The biggest additions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019 will be the Disney Skyliner, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and the August 29th addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. However, before ANY of these new attractions open, this park will be undergoing a number of changes, including the addition of some limited time fun for its 30th anniversary, happening in only a few days, as well as a reopening and a closing!
1. Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Celebration happening May 1st
Image: Disney
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is celebrating its milestone 30th anniversary in just a few days and there will be plenty of amazing limited time entertainment and merchandise for guests who can make it to this special day. First up is a Star-Studded Celebration cavalcade parade starring Mickey and friends which will celebrate this park’s history and step off at 10:00 AM and will head down Hollywood Blvd.
Guests entering the park on this special day can also grab a free special 30th anniversary commemorative guide map and button that will only be available on May 1st, 2019.
At the end of the day, Disney will also debut thier “Wonderful World of Animation” new nighttime projection show, which will light up the park for the first time on this special day. This new show will take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey himself, and featuring beloved Disney and Pixar characters from films like Wreck-It Ralph, Coco, The Incredibles, Frozen, Cars, The Little Mermaid, Sleeping Beauty and more. This new show will debut at exactly 9:05 PM, just before the park’s nightly Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.
Image: Disney
After the park closes, there will also be a special anniversary edition of Disney After Hours that will not only feature walk-on access to the park’s most iconic rides (including the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Slinky Dog Dash), but also some beloved Disney characters ready to greet guests in the Chinese Theatre Courtyard, at Star Wars Launch Bay and more. There will also be a special encore performance of “Wonderful World of Animation” taking place exclusively for event attendees.
And of course it wouldn’t be a Disney anniversary celebration without limited edition merchandise! Themed shirts, pins, MagicBands, ornaments and more will all be available for guests who want to commemorate this landmark ocassion. In an effort to keep shoppers from overwhelming the park, guests who wish to make purchases can actually begin shopping at 8:00 AM in Grand Park, before the park opens at 9:00 AM.
Finally, special anniversary food & beverage items will be available throughout the park on May 1st, including Kylo Ren Cupcakes, Incredibles Macarons, Tres Leches Verrine and more.
2. PizzeRizzo to reopen temporarily
Image: Disney
Though PizzeRizzo at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has not been open very long, this eatery closed down last fall as part of sweeping cuts that hit Walt Disney World in 2018. However, it looks like PizzeRizzo will reopen to Guests on May 4th, operating daily for lunch and dinner 11:00 AM to 1 hour before park close all through the month of May, and part of June before closing again, probably for good until Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens later this year. And if you’re wondering why this dining location is suddently coming back to life for this brief period…
3. ABC Comissary closing for refurbishment next month
The ABC Commissary is currently being plussed up in advance of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and is getting new decor, furnishings, and self-serve beverage station. And while these improvements are being made, the restuarant will be closed from May 5 to May 24, 2019. The location is currently expected to reopen on May 25 after which guests will be able to make reservations via My Disney Experience for dinner at this location and enjoy a “fast-casual” experience where they order at the counter and then have a seat while their order is prepared and then delivered to them.
