WDWMousing
  • WDWMousing Table of Contents
  • Chapter 21 - MGM/Disney Studios - Streets of New York
  • Chapter 20 - Hollywood Studios - Commissary Lane
  • Chapter 19 - Hollywood Studios - Grand Avenue
  • Chapter 18 - Hollywood Studio - Muppets Courtyard - Part 2
  • Chapter 17 - Hollywood Studios - Muppets Courtyard - Part 1
  • Chapter 16 - Hollywood Studios - Echo Lake - Part 4 - Star Tours
  • Chapter 15 - Hollywood Studios - Echo Lake - Part 3
  • Chapter 14 - Hollywood Studios - Echo Lake - Part 2
  • Chapter 13 - Hollywood Studios - Echo Lake - Part 1
  • Chapter 12 - Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard - Rock 'n Roller Coaster
  • Chapter 11 - Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard - Tower of Terror - Part 2
  • Chapter 10 - Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard - Tower of Terror - Part 1
  • Chapter 9 - Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard - Part 2
  • Chapter 8 - Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard - Part 1
  • Chapter 7 - Citizens of Hollywood Studios
  • Chapter 6 - Hollywood Studios - Great Movie Ride - Part 2
  • Chapter 5 - Hollywood Studios - Great Movie Ride - Part 1
  • Chapter 4 - Hollywood Studios - Hollywood Boulevard - Part 3
  • Chapter 3 - Hollywood Studios - Hollywood Boulevard - Part 2
  • Chapter 2 - Hollywood Studios - Hollywood Boulevard - Part 1
  • Chapter 1 - Hollywood Studios - Getting There
  • Chapter 8 – Animal Kingdom - Asia - Part 3
  • Chapter 7 - Animal Kingdom - Asia - Part 2 - Kali River
  • Chapter 6 - Animal Kingdom - Asia - Part 1 - Expedition Everest
  • Chapter 5 - Anmial Kingdom - Dinoland - Part 2
  • Chapter 4 - Animal Kingdom - Dinoland - Part 1
  • Chapter 3 - Animal Kingdom - Discovery Island
  • Chapter 2 - Animal Kingdom - Oasis
  • Chapter 1 - Animal Kingdom - Getting There
  • Chapter 1 - about WDWMousing
  • Chapter 2 - Magic Kingdom - Getting There (is half the fun)
  • Chapter 3 - Magic Kingdom Gateway, Main St USA Train Station
  • Chapter 4 - Magic Kingdom - Town Square - West Side
  • Chapter 5 - Magic Kingdom - Town Square - East Side and Park
  • Chapter 6 - Magic Kingdom - Main St. USA - West Side
  • Chapter 7 - Magic Kingdom - Main St. USA - East Side
  • Chapter 8 - Magic Kingdom - Cinderella's Castle
  • Chapter 9 - Magic Kingdom - Adventureland Part 1
  • Chapter 10 - Magic Kingdom - Adventureland Part 2 - The Enchanted Tiki Room
  • Chapter 11 - Magic Kingdom - Adventureland Part 3 - Pirates of the Caribbean
  • Chapter 12 - Magic Kingdom - Frontierland Part 1
  • Chapter 13 - Magic Kingdom - Frontierland Part 2
  • Chapter 14 - Magic Kingdom - Frontierland Part 3
  • Chapter 15 - Magic Kingdom - Liberty Square Part 1
  • Chapter 16 - Magic Kingdom - Liberty Square Part 2
  • Chapter 17 - Magic Kingdom - Liberty Square Part 3 - Haunted Mansion Queue
  • Chapter 18 - Magic Kingdom - Liberty Square Part 4 - Haunted Mansion
  • Chapter 19 - Magic Kingdom - Liberty Square Part 5 - Haunted Mansion
  • Chapter 20 - Magic Kingdom - Fantasyland Part 1
  • Chapter 21 - Magic Kingdom - Fantasyland Part 2
  • Chapter 22 - Magic Kingdom - Fantasyland That Once Was
  • Chapter 23 - Magic Kingdom - New Fantasyland - Enchanted Forest
  • Chapter 24 - Magic Kingdom - New Fantasyland - Storybook Circus
  • Chapter 25 - Magic Kingdom - Tomorrowland - Part 1
  • Chapter 26 - Magic Kingdom - Tomorrowland - Part 2
  • Chapter 27 - Magic Kingdom - Tomorrowland - Part 3
  • Chapter 28 - Magic Kingdom - Tomorrowland Part 4
  • Chapter 29 - Magic Kingdom - Parades - 1970's
  • Chapter 30 - Magic Kingdom - Parades - 1980's
  • Chapter 31 - Magic Kingdom - Parades - 1990's
  • Chapter 32 - Magic Kingdom - Parades - 2000'S
  • Chapter 33 - Magic Kingdom - Parades - 2010's
  • Chapter 35 - Magic Kingdom - Christmas Parade's
  • Chapter 36 - Magic Kingdom - Windows on Main St USA - Town Square, Southeast - Part 1
  • Chapter 37 - Magic Kingdom - Windows on Main St. U.S.A. - Center St - Part 2
  • Chapter 38 - Magic Kingdom - Windows on Main St - Northeast Main St. - Northeast Main St. - Part 3
  • Chapter 39 - Magic Kingdom - Windows on Main St. USA - West Side Main St. - - Part 4
  • Chapter 40 - Magic Kingdom - Windows on Main St. USA - Castle Plaza - Part 5
  • Chapter 22 - Hollywood Studios - Streets of America
  • New Page

Chapter 12 - Hollywood Studios - Sunset Boulevard -
                        Rock 'n' Roller Coaster                                  
posted Jun 2021

At the end of Sunset Boulevard just before the Tower of Terror make a left and go under to Rock n’ Roller Coaster entrance arch to the Rock n’ Roller Plaza.
Not sure how many guests are aware that the backstories of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Hollywood Towers Hotel are linked. Further into this Chapter, the link is explained. So read on.
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For current park map:
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/hollywood-studios/maps/
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KRNR the Rock Station
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Just as guests enter the Plaza, the KRNR the Rock Station kiosk stand is on the left.
This quick service stand ties into the nearby Rock 'N' Roller Coaster and it offers snacks and beverages.
 
If you’re looking for Hidden Mickey’s take careful look at the sign on top of the Kiosk.
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2007
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2018
Over the year the stand has had some changes, but not its location.
 
Current Menu:
  • https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/hollywood-studios/krnr-the-rock-station/menus/
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KRNR Radio – The real thing

For the radio buffs, yes there is a real Radio Station with the Call Letters KRNR, it a commercial FM station located in Goldthwaite, TX on 107.3 MHz. You can listen to them online with the link app below. Their format is Ameripolitan, Bluegrass and Country.
And No, they are not affiliated with any of Walt Disney Company entertainment divisions.
 
Listening App:
  • https://apps.apple.com/us/app/krnr-streaming-radio/id1421284052
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Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster

One of the most popular attractions in Walt Disney World is the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Staring Aerosmith it’s a trip through Hollywood featuring twists, turns, loops and even a corkscrew. Set to the music of Aerosmith, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is one of the fastest rides in Disney World. The ride starts by accelerating from 0 to 57 miles per hour in an astonishing 2.8 seconds.
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The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was added at a time when Disney World was looking to include more thrill rides to their attraction line up. The background to this fan favorite has been an interesting ride.
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Background
Despite these setbacks, Imagineers continued to work on the ride. This enclosed roller coaster would be the first Disney World attraction to feature multiple inversions. Construction began in February 1998. The track was finished in June, but they still had no band. Finally, Disney decided to approach Aerosmith, the group that was working with them on the film Armageddon.When Disney-MGM Studios opened in 1989, it was more than a theme park, it was also a working movie and television production studio. There were very few attractions and no thrill rides.
 
The Imagineers already had a several expansions in mind (See Chapter 8 – Sunset Blvd – History of Sunset Boulevard). In 1994, Sunset Boulevard and the Tower of Terror debuted. The plans also include a rock-themed roller coaster in the near future, just around the corner.
 
From the very beginning, Disney wanted the Rolling Stones to be the rock band that would anchor the new attraction. They were very interested, but wanted too much money and they only offered to let Disney use their likeness and excerpts of no more than six songs. Other bands were then also considered.

Despite these setbacks, Imagineers continued to work on the ride. This enclosed roller coaster would be the first Disney World attraction to feature multiple inversions. Construction began in February 1998. The track was finished in June, but they still had no band. Finally, Disney decided to approach Aerosmith, the group that was working with them on the film Armageddon.

It was definitely a match since Aerosmith eagerly agreed, and actively got involved. They helped pick the songs, rerecorded some lyrics (e.g. Love in a Roller Coaster) and even starred in the pre-show film.
Both Disney and Aerosmith were enthusiastic about their partnership.
Disney World president Al Weiss said, "This attraction is a perfect fit for Disney-MGM Studios and it incorporates all the facets of show business -- film, television, theater, animation and now music.
 
The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith debuted in July 1999. The festivities began with Aerosmith immortalizing their handprints in concrete, but unfortunately was not placed in Grauman Chinese Theatre's courtyard.

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Queue
The adventure begins in the queue. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster exists in its own courtyard with a huge archway leading the way.
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Guests walk past a 40-foot-tall red Stratocaster guitar is attached to the side of the building with the neck of the guitar gradually changing into a coaster track that leads to the archway. The arch includes an upside down limo on the track, referencing the ride vehicles for the attraction.
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Note: The Fender Stratocaster is identified as the guitar of choice for such giants as Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Eric Clapton, as well as legendary pickers like Robin Trower, Rory Gallagher and Jeff Beck, to name just a few.
 
Source:
  • https://www.musiciansfriend.com/fender-stratocaster
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The entrance to the queue is a largely unthemed switchbacks with concert style lighting rig with separate lines for Standby, Fastpass, and Single-Rider.
 
Once inside, guests enter into G Force Records through a circular lobby where a variety of music memorabilia is on display. These items include posters, albums and equipment from a variety of performers over the years.

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Don’t forget to check out the Marble Door. (All Marbles)
Some of these acts are mega popular stars that most guests are familiar with, but others seem a little more obscure. That is because many guests’ names appear on the posters as they pass through the room! Using technology and a little Disney magic, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith totally immerses guests in the experience by having their names and hometowns appear on these posters as if they were having their very own concert.
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G-Force Records
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Imagineers created a backstory, G-Force records, to make it fit in with the theme of Sunset Boulevard. G-Force Records dates back to the 1930s, it was founded back in the golden age of Hollywood, where it provided records for the stars of Hollywood.

Executive Members of the record-label attended the Halloween reception of 1939 at the Tip Top Club in the Hollywood Tower Hotel next door, when lightning struck the hotel.
But after the mysterious disappearing of five people in the nearby Hollywood Tower Hotel on the Halloween of 1939, the G-Force Records fell on hard-times.

While the officials of G-Force were able to mysteriously escape from the hotel's 13th floor Tip Top Club, the hotel's disaster and subsequent closure resulted in damage to G-Force's business as few were willing to be affiliated with their part of Hollywood. (See Hollywood Studios Chapters 10 Tower of Terror Part 1 & 11 Tower of Terror Part 2)

So the fate of G-Force was directly linked and affected by tragedy
at the Hollywood Hotel.

It took the record company until 1990's to come back into prominence once the Hotel re-opened. They were able to turn themselves around, rebranded as a state of the art rock-label, and were able to land contracts with groups such as Aerosmith. Much of this history is loosely referenced in the queue.
 
G-Force Records is the proprietor of the studio building which holds this attraction's facade, queue, pre-show and exit. It serves as an employer of Aerosmith, who will arrange for guests to attend their next concert via, "Super-stretch limos".


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Note: While waiting to enter into the preshow studio, guests can hear an interesting page which pays tribute to The Beatles and one of their most famous songs. The page is trying to track down a specific employee and declares “Hey, Jude! Pick up line one!”
 
Walking past memorabilia and show posters, as riders head into a recording studio.
 
Reference:
  • https://societyofexplorersandadventurers.fandom.com/wiki/G-Force_Records
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Pre-Show
The queue continues into the pre-show in the studio.
There guests find Aerosmith finishing up for the day and getting ready to head out to a concert across town. The have to leave for a concert, and offer to bring you with them. The band insists on giving everyone in the studio backstage passes along with a super-stretch limo ride to the show.
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Note:
  • Illeana Hesselberg, most commonly known as Illeana Douglas, is an actress, director, screenwriter, and producer. She appeared on Six Feet Under, for which she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination as Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series and won the Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series award from the Online Film & Television Association, and in the TV series Action opposite Jay Mohr, for which she won a Satellite Award for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy.
  • Ken Marino is an actor, comedian, director, and screenwriter. He was a cast member on MTV's The State and has starred in shows such as Party Down, Marry Me, Burning Love, and Childrens Hospital.

On the ride Disc Jockey: DJ Uncle Joe Benson
Pre-Show Director: Jerry Rees (Imagineering)

Note: Uncle Joe Benson, a legendary radio personality, begins hosting the "Ultimate Classic Rock" show. "Ultimate Classic Rock" can be heard on more than 50 stations across the U.S.

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Members of Aerosmith
  • Steven Tyler
  • Joey Kramer
  • Joe Perry
  • Tom Hamilton
  • Brad Whitford
Band Manager: Illeana Douglas
Soundboard Mixer: Ken Marino

Source:
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Marino
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illeana_Douglas
  • https://ultimateclassicrock.com/uncle-joe-benson-ultimate-classic-rock/
After the pre-show guests are directed to the load area, where there are limos lining up ready to take you to the Aerosmith concert at the LA Forum. The load area is themed to a parking garage, with chain link fence and concrete fixtures. From the load area, guests can see the initial launch of the vehicles.
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Garage and Ride
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As guests enter the Lock ‘n’ Roll garage, in the alley there are plenty of stickers, graffiti, and signs for guests to read while awaiting their turn to launch into Los Angeles. As guests work their way closer to the loading area, there is a sign shaped like a guitar which shares safety instructions for while on board the attraction. At the bottom of the instructions the sign tells guests “thank you vera much” for reading, which is a subtle nod to the king of rock Elvis.

Guests head out to the Lock 'n' Roll garage and get into their 24-passenger limo, which is designed to resemble a 1962 Cadillac.

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While waiting in a numbered row to board their super stretch limos, guests should look across to the other side of the platform to find a clever reference to an Aerosmith song. Since the area is designed to look like an alley, there is a small pay station across the way mimicking a city street or garage. On the side of the pay station is a sticker which reads “Just Push Pay” which is a reference to the Aerosmith song “Just Push Play.

Also found in the loading area of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is an electrical box which features the address 1401 Flower Street, it is the actual address of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale California!
 
After everyone is secured in their seats the ride vehicle leaves the boarding station, Bill St. James, the radio DJ for LA's Classic Rock Station, begins a short commentary, usually followed by a traffic report in the surrounding area where Aerosmith's concert is taking place.

Note: Bill St. James, the host of ABC Radio’s “Flashback”, provides the voice for the DJ of “LA’s Classic Rock Station”.
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credit: ©Disney
A sign overhead flashes messages like: "Traffic bug you? Then STEP on it!" Steven Tyler screams out the five-second countdown. And whoosh!

The launch sends the car from 0 to 60 MPH in 2.8 seconds. The first maneuver is through two inversions, the first of which results in g-forces between 4 and 5. That's more than astronauts experience during a rocket launch!

Following the first two inversions, the car passes by black light spot lights before driving through one of the O’s in the Hollywood sign. The limo passes by several freeway signs including one for the Civic Center before the final corkscrew inversion. Then see signs to merge with other traffic and pass through a giant doughnut. Finally arrive in the VIP area which also functions as the break run.

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Research:

  • https://disneyavenue.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/making-of-rocknroller-coaster/
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Vehicle Descriptions
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The vehicles are themed to stretch limousines that seat 2 people per row. There are 12 total rows for a capacity of 24 guests per vehicle. Each vehicle is equipped with 120 onboard speakers. Each seat has 2 Tweeters, 2 Mid Bass Drivers and 1 Sub-woofer.
The five cars each feature a unique audio track as well as a unique license plate. They also include an extra audio track that can be used in the event of a technical issue.

License Plate / Audio Track

1QKLIMO            Nine Lives
UGOGIRL           Love in an Elevator and Walk This Way
BUHBYE            Young Lust, F.I.N.E. and “Love in a Roller  
                            Coaster”
(modified lyrics for “Love in an
                            Elevator”)
2FAST4U            Sweet Emotion
H8TRFFC           Back in the Saddle and Dude Looks Like a
                            Lady

The track on all of the cars is, “What Kind of Love are You On?”
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Note: the License Plate above, "BUH BYE". It's a reference to the Exit Presentation given by the Droid just before departing the StarSpeeder in the Star Tours attraction.

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One of the most key parts of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is the music. After all, the whole backstory of the attraction is that guests are in G Force Records where they happen to run into Aerosmith. Throughout the queue and in the preshow, guests listen to some awesome music, then once on board the super stretch limos, the experience is taken to the next level! Each super stretch limo features dozens of speakers that blast out Aerosmith tunes. Awesome!
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Facts:
  • There are more than 900 speakers throughout the attraction.
  • Each guest is surrounded by five speakers – four around the head and one subwoofer under the seat.
  • In the preshow check out the floor of the studio where they can spot a classic Hidden Mickey formed by coiled cable.
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith at 60 mph is actually not the fastest attraction in Walt Disney World. That title goes to Test Track Presented by Chevrolet in Epcot’s Future World which reaches speeds of sixty five miles an hour on the outdoor portion of the track.
  • As guests enter the garage and walk through a fenced passageway to the loading area, talk notice of the sign on the fence, Buena Vista Fence Co. Buena Vista was the film distributor of Walt Disney Studios beginning after Peter Pan’s release in 1953. Buena Vista remained a primary distributor for film and television through 2007. There is also a telephone number provided as 544-6500, the number leaves out the area code. Orlando’s area code may be 407, but Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster transports us to California where we would use the area code 818. Because when you use 818 with the number on the sign, we would be put straight through to the front desk of Walt Disney Imagineering.
  • Disney World celebrated the ride's first anniversary of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster in true rock 'n' roll style. In 2000, 80 Chevy Corvettes in red, white and black gathered in the Disney-MGM Studios' lot. There they parked in formation in the shape of the ride's signature Stratocaster. 
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Resources:
  • https://wdwthemeparks.com/attraction/rock-n-roller-coaster-starring-aerosmith/
  • AllEars® Weekly Newsletter July 9, 2019 Issue #1032
  • http://www.mainstgazette.com/2019/02/serving-you-since-1952.html
  • https://disneytips.com/5-reasons-love-rock-n-roller-coaster-starring-aerosmith-walt-disney-world/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=3caefb1adb-MT+Email_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-3caefb1adb-307144285
  • https://www.google.com/search?q=Rock+n+Roller+Coaster+cars+license+plates&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwia_5iH_MHvAhXdG98KHedhCNwQ2-cCegQIABAA&oq=Rock+n+Roller+Coaster+cars+license+plates&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CYhgJYw6gCYImuAmgAcAB4AIABjwGIAaMLkgEEMTEuNJgBAKABAaoBC2d3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=OYpXYNr-J923_Abnw6HgDQ&bih=666&biw=1365&client=firefox-b-1-d#imgrc=Emdlb5bybzGPyM 
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flashback_(radio_program)
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Rock Around the Shop
Located near the exit to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, this shop sells souvenirs based on the attraction and Aerosmith.

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After you have blasted off on your backstage ride and survive Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith take a walk this way through the Rock Around the Shop for Aerosmith gear, music- and ride-related items.
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Rock Around The Shop in Hollywood Studios is located at the exit to Rock ‘N Roller Coaster. It carries music inspired souvenirs including t-shirts, hats and even drumsticks.
 
Look up and you’ll find some of the track along the ceiling with guitars affixed to it.
 
Make sure you catch a photo of yourself on the ride, which you can also purchase it in the shop.
 
Reference:

  • https://www.guide-to-disney.com/disney-hollywood-studios/sunset-boulevard/rock-around-the-shop.php
  • https://www.couponingtodisney.com/rock-around-the-shop-in-hollywood-studios/
  • https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/shops/hollywood-studios/rock-around-the-shop/
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Sunset Showcase
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Construction Barrier
Sunset Showcase was built summer of 2015 is used as a special events venue. It’s located just beyond Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster on Sunset Boulevard.

Advertise your services or products to passers-by attracting them towards your business
Heavy duty durable aluminium sheet for longer life
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Club Disney
Sunset Showcase Entertainment showplace designed to host various types of experiences on Sunset Boulevard opened December 4, 2015. The premier engagement at this location was Club Disney, where guests can join Mickey and friends in a colorful, electric club environment with a DJ Club Host and dance floor. The DJ Club Host would spin a playlist of Radio Disney Top 40 songs as the floor and walls came alive with vivid images from classic Disney animation.
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Inside the Sunset Showcase, guests will find a large dance floor surrounded by wrap-around video screens and powerful speakers, all controlled by a hyperactive D.J. who projects rapid-fire montages of Disney movie moments in between spinning hit Radio Disney tunes.
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Dance the day and night away at Club Disney, a family friendly nightclub that’s open all day
 
The venue had a wall-sized digital canvasses that guests can color with virtual crayons.

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Of course there were a limited selection of snacks.
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Holidays Happen Here dance parties premiered in Hollywood Studios and Sunset Showcase in December 2015, just in time for the festive Christmas season. Indoors or outside, day or night, guests had new opportunities to satisfy that disco itch.
 
 It was a place to hang out in the A/C on a comfy chair in the corner. Smartphone could also get a boost from one of the club’s high-power charging pods, which provide multiple cables accommodating most popular connections.
 
The location just opened in the beginning of December 2015, closed Feb 2016 and became a seasonal offering.
 
Resource:

  • https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2015/10/club-disney-premieres-december-5-at-the-new-sunset-showcase-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/
  • https://blogmickey.com/2015/10/signage-goes-up-for-the-new-sunset-showcase-theater-in-hollywood-studios/
  • https://d23.com/a-to-z/sunset-showcase/
  • https://touringplans.com/blog/2015/12/04/club-disney-holidays-happen-dance-parties-debut-disneys-hollywood-studios/
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Club Villain
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Disney villains was geared towards adults because of the DJ and alcohol being served. The event was family friendly, though — preferably for children 10 and up.
 
Club Villain provides a spellbinding evening to enjoy fiendish concoctions from the Potions Bar, savor culinary delights from New Orleans and beyond, meet with the villains and dance the night away.

Starting mid-January 2016, Sunset Showcase hosted Club Villain, a special ticketed event that featured performances, food, cocktails and encounters with some of the greatest Disney villains. The mysterious Dr. Facilier hosted for the evening, welcoming guests and his friends from the “other side” to his parlor of mystical mishaps, with musical numbers and a wicked mix from his house DJ. Also divas of evil, Maleficent, Queen of Hearts, Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen stopped by to socialize.
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Officially Club Villain ended in March 2016, but was extended to May 2016. During April and May, reservations were available for shows each Friday and Saturday.
 
Club Villain re-opened, each Friday and Saturday from September 2 - October 31 2016 and for the Halloween season in 2017, due to its' popularity.
 
Resource:
  • https://magicalmelindablog.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/chillin-club-villain-dinner-show/
  • Sunset Showcase -- Disney's Hollywood Studios - AllEars.Net
  • Club Villain | Disney Wiki | Fandom
  • https://www.wdwmagic.com/events/club-villain-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.htm
  • https://allears.net/2015/12/17/club-disney-at-the-sunset-showcase/
  • Additional Dates Now Available for Club Villain at Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Disney Parks Blog (go.com)

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After August 2017, it was used as a character meet & greet location during Disney PhotoPass Day events.
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Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy debuted in March 2019 in the Sunset Showcase.
 
This show experience invites guests into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars films as they become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen.

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As the theatre fills, guests are invited to answer some fun trivia questions!
An enormous 17 foot high, 280 foot long screen wraps around the front half of the theatre, with alternating pictures and videos. This screen is used to display racing cars, and because the screen is so large, watching these races is surprisingly immersive. Guests will feel like they’re actually racing.

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McQueen appears live on stage to share his racing knowledge using a state-of-the-art racing simulator.
One of the things that stands out about this show is the incredible Lightning McQueen animatronic.
Lightning McQueen is a very realistic Animatronic … I mean CAR! His eyes and mouth move, his headlights blink, and his tires spin and he rotates a full 360 around the stage! Amazing design and flawless movements.
 
The show begins with Mater and Sally retelling some of their adventures, then Mater tells “The Untold Story That Ain’t Done Yet Been Told”! Lightning McQueen is then joined by his “pit crew” & friends to explain the joy of racing and invites you as a new “rookie racer” to join him on the track with his new racing simulator!
 
During the 10-minute show, Lightning shares racing knowledge gathered over the course of his illustrious career. And if there’s one thing he’s learned over the years … things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. But with the help of Mater, Cruz Ramirez and other friends from Radiator Springs, Lightning is bound to get back on track.
 
Disney Imagineers worked closely with the creative team at Pixar to bring a completely new Cars story to life. This is a well done piece of entertainment. This quality attraction hasn’t gotten the attention it deserves.
 
Lightning McQueen isn’t the only character featured in the show. Other favorite friends such as Tow Mater and Cruz Ramirez are seen during the show, and at one point there is even a bit of drama with the infamous Chick Hicks.
 
The show is fun, Lightning McQueen steals the show, and a great message of teamwork is taught. This is a great show to catch for guests of any age, especially Cars fans, will really enjoy it.
 
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy runs continuously throughout the day, approximately every 10 minutes, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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After the show, on the way through the courtyard and head over to Cruz Ramirez for a photo. You might also want to snap a picture against wall in the courtyard, or with the giant “95” located inside the building.
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Cruz
DJ brought his own music mix to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests will definitely want to spend some time at the dance party that happens at set times throughout the day in the courtyard.
 
 In addition, several times daily Lightning McQueen’s Pit Crew will arrive on the scene for “DJ’s Ready! Set! Party Time!” that invites guests to gather around DJ for Cars-inspired dances and games.

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Source:
  • http://www.wdwfanzone.com/2019/04/rev-up-your-engines-new-lightning-mcqueens-racing-academy/
  • https://disneytips.com/8-things-to-know-about-lightning-mcqueens-racing-academy-at-walt-disney-world/?utm_source=Mickey+Tips&utm_campaign=68909d601d-MT+Email_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_9bf0730414-68909d601d-307144285
  • Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – What You Need to Know – DisneyLists.com
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Guests can continue to immerse themselves in the world of Cars in the courtyard outside Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, where they can meet Cruz and snap a photo with the champion racer, or dance with DJ, the ultimate party on wheels.
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DJ
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Our tour of Sunset Boulevard has come to the end.

We've discussed the origin's of the 1930's & 40's Sunset Boulevard Theme and how it all fit together, in earlier Chapters. Then we visited the shops and venues. Followed by a trip to the Theatre District. Lost the peanuts out of our M&M's in the Tower of Terror and the cash from our pockets on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster with Aerosmith. Then, finally caught up with Lightning McQueen and got a racing lesson.

In the upcoming Chapters, we're heading over to Echo Lake. So join us.

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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 attraction. 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

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WDWMousing.com is not affiliated in any way with The Walt Disney Company. Walt Disney World is a trademark of the Walt Disney Company. All Disney character images, and some photographs within this site are the copyright © of the Walt Disney Company. For official Walt Disney World information, visit www.disneyworld.com
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