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Disney's Hollywood Studios

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/* Toy Story Land */
{{Template:Infobox amusement park
| image=Earfultower2ChineseTheater2.jpg| caption= The Earful Tower ''' A replica of Grauman's Chinese Theater houses the Great Movie Ride in Disney's Hollywood Studios.'''
| theme=Golden Age Hollywood and today's Disney Studios
| opening_date=May 1, 1989
===Conception===
Like most things in Walt Disney World, Disney's Hollywood Studios can trace its origins back to Walt Disney himself. In the 1960s, Walt wanted to build a theme park that would show guests the movie making process <ref name= "studios"> http://www.studioscentral.com/history-hollywood-studios </ref>. At that time, Universal Studios had a popular backstage tram tour, and Walt wanted to do something similar on the backlot of the Disney Studios <ref name= "studios"/>. Due to land costs and potential traffic problems however, this idea never came to fruition<ref name= "studios"/>. Although the Disney Studios backlot tour was never built, the idea would later resurface.
[[Image:DisneyMGMConcept.jpg|thumb|350px400px|Early concept art for Disney-MGM Studios]]
The genesis for what would eventually become Disney's Hollywood Studios began in the mid-1980s. Imagineers led by Marty Skylar and Randy Bright were given the task of creating two new pavilions for [[Epcot#Current_Future_World_Pavilions_Pavilions|Future World]] in [[EPCOT Center]] <ref name= "history"> http://www.studioscentral.com/history-great-movie-ride </ref>. One of the pavilions they created was to be called the Great Movie Ride pavilion<ref name= "history"/>. The main attraction of the pavilion would have taken guests through various movie scenes and was very similar to the [[The Great Movie Ride|attraction of the same name]] that would eventually open at Disney-MGM Studios. Michael Eisner, then the CEO of the Disney Company, decided that the idea for the pavilion was strong enough to warrant its own theme park and he told his Imagineers to begin working on it<ref name= "history"/>.
===Opening Day===
Disney beat Universal to the punch when Disney-MGM Studios opened on May 1, 1989 <ref name= "yesterland"> http://www.yesterland.com/mgm-beginning.html </ref>. When the Studios opened, the park consisted of Hollywood Boulevard, Lakeside Circle, and the Backlot Annex (with the production studio and animation studio making up the rest of the park)<ref name= "yesterland"/> .[[Image:MGMGrandOpening.jpg|thumb|350px400px|Michael Eisner and Bob Hope leading the first family into the park on its opening day]] On opening day, Disney-MGM Studios only had five operating attractions. On The Great Movie Ride, guests boarded large trams and rode through scenes from famous movies. Audio Animatronics were used to recreate these scenes, and at the ride’s end guests could see a montage of clips from "great movies". The second and third opening day attractions were The Monster Sound Show and Superstar Television. Both of these attractions were interactive stage shows hosted by Sony <ref name= "day"> http://www.thisdayindisneyhistory.com/Disney-MGMGrandOpening.html </ref>. On the Monster Sound Show guests were able to help add sound effects to an "all-star haunted house mystery". Superstar Television on the other hand, showed guests how TV production worked by recreating some of the greatest shows in television, with guests cast in the show. The other opening day attractions consisted of a lengthy tour of the animation studio and a shorter tour of the production studio <ref name= "day"/>.
On hand for the Studios’ opening day were camera crews from various television stations from around the world <ref name= "mouseplanet"> https://www.mouseplanet.com/11330/The_Premiere_of_DisneyMGM_Studios </ref>. Actor John Ritter hosted the festivities, and celebrities such as Mickey Rooney, George Burns, Ann Miller, Willie Nelson, Jane Fonda, Jimmy Stewart, Dick Van Dyke and The Pointer Sisters attended <ref name= "mouseplanet"/>. Furthermore, Tony Randall, President Ronald Reagan, and British Prime Minister Margret Thatcher all appeared in video clips <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/disney-mgm-studios-theme-park-grand-opening-the-television/ </ref>. The festivities started with Smokey Robinson singing and dancing his way down Hollywood Boulevard <ref name= "studios"/> and Michael Eisner reading the park’s dedication:
==Changes Since Opening Day==
Although only opening with five attractions, Disney-MGM Studios was popular and quickly expanded. Later in 1989, the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular opened in Lakeside Circle <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/mgm/st-indiana.htm </ref>. The stunt show recreated stunts from the Indiana Jones film "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Also in 1989, Star Tours debuted. The new motion simulator attraction that transports guests to the world of the George Lucas' film series Star Wars <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/mgm/st-startours.htm </ref>. In 1990, New York Street was opened for pedestrians (it had previously been part of the Backlot Tour) and the 3D film Muppets Vision 3D was added <ref name= "timeline"> https://www.mouseplanet.com/10692/Celebrating_the_Silver_Anniversary_of_Disneys_Hollywood_Studios </ref>. Also added to New York Street at this time was the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground <ref name= "timeline"/>. In 1991, two shows were added to the park: Beauty and The Beast and the [[Voyage of the Little Mermaid]]<ref name= "timeline"/>.
[[Image:TowerOfTerrorday.jpg|thumb|300px400px|The Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios]]
In 1994, the Sunset Boulevard expansion was added to the Studios <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/06/vintage-walt-disney-world-sunset-boulevard-under-construction/ </ref>. As a part of the addition, the Twilight Zone Tower Terror opened. On the Tower of Terror, guests are transported into Rod Sterling's Twilight Zone where they board a haunted elevator. The elevator drops guests 15 stories before rising back up and dropping them again. The next change major to the park came in 1997, when the Monster Sound Show was replaced with the ABC Sound Studio: One Saturday Morning<ref name= "timeline"/>. The new show was used to feature cartoons airing on ABC, a network recently purchased by Disney. In 1998, the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! was added to Disney-MGM Studios<ref name= "timeline"/>. The new firework show features a battle of good vs. evil staring Mickey Mouse. In 1999, Sunset Boulevard got another thrill ride with the addition of the Rock N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, which took guests on a high speed tour of Hollywood set to the music of Aerosmith <ref name= "timeline"/>.
===Disney's Hollywood Studios 2007-Present===
[[Image:Earfultower2.jpg|400px|thumb|The Earful Tower served as the park's icon from 1989 until 2001]]
Since the 2007 name change there have a few major additions to the Hollywood Studios. In 2008, Mickey's Avenue was renamed Pixar Place, and all attractions on the Avenue were closed <ref> http://progresscityusa.com/2008/08/04/pixars-place/ </ref>. Opening in their place was Toy Story Midway Mania!, a new 4D attraction that lets guests travel through (and play) classic Midway games, while wearing 3D glasses <ref> http://www.studioscentral.com/toy-story-midway-mania-construction </ref>. The opening of Toy Story Midway Mania! was followed by the opening of the American Idol Experience in 2009 <Ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/mgm/st-americanidol.htm </ref>. The American Idol Experience was located on Hollywood Boulevard in the ABC Theater and based on the popular television show American Idol. On December 6, 2012 an interactive walkthrough attraction named The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow replaced the Journey Into Narnia walkthrough attraction <ref> http://www.insidethemagic.net/2012/11/inside-the-legend-of-captain-jack-sparrow-as-walt-disney-world-debuts-new-lifelike-pirates-of-the-caribbean-attraction/ </ref>. Also in 2012, Sounds Dangerous! officially closed <ref> http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/mgm/st-sound.htm </ref>.
2014 saw a series of changes occur in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. On August 30, the American Idol Experience closed its doors <ref> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-american-idol-experience-closing-20140815-post.html </ref>. Subsequently on September 27, the Studio Backlot Tour (an opening day attraction) was closed <ref> http://www.miamiherald.com/living/travel/article2771271.html </ref>. Following this pattern of change, in October 2014 Disney announced that the Sorcerer’s Hat (which had been built as a temporary structure in 2001) would finally be demolished in 2015 <ref> http://www.wesh.com/orlandomyway/orlando-theme-parks/walt-disney-worlds-sorcerers-hat-to-be-torn-down-wednesday/30571590 </ref>. This announcement was paired by the announcement that The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow would be closing for good on November 6, 2014. On July 12, 2015 another opening day attraction [[The Magic of Disney Animation]] closed permanently <ref> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/theme-park-rangers-blog/os-disney-hollywood-studios-magic-animation-closing-20150629-post.html </ref>.
On August 16, 2015 Disney announced that new areas dedicated to Star Wars (eventually revealed to be named Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge) and Toy Story would be constructed in Disney's Hollywood Studios. In January 2016, Disney announced that [[Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure]], [[Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show]], the Writers Stop, Watto's Grotto and the Studio Catering Co. would be closing on April 2, 2016 <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/lights-motors-action-extreme-stunt-show/news/15jan2016-lights,-motors,-action-extreme-stunt-show-to-permanently-close-in-april-2016.htm </ref> <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/lights-motors-action-extreme-stunt-show/news/15jan2016-lights,-motors,-action-extreme-stunt-show-to-permanently-close-in-april-2016.htm </ref>. At this time Disney also announced that the Earful Tower would be removed as part of the construction <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disneys-hollywood-studios/news/15jan2016-more-closures-confirmed-for-disneys-hollywood-studios-as-the-park-moves-ahead-with-redevelopment-plans.htm </reffref>
On March 21, 2016, Disney christened the new [[Muppet Courtyard]] area of Disney's Hollywood Studios <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/jim-hensons-muppetvision-3d/news/21mar2016-muppetvision-3d-and-mama-melroses-area-to-be-renamed-muppets-courtyard.htm </ref>. In addition to incorporating [[Muppet Vision 3D]], Muppet Courtyard also became the home of PizzeRizzo, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italian, and the Gonzo's Royal Flush restrooms.
 
On July 27, 2017, Disney announced that the remaining part of the former Streets of America would be rethemed to Downtown Los Angeles and renamed Grand Avenue <ref> http://www.wdwmagic.com/dining/baseline-tap-house/news/26jul2017-baseline-tap-house-to-debut-alongside-new-grand-avenue-district-at-disney.htm </ref>. Furthermore, on August 17, 2017, Disney announced that the former Muppet Courtyard would be included in this new theming and renamed Grand Park <ref> https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2017/08/more-details-on-grand-avenue-coming-soon-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/ </ref>.
==Current Attractions==
To see the current Disney's Hollywood Studios map [https://wdpromediasecure.disneyparksandresorts.gowdpromedia.com/media/wdpro-assets/parks-and-tickets/destinations/hollywood-studios/Disneys_Hollywood_Studios.pdf '''Click Here'''.]
===[[Hollywood Boulevard]]===Main Article: [[Hollywood Boulevard]]
Guest's gateway to the rest of Disney''s Hollywood Studios, Hollywood Boulevard features [[The Great Movie Ride]]housed inside a replica of Grumman'''-This opening day attraction lets s Chinese Theater. On Hollywood Boulevard guests board trams can also find Starring Rolls and travel through some The Hollywood Brown Derby Restaurants, as well as a wide variety of the most popular movies of all time. The ride lasts about 22 minutes shops and is located inside Grumman’s Chinese Theatretributes to Hollywood landmarks.
===[[Echo Lake]]==='''Main Article: [[Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular!Echo Lake]]'''- This show allows guests to see [[Image:studios2017.png|thumb|350px|The 2017 Hollywood Studios map (or even participate inclick to enlarge) various stunts. Based on ]]Originally referred to as the Backlot Annex/Lakeside Circle, this land features the popular attractions [[Star Tours]] and the 1981 film ''Indiana Jones and Epic Stunt Spectacular. On the Raiders peaceful lake guests can also find a bevy of the Lost Arkrestaurants including Min & Bill's Dockside Diner and Dinosaur Gertie', the show lasts about 25 minutess Ice Cream of Extinction.
'''===[[Star Tours: The Adventure ContinuesGrand Park]]'''-Star Tours is a 3D motion simulator ride that takes guests into the world of Star Wars. The attraction is now updated and features 54 different adventures. ===Main Article: [[Image:studios2016.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2016 Hollywood Studios map (click to enlarge)Grand Park]]
===[[Formally known as Muppet Courtyard]]===, [[Muppet CourtyardGrand Park]] is home to the classic Disney attraction [[Muppet Vision 3D]]. Created in 20162017, Muppet Courtyard Grand Park is themed to urban Los Angeles. The area is also holds home to [[PizzeRizzo ]] and [[Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italian]].
===Pixar PlaceToy Story Land===Main Article: [[Toy Story Land]]
In Toy Story Land, guests are shrunk down to the size of a toy as they explore Andy'''s backyard. Thematically replacing the former Pixar Place area, in Toy Story Land guests can experience two new attractions- [[Slinky Dog Dash]] and [[Alien Swirling Saucers]], as well as [[Toy Story Midway Mania!]]'''- A 4D attraction that lets guests play classic Midway games in a whole new way. Featuring characters from Outside of the 1995 Disney Pixar movie ''three attractions, Toy StoryLand is also home to Woody''s Lunchbox, this attraction allows guests to actually enter midway games while they play thema quick service restaurant.
===Mickey Avenue===
'''[[Walt Disney: One Man's DreamPresents]]'''- An exhibition of various items celebrating Walt Disney's life. Guests start out by exploring a Disney museum that tells Walt’s story, before viewing a 15 minute biographical film. Walt Disney Presents also features models and concept art for upcoming Disney attractions, lands, and resorts.
===Animation Courtyard===
'''[[Voyage of the Little Mermaid]]'''- A live musical retelling the 1989 Disney movie, ''The Little Mermaid''. The show runs for approximately 15 minutes.
'''[[Disney Junior- Live on Stage!]]'''-An interactive show featuring Disney Junior characters. Characters from popular television shows, ''Mickey Mouse Clubhouse'', ''Doc McStuffins'', ''Sofia the First'' and ''Jake and the Never Land Pirates'' appear. The show is 24 minutes long. Disney Junior- Live on Stage! will permanently close on September 1, 2018 <ref> https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/disney-junior-live-on-stage/news/01jun2018-disney-junior---live-on-stage-to-close-in-september-for-new-show.htm </ref>.
===[[Sunset Boulevard]]===
Main Article: [[Sunset Boulevard]]
 
Disney's Hollywood Studio's first major expansion, [[Sunset Boulevard]] is themed after Hollywood's theater district. Here guests can find popular attractions such as the [[Tower of Terror]] and [[Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Staring Aerosmith]]. In addition it its attractions, Sunset Boulevard is also home to plethora of dining and shopping options.
 
==Former Attractions==
 
'''Superstar Television'''- Located in what is now the ABC Theater, Superstar Television was open from 1989 until 1998. The attraction was a live interactive show that allowed guests to re-enact famous television scenes. Using special effects guests would be superimposed in the television shows along with the original actors. The attraction was replaced by Doug Live!
 
'''Doug Live!'''- Located in the ABC Theater, Doug Live! opened on March 15, 1999 and closed on May 12, 2001. The attraction was a live show based on the television cartoon “Disney's Doug”. Doug Live! was replaced by The American Idol Experience.
 
'''The Monster Sound Show'''-Located on the right side of what is now the ABC Theater, The Monster Sound Show opened in 1989 and closed in 1999. The interactive show allowed guests to add their own spooky sound effects to a short film starring Chevy Chase and Martin Short. The format of the show changed on July 1, 1997, and became the ABC Sound Studio. Although the premise of the ride was similar, the film now featured characters from 101 Dalmatians: The Series. In 1999 the show closed for good and was replaced by Sounds Dangerous--Starring Drew Carey.
 
'''Sounds Dangerous--Starring Drew Carey'''-Located at the right side of the ABC Theater, Sounds Dangerous opened in 1999 and closed in 2012. The show was themed to look like a television show pilot; however its real purpose was to show guests the importance of sound effects. Almost two thirds of the show was in complete darkness, with only sounds telling the story's plot.
 
'''Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!''' Located on Mickey Avenue (now Pixar Place), Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! opened April 7, 2001 and closed August 19, 2006. The attraction was a version of the popular TV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and allowed guests to compete for various prizes. If a guest answered the million dollar question correctly, they would win a trip on The Disney Cruise Line. The attraction was replaced by Toy Story Midway Mania!
 
'''The Spirit of Pocahontas'''- Located in the Backlot Theater (Now the Premiere Theater), The Spirit of Pocahontas opened on June 23, 1995 and closed on February 24, 1996. The Spirit of Pocahontas was a live stage show that retold the story of Disney's Pocahontas; however popular characters from the movie including Meeko and Flit did not appear in the show. The Spirit of Pocahontas was replaced by another live stage show, The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
 
'''The Hunchback of Notre Dame'''-Located in the Backlot Theater (Now the Premiere Theater), The Hunchback of Notre Dame opened on June 21, 1996 and closed on September 28, 2002. Like the Spirit of Pocahontas before it, The Hunchback of Notre Dame was a live musical show. The attraction was a retelling of the 1996 Disney Movie The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
 
'''Here Come the Muppets'''-Located in the Animation Courtyard Theater, Here Come the Muppets opened on May 25, 1990 and closed on September 2, 1991. The show was a live stage show featuring full sized characters from the Muppets. The show was always thought to be temporary, as Muppet Vision 3D was set to open soon in a new area called Muppet Studios. Although Muppet Studios was never created, Here Come the Muppets did close in 1991 and was replaced by the Voyage of The Little Mermaid.
 
'''Bear and the Big Blue House- Live on Stage!'''-Located in the Soundstage Theater, Bear and the Big Blue House: Live on Stage! opened on June 7, 1999 and closed August 4, 2001. The attraction was an interactive show featuring characters from the television show Bear and the Big Blue House. The show was replaced by Playhouse Disney- Live on Stage! in 2001.
 
'''Playhouse Disney- Live On Stage!''' Located in the Soundstage Theater, Playhouse Disney- Live on Stage opened October 1, 2001 and was renamed Disney Junior- Live On Stage! in March of 2011. The original show featured characters from Disney television programs, ''Bear and the Big Blue House'', ''Rolie Polie Olie'', ''Stanley'', and ''The Book of Pooh''. Over time the characters were changed to include characters from ''Jo Jo's Circus'', ''The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse'', ''My Friends Tigger and Pooh'', ''Handy Mandy'', and ''The Little Einsteins''.
 
''' [[The American Idol Experience]]'''- This interactive show allowed guests to take the stage and sing, just like on the television show American Idol. Guests also had the option of sitting in the audience and watching the performances. The American Idol Experience opened on February 14, 2009 and closed on August 30, 2014.
 
'''[[Studio Backlot Tour]]'''- The Studio Backlot Tour let guests see the behind the scenes aspects of movie making. Guests were able to see how special effects were created, and also tour a museum of movie props. The attraction consisted of both a tram and walking tour and lasted about 35 minutes. The Studio Backlot Tour opened with the park on May 1, 1989 and closed on September 27, 2014.
 
'''The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow'''- The interactive walkthrough attraction allowed guests to join Jack Sparrow’s crew and help the pirate defeat Davy Jones. The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow opened on December 6, 2012 and closed on November 6, 2014.
 
'''[[The Magic of Disney Animation]]'''- A Disney animator (with the help of Mushu from Disney's Mulan) showed guests how different Disney characters are drawn. After exiting the showroom guests could explore interactive games or even learn how to draw their favorite Disney character. The Magic of Disney Animation opened on May 1, 1989 with the rest of the park and closed on July 12, 2015.
 
'''[[Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure]]'''- A large playground based on the 1989 film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Inside the playground young guests would see 30 foot grass, 40 foot bees and even a giant dog.
 
'''Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show'''- This stunt show allowed guests to see how big-time vehicle stunts are done for Hollywood movies. The 33 minute show featured cars, motorcycles and (of course) explosions.
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
*The Earful Tower is was a non-working water tower that has a height of was 130 feet tall and is 8 1/2 feet in diameter. That gives gave it a hat size of 342 3/8.
*TV shows taped at Disney-MGM Studios included:
“Sheena,” “Full House,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “World Championship Wrestling,” “ESPN College Football Awards,” “Talk Soup,” “Step By Step,” “Barbara Walters Special” and “Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee”.
*Mulan was the first full-length film to be produced primarily by Walt Disney Feature Animation at Disney-MGM Studios.
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