ILMxLAB and Meta Quest to Preview Special VR Experience Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge in Downtown Disney District

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Meta Quest and ILMxLAB, Lucasfilm’s award-winning immersive entertainment studio, are presenting a special Quest 2 preview of Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge coming to the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort, Nov. 21, 2021 – Jan. 5, 2022.

This preview version of ILMxLAB’s virtual reality experience expands the world of Batuu like never before! Once inside the Quest 2 headset, Guests will be immersed within sweeping 360 views of the Star Wars galaxy. The adventure takes place on the outskirts of Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu, as depicted in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the immersive epic lands at Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

The story features both new and iconic characters from the Star Wars galaxy. Gameplay was designed for a variety of players – from Star Wars fans to VR gamers – at home on Quest 2. 

In Part 1 of this action-adventure experience, Guests take on the role of a droid repair technician operating near the Outer Rim. When a group of pirates attack and they crash on Batuu, they’ll discover that anyone in the galaxy can become a hero.

Then, Guests can continue their epic journey with Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge-Last Call, the recently-released expansion. This new add-on gives Guests the opportunity to expand their virtual reality adventures on the Outer Rim and experience more eras in the Star Wars galaxy.

For a limited time, this complimentary preview experience will be offered daily, Noon – 8 p.m., adjacent to Star Wars Trading Post in the Downtown Disney District. Reservations may be available. A Meta Quest staff member will assist Guests on-site with reserving a time to come back to participate or direct Guests to queue up outside the building, based on availability.

Guests must wear face coverings for this experience. For more information and to view important details, visit: http://disneytraveltradeinfo.com/dlr. Must be 13 years or older to experience. Subject to capacity availability. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

Disneyland’s Buena Vista Street Opens Nov. 19

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Even though Disneyland Resort must remain closed as a theme park under California’s current regulations, Disney has made the announcement that they will be opening Disneyland’s Buena Vista Street for shopping and dining! Check out the details as shared below by DisneyParksBlog.

We’re excited to share that Buena Vista Street opens Nov. 19, extending the Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort with more Disney shopping and dining experiences. Discover new and returning favorite menu items plus holiday gifts and apparel, and stay tuned for more holiday happenings! Here’s a peek at what you can expect beginning Nov. 19:

Carthay Circle Restaurant, known for its upscale cuisine, is introducing Carthay Circle Lounge – Alfresco Dining, a new outdoor dining environment and menu featuring Mediterranean-California light fare, with small plates that can be shared or enjoyed separately at Carthay Circle Lounge. The seasonal menu created by Chefs Andrew Sutton and Alex Flores will feature the Carthay shrimp roll, harissa-roasted lamb, soy-glazed salmon, lemon-crusted fish of the day and an artisan cheese board. Kids will find menu options just for them, including orecchiette pasta with marinara and orange dragon chicken skewers. Relax and step back in time at this throwback venue that boasts distinct attention to detail. Unwind with flavorful, international fare and a glass of wine, craft beers or a cool cocktail, enjoying expanded outdoor seating and amazing views of Buena Vista Street.

On another corner, stop by Fiddler, Fifer & Practical Cafe for a yummy hot chocolate and a cranberry orange scone. Or, place your mobile order for corn dogs or soft drinks at Award Wieners, or for Smokejumpers Grill, serving bacon cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, onion rings, waffle fries, kids’ meals, and vanilla and chocolate shakes.

Along Buena Vista Street, Disney magic brings a nostalgic throwback to the 1920s and ’30s. The boulevard depicts a typical Los Angeles neighborhood where a young Walt Disney lived and worked after arriving in Southern California in 1923. This idyllic setting captures the quaint “mom-and-pop” shops of the time and a big-city department store including Elias & Co., Julius Katz & Sons, Kingswell Camera Shop and Trolley Treats, where you can find unique Disney apparel and gifts. 

Beginning Nov. 19, there will be a $10 fee per car for parking at the Downtown Disney District in the Simba Lot. The number of guests visiting the Downtown Disney District and its locations, including the shopping and dining experiences along Buena Vista Street, will be limited to promote physical distancing. We may at times use the mobile wait list system when Buena Vista Street and/or its queue are at capacity, similar to the process at some retail locations in the Downtown Disney District. Disney California Adventure Park is currently closed.

If you haven’t visited the Downtown Disney District lately, be sure to visit Disneyland.com/DTD to learn important information about updated experiences and other details including our health and safety measures such as the requirement for all guests, ages 2 and older, to wear a face covering. 

Black Panther Mural Pays Tribute to Chadwick Boseman at Downtown Disney

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

Black Panther actor, Chadwick Boseman passed away from cancer in late August. The very talented actor was best known for playing King T’Challa in Marvel’s Black Panther and Avengers superhero movies. Today, Sept. 24, the ‘King Chad’ mural by artist Nikkolas Smith was unveiled in Disneyland’s Downtown Disney shopping district.

As shared by OCRegister: A former Walt Disney Imagineer is paying tribute to the late actor Chadwick Boseman with a mural of the “Black Panther” star making the Wakanda salute on the side of a Downtown Disney building. The “King Chad” mural by artist Nikkolas Smith was unveiled on Thursday, Sept. 24 on the side of the former ESPN Zone building in the outdoor shopping center next to Disneyland. The mural shows Boseman and a young boy in a Black Panther mask both making the folded arm Wakanda salute.

“Seeing Chadwick’s heart for people in person, and later discovering his courageous battle with cancer, I was inspired to create this tribute to honor his life and legacy,” reads the artist statement next to the artwork in Downtown Disney.

“To millions of kids, T’Challa was a legend larger than life, and there was no one more worthy to fill those shoes than Chadwick Boseman,” Smith wrote on Instagram. “I’m so thankful to be able to honor Chadwick’s life and purpose in this way.”

Downtown Disney District Reopens To Guests in California

Posted on by Mathew Corn Disney Parks

The Downtown Disney District at the Disneyland Resort is a one-of-a-kind Disney experience, immersing guests in an exciting mix of family-friendly dining and shopping in a vibrant setting. A phased reopening of this outdoor promenade began July 9, 2020.

Downtown Disney District

The 20-acre, 300,000 square-foot Downtown Disney District features dozens of distinct venues, including Naples Ristorante e Bar, UVA Bar & Cafe, Marceline’s Confectionery, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, WonderGround Gallery, Disney Home, The LEGO Store, Wetzel’s Pretzels, Jamba and more.As they stroll the district, guests can appreciate the beautiful landscaping and colorful florals that adorn the Downtown Disney District.

World of Disney

The flagship World of Disney store in the Downtown Disney District is a dynamic and distinctively Disney retail experience. Guests discover a spacious atmosphere inspired as an animators’ loft, with uniquely themed areas, pixie dust surprises in the decor, nods to the classics from Walt Disney Animation Studios and new merchandise collections. These innovative features reinforce World of Disney’s reputation as a must-visit destination for Disney fans, offering the largest selection of Disney toys, souvenirs, accessories, fashions and collectibles at the Disneyland Resort.

Distinctive Dining

There are many food and beverage locations, outdoor patios and distinctive menus at the Downtown Disney District. Guests will find something for every taste—from exquisite meals at open-air cafés to gourmet treats. Recent additions include Salt & Straw, offering handmade ice cream in small batches using local, organic and sustainable ingredients, and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes, serving award-winning burgers and over-the-top CrazyShake milkshakes.

New Guidelines

With the health and safety of guests, operating participant employees, and Disney cast members at the forefront of planning, several operational changes have been implemented based on guidance from health authorities to promote physical distancing and enhanced cleanliness throughout the Downtown Disney District. To learn more about what to expect, guests can visit Disneyland.com/DTD.  To help guide guests through these new measures, cast members from the Guest Experience Team will be walking through the Downtown Disney District to help explain the new health and safety measures. Along with other Downtown Disney District cast members, they will encourage everyone to follow these measures for the health and safety of all.