Disney’s Hollywood Studios
When Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened on May 1, 1989, chairman Michael Eisner declared “Welcome to the Hollywood that never was and always will be.” Evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood, you are transported back in time from the moment that you approach the main gates. Art Deco is the prevailing style as you stroll down Hollywood Boulevard surrounded by sleek chrome trimmed architecture and neon highlights.
As a fitting tribute to the studios of the past, a water tower is prominently displayed. The “Earffel Tower” adds the distinctive Disney twist at 13 stories high and sporting a pair of 5,000 pound Mouse Ears.
In 2001, the Earffel Tower was replaced by Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat as the new icon of the park. Mickey’s Sorcerer’s hat is 122 feet tall that casts its magic over the center of this park. This glistening tribute to Fantasia is an amazing structure and a fitting match to the signature pieces of the other Disney theme parks.
Portions of the 135 acres that the Disney Hollywood Studios covers are devoted to television and movie production. The Backlot Tour is an exciting behind the scenes look into the world of special effects. You can watch Disney animators at work when taking the “Magic of Disney Animation” tour. Patterned after the popular TV show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It” gives you the opportunity to get in the Hot Seat and win fabulous prizes. Entertaining stage shows and productions such as “Beauty and the Beast”, “Voyage of the Little Mermaid”, “Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage” and the “Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular” are sure to delight and thrill audiences.
Speaking of thrills, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, provide fast paced rides for those who dare to try them. Take a nostalgic journey with some of Hollywood’s favorite films in the Great Movie Ride. Join Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy and friends in the madcap “Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3-D”. For a rare glimpse into the man behind the Mouse, “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream” is a fascinating exhibit of Walt’s life and the path he followed to achieve his goal of creating the “Happiest Place On Earth.”
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to the more recent Disney characters, as well as your old time favorites. Buzz, Woody, Jessie and other friends from Toy Story can be found across from Toy Story Mania. Phineas and Ferb are next to Mama Melrose’s Ristorante. Lightning McQueen and Mater are close by as well. Not to mention many other character greeting spots located throughout the park.
As evening descends, it’s time for “Fantasmic!” With the use of lasers, pyrotechnics, animation and water screens, you’ll be captivated as you watch Sorcerer Mickey and friends battle the Disney villains. It’s an amazing finale to your exciting day at this unique park.
Dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is an entertaining experience in itself. The Hollywood Brown Derby is a detailed replica of its namesake. With caricatures and paneled banquettes, you almost expect to see Bogart and Garbo make an entrance. At the 50′s Prime Time Cafe, mind your manners and eat your veggies or you’ll have to answer to “Mom”. At the Sci-Fi Drive In, keep your car lights dimmed so you can enjoy watching the black and white movie clips from your convertible. Your mouth will water when you inhale the savory aromas of Mama Melrose’s Ristorante that serves over 720 pounds of pasta each day. Counter service eateries abound, with Toy Story Pizza Planet, Backlot Express and the ABC Commissary to name a few.
One of the newer things at all the parks is the “hidden Mickey’s”. These are subtle images or outlines of Mickey Mouse’s ears or face and they are sprinkled around all the Disney theme parks. Find them at some of the following locations at Disney Hollywood Studios: Sunset Theatre, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. They may not be so easy to find but try looking at the door handles when closed at the Sunset Theatre by the Mickey Mouse pose for photos and at the Tower of Terror there are two doors with several square windows when you enter the lobby. The left door closest to the stand-by line you should look at the second row of windows from the top and examine the one farthest to the right and you will find a very tiny Mickey in the center of the window. We never said they would be easy to find but look for them in all the parks.
To the left are some pictures from our visits to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Below is a map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios highlighting some of the attractions. Click on the map to open another window with a much larger map.
Attractions:
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