Chapter 1 - Hollywood Studios - Getting There update Feb 2022
History of a Concept
Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, probably went through more conceptual evolutions before the first shovel of ground was moved than any other Walt Disney World Park.
Like most things in Walt Disney World, Disney's Hollywood Studios traces its origins back to Walt Disney himself. In the 1960s, Walt wanted to build a theme park that would showcase the wonders behind movies by taking guests through the movie making process
At that time, Universal Studios had a popular backstage tram tour, and Walt wanted to do something similar on the backlot of the Disney Studios in Burbank. But due to land costs and potential traffic problems, this idea never came to fruition. Walt looked to Anaheim and Disneyland. Disneyland, however, could not fully encompass the whole dream Walt had for showing the movie making process.
Although the Disney Studios backlot tour was never built in Disneyland or at the Disney Burbank Studio, the concept would later resurface in Walt Disney World.
Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, probably went through more conceptual evolutions before the first shovel of ground was moved than any other Walt Disney World Park.
Like most things in Walt Disney World, Disney's Hollywood Studios traces its origins back to Walt Disney himself. In the 1960s, Walt wanted to build a theme park that would showcase the wonders behind movies by taking guests through the movie making process
At that time, Universal Studios had a popular backstage tram tour, and Walt wanted to do something similar on the backlot of the Disney Studios in Burbank. But due to land costs and potential traffic problems, this idea never came to fruition. Walt looked to Anaheim and Disneyland. Disneyland, however, could not fully encompass the whole dream Walt had for showing the movie making process.
Although the Disney Studios backlot tour was never built in Disneyland or at the Disney Burbank Studio, the concept would later resurface in Walt Disney World.
Marty Skylar
Early Development of Disney-MGM Studios
The evolution for what would eventually become Disney's Hollywood Studios began in the mid-1980s. There are varying accounts as to what sparked the creation of the new park.
One of the possible initiating point came when Imagineers led by Marty Skylar and Randy Bright were given the task of creating two new pavilions for Future World in EPCOT Center. One idea they came up with, was to be the Great Moments in Movies pavilion, which would house an attraction that would have taken guests through various iconic movie scenes (a concept that would eventually materialize in The Great Movie Ride).
Michael Eisner, then the CEO of the Disney Company, decided that the idea for the pavilion was strong enough to warrant its own theme park and he told his Imagineers to begin working on it.
A second possible initiation point for the creation of the Disney-MGM Studios came when Disney had a greatly expanded production schedule during the 1980’s and needed to build facilities to allow for this expansion. Instead of buying expensive land in California, the company decided that the studio would be built on the property they already owned in Florida. This need for a new production studio is often mentioned as one of the driving forces behind the inclusion of a studio tour in the new Disney theme park.
The evolution for what would eventually become Disney's Hollywood Studios began in the mid-1980s. There are varying accounts as to what sparked the creation of the new park.
One of the possible initiating point came when Imagineers led by Marty Skylar and Randy Bright were given the task of creating two new pavilions for Future World in EPCOT Center. One idea they came up with, was to be the Great Moments in Movies pavilion, which would house an attraction that would have taken guests through various iconic movie scenes (a concept that would eventually materialize in The Great Movie Ride).
Michael Eisner, then the CEO of the Disney Company, decided that the idea for the pavilion was strong enough to warrant its own theme park and he told his Imagineers to begin working on it.
A second possible initiation point for the creation of the Disney-MGM Studios came when Disney had a greatly expanded production schedule during the 1980’s and needed to build facilities to allow for this expansion. Instead of buying expensive land in California, the company decided that the studio would be built on the property they already owned in Florida. This need for a new production studio is often mentioned as one of the driving forces behind the inclusion of a studio tour in the new Disney theme park.
While the Great Moments in the Movies pavilion and Disney's need for a new production studio may have been the incentive for the creation of the Disney-MGM Studios. But perhaps the most crucial factor in the creation of the park happened before either of these events. In 1982, Universal Studios was planning on building an East Coast theme park in Orlando. Universal was looking for a partner in the venture, so they approached the then Paramount Studios' CEO Michael Eisner about joining them in the project. Eisner declined Universal's proposal and the plans for a Universal East theme park were tabled. When Eisner was named CEO of Disney in 1984, he knew about Universal's theme park plans and wanted to beat them to the punch. Eisner decided to build a movie theme park of his own, and had Imagineers start working on the concept. When Universal announced its plans for an Orlando theme park in 1985, Michael Eisner announced that Disney was already working on a movie based theme park which would be the third Park in Walt Disney World.
Before the new park was even announced, Disney had already been working behind the scenes to acquire the rights to the name and logo of Metro-Golden-Mayer Inc. This led to Disney and MGM agreeing on a contract in 1985, which allowed Disney to use the MGM name, logo and certain film clips. MGM had reels and reels of great movie classics which would allow Disney to widen from Disney animation to encompassing the entire spectrum of film making.
The new theme park would eventually be named Disney-MGM Studios, and would feature the classic MGM logo - Leo the Lion.
The new theme park would eventually be named Disney-MGM Studios, and would feature the classic MGM logo - Leo the Lion.
Note: Marty Sklar He was The Walt Disney Company's international ambassador for Walt Disney Imagineering, the subsidiary of the company which designs and constructs Disney theme parks and resorts across the world.
Note: Randy Bright, was vice president of concept development, responsible for overseeing the development of all major shows and attractions for Disney Parks.
He was the writer and show producer for The American Adventure in World Showcase at Epcot.
Note: Randy Bright, was vice president of concept development, responsible for overseeing the development of all major shows and attractions for Disney Parks.
He was the writer and show producer for The American Adventure in World Showcase at Epcot.
The Creation of a Dream
So in the mid 1980’s the Disney Imagineers got to work and develop plans on how to introduce the 1940’s and 1950’s Hollywood into a theme park that is smaller than EPCOT or the Magic Kingdom. They studied the archives of the time, from movies to television clips. They wanted a perfect representation of the 1940’s and 1950’s Hollywood. Imagineers then had to scaling their ideas down to fit in the space.
So in the mid 1980’s the Disney Imagineers got to work and develop plans on how to introduce the 1940’s and 1950’s Hollywood into a theme park that is smaller than EPCOT or the Magic Kingdom. They studied the archives of the time, from movies to television clips. They wanted a perfect representation of the 1940’s and 1950’s Hollywood. Imagineers then had to scaling their ideas down to fit in the space.
|
|
Michael Eisner, who had a major part in the park's creation ever since the earliest development, demanded the opening land to operate on the same principle as Main Street, U.S.A. — a street lined with shops and food, but in a style more fitting to Hollywood.
Ideas emerged from Imagineers about featuring Californian style architecture. In addition to showcasing the wonders of film, Imagineers had to encompass the golden age of television in the park, not only for the historical value, but because the Studios would be used for broadcasting television. Additionally, a radio station was planned to be made in the park so the Studios could broadcast various radio programs.
President Michael Eisner announced plans for the Studios publicly, in 1985. Construction began in 1986 and the talented staff of Imagineers included Director and Producer George Lucas.
Note: George Lucas – now we believe we don’t have to tell you who George Lucas is. (If you don’t know, hint – Star Wars)
Ideas emerged from Imagineers about featuring Californian style architecture. In addition to showcasing the wonders of film, Imagineers had to encompass the golden age of television in the park, not only for the historical value, but because the Studios would be used for broadcasting television. Additionally, a radio station was planned to be made in the park so the Studios could broadcast various radio programs.
President Michael Eisner announced plans for the Studios publicly, in 1985. Construction began in 1986 and the talented staff of Imagineers included Director and Producer George Lucas.
Note: George Lucas – now we believe we don’t have to tell you who George Lucas is. (If you don’t know, hint – Star Wars)
It was vital that the park had a working film studio that showed visitors how film was made but at the same time was entertaining. Lucas is credited with being able to blend excellent story telling with special effects.
Aside from the thrill rides, Disney Imagineers had to keep in mind that Disney-MGM Studios was to be a working studio and had to be able to accomplish that task. Imagineers designed a facility that created the perfect work environment for Disney animators, while at the same time, allowing guests to witness the animation process from start to finish.
In keeping with the classic movie studio theme, Disney Imagineers continued the tradition that movie studios in California used to have of keeping water towers on their lots for heating and cooling purposes. The Studios were designed a tower of its own. Named the Earffel Tower, Disney’s tower however, does not heat or cool anything. The 130 foot tall tower is empty and is used as a landmark.
Aside from the thrill rides, Disney Imagineers had to keep in mind that Disney-MGM Studios was to be a working studio and had to be able to accomplish that task. Imagineers designed a facility that created the perfect work environment for Disney animators, while at the same time, allowing guests to witness the animation process from start to finish.
In keeping with the classic movie studio theme, Disney Imagineers continued the tradition that movie studios in California used to have of keeping water towers on their lots for heating and cooling purposes. The Studios were designed a tower of its own. Named the Earffel Tower, Disney’s tower however, does not heat or cool anything. The 130 foot tall tower is empty and is used as a landmark.
|
|
|
In keeping with Disney tradition, Imagineers had to select something to be the center, visual draw of the park as guests enter.
The Imagineers chose one of the most recognized Hollywood landmarks is the Grauman’s Chinese Theater. This famous movie house that premiered so many of Hollywood’s great films.
Four years after the plans had been announced, Disney-MGM Studios became a reality. With the landmark Mann’s Chinese Theater in the center stage of the park.
With Disney’s affiliation with ABC television, in addition to the syndicated programs, added to make the dual-natures of Disney’s mission of a Theme Park and a Production Studio mesh. The Studios opened up a full two years ahead of rival Universal Pictures’ Universal Studios.
The Imagineers chose one of the most recognized Hollywood landmarks is the Grauman’s Chinese Theater. This famous movie house that premiered so many of Hollywood’s great films.
Four years after the plans had been announced, Disney-MGM Studios became a reality. With the landmark Mann’s Chinese Theater in the center stage of the park.
With Disney’s affiliation with ABC television, in addition to the syndicated programs, added to make the dual-natures of Disney’s mission of a Theme Park and a Production Studio mesh. The Studios opened up a full two years ahead of rival Universal Pictures’ Universal Studios.
|
|
Getting There
|
|
As with all of the Parks at Walt Disney World, getting there can be part of the fun. Especially if you enjoy the trip as much as you enjoy the destination. There are many modes of transportation for getting to Hollywood Studios, some depend on where you’re coming from:
If you’re up to it you could also choose to walk from your car to the park entrance. 
|
Parking is very easy. Guests have two choices Valet parking or Self-parking. 
Bus transportation is especially helpful for guests staying at Disney Resorts, as buses are on routine schedules to go to and from multiple bus stops within each Disney Resort. Timetables are now conveniently available at resorts so you know when the next bus is coming. 
|
Except from those around Crescent Lake, such as, Boardwalk Inn, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan and Dolphin Resorts. From these Resorts you can reach Hollywood Studios via Water Transport or walking.
The buses typically arrive every 20-25 minutes Buses from most resorts go to Hollywood Studios.
At the resorts, there is a video monitor that will tell you how long until the next bus is expected to arrive.
Reference:
The buses typically arrive every 20-25 minutes Buses from most resorts go to Hollywood Studios.
At the resorts, there is a video monitor that will tell you how long until the next bus is expected to arrive.
Reference:
- https://www.disneylists.com/2016/02/walt-disney-world-buses-what-you-need-to-know/?utm_source=DisneyList.com+Update&utm_campaign=9ee674d285-DisneyLists_com_Update_10_19_19&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_e09735652c-9ee674d285-283624153
- https://www.undercovertourist.com/blog/sit-back-enjoy-the-ride-complimentary-transportation-for-disneys-hollywood-studios/
- By Boat - Epcot and Hollywood Studios both are accessible by boat from the Boardwalk and Boardwalk Inn, Beach and Yacht Club Resorts, and the Swan and Dolphin Hotels. Boats typically run every 15-30 minutes.
|
|
There is no cost to use the Disney’s Water Transportation even if you are not a guest at any of these Resorts!
One tip: During potential Thunder storms, the Water transportation may shutdown traveling to and from a destination. So you may have to seek alternative transportation.
Reference:
Reference:
|
|
The views are spectacular, with panoramas that include the Tower of Terror and Spaceship Earth.
Hollywood Studios - Tower of Terror
|
Epcot - France
|
Rivera Resort
|
Caribbean Beach Resort
Transfer Station
Hollywood Studios Station
|
|
|
Entrance Plaza to Hollywood Studios
As everything in Walt Disney World, even Hollywood Studios has seen changes. The location of the Entrance Plaza of Hollywood Studios hasn’t changed over the years but its overall appearance has.
As everything in Walt Disney World, even Hollywood Studios has seen changes. The location of the Entrance Plaza of Hollywood Studios hasn’t changed over the years but its overall appearance has.
1989
|
2001
|
2017
|
|
To get guests in the mood for Hollywood Studios as soon as they enter the Plaza in the Background a Music Loop of Movie themes is playing.
|
Since the end of 2001, Security check points have been added to the Park’s entrance Plaza.
Once past the Security, to your right, is a large billboard highlighting new entertainment and attractions presented at Hollywood Studios.
2005
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
2012
|
2018
|
Copperfield’s Magic Underground Restaurant
A short side story of an event that almost was Disney-MGM Studios
A short side story of an event that almost was Disney-MGM Studios
Nobody was bigger and better than David Copperfield in the 1980s and 1990s. Copperfield redefined magic the same way Walt Disney redefined movies and theme parks. David Copperfield successfully combined groundbreaking new illusions with a story in a way that no one had ever done before.
He had numerous television specials, sold out touring shows, and performed some of the most well-known illusions and stunts there have ever been. He has won 21 Emmy Awards, was the first living magician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and holds 11 Guinness World Records, including most tickets sold by a solo entertainer.
Copperfield had always cited Walt Disney as a role model growing up and it was an easy choice to strike a deal, then open at least one location at Walt Disney World.
He had numerous television specials, sold out touring shows, and performed some of the most well-known illusions and stunts there have ever been. He has won 21 Emmy Awards, was the first living magician to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and holds 11 Guinness World Records, including most tickets sold by a solo entertainer.
Copperfield had always cited Walt Disney as a role model growing up and it was an easy choice to strike a deal, then open at least one location at Walt Disney World.
Copperfield’s Magic Underground was scheduled to open at the Disney-MGM Studios in the summer of 1998.
The Restaurant would sit just at entrance to the right of the main gate of the Disney-MGM Studios. Fantasmic! was being constructed for the park and the restaurant would have been wedged between the stadium and the front entrance. 
The more interesting theme to this eatery was the New York City dock look based on Copperfield’s famous vanishing of the Statue of Liberty with replica pieces of the Statue itself along the walls.
Even the logo was the torch of the statue, as seen in the picture. On top of all the decor would be a stage featuring illusions done by the in-house magicians.
The menu had yet to be named. 
|
In 1996, he met with Michael Eisner and the Disney board to pitch the idea for the restaurant. The board and Eisner said that it was a fantastic idea and green-lit the Magic Underground to open in the summer of 1998. Billboards were put up just outside of Disney-MGM Studios.
Inside, diners would have found themselves inside a 70-foot tall atrium with gargoyles perched on the trusses above them.
The walls of the Magic Underground would have one of a kind artifacts from Copperfield’s shows as well as other unique magic tricks from other famous musicians of the past and present. Located all around them would have been giant video screens featuring pre-recorded segments of David where he would suddenly have an entire table seem to levitate right in front of them. Another segment would have had a selection of diners disappear and a lucky volunteer the opportunity to be “cut in half” via Copperfield’s famous Death Saw illusion. 
David Copperfield and Disney were not the financial contributor to the restaurant, but the creative ones.
Thus, the quality of the product would be to his standards, thus he felt that when a trick doesn’t work with your name on it at a restaurant, it could not only damages his reputation, but his career. In the end, investors couldn’t raise enough capital to get the restaurant up and running. Reference: |
Now back to the Disney-MGM Studios Entrance Plaza
As mentioned earlier, the Imagineers set out to style most of Hollywood Studios in Californian 1940’s and 1950’s Hollywood Architecture.
We see this at the entrance where the ticket windows are, the building was designed after a Los Angeles landmark structure call the Pan-Pacific Auditorium.
The Disney architects matched the design of the spectacular Streamline Moderne façade. Four dramatic pylons, with curves and fins, suggesting progress, aerodynamics, and motion.
We see this at the entrance where the ticket windows are, the building was designed after a Los Angeles landmark structure call the Pan-Pacific Auditorium.
The Disney architects matched the design of the spectacular Streamline Moderne façade. Four dramatic pylons, with curves and fins, suggesting progress, aerodynamics, and motion.
|
Pan-Pacific Auditorium 1972
|
Pan Pacific Park 2002
|
Pan Pacific Auditorium was the top indoor venue in Los Angeles for 35 years, hosting home shows, car shows, ice shows, exhibitions, huge meetings, concerts (including Elvis Presley’s first West Coast appearance in 1957), and all sorts of sporting events.
The exterior appeared in several movies, including Xanadu (with Olivia-Newton-John1980). Then, in 1989, the building went up in flames. The site of the auditorium became Pan Pacific Park. A recreation center, opened in April 2002, includes a tribute to the façade. Resource: |
Note: The Pan-Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles was based on the Streamline Moderne style were designed by Welton Becket and Associates. Welton Becket and Associates was one of the prominent architectural firms in Los Angeles for decades. Welton Becket was good friends with Walt Disney.
Becket’s company designed the Contemporary and Polynesian resorts in Walt Disney World, as well as the General Motors and Ford pavilions for Disney at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fairs.
Becket’s company also designed three hotels for Walt Disney World that were never built; a Thai-inspired Asian, an exotic Persian-style and a Venetian resort.
Becket’s company designed the Contemporary and Polynesian resorts in Walt Disney World, as well as the General Motors and Ford pavilions for Disney at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fairs.
Becket’s company also designed three hotels for Walt Disney World that were never built; a Thai-inspired Asian, an exotic Persian-style and a Venetian resort.
Located at the left side of the entrance to the park is Movieland Memorabilia. The first merchandize shop guest encounter as they arrive and the last chance shopping as they leave Hollywood Studios.
Movieland Memorabilia in Hollywood Studios
|
Half of this store is located outside of the turnstiles and the other half is located inside the turnstiles. Here guests can find popular souvenirs, sundries and other necessities for your day in the park.
Postage stamps are available for purchase at Movieland Memorabilia. 
Reference:
Ok, it time to head into Hollywood Studios, so let’s head to the Turnstiles |
|
Hollywood Studios Turnstiles
In 2012 the new RFID turnstiles were introduced at the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
In 2012 the new RFID turnstiles were introduced at the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
|
|
Hollywood Studios
We’re in. But before we start venturing through Hollywood Studios, let’s first get a map and check out how the park is laid out.
Hollywood Studios has gone under many change it’s a very different park than in 1989.
It has evolved and expanded quite a bit in that time. We’ll go through the changes in later Chapters are we explore each land with Hollywood Studios in more depth.
We’re in. But before we start venturing through Hollywood Studios, let’s first get a map and check out how the park is laid out.
Hollywood Studios has gone under many change it’s a very different park than in 1989.
It has evolved and expanded quite a bit in that time. We’ll go through the changes in later Chapters are we explore each land with Hollywood Studios in more depth.
|
|
|
Areas in Hollywood Studios
|
|
|
Hollywood Boulevard
As guests enter Hollywood Studios they will be on Hollywood Boulevard, which is inspired by the real street of the same name. It is lined with variety of shops and facades tribute to Hollywood themed landmarks selling Disney merchandise and park services. Live street entertainment throughout the day. At the far end of Hollywood Boulevard stands a replica of Grauman's Chinese Theatre and a themed replica of the original Brown Derby restaurant in Hollywood, California. 
Echo Lake
Echo Lake was designed and named after the real Echo Park that was built and opened in Los Angeles in 1895, Before the development of Hollywood as the motion picture capital, most of the Los Angeles film industry was centered in the Echo Park area, including Mack Sennett’s Keystone Studios, which was located on Keystone Street (now part of Glendale Boulevard). 
The Echo Lake area is home to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Frozen Sing-Along and Star Tours.
Also located in the land are the restaurants: Hollywood and Vine, The 50s Primetime Café, the Tune In Lounge, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, the Backlot Express, and, of course, Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction. 
|
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is themed after the 1940’s Hollywood's theater district. The focal point of Sunset Boulevard is what appears to be and abandoned building called the Hollywood Towers Hotel, it houses the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction. To complement with the theming the street includes several shops with movie theater façades. Sunset Boulevard also has two outdoor amphitheaters, and one indoor theater. The covered Theater of the Stars hosts Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. The larger open-air Hollywood Hills Amphitheater is the home of Fantasmic! And the indoor Sunset Showcase hosts Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy. The buildings surrounding the Echo were fashioned to the California art-deco style of the early 20th century.
|
Replaced by Grand Park and Galaxy’s Edge in 2019 |
Streets of America
The Streets of America were two intersecting streets with sets and facades designed to look like New York City and San Francisco. When the park opened in 1989 it was called Streets of New York Street and was part of the original version of the Backlot Tour. 
|
|
Muppet Courtyard
Originally part of the Streets of America. In 2016 most of the Streets of America were closed to make way for Toy Story and Star Wars construction. As a result, the Muppets Courtyard became a separate land, which included Muppet’s 3D, Pizza Planet and Mama Melrose. 
|
Commissary Lane
|
|
On April 2, 2016 most of the Streets of America had its last day of operation to make way for Toy Story and Star Wars related construction. As a result the Muppets Courtyard and Commissary Lane were re-classified as separate lands. As mentioned before Muppet Court became part of Grand Park, while Commissary Lane remained a separate area in Hollywood Studios. Included in this area are the Commissary and Sci-Fi Dine Inn restaurants and Mickey & Minnie Red Carpet Dreams Meet & Greet.
|
|
Grand Park
In 2016 the Streets of America closed to make way for the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Land. Muppet Courtyard and a remaining area of the Streets of America, that include Mama Melrose Restaurant, became the placeholders for Grand Avenue and Grand Park, which was completed in September 2017. In August 2017, Muppet Courtyard was rethemed to represents a historical part of downtown Los Angeles, and renamed Grand Park. This newly named area is an urban square off Grand Avenue which includes shops and the PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Restaurants. 
The main street of Grand Avenue leads into a recreation of the Figueroa Street Tunnel which connects to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. (More about this tunnel in a later Chapter about Grand Avenue)
|
Note: The Walt Disney Concert Hall is located on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles.
|
|
Mickey Avenue
When Park opened in 1989, Mickey Avenue was part of the original Backlot Tour but not open for guests to walk through. When it did open to guests Mickey Avenue ran from Animation Courtyard to relocated entrance to the Backlot Tour. 
Mickey Avenue was designed to look like a Production Studio . In 2008 Mickey Avenue was reduced for the opening of Pixar Place. This left Walt Disney Presents: One Man’s Dream as the only attraction on Mickey Avenue. In April of 2016 Mickey Avenue was reclassified as part of the Animation Courtyard.
|
|
Pixar Place
Pixar Place is located along a corridor that was originally part of Mickey Avenue, when contained the original soundstages used when the park had actual production facilities.
Pixar Place resembles the Emeryville, California campus of Pixar Animation Studios.
The sole attraction was Toy Story Midway Mania! In 2018 the attraction entrance was moved to
Toy Story Land.
Pixar Place currently houses a series of Incredible themed interactive experiences set in a Municiberg city block.
Pixar Place is located along a corridor that was originally part of Mickey Avenue, when contained the original soundstages used when the park had actual production facilities.
Pixar Place resembles the Emeryville, California campus of Pixar Animation Studios.
The sole attraction was Toy Story Midway Mania! In 2018 the attraction entrance was moved to
Toy Story Land.
Pixar Place currently houses a series of Incredible themed interactive experiences set in a Municiberg city block.
|
|
|
Animation Courtyard
When the park opened Animation Courtyard, which at that time, consisted of active production studios 
|
The entrance was marked with a squared "studio arch", much like a real Hollywood studio lot entrance.
Animation Courtyard was originally the starting point for the Backlot Tours and also the home of The Magic of Disney Animation Tour. In 2015 the Animation Tour became the Star Wars Launching Bay attraction. This area has gone through several mixed evolutions over the years. |
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is based on the Disney-Pixar films Toy Story films. The theme of the area is for guests to get the immersive feeling of being shrunk down to the size of a toy as they explore Andy's backyard.
Using Andy’s toys like building blocks, plastic buckets, shovels, and game board pieces, Inagineers have designed the perfect setting for this land.
In Toy Story Land, guests can experience two new attractions- Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, as well as Toy Story Mania.
Toy Story Land is based on the Disney-Pixar films Toy Story films. The theme of the area is for guests to get the immersive feeling of being shrunk down to the size of a toy as they explore Andy's backyard.
Using Andy’s toys like building blocks, plastic buckets, shovels, and game board pieces, Inagineers have designed the perfect setting for this land.
In Toy Story Land, guests can experience two new attractions- Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, as well as Toy Story Mania.
|
|
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened in August 2019. This has to be one of the most immersive guest experience that the Disney Imagineers have put together. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is set on the planet Batuu, and is broken up into two distinct sections, Resistance Forest and the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened in August 2019. This has to be one of the most immersive guest experience that the Disney Imagineers have put together. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is set on the planet Batuu, and is broken up into two distinct sections, Resistance Forest and the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace.
Not only are the guests transported to a far off planet complete with scenery, and architecture to match the experience, but all of the cast member stay in complete character throughout.
|
|
Before we venture into park and visit all of the lands, let’s look at what Hollywood Studios (Disney-MGM Studios) looked like on Opening Day.
Disney-MGM Studios Opening Day
Disney-MGM Studios opened at Walt Disney World on May 1, 1989.
Disney-MGM Studios Opening Day
Disney-MGM Studios opened at Walt Disney World on May 1, 1989.
Michael Eisner (Walt Disney Co. CEO at that time) reading the park’s dedication:
"The world you have entered was created by the Walt Disney Company & is dedicated to Hollywood - not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream & wonder & imagine, a place where illusion & reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was - and always will be."
"The world you have entered was created by the Walt Disney Company & is dedicated to Hollywood - not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream & wonder & imagine, a place where illusion & reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was - and always will be."
|
Among the Hollywood legends who partook in the opening ceremonies were George Burns and Bob Hope, who helped cut the filmstrip ribbon dedicating the Studios.
Michael Eisner and Bob Hope welcomed and led the first family into the park on its opening day. Actor John Ritter hosted the festivities, and celebrities such as Mickey Rooney, Ann Miller, Willie Nelson, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Dick Van Dyke and The Pointer Sisters attended. With Tony Randall, President Ronald Reagan, and British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher all appearing in video clips. The festivities started with Smokey Robinson singing and dancing his way down Hollywood Boulevard. When the Studios opened, the park consisted of Hollywood Boulevard, Lakeside Circle (later renamed Echo Lake), and the Backlot Annex (which included Streets of New York and Animation Courtyard with the production studio and animation studio making up the rest of the park). At the time, Disney-MGM Studios basically consisted of two parts:
The Star Tours building was shown on the map, but was not opened until the end of 1989. Sunset Boulevard was added in 1994 with Tower of Terror as its only attraction initially. |
DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS OPENING DAY
ATTRACTIONS, RESTAURANTS & SHOPS
ATTRACTIONS, RESTAURANTS & SHOPS
|
Attractions:
The Great Movie Ride - a dark ride paying homage to several classic films, located inside The Chinese Theatre (a recreation of the famous Hollywood landmark Mann's Chinese Theatre) at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, The Backstage Studio Tour - a 2-hour guided tour including the short films of The Lottery & Michael and Mickey starts in the Animation Courtyard. Note:
The Magic of Disney Animation Tour - a show and tour including the 9-minute short Back to Neverland in Animation Courtyard The Monster Sound Show - hosted by Sony - showing the importance of sound in cinema through a film and an interactive stage show in the Lakeside Area Superstar Television - hosted by Sony in a 1,000-seat theater - an interactive live show that recreates the production of some of TV's greatest shows, using park guests as part of the cast in the Lakeside Area |
|
|
|
Restaurants:
50s Prime Time Café - themed retro diner in the Lakeside Area Backlot Express - warehouse style themed counter service in the Backlot Hollywood & Vine - Art Deco-designed restaurant located in the Lakeside Area Hollywood Brown Derby - located on Hollywood Boulevard & patterned after the famous Hollywood landmark Brown Derby restaurant Min and Bill's Dockside Diner - snack kiosk located on the Lake Studio Catering Co. - counter service in the Backlot Soundstage Restaurant - full-service restaurant located in Soundstage 5 |
|
Shops:
Animation Gallery – in Animation Courtyard Crossroads of the World – at the entrance Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of Extinction – on the Lake Mickey's of Hollywood – on Hollywood Boulevard Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind – across from Crossroads References:
|
|
|
|
An aerial view of Disney-MGM Studios in 1989 show that the park’s layout looks like a giant hidden Mickey.
Well, we've it to Hollywood Studios. Now we're ready to venture into the park and explore the different areas. Next Chapter will be a pictorial stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and to check it out. We'll cover the backstories, what its been, why, and what it is now. |
Changes have occurred through the Studios even the name and logos have changed.
The park's original logo and name from 1989 to 2008.
|
Logo from 2008–2019
|
In 2019 the Logo became
|
|
|
|
Afterword:
WDWMousing.com is designed to be a tour of Walt Disney World through photos. We have been to Walt Disney World countless times over the past 25 years and accumulated a magnitude of photos in that time. This website is an intention to combine two of our favorite pastimes, Walt Disney World and photography, and provide an insightful pictorial tour. While doing so, we've done an extensive research of the internet and literary sources for background information on each area and atrraction. The information is available, but most bits and pieces are scattered all over. WDWMousing doesn't intend to rewrite the stories, legends or data, but to try and collect it into one location with reference and links to the original articles and authors. And giving rightful credit. We've stumbled through quite a bit of mis-information, most of which came to life by fans because the origins were lost, forgotten or no one seems to remember. Over the past 25 years we've also lost most of the great Imagineers that helped develop, design and build the original concepts of Walt Disney World. So we believe it's extremely important to make sure that their efforts, intentions, details and creativity in making this Happiest Place on Earth isn't lost. So we ask for feedback, insights, and suggestions. Thank you WDWMousing 
|
|