Disney-MGM Studios is a freestanding theme park more closely situated to Epcot
and Downtown Disney then the Magic Kingdom. By Disney's definition it is a
working movie and television studio theme park. For a description of what a
working movie and television studio theme park is let's reach back to perhaps
more familiar ground. Disney-MGM Studios can be described as having drawn the
best of Epcot, that is experiencing education and learning, and combined it
with the magic and excitement of the Magic Kingdom. So for those interested in
the history and technology of the movies or those who just want to be
entertained Disney-MGM Studios should have something for everyone.
Hollywood Boulevard:
With its art deco architecture this is the “Main Street" of Disney-MGM Studios.
It is designed to look like a recreation of Hollywood during the 1920s and 30s.
All along the palm lined street guests will find a mix of merchandise shops and
eateries, as well as the following guest services.
Theme Parks & Nearby excursions
The Great Movie Ride: Located at the far end of Hollywood Boulevard
Guests enter this attraction through a reproduction of Hollywood's Chinese
Theater. Once inside they join other guests aboard specials trams that take
them past movie sets from a variety of Hollywood's classic movies. Many of
Hollywood's biggest stars are there as life-size Audio-Animatronic creations
reprising some of their most memorable scenes. 22 minute ride
Sunset Boulevard: Turn the corner off Hollywood Boulevard onto Sunset Boulevard
and you will be transported from the Hollywood of the 1920s and 30s to its
heyday of the 1940s. Along Sunset Boulevard guests will find another
opportunity to shop for Disney trademark merchandise and choose from several
eateries, including a rendition of a landmark Hollywood restaurant.
Fantasmic! : Nearly 7,000 guests are treated nightly to this multi-media
presentation at The Hollywood Amphitheater.
Mickey reprises his role as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from the classic film
Fantasia. Amide laser images, fireworks, special lighting and a musical score
that is first rate Mickey leads the battle of good over evil.
We could back a truckload of superlatives up to this one and would not be over
doing it. This is simply the best out door spectacular to be found at any theme
park anywhere. 25 minutes (weather permitting)
Tower of Terror: To describe this attraction simply as a thrill ride although
true would not begin to do it justice. From moment guests begin their journey
through this once opulent Hollywood hotel to moment the elevator car they are
riding in is dropped from the ?3th?floor guests experience some of the best
special effects to be found anywhere. Possibly the best effort put forth to
date by the Disney Imaginers this attraction has inspired a legion of fans.
New since 1999 the faulty elevator you are riding in will drop you into "The
Twilight Zone" again and again.
* Minimum height requirement 40 inches / 102 cm
Rockin' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith: This is a roller coaster of the
first order with an acceleration that will take you from 0 to 58 miles an hour
in less than three seconds. Riders will experience 5-G turns and several
complete inversions, as they listen to the band Aerosmith. Oh, by the way did
we mention that this all takes place in the dark.
* Minimum height requirement 40 inches / 102 cm
Beauty and the Beast: A combination of first rate staging, costuming, singing
and dancing all add to this live stage production. The story line from the film
is only loosely followed, but no matter the reproduction of the musical numbers
from the animated film are both recognizable and enjoyable.
A Broadway-style production at the Theater of the Stars; 30 minute show
Echo Lake: On your left as you near the end of Hollywood Boulevard is Echo
Lake. Gertie the Dinosaur Echo Lake's landmark presides over a collection of
restaurants and attractions.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: This live show presented in The Stunt
Theater entertains as many 2,000 guests several times a day. Guests are treated
to an elaborately stage demonstration of dangerous stunts with a behind the
scenes look at how they are pulled off. Volunteers from the audience join Indy
and Marion on the set as extras only adding to the fun.
* 30 minute show
Star Tours: Themed after the Star Wars movies this attraction is non-stop
action and thrill from the moment you are buckled into your spacecraft. Piloted
by an android on his first flight with passengers your simulator/space craft
with all its banking, turning and special effects will leave your believing you
really travel at the speed of light. The ultimate Star Wars thrill ride,
continuous 10 minute adventures
* Minimum height requirement 40 inches / 102 cm
Sounds Dangerous: This film presentation featuring Drew Carey lets the audience
experience movie and TV sound effects. Each guest wears his or her own
headphones, which make the sound effects very real indeed. You won't want to
miss this wacky and interesting experience at the ABC Sound Studio
* 12 minute show
Get Happy... with ABC! : Replacing Youg Live the former occupant of this
theater is an unabashed attempt at self-promotion. During this 25 minute film
presentation Disney cross promotes the new fall line up for ABC television.
Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza: This
often-overlooked area displays sculptures of television legends and a 14.5-foot
Emmy statue.
Animation Courtyard: Animation Courtyard is located at the far end of Hollywood
Boulevard to the right of guests as they stand facing the new Scorcher's Hat.
In this small enclave guests are treated to several live productions and an
amazing and interesting walking tour that explains and demonstrates the art of
animation.
Voyage of the little Mermaid: Special effects team up with special music to
make one very special stage production. No kids in your tour group? Just get in
line behind that family from Ohio and go for it. You won't be disappointed.
* Join Ariel and friends "Under the Sea" during this17 minute show.
The Magic of Disney Animation: This is your chance to see how your animated
favorites are brought to life. A walking tour allowing guests to get a glimpse
of the behind the scenes efforts of animators and production artists at work on
upcoming Disney animated feature films. In addition guests are treated to some
history of past classics.
* 35 minute guided tour
Playhouse Disney Live: A special treat awaits preschoolers as their Disney
Channel favorites come alive. Engaging presentation with costumed characters
and puppetry entertaining the audience that is seated on a carpeted floor in
front of the stage. The informal atmosphere works well with the
sometimes-restless children.
* 20 minute show
Mickey Avenue: Moving away from Animation Courtyard towards the rear of the
park is Mickey Avenue. Along this street that leads to the “back lot? several
attractions, opportunities for character encounters and the very engaging
tribute to Walt Disney "Disney: One Man's Dream" are to be found.
Who Wants to be a Millionaire Play It! : On this replica of the set from this
popular TV program 700 guests are given a chance to buzz in and win a spot in
the Lot seat? Contestants compete for a trip to New York City.
Walt Disney, One Man's Dream: Here guests will be treated to an exhibit called
"The Man's Dream" that details the many accomplishments of Walt Disney.
Studios Backlot Tour: This three-part tour begins with a walking tour that
includes a special effects water tank. Special effect technicians explain some
of the tricks of the trade as they demonstrate a rainstorm and a naval battle.
Guests next walk through a prop room as they head for the tram loading area.
The trams take guests through a variety of Hollywood sets including,
residential streets, western canyons and New York City streets. The tram
portion of the tour climaxes with Catastrophe Canyon. A spectacular
demonstration of special effects, where guests experience a earthquake, fire
and flashflood.
Back Stage Pass: A walking tour that gives guests a glimpse of the behind the
scenes making of TV programs, movies or commercials currently under production.
Generally moves quickly from one portion of the tour to the next, but still may
prove a little boring for the kids in the group.
New York Street Backstage Area: Walking tour showcasing an elaborate replica of
New York City streets
Al's Toy Barn: Toy story fans young and old will get an opportunity to meet
their favorite character.
"Honey I Shrunk the kids" Playground: This playground with its two story blades
of grass and other over sized backyard props is a big draw for grade school age
kids. Kids can play for as long as their level of endurance will allow. A
larger than life playground for kids 4 and older
Muppet Vision 3D: Kermit and his friends take you on a wacky 3-D tour of the
Muppet labs. There are plenty of surprises as the special effects literally
jump off the screen and surround guests with sights and sounds throughout the
presentation.
* 25 minute show
The Hunchback of Notre Dame, A Musical Adventure: Join Quasimodo for this live
"Topsy-Turvey" musical extravaganza at the Backlot Theater.