three-month-long closure.
The base of the attraction has returned to Tomorrowland and is covered in a blue tarp. The Astro Orbitor usually towers over the Tomorrowland entrance.
The Astro Orbitor is a replica of the Orbitron attraction at Disneyland Paris but was preceded at Disneyland Park by Astro Jets. Between the opening of Astro Jets in 1956 and its closure in 1997, it was renamed the Tomorrowland Jets and then the Rocket Jets.
The decorative planet to the right when facing the Tomorrowland entrance is also now surrounded by scaffolding. Tan tarps cover the outside of the scaffolding. The large planets that frame the attraction weren’t removed but it looks like they’re still getting some TLC.
The other rocket spinner attractions at Disney Parks include Astro Orbiter at Magic Kingdom (originally named Star Jets), Orbitron at Hong Kong Disneyland, and Jet Packs at Shanghai Disneyland. Star Jets at Tokyo Disneyland was replaced by The Happy Ride with Baymax.
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos will celebrate Hollywood’s biggest night with the annual After the Oscars special on Monday, March 11th on ABC. What’s Happening: As the sun sets on Oscar night and all of Hollywood is dancing the night away, Kelly Ripa, Mark Consuelos and the Live family will work through the night in preparation for television’s […]
ABC News Senior National Correspondent Matt Gutman interviews the wife on the day before she takes the stand in her defense in the second episode of Bad Romance, the eight-episode limited series from 20/20, hosted by ABC News Contributor and ESPN Analyst Ryan Smith. What’s Happening: No. 1-rated Bad Romance, the new eight-episode limited true-crime series from ABC News’ 20/20, returns with […]
Ashley Eckstein, the voice of Ahsoka Tano, was at Disney’s Hollywood Studios today to celebrate Ahsoka Tano Day with the launch of a brand-new collection. What’s Happening: Star Wars fans made the jump to hyperspace and traveled to Disney’s Hollywood Studios today to celebrate Ahsoka Tano Day, a fan-created holiday, with the new Star Wars Ahsoka by Ashley […]
Pixar Animation Studios is being recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences with a Scientific and Technical Award for their creation of Universal Scene Description, an open source production technology created by the studio that has become a standard across the industry. What’s Happening: Pixar Animation Studios is set to receive an […]
Here is look at the new programming coming to Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD in February 2024, including the season two premiere of “Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur,” and the season three premiere of “Mickey Mouse Funhouse.” There are also new episodes of “Pupstruction,” “Kiff,” “Firebuds,” and “Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures.”… Read More »Everything New Coming to Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD in February 2024
Hey, don’t come at us! It’s true! At one point, Hollywood Studios didn’t have a LOT going on, not like it has now. But thanks to the addition of Toy Story Land and later, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios has become one of the most popular Disney World parks. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, in particular, has made the park stand out, but despite that, Hollywood Studios is still missing something HUGE.
So one thing we often hear from folks is that Hollywood Studios lacks great dining options. We have to admit that out of Disney’s four parks, it ranks pretty low for us when it comes to restaurants. But let’s take a look, in particular at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. You would think Disney might have gone HARD on offering all the space-themed food it could think of, but honestly, the pickings are pretty sparse.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
All Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has are two counter-service restaurants: Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 plus a few snack spots. And although we could eat a Ronto Wrap nearly every day, Disney has missed a huge opportunity in this land. Why does Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge not have a table service restaurant?
Ronto Roasters
Don’t even get us started with Oga’s Cantina, which could’ve been SO MUCH MORE, but instead just offers a few mediocre snacks and pre-mixed drinks. Sure, those drinks are fun, and the atmosphere is cool (although we think it could use more aliens), but it’s still not a table service restaurant. Even Toy Story Land has its own table service restaurant, so what gives?
Oga’s Cantina in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Imagine a table service restaurant in Galaxy’s Edge, though, with a specialized menu that goes above what you can get at Docking Bay 7 and Ronto Roasters. In fact, we don’t even have to imagine it too hard because we had a chance to dine in the Crown of Corellia Dining Room several times on the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser (aka the Star Wars hotel) before it closed.
Crown of Corellia Dining Room
There, we had a chance to dine on some unique Star Wars-themed food. Lunch was served buffet-style with some space-themed options, and dinner was a grand affair with a menu that might have come straight out of George Lucas’ imagination. Even the drinks went above and beyond what you could get at Oga’s.
Crown of Corellia menu
So now that this Star Wars experience has closed, why can’t Disney take some of those ideas and create a table service restaurant themed to Star Wars? They even have the building that housed the Galactic Starcruiser and could use that to do something amazing. May we also remind Disney that we were once promised a Dinner Club in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Well, we remember, and WE’VE GOT THE RECEIPTS. Here’s the concept art:
Gaya performing at the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser
So there, we said it. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is great and all, but Hollywood Studios, as a whole, could be even better if Disney would just add a table service restaurant in that land. Who’s with us?
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
What do you think? Would Hollywood Studios benefit from a table service restaurant in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge? Why or why not? Sound off in the comments!
If you’re a college student with dreams of working at Disney World, here’s your chance!
Magic Kingdom
The Disney College Program offers a unique internship experience for college students and recent graduates. Program participants are placed in roles across many different areas, from quick service dining to character performing. For over 40 years, the College Program has helped launch the careers of numerous leaders within Disney and beyond.
If you or someone you know would love to join the college program, now’s the time to apply! Applications are now open for theFall 2024 Disney College Program. Those selected will have the opportunity to live, learn, and work at Walt Disney World Resort.
In addition to gaining hands-on work experience in Disney World, participants also have access to professional development opportunities and social events that can help set the stage for their future careers. Students participating in the program live at Flamingo Crossings Village, a new housing community located close to Disney World.
Applications are currently open for the Fall 2024 program, which includes arrival dates between May 2024 and September 2024, and a total internship length of 4 to 8 months, with opportunities to extend up to one year.
Cast Members!
Sound like an opportunity up your alley? Then head over to Disney Programs now to learn more or to get started on your application! Maybe we’ll see you in the parks one day soon…
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Do you know anyone who has participated in the Disney College Program? Let us know in the comments!
Are you planning your 2024 trip to Disney World? How exciting!
Magic Kingdom
We’re so excited about all we’ll get to experience at the parks this year and, of course, keeping you in the loop of what’s new. If you’re traveling soon and know you need a new suitcase for your trip, check out these Disney suitcases online that are ON SALE!
DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, we receive a commission.
The American Tourister Disney Hardside Luggage is a 21-inch bag that’s great for short trips, or if you know how to pack light. It has four multi-directional spinning wheels and looks like Mickey Mouse’s iconic red shorts! Plus, it has his signature in the top right corner.
You’ll never lose sight of your FUL Disney Mickey Mouse 25 Inch Rolling Luggage because WOW, it is shiny! The whole suitcase is silver and has Mickey on the front. If you’re afraid of your bag looking like everyone else’s at the airport, this is the solution.
And we can’t forget about Minnie! The American Tourister Disney Minnie Mouse Hardside Luggage is a 21-inch suitcase, perfect as a carry-0n, that is black with Minnie Mouse head outlines all over, complete with her signature polka dot bow!
If your kiddo wants to pack their own suitcase and they love Frozen, the little American Tourister Kids’ Frozen Hardside Luggage is a great choice. The front features Anna and Elsa against a snowy blue background.
Fans of the Star Wars franchise will love the American Tourister Storm Trooper Hardside Luggage! It’s another great size to carry on a plane at 21 inches, and the entire front and back feature a Storm Trooper mask.
If you’re afraid all your clothing won’t fit in your suitcase, the Lilo and Stitch Packing Cube Set is essential. It comes with four different-sized cubes plus a flat pouch for storing all your items. Trust us, these things really work wonders!
If you’re feeling more of the Mickey and Minnie vibe, the Minnie and Mickey Packing Cube Set might be a better fit. It also comes with four different cubes and a flat pouch to use for packing.
And if you’re looking for just one more bag to hold some makeup brushes, jewelry, toiletries, or medication, the Disney Minnie Mouse Nylon Jewelry Holder is a fantastic choice. We love its pink color and the three Minnie Mouse patches on the front.
We’ve been collecting Happy Meal toys (OBVIOUSLY) but we go there for the food, too. So, when we heard a Double Big Mac was coming to McDonald’s, you KNOW we had to go grab one for ourselves — and we might be writing this from the grave.
The Double Big Mac comes with four 100% all-beef patties (WHEW), along with a LOT of Big Mac sauce. It’s topped with pickles, shredded lettuce, finely chopped onions, and a slice of American cheese, all sandwiched between a sesame seed bun.
Flavor-wise, it tastes just like a regular Big Mac, but we have to say it — it’s TOO MUCH. There’s way too much meat and, although we love that Big Mac sauce, there’s way too much of that, too. That sauce was literally dripping off the burger and making a mess.
This is… a lot.
Also, the quality of the beef patties wasn’t great. Ours were salty, dry, and overcooked — which is, honestly, how we think of McDonald’s burgers in general, but when you’ve got four of them together, it’s VERY noticeable. Also, it needs MORE CHEESE. Yes, we love cheese, but if you’re doubling the meat, why not double the cheese, too? That could’ve balanced things out a little more.
More is not always better.
So nope, we are just NOT loving it when it comes to this burger. We’ll take a regular Big Mac over this any old day. However, if you’re curious and love Big Macs, go ahead and get it. Lovers of McDonald’s burgers might end up really enjoying this, but we did not.
We had to try it, but that’s how we felt about it. Stay tuned to DFB for more reviews!
Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.
Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!
Would you eat a Double Big Mac? Tell us in the comments.
