Chapter 21 - MGM/Disney Studios - Streets of New York
We have determined that to ensure that Streets of New York is never forgotten, we must pay tribute to it as it played such a significant role in the founding of Hollywood Studios (formerly known as MGM/Disney Studios).
Opening Day Speech by Michael Eisner May 1, 1989
"The world you've entered was made by The Walt Disney Company and is devoted to Hollywood—not a location on a map, but a mentality that permeates everywhere people dream, wonder, and imagine—a place where magic from technology combines illusion and reality. We invite you to experience Hollywood as it never was and never will be."
When Imagineers first dreamed up the idea of adding a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are created, a new theme park was not originally part of the plan. With Michael Eisner as CEO, a group of Imagineers began work on adding a Hollywood-themed pavilion to Epcot Center.
Eisner had become fascinated with the idea of bringing Hollywood to the Walt Disney World Resort after scanning some of the company’s archives, he came across Walt Disney’s plans for a backstage tour of the Burbank studios. Using these original plans, Eisner dreamed up a pavilion, to be located in between the Land and Imagination pavilions in Epcot, where a movie-themed backstage tour would be the feature attraction.
By the mid-1980s, plans were continually increased to include more attractions, therefore requiring the use of more land. As the idea for a tram-style movie tour attraction outgrew its home at Epcot, Eisner led the way in expanding the pavilion’s increase the number of Imagineers, so that research could begin on a new park altogether. Construction for the park began in 1986 with the rising of the Earful Tower, a massive pair of Mickey ears that could be seen from much of the park, including one major New York The Disney-MGM Studios theme park was designed to be one of the most unique experiences in the world. It was set to offer guests new experiences that would immerse them in the movies and also function as an active film and animation studio.
"The world you've entered was made by The Walt Disney Company and is devoted to Hollywood—not a location on a map, but a mentality that permeates everywhere people dream, wonder, and imagine—a place where magic from technology combines illusion and reality. We invite you to experience Hollywood as it never was and never will be."
When Imagineers first dreamed up the idea of adding a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are created, a new theme park was not originally part of the plan. With Michael Eisner as CEO, a group of Imagineers began work on adding a Hollywood-themed pavilion to Epcot Center.
Eisner had become fascinated with the idea of bringing Hollywood to the Walt Disney World Resort after scanning some of the company’s archives, he came across Walt Disney’s plans for a backstage tour of the Burbank studios. Using these original plans, Eisner dreamed up a pavilion, to be located in between the Land and Imagination pavilions in Epcot, where a movie-themed backstage tour would be the feature attraction.
By the mid-1980s, plans were continually increased to include more attractions, therefore requiring the use of more land. As the idea for a tram-style movie tour attraction outgrew its home at Epcot, Eisner led the way in expanding the pavilion’s increase the number of Imagineers, so that research could begin on a new park altogether. Construction for the park began in 1986 with the rising of the Earful Tower, a massive pair of Mickey ears that could be seen from much of the park, including one major New York The Disney-MGM Studios theme park was designed to be one of the most unique experiences in the world. It was set to offer guests new experiences that would immerse them in the movies and also function as an active film and animation studio.
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The Disney-MGM Studios theme park was designed to be one of the most unique experiences in the world. It was set to offer guests new experiences that would immerse them in the movies and also function as an active film and animation studio. One of its major attractions was a massive pair of Mickey ears that could be seen from much of the park, including the popular New York Street attraction, the Studio Backlot Tour.
Through a partnership with Metro Goldwyn Meyer, the park offered a unique concept that set it apart from other parks. Guests not only had the opportunity to experience movie-themed attractions like the Great Movie Ride (refer to Hollywood Chapter 5 – The Great Movie Ride), but they could also get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating movies. This included a close-up view of working sets and backlots.
Through a partnership with Metro Goldwyn Meyer, the park offered a unique concept that set it apart from other parks. Guests not only had the opportunity to experience movie-themed attractions like the Great Movie Ride (refer to Hollywood Chapter 5 – The Great Movie Ride), but they could also get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating movies. This included a close-up view of working sets and backlots.
Backstage Studio Tour
Disney-MGM Studios was designed to function as a theme park and production studio. It was opened to the public on May 1, 1989. The major attraction of the park was the Backstage Studio Tour.
The original Backstage Studio Tour lasted for over two hours. To understand the text better, refer to the 1989 Backstage Studio Tour map below and match the numbers on the map to follow the text.
As soon as guests entered Disney-MGM Studios Backstage Studio Tour, they were transported into a working movie and television set. The tour offered a detailed look into live-action movies and television and a unique opportunity to visit Disney animators working on their newest featurettes.
Disney-MGM Studios was designed to function as a theme park and production studio. It was opened to the public on May 1, 1989. The major attraction of the park was the Backstage Studio Tour.
The original Backstage Studio Tour lasted for over two hours. To understand the text better, refer to the 1989 Backstage Studio Tour map below and match the numbers on the map to follow the text.
As soon as guests entered Disney-MGM Studios Backstage Studio Tour, they were transported into a working movie and television set. The tour offered a detailed look into live-action movies and television and a unique opportunity to visit Disney animators working on their newest featurettes.
1989 MGM/Disney Guide Map
ATTRACTION:
The original Backstage Studio Tour, was a two-part adventure as you go behind the scenes of a real motion picture studio.
Note: The 2-hour guided tour involves an hour of walking.
(1) The Backstage Shuttle Station is where your adventure begins. You’ll be introduced to the business of show business.
The original Backstage Studio Tour, was a two-part adventure as you go behind the scenes of a real motion picture studio.
Note: The 2-hour guided tour involves an hour of walking.
(1) The Backstage Shuttle Station is where your adventure begins. You’ll be introduced to the business of show business.
Then you’ll board a backstage shuttle and travel into the heart of the Production Center.
Highlights include visits to:
(2) Costuming: Where skilled designers create the clothes worn by your favorite stars.
Highlights include visits to:
(2) Costuming: Where skilled designers create the clothes worn by your favorite stars.
(3) Scenic Shop: If it’s in the script, here’s where studio craftsmen will build it.
(4) Residential Street: Look closely at the “houses” on this outdoor set. You may recognize the homes of famous movie and TV families.
Photos credit: Werner Weiss Curator of Yesterland
(5) Catastrophe Canyon: A perilous journey through a unique outdoor set. You’ll experience amazing artificial disasters that seem real enough in the movies, but even more impressive up close.
(6) New York Street: A giant backlot set used to film busy street scenes. At the end of New York Street were forced perspective “buildings” that make these blocks look like an entire cityscape.
(7) Water Effects Tank: In the dramatic sea battle scene you may be selected to be the star.
(8) Special Effects Workshop and Shooting Stage: Explore the fascinating science of optical and mechanical effects.
https://history.loftinnc.com/Disney_World_Disney_MGM_Studios_1996_1997_2000.htm
https://history.loftinnc.com/Disney_World_Disney_MGM_Studios_1996_1997_2000.htm
(9) Soundstages: Specially designed stages let you look in on movies and television shows in production.
Please Note: The use of cameras or recording devices of any kind Is prohibited inside soundstages.
(10) Post-Production Editing and Audio: When principal photography is complete, the films come here, where editors, sound engineers, and other technicians add the finishing touches.
(11) The Walt Disney Theater: The final stop on your adventure, where you’ll see special sneak previews of new movies.
(10) Post-Production Editing and Audio: When principal photography is complete, the films come here, where editors, sound engineers, and other technicians add the finishing touches.
(11) The Walt Disney Theater: The final stop on your adventure, where you’ll see special sneak previews of new movies.
RESTAURANTS:
(12) Soundstage Restaurant: Where dining is “Big Business.” Counter-service dining offers pizza, pasta, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
(12) Soundstage Restaurant: Where dining is “Big Business.” Counter-service dining offers pizza, pasta, sandwiches, soups, and salads.
(13) The Catwalk Bar: Where beer, wine, cocktails, and specialty drinks are served.
(14) Studio Catering Co.: On the Backstage Studio Tour. Refreshing fruit salads, ice cream snack items, and beverages.
SHOPS:
(15) The Disney Studio Store: Dazzle your friends with The Walt Disney Studios and Touchstone Pictures clothing and accessories.
(16) The Loony Bin: On the Backstage Studio Tour, Unique gag gifts, plush toys and loony souvenirs.
(15) The Disney Studio Store: Dazzle your friends with The Walt Disney Studios and Touchstone Pictures clothing and accessories.
(16) The Loony Bin: On the Backstage Studio Tour, Unique gag gifts, plush toys and loony souvenirs.
(17) On the Backstage Studio Tour: you’ll have a zany photo opportoonity with favorite cartoon stars.
It’s a long attraction. It’s a good thing there are restrooms and a snack break at the halfway point.
Link:
https://www.yesterland.com/backlot.html
Link:
https://www.yesterland.com/backlot.html
History of the Backlot Tour
There were only a few attractions that remained from the opening of a theme park on May 1, 1989, and one of them the Backlot Tour, closed permanently on September 27, 2014.
The Backlot Tour underwent several changes over the years. Groundbreaking for the Backlot Tour began on March 27, 1986. When the Disney-MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989, the Backlot Tour (then known as the Backlot Studio Tour) opened up in the current location of the Magic of Disney Animation.
The Studio Tour was launched as a premier attraction for Disney-MGM Studios, with the aim of not only entertaining visitors with rides but also immersing them in the art and magic of real Hollywood production.
The original tour consisted of several segments. A tram tour was an essential part of the ride, which Disney Imagineers included in the park to recreate the backlot tram tours found in Hollywood LA studio tours.
The tour would begin with a stop at The Production Center, which included Costuming, where guests could peer into The Costuming Shop and observe Cast Members creating costumes for various Hollywood productions.
There were only a few attractions that remained from the opening of a theme park on May 1, 1989, and one of them the Backlot Tour, closed permanently on September 27, 2014.
The Backlot Tour underwent several changes over the years. Groundbreaking for the Backlot Tour began on March 27, 1986. When the Disney-MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989, the Backlot Tour (then known as the Backlot Studio Tour) opened up in the current location of the Magic of Disney Animation.
The Studio Tour was launched as a premier attraction for Disney-MGM Studios, with the aim of not only entertaining visitors with rides but also immersing them in the art and magic of real Hollywood production.
The original tour consisted of several segments. A tram tour was an essential part of the ride, which Disney Imagineers included in the park to recreate the backlot tram tours found in Hollywood LA studio tours.
The tour would begin with a stop at The Production Center, which included Costuming, where guests could peer into The Costuming Shop and observe Cast Members creating costumes for various Hollywood productions.
This was followed by The Scenic Shop, where craftsmen constructed sets for use in production.
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Photo Credit: Yesterland
As the tram proceeds through the Backlot, Guests can see some of the planes used in the movie “Pearl Harbor”.
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Sprinkled along the tram’s route were stretches spotlighting the park’s “greens department” with character-shaped Topiaries.
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The tram tour included a trip to what was called Residential Street, which was a street with faux home facades from famous television shows. These houses were used for wide shots of the homes of the characters in the TV show and were nothing more than just a front with no sides or an interior constructed. The houses displayed here included The Golden Girls, Empty Nest, Adventures in Wonderland and Ernest Saves Christmas. During the first few years of Residential Street, Herbie the Love Bug greeted guests as they passed by on the tram tour and would squirt water and open its doors.
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Note: It’s interesting to note, that the Golden Girls premiered on September 14, 1985. The Disney-MGM Studios didn’t open until May 1, 1989. Disney had filmed one or two exterior shots of the house in Florida for the TV series, but the home used in the vast majority of the series was located in Brentwood, California, and filmed in mass at the beginning of the series. The tram tour left this fact out and implied that this was The Golden Girls' house.
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After passing through Residential Street, the tram would continue to tour New York Street. New York Street was closed off to guests during this time to allow for the Backlot Tour and real production work. The area included some of the facades, including a reproduction of the Washington Square Park memorial at the beginning of the street.
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New York Street’s greatest claim to fame was it was the set of the Bette Midler film, "The Lottery". The Lottery was shot in February 1989 at Disney-MGM Studios on the New York City backlot set.
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The Lottery is a 1989 American comedy short film starring Bette Midler and directed by Garry Marshall which was shown at the then Disney-MGM Studios in line for the first versions of the Studio Backlot Tour.
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After the tram tour through New York Street, guests would move on to Catastrophe Canyon, which is a movie set designed to showcase the use of special effects. The set is built to simulate an oil tanker explosion followed by a flood of water, creating a realistic movie-like experience for the guests. Catastrophe Canyon remained mostly unchanged from 1989 until the Backlot Tour closed in 2014.
Click on photo to enlarge
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As the tram tour progressed, guests would come across an area called "the boneyard". This was where various props from Disney's past productions were displayed on either side of the tram's route. In real Hollywood backlots, studios would keep old props around in case they were needed for future productions. At the Disney-MGM Studios, the boneyard served as a museum of sorts, exhibiting relics from past films, which included props from The Rocketeer, Roger Rabbit, and Star Wars, among others.
The "Boneyard" is a collection of prop vehicles from various movies and TV shows. Guests can see Judge Doom's Dip machine from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," ships from the original "Star Wars" franchise, and motorcycles from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." While touring the Boneyard, guests can enjoy a great view of the Earffel Tower, which was the park's original icon. Additionally, visitors can see Walt Disney's private plane, documented as N234MM (where the "MM" refers to Mickey Mouse), which is a sentimental favorite.
The "Boneyard" is a collection of prop vehicles from various movies and TV shows. Guests can see Judge Doom's Dip machine from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," ships from the original "Star Wars" franchise, and motorcycles from "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade." While touring the Boneyard, guests can enjoy a great view of the Earffel Tower, which was the park's original icon. Additionally, visitors can see Walt Disney's private plane, documented as N234MM (where the "MM" refers to Mickey Mouse), which is a sentimental favorite.
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Restaurant from The Rocketeer (see Hollywood Studios Chapter 13)
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Herbie
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Cars from Dick Tracy Motorcycles from Indiana Jones
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After completing The Boneyard Tour, guests would disembark from the tram at the exit area, which was also the location of the Studio Catering Co. restaurant.
This marked the end of the first part of the tour. The second part of the tour involved walking, standing, and sitting. The transition between the two parts of the tour took place at Backstage Plaza, where guests could stretch their legs and use the restroom. At Backstage Plaza, guests could find the Splash fountain and the Studio Catering Co. restaurant, where they could order sandwiches, fresh fruit and cheese plates, ice cream novelties, and beverages. It is worth noting that Studio Catering Co. and Disney-MGM Studios both opened on the same date in May of 1989. |
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Splash
“Splash” marked a milestone for Tom Hanks as this was the first movie in which he received top billing. In the movie "Splash" (1984) featuring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, and directed by Ron Howard, This sculpture was used which is quite interesting. Though it appears to be made of brass and stone, it was actually fabricated using only fiberglass at the Walt Disney Studios Scenic Shop. The molds used to create the mermaid and dolphins were originally made for ice sculptures seen in another Disney movie, "Herbie Goes Bananas." |
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The sequel to the film, "Splash Too", was completely filmed at Disney-MGM Studios in 1988 and was the first movie to be filmed at the Studios.
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By the end of 1989, the MGM/Disney changed it became apparent that the tour was too long. Washington Square became the only part of New York Street still included in the tram route. The rest of New York Street became part of the park’s guest area.
Soon, guests could walk to the Studio Catering Co. from other parts of the park. The tour was split into two separate, shorter tours. Studio Catering Co. was no longer considered a stop on the tour.
Soon, guests could walk to the Studio Catering Co. from other parts of the park. The tour was split into two separate, shorter tours. Studio Catering Co. was no longer considered a stop on the tour.
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The break area was expanded to include the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure as an area.
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
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Click on photos to enlarge
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At this point of the Backlot Tour, guests would begin the walking portion. Here, they could observe a demonstration of how water tank effects are utilized to create realistic-looking ship-based scenes for movies.
The Water Effects Tank was situated in an open-air area and contained various props that recreated the setting of Disney's film, Pearl Harbor. These props included the deck and engine room of a patrol boat.
While Cast Members explained how the water and props could be used in filming scenes from action films, those volunteers plucked earlier from the pre-show queue were set up to participate in a filming demonstration.
The Water Effects Tank was situated in an open-air area and contained various props that recreated the setting of Disney's film, Pearl Harbor. These props included the deck and engine room of a patrol boat.
While Cast Members explained how the water and props could be used in filming scenes from action films, those volunteers plucked earlier from the pre-show queue were set up to participate in a filming demonstration.
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Click on photos to enlarge
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After the water tank demonstration, the guests were taken on a walking tour of the sound stages at the Studios.
The tour followed Mickey Avenue, which was built to resemble Mickey Avenue at the Disney Studios in Burbank.
The tour ended in an area called "Inside the Magic - Special Effects and Production Tour," where visitors could witness special effects demonstrations.
The tour followed Mickey Avenue, which was built to resemble Mickey Avenue at the Disney Studios in Burbank.
The tour ended in an area called "Inside the Magic - Special Effects and Production Tour," where visitors could witness special effects demonstrations.
Special Effects Workshop and Shooting Stage
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This area was designed to host TV and movie productions, as stated in the 1989 park map which invited guests to "Explore the fascinating science of optical and mechanical effects". Guests could enjoy the set pieces from popular films such as The Santa Clause (starring Disney Legend Tim Allen), Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, and The Rocketeer.
“The All New Mickey Mouse Club” premiered on the Disney Channel in 1989. It was filmed at MGM/Disney Studios. Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake were part of the New Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers.
“The All New Mickey Mouse Club” premiered on the Disney Channel in 1989. It was filmed at MGM/Disney Studios. Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Justin Timberlake were part of the New Mickey Mouse Club Mouseketeers.
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The tour continued into the Special Effects Workshop and Shooting Stage. Sets and props from a specially produced movie starring Bette Midler and a winning lottery ticket were featured.
In this area, guests would see tons of various MGM and Disney movie props, miniatures, set pieces, and animatronics
In this area, guests would see tons of various MGM and Disney movie props, miniatures, set pieces, and animatronics
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During the presentation, a large bumblebee prop from the movie "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" was used in front of a green screen to showcase its functionality. Two guests from the group were selected to ride the bee as it simulated flying around a backyard.
Guests were then ushered into the Walt Disney Theater to see special sneak previews of new movies, before exiting back into the Studio Courtyard. Notes: https://www.laughingplace.com/w/articles/2014/04/30/visiting-the-disney-mgm-studios-theme-park-in-the-summer-of-1989-a-personal-photo-tour/4/ |
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Tram to Walking Tour
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The Transition
At the end of 1989, Disney made some changes to the Backlot Tour to provide more attractions and a better experience for park guests. The original tour was quite long, so it was divided into two parts: a Tram Tour and a Walking Tour.
The first segment of the Backstage Studio Tour was a tram ride that took guests behind the scenes of a set, showcasing The Golden Girls' house, a New York Street, and the skyline. Guests also experienced an earthquake, fire, explosions, monsoons, and other near-disasters in the Catastrophe Canyon.
By the end of 1989, the second segment was on foot. New York Street was separated from the tour and guests were allowed to walk on New York Street
The Special Effects Areas were also separated, with the Water Effects tank and a battle at sea as stand-alone attractions. Inside the Magic – Special Effects and Production Tour, which included editing rooms and sound stages, was also a separate attraction.
In 1991, the Backstage Studio Tour featuring Catastrophe Canyon was listed as a "30-minute shuttle ride" in the guidebook. The walking portion was billed as a separate attraction.
The first segment of the Backstage Studio Tour was a tram ride that took guests behind the scenes of a set, showcasing The Golden Girls' house, a New York Street, and the skyline. Guests also experienced an earthquake, fire, explosions, monsoons, and other near-disasters in the Catastrophe Canyon.
By the end of 1989, the second segment was on foot. New York Street was separated from the tour and guests were allowed to walk on New York Street
The Special Effects Areas were also separated, with the Water Effects tank and a battle at sea as stand-alone attractions. Inside the Magic – Special Effects and Production Tour, which included editing rooms and sound stages, was also a separate attraction.
In 1991, the Backstage Studio Tour featuring Catastrophe Canyon was listed as a "30-minute shuttle ride" in the guidebook. The walking portion was billed as a separate attraction.
1990 MGM/Disney Studios Map
The Walt Disney Theater, where guests ended the Backstage Studio Tour, was separated and became its own theater that went on to show "Here Come the Muppets" and "Voyage of the Little Mermaid".
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The tram portion of the tour became the Backlot Tour while the walking portion of the tour was named The Backstage Pass.
The entrance to the Backlot Tour was moved further into the park at the end of Mickey Avenue with a new entrance ramp built to lead right into the water effects tank as well as a prop warehouse built to create a longer queue area as well as a loading area for the trams.
The entrance to the Backlot Tour was moved further into the park at the end of Mickey Avenue with a new entrance ramp built to lead right into the water effects tank as well as a prop warehouse built to create a longer queue area as well as a loading area for the trams.
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The Backstage Pass tour used to include a walking portion, but it was eventually removed from the attraction. As a result, a smaller theater was constructed as an exit for the tour.
The Backstage Pass attraction continued to operate until 2001. However, the small theater area where Backstage Pass guests exited was later changed and became a new attraction called "Walt Disney: One Man's Dream."
The Backstage Pass attraction continued to operate until 2001. However, the small theater area where Backstage Pass guests exited was later changed and became a new attraction called "Walt Disney: One Man's Dream."
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In April 2001, Sound Stage 3 was opened to the public with the launch of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It". The attraction "Backstage Pass" was opened and closed sporadically until it was permanently closed in February 2002.
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While the entire walking portion of the original Backstage Pass was gone by early 2002, the Backlot Tour was about to take some cuts as well. On July 2, 2003, Residential Street was closed to the public and then demolished. A small Cast member-only event was held to mark the closing of Residential Street before it began to be demolished. The area was being removed to make way for Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, a show that was being imported from Disneyland Paris as part of Disney Parks worldwide 50th Anniversary Celebration.
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Because of this addition of the stunt show, the tram tour had to be reworked quite a bit and small portions of the old residential street were turned into areas for the boneyard portion of the tour (which was dramatically scaled down). In addition to Residential Street being demolished, the archway on New York Street was also taken down to make room for the tram to be able to maneuver through the area.
Aside from trying to cut down the total running time of the attraction, there was the reality that despite Disney’s best efforts, real production was not coming to the Studios.
Disney had tried to use the Studios to lure Hollywood production to come to the Studios as an alternative to Hollywood.
The guests would take the tour and see empty sound stages. In addition, the walking portion of the tour (later called Backstage Pass) was despised by filmmakers who did not like the public watching while production occurred. As much as Disney wanted the Studios to become the East Coast equivalent of Hollywood, it just wasn’t going to happen and Disney was forced to convert the sound stages for other uses like Millionaire or a Sorcerer Mickey Meet-n-Greet and finally, they were torn down to make way for Toy Story Mania.
Aside from trying to cut down the total running time of the attraction, there was the reality that despite Disney’s best efforts, real production was not coming to the Studios.
Disney had tried to use the Studios to lure Hollywood production to come to the Studios as an alternative to Hollywood.
The guests would take the tour and see empty sound stages. In addition, the walking portion of the tour (later called Backstage Pass) was despised by filmmakers who did not like the public watching while production occurred. As much as Disney wanted the Studios to become the East Coast equivalent of Hollywood, it just wasn’t going to happen and Disney was forced to convert the sound stages for other uses like Millionaire or a Sorcerer Mickey Meet-n-Greet and finally, they were torn down to make way for Toy Story Mania.
The Walt Disney Theatre, which originally showed a preview of the newest Disney movie as the final part of the walking tour, was transformed into a short-lived stage show, Here Come The Muppets, and then into the long-running live show, The Voyage of the Little Mermaid.
Guide Maps in 1994 listed the Backstage Studio Tour as a “25-minute shuttle ride” and Inside the Magic as a “35-minute tour.” The park had grown into a much more complete theme park, especially with the July 1994 opening of Sunset Boulevard and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. At the same time, the production facilities failed to take off as a “real movie studio.”
In 1996, the entrance to the walking tour moved next door. Inside the Magic was renamed Backstage Pass (often appended with a movie name, such as Backstage Pass to 101 Dalmatians). The Studio Backlot Tour and its entrance moved to the far end of Mickey Avenue, where the walking tour had previously begun. The water tank special effects stage became the opening act for the tram tour.
The television series Mortal Kombat: Conquest was filmed at Disney-MGM for its one-season run (1998 - 1999). When the series was canceled, Disney bought the sets so that walking tour guests would have something to look at.
Guide Maps in 1994 listed the Backstage Studio Tour as a “25-minute shuttle ride” and Inside the Magic as a “35-minute tour.” The park had grown into a much more complete theme park, especially with the July 1994 opening of Sunset Boulevard and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. At the same time, the production facilities failed to take off as a “real movie studio.”
In 1996, the entrance to the walking tour moved next door. Inside the Magic was renamed Backstage Pass (often appended with a movie name, such as Backstage Pass to 101 Dalmatians). The Studio Backlot Tour and its entrance moved to the far end of Mickey Avenue, where the walking tour had previously begun. The water tank special effects stage became the opening act for the tram tour.
The television series Mortal Kombat: Conquest was filmed at Disney-MGM for its one-season run (1998 - 1999). When the series was canceled, Disney bought the sets so that walking tour guests would have something to look at.
MGM/Disney Studios Map 1996
In 2001, the Backstage Pass walking tour closed permanently.
Followup:
https://www.yesterland.com/backlot.html
Followup:
https://www.yesterland.com/backlot.html
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The Backlot Tour became a shell of its former self and with the change in direction of the Studios from working production theme park to celebrating Hollywood, the future of the Backlot Tour didn’t look bright.
Whether or not guests prefer the two-hour-long version with no bathroom breaks or empty Studios, the Backlot Tour has undergone many changes since the park opened and continued to be tinkered with and cut back. Finally, the Backlot Tour has gone through the reduction (and subsequent removal) of production at the Studios. Disney executives saw that significant Hollywood production wasn’t a viable business for the Studios and the many changes to the Backlot Tour (and the rest of the park) have all been attempts to move the Studios away from its initial idea of a production Studio and theme park to simply a theme park. Tracing: https://studioscentral.com/column/matt/history-of-the-backlot-tour/ https://www.piratesandprincesses.net/disney-days-of-yore-studio-backlot-tour/ https://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/disney-mgm-inside-the-magic-special-effects-and-production-tour-any-photos.548677/ |
Note: In 2004, Streets of New York was renamed Streets of America.
It's was sad to see the original MGM/Disney Studios opening attractions close, but Disney needs to keep themselves relevant, so change is necessary.
In the next Chapter, we will tour the Streets of America and take a closer look at the facades and backgrounds of the Streets.
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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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