Difference between pages "Disney's Hollywood Studios" and "Hollywood Boulevard"

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{{Template:Infobox amusement park
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{{Template:Infobox Disney ride |
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| image=Earfultower2.jpg
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| image= HollywoodBoulevard.jpg
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| caption= The Earful Tower in Disney's Hollywood Studios
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| caption='''Graumann's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard'''
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| theme=Golden Age Hollywood and today's Disney Studios
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| park= Disney's Hollywood Studios
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| opening_date=May 1, 1989
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| opened=May 1, 1989
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| homepage=[http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/ Hollywood Studios Homepage]
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| custom_label_1    = Number of Attractions
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| icon=Earful Tower (1989-2001) <br> Sorcerer's Hat (2001-2015)
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| custom_value_1    = One}}
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}}
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Hollywood Boulevard is a land in [[Disney's Hollywood Studios]].
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Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) is a theme park located in [[Walt Disney World]].
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==Layout==
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Hollywood Boulevard serves as guest's gateway to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Like [[Main Street USA]], guests enter the park and continue down the street in order to get the majority of the park's other areas. At the end of Hollywood Boulevard is Grumman's Chinese Theater, which houses the [[Great Movie Ride]]. Other points of interest on Hollywood Boulevard include the Hollywood Brown Derby, as well as a plethora of shops that are based on various Hollywood landmarks.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
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===Conception===
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[[Image:Lookdownhollywood.jpg|thumb|400px|A look down Hollywood Boulevard at night. Photo by Disney]]
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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.
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[[Image:DisneyMGMConcept.jpg|thumb|350px|Early concept art for Disney-MGM Studios]]
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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"/>.
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At the same time that the new EPCOT Center pavilions were being designed, Disney decided that it needed a new production studio due to the dramatic increase in the Disney production schedule during the 1980s. Instead of spending a lot of money on land, it was decided that the studio would be built on the property they already owned in Florida. This need for a new production studio was one of the driving forces behind the inclusion of a studio tour in the new Disney theme park.  
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When the Disney-MGM Studio’s opened, Hollywood Boulevard housed The Great Movie Ride and an unnamed Disney character stage show housed in the original Theater of the Stars <ref name= "MGMmap"/>. Also located on Hollywood Boulevard on opening day were the Hollywood Brown Derby <ref> https://d23.com/a-to-z/hollywood-brown-derby-the/ </ref> and Starring Rolls restaurants. Finally, the land also housed the shops: Oscar's Classic Car Souvenirs, Movieland Memorabilia, Sid Cashuenga's One- of-a-Kind, Crossroads of the World, Mickey's of Hollywood, The Darkroom, Cover Story, Celebrity 5 & 10, Sweet Success, Pacific Electric Pictures, Keystone Clothiers and Sights & Sounds <ref name= "MGMmap"> http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/ds/disney-mgm-studios-guidebook-1989-late-05.jpg </ref>.
  
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Another factor that played a crucial role in the creation of the Disney-MGM Studios was that in 1982 Universal Studios was planning on building an East Coast theme park in Orlando<ref name= "studios"/>. Universal was looking for a partner in the venture, so they approached Paramount Studios’ CEO Michael Eisner about joining them in the project <ref name= "realityland"> Koenig, David. Realityland: True-life Adventures at Walt Disney World. Irvine, CA: Bonaventure, 2007. Print. </ref>. Eisner declined Universal's proposal and the plans for a Universal East theme park were eventually tabled. When Eisner was named CEO of Disney in 1984 however, he knew about Universal's theme park plans and wanted to beat them to the punch <ref name= "realityland"/>. Eisner decided to build a movie theme park of his own, and had Imagineers start working on the concept. The idea of a Disney movie theme park was kept on the back burner until Universal announced its plans in 1985. After the announcement, Michael Eisner announced that the Disney was already working on a movie based theme park which would be the third gate in Walt Disney World<ref name= "realityland"/>.   
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Outside of a series of changes to Hollywood Boulevard's shops and entertainment (see below), the area has seen a relatively few number of changes. On May 2, 1993, the Theater of the Stars was closed in order to make space for the entrance to the new [[Sunset Boulevard]] area (a relocated Theater of the Stars would open on Sunset Boulevard in 1994) <ref> http://www.studioscentral.com/column/why-its-there/theater-stars </ref>. Subsequently, on September 28, 2001, Disney constructed a 122 ft. Sorcerer's Hat (the magical hat that Mickey wore in the Sorcerer's Apprentice segment of Fantasia) in front of the Chinese Theater <ref name= "Korkis"> http://allears.net/ae/issue798.htm </ref>. Built as a part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, the Sorcerer's Hat was originally built as a temporary structure. Underneath the hat, guests could find interactive kiosks that taught them about the life of Walt Disney. Although Disney claimed the hat would be a temporary addition, the structure would eventually supersede the Earful Tower as the then Disney-MGM Studio's primary icon <ref name= "Korkis"/>.   
  
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Before the new park was even announced Disney had already been working behind the scenes to acquire the rights to the name and logo of Metro-Golden-Mayer Inc. This led to Disney and MGM agreeing on a contract in 1985, which allowed Disney to use the MGM name, logo and certain film clips <ref name= "yesterday"/>. The new theme park would eventually be named Disney-MGM Studios, and would feature the classic MGM logo- Leo the Lion.
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In January 2015, the Sorcerer's Hat was finally demolished <ref> http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-disney-hollywood-studios-hat-gone-story.html </ref>. The structure's removal restored the sight line that allowed guests to see the Chinese Theater as they looked down Hollywood Boulevard.
  
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===Construction===
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On February 5, 2017, Starring Rolls Cafe closed <ref> http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2017/02/04/news-starring-rolls-cafe-in-hollywood-studios-closing-february-5th/ </ref>
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Construction on Disney-MGM Studios began in 1986 <ref name= "studios"/>. As mentioned before, besides being a theme park, Disney-MGM Studios was also a working studio. Both animation and live action studios were built, which guests were eventually able to tour and see how Disney made films<ref name= "studios"/>. Imagineers also wanted the park to be the perfect representation of the "Golden Age of Hollywood." To accomplish this, the park was themed to look like a small version of Hollywood, with replicas of icons such as Grumman’s Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Brown Derby. To give MGM an "icon," Imagineers created the large "Earful Tower". The 130 ft. water tower looked exactly like the one on the Disney Studios lot in California, with the exception of the large Mickey ears placed on top <ref name= "studios"/>.
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===Opening Day===
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On March 4, 2020, Hollywood's Boulevard's Chinese Theater was once again occupied, when [[Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway]] opened <ref> https://wdwnews.com/releases/mickey-minnies-runaway-railway-to-open-march-4-2020-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/</ref>. The new attraction allows guests to enter a Mickey Mouse short and go on a wild ride with Goofy. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway uses a trackless system to take guests on their journey.
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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|350px|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"/>.  
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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:
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==Current Attractions==
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[[Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway]]-  This trackless dark ride takes guests into a Mickey Mouse short. After boarding Goofy's train, a series of misadventures ensue as Mickey and Minnie try to enjoy the perfect picnic. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway lasts for four minutes and thirty seconds.
  
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{{Quotation|"The world you have entered was created by the Walt Disney Company & is dedicated to Hollywood - not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream & wonder & imagine, a place where illusion & reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was - and always will be."|
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===Former Attractions===
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Michael Eisner <br>
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[[The Great Movie Ride]]-This opening day attraction let guests board trams and travel through some of the most popular movies of all time. The ride lasted about 22 minutes and was located inside a replica of Grumman’s Chinese Theatre.
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May 1, 1989}}
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==Changes Since Opening Day==
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==Restaurants==
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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"/>.
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'''[[Hollywood Brown Derby]]'''- A recreation of the famous Hollywood landmark, this table service restaurant features upscale American cuisine.
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[[Image:TowerOfTerrorday.jpg|thumb|350px|The Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios]]
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===Former Restaurants===
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'''[[Starring Rolls Cafe]]'''- This counter service restaurant sold sushi and sandwiches in addition to housing a full bakery.
  
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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"/>.
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==Shops==
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===Disney-MGM Studios 2000-2007===
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[[Image:TheDarkroom.jpg|thumb|350px|The Darkroom on Hollywood Boulevard. Photo by Jennifer Lynn.]]
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With the turn of the 21st century, Disney-MGM Studios began to see a series of changes. As a part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, a 122 ft. tall Sorcerer’s Hat (from the Disney movie Fantasia) was constructed in front of Grumman’s Chinese Theater <ref> http://www.yesterland.com/removehat.html </ref>. At this time, Walt Disney's One Man Dream also opened <ref name= "timeline"/>. The new attraction featured both a museum of Disney artifacts and a short biographical film about Walt Disney himself. In 2003, the animation studio located at the park closed, ending the Animation Tour that had been a staple of the park since opening day <ref> http://www.filmbuffonline.com/News/2003-2004/DisneyClosesStudio.htm </ref>. In 2004, New York Street was expanded to include architecture found in San Francisco and renamed The Streets of America. The section of the Studio Tour that resided behind the Streets of America (Residential Street) was then bulldozed in 2004 in order to make room for a new stunt show titled Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, which opened in 2005 <ref> http://allears.net/tp/mgm/m_stunt.htm </ref>.
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'''Movieland Memorabilia'''- Located just before the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios, this shop specializes in hat and Mickey ear merchandise.
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===2007 Name Change===
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In 2007, Disney announced that it would be renaming the park Disney's Hollywood Studios. The contract signed in 1985 between MGM and Disney had expired in 2005, and Disney chose not to renew it <ref name= "yesterday"> http://www.yesterland.com/mgm-end.html </ref>. When announcing the name change Meg Crofton (the President of The Walt Disney World Resort) stated:
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{{Quotation|"The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer—in music, television, movies and theater"|Meg Crofton, President of Walt Disney World Resort <ref name= "yesterday"/>}}
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'''Crossroads of the World'''- Located just inside the entrance to the park, Crossroads of the World offers sundries, autograph books and film.
  
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Reflected in the name change was the fact that over time the theme of the park had changed. Originally the park was set in the Golden Age of Hollywood, but by 2007 the theme had clearly shifted to a more modern view of filmmaking. By 2008, the park had been renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios; however it took more time to change all the affected signs<ref name= "yesterday"/>.
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'''Mickey's of Hollywood'''- This shop features a wide variety of Disney's Hollywood Studio's merchandise.
  
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===Disney's Hollywood Studios 2007-Present===
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'''The Darkroom'''- Disney's Hollywood Studio's one stop shop for all your photography needs.
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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>.  
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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>.
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'''Cover Story'''- This medium size shop sells a plethora of toys and plush merchandise.
  
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On August 16, 2015 Disney announced that new areas dedicated to Star Wars 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 </ref>
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'''Celebrity 5 & 10'''-This shopping location features housewares and other gifts.
  
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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.
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'''Keystone Clothiers'''- As the store's name suggests, this location is stocked full of apparel and accessories.
  
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==Current Attractions==
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'''Adrian & Edith's Head to Toe'''- Like Keystone Clothiers, this shop sells apparel for both men and women.  
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To see the current Disney's Hollywood Studios map [https://wdpromedia.disney.go.com/media/wdpro-assets/parks-and-tickets/destinations/hollywood-studios/Disneys_Hollywood_Studios.pdf '''Click Here'''.]
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===[[Hollywood Boulevard]]===
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'''Oscar's Super Service'''- Originally known as Oscar's Classic Car Souvenirs, this location now features stroller, locker and EVC rental.
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===Former Shops===
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'''Sweet Success'''- Opening with the rest of the Disney-MGM Studios on May 1, 1989, this shop sold specialized candy and other treats.
  
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'''[[The Great Movie Ride]]'''-This opening day attraction lets guests board trams and travel through some of the most popular movies of all time. The ride lasts about 22 minutes and is located inside Grumman’s Chinese Theatre.
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'''Sights and Sounds'''-Presented by Selah, this store allowed guests to make their own music videos. Sights and Sounds opened with the rest of the park on May 1, 1989 and closed in 1990
  
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===[[Echo Lake]]===
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'''Sid Cahuenga’s One-Of-A-Kind Antiques and Curios'''- This store sold one of a kind movie memorabilia. Opened May 1, 1989 and closed November 11, 2013.
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[[Image:studios2016.jpg|thumb|350px|The 2016 Hollywood Studios map (click to enlarge)]]
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Originally referred to as the Backlot Annex/Lakeside Circle, this land features the popular attractions [[Star Tours]] and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. On the peaceful lake guests can also find a bevy of restaurants including Min & Bill's Dockside Diner and Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of Extinction.
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===[[Muppet Courtyard]]===
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'''LA Prop & Cinema Store''''- Opened May 11, 1991 and closed June 15, 2014. This store sold children's apparel, plush and toys.
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[[Muppet Courtyard]] is home to the classic Disney attraction [[Muppet Vision 3D]]. Created in 2016, Muppet Courtyard also holds PizzeRizzo and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italian.
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===Pixar Place===
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'''Calling Dick Tracey'''- This store allowed guests to film themselves in the world of Dick Tracy. It also sold a plethora of Dick Tracey merchandise. Operational from May 26, 1990 until January 12, 1991.
  
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'''[[Toy Story Midway Mania!]]'''- A 4D attraction that lets guests play classic Midway games in a whole new way. Featuring characters from the 1995 Disney Pixar movie ''Toy Story'', this attraction allows guests to actually enter midway games while they play them.
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'''Pacific Electric Pictures'''- Operating from May 1, 1989 until 1990, this shop allowed guests to create their own VHS version of a Hollywood spectacular. Replaced by Calling Dick Tracey.
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===Mickey Avenue===
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'''[[Walt Disney: One Man's Dream]]'''- 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.
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===Animation Courtyard===
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'''[[Voyage of the Little Mermaid]]'''- A live musical retelling the 1989 Disney movie, ''The Little Mermaid''. The show runs for approximately 15 minutes.
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'''[[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.
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===[[Sunset Boulevard]]===
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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.
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==Entertainment==
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'''Citizens of Hollywood'''- These Stremosphere characters performs skits and interact with guests on both Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard.
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
 
==Fun Facts and Trivia==
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*The Earful Tower is a non-working water tower that has a height of 130 feet and is 8 1/2 feet in diameter. That gives it a hat size of 342 3/8.
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* Prior to 2013, Hollywood Boulevard was the home of Disney's Hollywood Studio's afternoon parades. A complete list of the various parades performed on Hollywood Boulevard can be found [http://wdwpast.tripod.com/disney-timelines/mgm/mgm.htm '''Here'''.]
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*TV shows taped at Disney-MGM Studios included:
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“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”.
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*Mulan was the first full-length film to be produced primarily by Walt Disney Feature Animation at Disney-MGM Studios.
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*The HBO series “From the Earth to the Moon”, starring Tom Hanks, was produced in two sound stages throughout 1997 at Disney MGM Studios.
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*The Mickey's of Hollywood store is a spoof of Frederick's of Hollywood, a famous lingerie store.
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==References==
 
==References==

Latest revision as of 19:45, 15 April 2020

Hollywood Boulevard
HollywoodBoulevard.jpg
Graumann's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Opening date May 1, 1989
Number of Attractions One

Hollywood Boulevard is a land in Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Layout

Hollywood Boulevard serves as guest's gateway to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Like Main Street USA, guests enter the park and continue down the street in order to get the majority of the park's other areas. At the end of Hollywood Boulevard is Grumman's Chinese Theater, which houses the Great Movie Ride. Other points of interest on Hollywood Boulevard include the Hollywood Brown Derby, as well as a plethora of shops that are based on various Hollywood landmarks.

History

A look down Hollywood Boulevard at night. Photo by Disney

When the Disney-MGM Studio’s opened, Hollywood Boulevard housed The Great Movie Ride and an unnamed Disney character stage show housed in the original Theater of the Stars [1]. Also located on Hollywood Boulevard on opening day were the Hollywood Brown Derby [2] and Starring Rolls restaurants. Finally, the land also housed the shops: Oscar's Classic Car Souvenirs, Movieland Memorabilia, Sid Cashuenga's One- of-a-Kind, Crossroads of the World, Mickey's of Hollywood, The Darkroom, Cover Story, Celebrity 5 & 10, Sweet Success, Pacific Electric Pictures, Keystone Clothiers and Sights & Sounds [1].

Outside of a series of changes to Hollywood Boulevard's shops and entertainment (see below), the area has seen a relatively few number of changes. On May 2, 1993, the Theater of the Stars was closed in order to make space for the entrance to the new Sunset Boulevard area (a relocated Theater of the Stars would open on Sunset Boulevard in 1994) [3]. Subsequently, on September 28, 2001, Disney constructed a 122 ft. Sorcerer's Hat (the magical hat that Mickey wore in the Sorcerer's Apprentice segment of Fantasia) in front of the Chinese Theater [4]. Built as a part of the 100 Years of Magic celebration, the Sorcerer's Hat was originally built as a temporary structure. Underneath the hat, guests could find interactive kiosks that taught them about the life of Walt Disney. Although Disney claimed the hat would be a temporary addition, the structure would eventually supersede the Earful Tower as the then Disney-MGM Studio's primary icon [4].

In January 2015, the Sorcerer's Hat was finally demolished [5]. The structure's removal restored the sight line that allowed guests to see the Chinese Theater as they looked down Hollywood Boulevard.

On February 5, 2017, Starring Rolls Cafe closed [6]

On March 4, 2020, Hollywood's Boulevard's Chinese Theater was once again occupied, when Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway opened [7]. The new attraction allows guests to enter a Mickey Mouse short and go on a wild ride with Goofy. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway uses a trackless system to take guests on their journey.

Current Attractions

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway- This trackless dark ride takes guests into a Mickey Mouse short. After boarding Goofy's train, a series of misadventures ensue as Mickey and Minnie try to enjoy the perfect picnic. Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway lasts for four minutes and thirty seconds.

Former Attractions

The Great Movie Ride-This opening day attraction let guests board trams and travel through some of the most popular movies of all time. The ride lasted about 22 minutes and was located inside a replica of Grumman’s Chinese Theatre.

Restaurants

Hollywood Brown Derby- A recreation of the famous Hollywood landmark, this table service restaurant features upscale American cuisine.

Former Restaurants

Starring Rolls Cafe- This counter service restaurant sold sushi and sandwiches in addition to housing a full bakery.

Shops

The Darkroom on Hollywood Boulevard. Photo by Jennifer Lynn.

Movieland Memorabilia- Located just before the entrance to Disney's Hollywood Studios, this shop specializes in hat and Mickey ear merchandise.

Crossroads of the World- Located just inside the entrance to the park, Crossroads of the World offers sundries, autograph books and film.

Mickey's of Hollywood- This shop features a wide variety of Disney's Hollywood Studio's merchandise.

The Darkroom- Disney's Hollywood Studio's one stop shop for all your photography needs.

Cover Story- This medium size shop sells a plethora of toys and plush merchandise.

Celebrity 5 & 10-This shopping location features housewares and other gifts.

Keystone Clothiers- As the store's name suggests, this location is stocked full of apparel and accessories.

Adrian & Edith's Head to Toe- Like Keystone Clothiers, this shop sells apparel for both men and women.

Oscar's Super Service- Originally known as Oscar's Classic Car Souvenirs, this location now features stroller, locker and EVC rental.

Former Shops

Sweet Success- Opening with the rest of the Disney-MGM Studios on May 1, 1989, this shop sold specialized candy and other treats.

Sights and Sounds-Presented by Selah, this store allowed guests to make their own music videos. Sights and Sounds opened with the rest of the park on May 1, 1989 and closed in 1990

Sid Cahuenga’s One-Of-A-Kind Antiques and Curios- This store sold one of a kind movie memorabilia. Opened May 1, 1989 and closed November 11, 2013.

LA Prop & Cinema Store'- Opened May 11, 1991 and closed June 15, 2014. This store sold children's apparel, plush and toys.

Calling Dick Tracey- This store allowed guests to film themselves in the world of Dick Tracy. It also sold a plethora of Dick Tracey merchandise. Operational from May 26, 1990 until January 12, 1991.

Pacific Electric Pictures- Operating from May 1, 1989 until 1990, this shop allowed guests to create their own VHS version of a Hollywood spectacular. Replaced by Calling Dick Tracey.

Entertainment

Citizens of Hollywood- These Stremosphere characters performs skits and interact with guests on both Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard.

Fun Facts and Trivia

  • Prior to 2013, Hollywood Boulevard was the home of Disney's Hollywood Studio's afternoon parades. A complete list of the various parades performed on Hollywood Boulevard can be found Here.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 http://www.florida-project.com/images/guidemaps/ds/disney-mgm-studios-guidebook-1989-late-05.jpg
  2. ↑ https://d23.com/a-to-z/hollywood-brown-derby-the/
  3. ↑ http://www.studioscentral.com/column/why-its-there/theater-stars
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 http://allears.net/ae/issue798.htm
  5. ↑ http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/the-daily-disney/os-disney-hollywood-studios-hat-gone-story.html
  6. ↑ http://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2017/02/04/news-starring-rolls-cafe-in-hollywood-studios-closing-february-5th/
  7. ↑ https://wdwnews.com/releases/mickey-minnies-runaway-railway-to-open-march-4-2020-at-disneys-hollywood-studios/
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