Disney's Hollywood Studios was known as Disney's MGM Studios until 2008. It is the smallest of all of Disney's theme parks but it is a big hit with guests of all ages.
Preschoolers absolutely love the up close and personal attraction Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage because they get to sing along and dance around with some of their favorite friends from Playhouse Disney.
Older generations seem to like the architectural look and feel from the golden age of Hollywood that has been recreated throughout the park in great detail. The once familiar faces of stars and starlets from Tinseltown bring to mind the good old days. The Great Movie Ride is an excellent place to get a glimpse of stars from the past.
The age groups between the very young and the not so old seek out action and adventure in the thrill rides and stunt shows that Hollywood Studios offer. There really is something for everyone in this small park.
Do you have any favorites that qualify as Star Attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios? Or, are there any attractions that do not make the cut on your ride list?
Kid Commentary for Disney's Hollywood Studios will be identified with these Disney icons. When you see them please take a minute to read what the children have to say!
The Park is divided into two main sections. The front section represents old Hollywood. The streets are lined with palm trees and the shops are period specific to the 1940s. The entrance of the park leads you down
Hollywood Boulevard.
At the end of the street you will find a true to life recreation of Grauman's Chinese Theater and another Hollywood landmark, The Hollywood Brown Derby.
Each building facade on Hollywood Boulevard is modeled after a real structure that either existed in the past or still exists in Hollywood today. An example of this is the Darkroom.
This store is found on the right hand side of the street. It is one of the first stores you will pass on your way down Hollywood Boulevard. The building facade is a reproduction of the real 1938 Hollywood photo shop. This store at Disney sells everything you might need for your camera or video recorder.
Before you whiz past all of the shops on this street to get to the thrill rides, remember that much of Disney's charm and magic is found in the details. Take your time and enjoy the magic.
Off of Hollywood Boulevard to the right is
Sunset Boulevard
or the theater district. This trolley lined street leads to the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater and the Hollywood Tower of Terror Hotel. This section is home to the parks two thrill rides and the fireworks and laser spectacular, Fantasmic!.
To the left off of Hollywood Boulevard is home to the
Echo Lake
section of the park which recalls the real Echo Lake Park in Los Angeles. The lake itself is the focal point of this section of the park. The lake is surrounded by attractions like the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey and American Idol.
Several popular restaurants can also be found in the area including The 50's Prime Time Cafe and The Hollywood and Vine.
Many of the buildings in Echo Lake were designed to look like oversized replicas of everyday objects. This type of architecture was used during the 1920s. It is apparent in Gertie, the giant dinosaur snack stand and in the steamer that is Min and Bill's Dockside Diner.
Again, these are some of the details that are often overlooked at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Take your time and enjoy the experience that this park provides.
The Streets of America starts at the end of the Echo Lake section just past the Star Tours attraction. You can access
Commissary Lane
and the restaurants that are found there from this area.
The second or back section of the park represents the production center of the studios. The entrance to this area resembles Hollywood's Paramount Studios gate.
One part of this back section is known as the
Streets of America.
The Streets of America pays tribute to some of America's most recognizable streets. The streets of San Francisco are represented here but the biggest area is dedicated to the streets of New York. The New York facades represent West 40th street complete with fire hydrants and brownstone stoops.
You will probably recognize the Chrysler building and the Empire State building too. These streets were once used by the Disney studios for movie and television work but now serve simply to entertain park guests.
This area is home to several attractions including a stunt show, a tour of the backlot and a 3D movie. Of course, there are several restaurants and gift shops in the area too.
The Backlot Tour exits onto the newest section of Hollywood Studios, Pixar Place. As you can probably guess, this is where the new Toy Story Midway Mania ride can be found. The only other draw to this area is a small Toy Story gift shop and snack cart.
Pixar Place
connects the Streets of America with Animation Courtyard.
has buildings that resemble production studios and sound stages. This section offers something for all age groups.
Adults can learn about the life and career of Walt Disney as well as how animated films are created. But the big draw to Animation Courtyard is Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage.
This small area is often overflowing with excited preschoolers waiting for a chance to see their favorite characters.
Even though Disney's Hollywood Studios is a small park, navigating its streets can sometimes be a bit confusing and disorienting. If you lose your way head back to Mickey's Sorcerers Hat in Hollywood Plaza located in front of the Chinese theater to regroup and get reoriented to the sections of the park.
If you think you might need visual aid to help you see all that Disney's Hollywood Studios has to offer then take a look at this
park guide and map.
