An unofficial Walt Disney World news and trip planning guide!

Hollywood Studios Overview

Disney’s Holywood Studios opened on May 1st, 1989 as the Disney MGM Studios. The park was opened due to Universal announcing that they would be opening the Universal Studios in Orlando. The park was initially a bitter disappointment for most as it had been rushed to ensure it opened before Universal. When it opened, it had just 4 attractions; The Great Movie Ride, The Backlot Tour (then know as The Backstage Studio Tour), The Monster Sound Show (later changed to Sounds Dangerous before Disney announced that it will be closing in May 2012) and Magic of Disney Animation.

Fast forward to modern day and the park has been rebranded as the Disney Hollywood Studios, and now boasts over 15 great attractions. The addition of the Sunset Boulevard section of the park in 1994 greatly improved it, with new attractions such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster staring Aerosmith.

When it comes to attractions for the little ones, there are a number of great choices, such as the Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3-D.

A recent addition to the park is Toy Story Land, an immersive themed area featuring the new Slinky Dog Coaster and Toy Story Midway Mania, one of the best (and busiest) attractions at the park.

Hollywood Studios has some great restaurants that are definitely worth a visit. 50’s Prime Time café’s theme is described as “Moms Kitchen”, and the server will play the part of Mom. Other great eateries include Hollywood and Vine, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and Hollywood Brown Derby to name but a few.

Hollywood Studios Lands

Hollywood Studios is split into 8 lands. Each land has a unique theme with attractions, stores and restaurants which compliment the area they are in.

Hollywood Studios Events

Hollywood Studios has 2 regular events, most of which will be shown every day at least once.

Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun

A parade at Hollywood Studios, usually performed daily (weather permitting), and features a number of Pixar movie characters from Up, Monsters Inc., Ratatouille, A Bug's Life, The Incredibles and Toy Story. The parade starts at the front of the park and moves along Hollywood Boulevard. The show runs for just under 10 minutes.

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Fantasmic!

Instead of an evening firework show, Hollywood Studios has Fantasmic!, a live action show featuring Mickey Mouse. It's set on an island overlooked by the 6,900-seat Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. It's Disney largest theater seating area, and has room for an additional 3000 guests standing.

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