Tag Archives: Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Star Tours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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DHS Imperial Speeder, JosephIn honor of May the 4th and 5th being Star Wars days – May the Forth Be With You and Revenge of the Fifth.  I’d like to take the opportunity to throw a little love toward the Star Wars area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, particularly the Star Tours attraction.

We really love the Star Wars section of the Studios, but I believe it’s kind of an underappreciated area of the park.  Yes, we first rush to Toy Story Midway Mania, then Rock’n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror – we may not make our way to Star Tours until much later in the day, but we WILL visit every time and, like many other places in Walt Disney World, I always notice something I’ve never noticed before.Megan in Star Wars Area

Before you even enter Star Tours, the Star Wars area has some pretty awesome photo props.  You don’t have to be a dyed-in-the-wookie Star Wars fan to appreciate the coolness of the environment here.

Then there’s the queue.  I consider myself a bit of a standby line aficionado – while I’m the most impatient person you will ever meet in my everyday life – when at Walt Disney World, I’m one of the most willing-to-wait people!  I’ve been known to regularly wait 40-45 minutes and, on occasion, wait up to 60 minutes for an attraction I love.  YES!  I do know how the DHS, Waiting for Star ToursFastPass system works AND I’m a rope-drop fan, but while on vacation, I’m living in the moment and meet the most amazing people on occasion if I choose the standby line.  (Hello to that super interesting lady from Canada and her son from the queue for Toy Story Midway Mania!)  Okay, back to the queue, sorry for the tangent….the wait for Star Tours is full of fun and interesting things to see and hear…

One can’t help but appreciate all the gems hidden in the Star Tours waiting area.  Seriously, Star Tours Queue, Disney's Hollywood Studiosthere’s some cool stuff – even for those of us who do not count ourselves among the Star Wars geeks’ inner circles.  Watch the baggage screening area – too funny!  Listen to the public address system’s announcements – you may hear one looking for Egroeg Sacul or Tom Morrow.  Don’t get the joke?  Holler at me and I’ll explain.  Do not forget to look closely at the shelves for a Muppet-related surprise.  The list goes on and on.  Look up, look down, but look closely!

Now for the actual ride – if you’re prone to motion sickness even a tiny bit, this attraction could trigger an episode.  Guests must be 40″ to ride – Personally, I think this ride is best for kids 9 and older that are experienced or “street smart” riders.  It doesn’t hurt if you’ve taken the time to introduce them to the joy and excitement of the Star Wars movies prior to this experience.

Star Wars Shopping at Walt Disney WorldThe best part – there are more than 50 possible ride sequences/endings!  Ride everyday for your entire vacation and the chances of having the same experience twice are practically nonexistent.  Who will be the Rebel Spy?  It’s pretty funny when you see the shock of a random stranger, but absolutely priceless when it’s a member of your own party.  In our case, during the last visit, Megan was the Rebel Spy – and has the t-shirt to prove it!

What do you think?  Star Wars area of the Studios and Star Tours – a must-do?

Star Wars Shopping at Disney's Hollywood Studios

 

 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Flashback – Four for a Dollar

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Four for a Dollar at DHSOnce upon a time….there were Four for a Dollar…

Do you remember the incredibly entertaining a cappella quartet that used to open for the Beauty and the Beast show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  These guys were fantastic!  If you happened to get to the theater early and were just enjoying the shade and a chance to rest your feet, you would be treated to one of those particularly magical Disney surprises that makes your visit to any Disney park extra special.

So, a guy would walk on stage and the audience members who hadn’t seen the act before were completely surprised by what happened next.  The Four for a Dollar performers would trick the audience into believing they were stage techs setting up and testing the sound system.  Dressed in a uniform of black shorts and shirts, they were funny, cute, and remarkably talented.  They made you laugh and drew you in…then blew you away with their singing!  Visitors of all ages adored Four for a Dollar and our family was no exception – we were absolutely Four for a Dollardelighted.  Unfortunately, the act was discontinued a few years ago (2008) after an outstanding 14-year run and, like many changes that Disney makes, this one has been a sore spot for many, many fans.  A Facebook page was active for a while (until last year) called “Bring Four 4 a Dollar Back to Walt Disney World”.  To this day, once I’m seated for Beauty and the Beast, this missing pre-show seems a big, glaring mistake.

Post Studios, the group continued to appear in the Orlando area by their non-Disney name, Return 2 Zero.  They performed once more at Walt Disney World last spring (as Return 2 Zero) at the American Adventure in Epcot.  I would have loved the opportunity to see them again.

About the Group:  Members Andrew White, Sammy Pawlak, Marshall Webb and Doug Teel began performing together in the early 1990’s and it’s was no surprise for me to read on their website that they’d won honors in the group and arrangement categories of national a cappella competitions.

Catch Four for a Dollar on YouTube here.

Visit the Return 2 Zero website here.

Did you ever get to see Four for a Dollar?  Did you love them as much as we did?

 

Happy 25th Anniversary Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ElevatorBack in 1990 when I first visited Disney’s MGM Studios, it was just 8 months old.  Fresh, new, exciting – I was amazed by its unique charm and the surprises it seemed to cram into every alleyway and corner.  I liked its more adult humor and how it felt like a real working studio.  A lot has changed in 25 years!  “MGM” is gone and so are some of the coolest things from way back when, but Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still a great place to visit!  There are a few naysayers in the Disney community who don’t like the studios, think it’s a half-day park and needs improvement – they’re certainly entitled to their opinion.  And, if you want to focus on the way things used to be, the good ol’ days always seem better – as nostalgia tends to provide a glossy coat of perfection.  Personally, I’m still crazy about the Studios!  I think the park has plenty of entertainment to offer guests of every age.  And so, on this very special occasion, I give you…

25 Things to Love about Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

1. Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream – For true Disney fans, this is a must-see exhibit; sure to bring a tear to your eyes.

2. Do Not Pull Rope – I love this little surprise over by the Indiana Jones theater.  If you’ve not had the pleasure, go ahead, pull the rope – you’re bound to get a kick out of what happens.Sign in Toy Story Midway Mania

3. It’s Not About the Score – I know I’ve complained about the standby line for Toy Story Midway Mania, but I LOVE this ride!  Launching all those virtual missiles and wreaking havoc on the midway makes me irrationally happy!  Even if my score is notoriously low.

4. Pixar Place – It’s fun!  A bit of a hidden surprise if you don’t know what to expect as you’re on your way to ride #3  – I like that!

5. Foot and Hand Prints – If you didn’t get to visit in the early years, pre-giant-Sorcerer’s-Hat, the Chinese Theater was the main attraction!  Before you head inside to the Great Movie Ride, take a minute to enjoy the collection of famous foot and hand prints in the cement outside the Dessert in Disney's Hollywood Studiostheater.

6. Starring Rolls – This stellar café, located on Sunset Blvd is the perfect place to stop for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.  Butterfinger cupcake anyone?

7. Random Drop Sequences – Everything about the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is perfect to me, but the ride’s random drop sequences – which ensure every visit to the tower is different – are what makes the trip in the service elevator so fantastic!

8. Fantasmic – It is great.  Nothing else to say.

9. Aunt Sandy – and ALL the other waitresses and waiters at 50’s Prime Time Café!  You’ve got to dine here at least one time – but you’ll be back for more.  A word of caution:  Don’t put your elbows on the table or fail to eat those veggies!IMG_3527

10. Streetmosphere A.K.A Citizens of Hollywood – This is a huge part of what makes the Studios so special and charming.  If you can spare the time, do not miss an impromptu performance of these amazing characters if you see one taking place.

11. A Net Full of Jello – I’m sure it takes an above average intelligence to appreciate all the puns and sight gags in the Studios and that explains why they’re my absolute favorite details.  Inside the MuppetVision 3D building’s pre-show area, look up for this tribute to one of the very first Mouseketeers on the Mickey Mouse Club – Annette Funicello…get it?

Star Wars Merchandise at DHS12. Star Wars Weekends – Compared to others, I’m not a huge Star Wars fan, but the excitement in the air in the Studios during weekends in the late spring is irresistible.  So much fun!  I’m pretty stoked about the special fireworks during this year’s festivities – Symphony in the Sky.

13. Munchkins – People are always saying the Great Movie Ride is outdated, getting old, needs an update, young folks don’t “get” the movies referenced – Pfffft!  Heck no!!!  You young’uns, so fond of stuff like Netflicks, need to get some classic movie education and THEN you will better appreciate the perfection of each scene.  Oh, hush up about the guides and their cheesy skit – this is GREAT!  Best part is the Wizard of Oz scene, no?

14. Toluca Legs – I’ve dissed the legs here for their fat gram and calorie count, but they sure do smell delicious!  Everything in moderation, right?  Maybe just a bite.

15. Remnants of Roger Rabbit – Back when the Studios was a brand new park, Roger Rabbit was in his heyday.  Tons of movie memorabilia and merchandise could be found all over the place.  Then almost all evidence of Roger’s existence was annihilated.  So sad.  Detailed information can be found in this Mouse Planet article by Jim Korkis (why Roger disappeared) and this one by IMG_3023from the Mickey Mindset blog by Mitchell Stein (where to find the remnants).

16. Love on a Roller Coaster – Step back from the actual ride itself – it’s often too much thrill for a lot of folks on the spiraling super-fast Rock’n’ Roller Coaster – and just take in the details!  Special version of a classic Aerosmith song recorded JUST for this attraction…I think that’s cool.

17. Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – Holiday dancing lights from early November through Early January…amid rumor’s of its demise, this attraction has become tradition for so many families!  If the rumors are true, the holiday season at Walt Disney World just won’t be the same.

18. Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner – I go for a beer.  Makes me happy.  ‘Nuff said.

19. The (Once) Glorious Studio Backlot Tour – It really was the best attraction in the park.  Don’t dismiss it because it’s not as special now – it’s still pretty good.  Army Man in Pixar Place, DHS

20. Characters – They’re just so special in the Studios.  Changing all the time and different from the ones you find at the other parks – I’m partial to the green Army Man in Pixar Place, but have had meet and greets with many really great characters over the years – most of the time purely by accident.

21. Miss Piggy as The Statue of Liberty – Outside the MuppetVision 3D theater is this fountain.  If you haven’t really taken a good, close look…it’s worth a visit.

22. The Nostalgia of Indiana Jones – Those naysayers who spout negativity about poor Indy’s Epic Stunt Spectacular aren’t watching it with my 50-year-old eyes.  The nostalgia of this DSCN2592attraction!  Takes me right back to the summer of 1981 when Raiders of the Lost Ark was the best movie I had ever seen.  Ranked right up there with Rocky and Star Wars.  Seriously.

23. The Rebel Spy – Star Tours was, you know, just okay before its upgrade – now it’s a LOT of fun.  Especially when an unsuspecting member of your party is the Rebel Spy!  I love it.

24. Gertie the Dinosaur – On the shore of Echo lake, Gertie’s an important fixture.  There’s speculation she’ll have to go if the park expands – I’ll be pretty sad about that if it happens.  The Studios just wouldn’t be the same without her.

25. The Fountain from Splash – Again, unless you remember when the movie Splash came out (Ron Howard directed, Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah starred along with John Candy and Eugene Levy) in 1984, you might not appreciate how very cool it is that the famous fountain from the movie is sitting right there near the Studio Catering Co.

Happy 25th Anniversary Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

I’m sure you can think of a few things you love that didn’t make this list.  What would you add?

The Charm of Streetmosphere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Citizens of Hollywood at Disney's Hollywood StudiosIf you need a reason to slow down and take in the sights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I’ve got a great one for you.  Instead of running (you know you do!) from Toy Story Midway Mania to Rock’n’ Roller Coaster to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to Star Tours, next time you find yourself in the Studios, take some time to stroll down Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards or stop altogether for a few minutes to take a look around…I did that one day not that long ago and the most amazing thing happened!

Cue Flashback Sequence Now…..

I was shopping (big surprise, that) in the stores that line Sunset Boulevard.  Raymond had gone off on an errand and was due back at anytime, so when I stepped out of the store, I looked down the street towards the Tower of Terror to see if I could spot him.  As I stood there, intently gazing off into the distance and searching the crowd, I heard a voice from the street right in front of me say, “Nice gams!  You ought to be in pictures!” – I’m sure I looked surprised.  The Talent Agent Jack Diamond at Disney's Hollywood Studiosaccented words were vintage 1940’s dialog and I wasn’t sure at first if they were addressed to me.  Nobody has EVER complimented me on my legs!  (Truth be told, I’m rather low to the ground due to unfortunately short limbs which are unremarkable at best.)  So, I turned my gaze to the two gentlemen standing in front of me – the more mature, taller of the two was, indeed, speaking directly to me.  Once he knew he’d gained my complete attention, he introduced himself and his companion.  They were, as they began to explain, a big-time Hollywood talent scout (Jack Diamond) and his protégé, a young actor (Bucky Greenhorn) trying to break into pictures.

They were charming and funny and had randomly chosen me to be at the center of their performance.  They made me smile and laugh – and feel very special as they told me their stories – this talent scout and would-be movie star.  Finally, after several minutes, they asked me who I was waiting for and I told them it was my husband, Raymond.  “Do you see him?” They Bucky Greehorn, Actor wannabee at Disney's Hollywood Studiosasked and yes, in fact – Raymond was headed our direction.  They wanted to know if he was the tall man with a mustache and was he a tennis player – laughing I said yes and no, golf.  Then they began to wave enthusiastically, calling out, “Raymond!  Yoo Hoo! Raymond!  Over here!”

There’s this look Raymond gets – I know it well after all these years.  It’s the look that says many things at once and reminds me of a look that Desi Arnaz used to give Lucy from time to time.  With a small, tight grin and a rueful shake of his head, Raymond gave me “the look” that day that wordlessly said, “What have you gotten yourself into now?  I can’t leave you alone for a minute!  Look at this – it’s hilarious!”  I get that look a lot and it always makes me laugh.  On that day, I’d landed right in the middle of one of the best, most magical, unexpected surprises in all of Walt Disney World – Streetmosphere a.k.a. Citizens of Hollywood.

The Citizens of Hollywood are a group of wandering street performers in Disney’s Hollywood Studios – their sole purpose is to entertain guests with impromptu skits and bits of fun.  Characters include stars/starlets, actors-in-training, talent agents/scouts, directors, gossip columnists and more.  This is Disney at its finest.  If these entertainers weren’t there, you’d never notice them missing, but oh, what a special touch of whimsy and unexpected charm they bring to the day for random strangers on the streets of Hollywood!

Have you ever experienced the Streetmosphere in Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  Who did you see?