“Disney Hollywood Studios” by The Consortium
Disney’s Hollywood Studios formerly known as Disney MGM opened on May 1, 1989 where the chairman declared “Welcome to the Hollywood that never was and always will be.” Beating out the opening of Universal Studios who opened in 1990 but lacked the attractions needed for a full day park. With only four attractions and an evening fireworks show that was added in 1990 more attractions needed to be added to draw audiences of those both young and older. Over the years attractions have come and gone but it wasn’t until the opening of Sunset Boulevard in 1994 featuring the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror that things began to change and the park now offers a behind the scenes look at Hollywood style action with live shows, backstage tours, and star studded special events. One of the lucky ones has been the Beauty and the Beast stage show which has survived since 1991, but others have not.
Located to the southwest of Epcot theme park, near five Disney resorts and south of the Disney Fantasia Gardens Miniature golf course, it is easy to access. Casual attire, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen is recommended to make your visit more enjoyable.
The park has hosted so many parades since first opening that they have lost track but one of the newest ones is Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun which replaced Block Party Bash. The park is set up in eight sections: Animation Courtyard, Commissary Lane, Echo Lake, Hollywood Boulevard, Mickey Avenue, Pixar Place, Streets of America, and Sunset Boulevard. Each section offers either dining options or attractions within their section; most of them offer both.
Fantasmic is based on the super popular Disneyland show, they have also added Lights, Camera, Action!, Extreme Stunt Show from Disneyland Paris. Toy-Store Mania opened in May 2008 and is one of the best and busiest attractions within the park. You can also enjoy the American Idol Experience, rides such as the Rock n Roller Coaster staring Aerosmith, Star Tours, Great Movie Ride, Muppet Vision 3-D, Studio Back Lot Tour, Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, and more.
There are several great themed restaurants such as Hollywood Brown Derby, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Drive In, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante or Hollywood & Vine that seem to be very popular and come highly recommended.
