W D   W  Disney Hollywood Studios

Park Introduction

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the park we probably have the closest ties to… or at least we did. This is the park where James’ Aunt worked. It’s also the park where James had several projects (all gone by the time this website went live). The park, originally Disney MGM Studios, opened in 1989 and was an active production studio for live action and then animated film and TV shows into the early 2000s. The shows and attractions were meant to show people some of the “behind the scenes magic” that goes into making movies. Much of the theming was also meant to honor the early days of film in the United States with the glamour of Hollywood. In the 2000s the park pushed for a newer look and feel while the agreement with MGM expired in 2008.

We first visited the park in 1997 on our honeymoon. The projects James worked on included the 100 ft tall Icon Sorcerer’s Hat that was built as part of the celebration of Walt Disney’s 100th Birthday. He also worked on the Light, Motors, Action Stunt Show which featured a 5000-seat grandstand and a performance area where stunt drivers performed various vehicle stunts. The Hat has come down, the original backlot area has been replaced by Toy Story land, and the stunt show was replaced with Star Wars.




Favorite Memories




Thoughts for Planning a Visit

DISCLAIMER: The Walt Disney World Resort is consistently going through refurbishment and rejuvenation. New rides, changes in ticketing process, and special events announcements occur all the time. Please check the Official Walt Disney World Website for current information.

General Notes

We've only visited the park once since Toy Story land opened and while the main portion of Star Wars was open to walk through, not all the rides were up and running.


Attractions

The Toy Story ride is actually pretty fun, but there’ll be a line. It’s similar to Buzz Light Year in the Magic Kingdom. This is the only ride we've done that's part of the Toy Story themed area.
Rockin’ Roller coaster is a great ride if you like coasters. It does go upside down so Julie has never been on it.
Tower of Terror is ok. It’s fun, but having the seat pulled out from under you can only be entertaining so many times.
If you go to Indiana Jones, make sure someone jumps up and down and volunteers to be part of the show. James has done it twice. If you really want to be part of the show, make sure you have on a flowered Hawaiian shirt. We've heard that since the pandemic they're no longer doing the guest participation components of the show. Maybe they'll bring them back.
Keep an eye out for the street performers. They’re usually pretty funny (at least for the adults).
If you’ve got time, the art of animation tour is actually kind of interesting.
James went on Smugglers Run and really enjoyed it.


Addressing Rumbly in the Tumbly

Snacks – There’s an open market food court down Sunset Boulevard (toward Tower of Terror) as well as the Mickey shaped pretzels.
Favorite sit down – 50’s Prime Time Café. Good 50’s style home cooked foods. The waitress will even do the airplane thing if you don’t eat your green beans; and don’t put your elbows on the table.
Sci-Fi diner is interesting as your table is like a car at an old drive-in.
Counter service – the Commissary is near the middle of the park and has a range of salads and sandwiches.

We haven't eaten at any of the stands or locations in the Toy Story or Star Wars areas.