Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 as the Disney-MGM Studios. When it first opened, it was a real production studio where many TV shows such as the New Mickey Mouse Club (the one with Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, and more) and Star Search were filmed. There was even a real animation studio where some of the Disney Classics such as Mulan where made.Over time, however, most production stopped, and the focus shifted to make the studios more of a theme park and less as a center of production. Because of that decision, many of the great attractions from the early days that revolved around being in an actual studio have disappeared.
Here I list my 10 favorite attractions from Disney’s Hollywood Studio (or some existed when it was called Disney-MGM studios), regardless if they still are in operation or not.
The Backstage Tour – When the studios first opened, the backstage tour was completely different than it is now. The total tour was around two hours and began with a tram ride. While the tram portion still exists (albeit in a much changed format), the original tour also included a walking portion that took you through the sound stages to see actual productions. There was also a great movie starring Bette Midler called The Lottery that explained the film making process.
The Art of Disney Animation – When there was still a working animation studio within the Disney-MGM Studios, the walk through tour of the facilities included a chance to see real animators at work creating future releases. The tour began with a charming film staring Robin Williams as one of Peter Pan’s lost boys. After the film, which explained the animation process, visitors would then “follow” Robin’s character on overhead monitors thought the animation studio seeing artists bringing Disney magic to life.
Star Tours – Climbing aboard a star speeder, visitors blast off into space on an intergalactic adventure. Star Tours is a great ride, and has a wonderful preshow area showing C3PO and R2-D2 as they prepare for the voyage. The problem is the pilot of the star speeder is a newbie and it turns into a rocky ride!
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror - This attraction at the end of Sunset Boulevard takes place in a deserted, and haunted, hotel. Visitors begin by entering the hotel and proceeding to the basement. From there, they board a service elevator and journey up – thirteen stories up. From there it’s a nightmarish is 13 story plunge to the bottom. This ride is not for the faint of heart.
Rock 'N' Roller Coaster - Aerosmith invite riders to be VIP's at their concert. The only problem is that the show beings in just a few minutes. Riders get into a stretch limo and it shoots of from 0 - 57 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. From there, it's a super-fast journey through the freeways of LA to get to the show on time. Along with plenty of ups, downs, and loops, riders rock out to an awesome speaker system in each "limo" playing some of Aerosmith's greatest hits.
Fantasmic! - Mickey Mouse's dreams quickly turn in to a nightmare as the forces of good and evil battle for control of Mickey's dreams in the spectacular show at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Presented in the Hollywood Hills Theater, the memorizing show features all of your Disney friends, fireworks, music, floating stages, and patented water screen technology on which clips from classic Disney movies are shown.
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – A relatively new addition to the studios, this action-packed stunt show was imported from the Disney Studios in the Disneyland Paris resort. The outdoor spectacular shows many of the tricks used to create chase scenes from your favorite movies. This is a fantastic addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (although they had to raze the “residential street” which used to be part of the backstage tram tour and included such gems as the Golden Girls house to make room for this attraction.
The Great Movie Ride – One of the original opening day attractions, the Great Movie Ride is mild compared to many other offerings. That said, this ride which is housed in an exact replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater, takes riders on a voyage through scenes from some of Hollywood’s greatest movies. From following the yellow brick road to Oz, to soaring above the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins, this ride is sure to bring back many memories of your favorite movie classics.
Toy Story Mania – The newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania invites guests into the wacky world of Toy Story. In this interactive ride, riders wear 3D glasses and their ride vehicle is equipped with guns so riders can play carnival style games as they progress through the ride. Games such as Woody's Rootin' Tootin' Shootin' Gallery and Pie Throw Practice Booth allow riders to accumulate points throughout the ride.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – This is another attraction that’s been around since opening day and is still “wow-ing” guests. In this live action stunt show, guests see how stunts are done and a few lucky guests are cast in a role in this show. Indiana Jones stars are he fights off the bad guys to save the day (and win the girl, of course
