Tag Archives: Disney's Hollywood Studios

Jim Henson and the Fantastic World of the Muppets

by Bill I. (NDH#35) | Published: Monday, March 5, 2012

Everyone knows the Muppets. This group of fuzzy, goggle-eyed puppets has been delighting audiences worldwide since even before the debut of the Muppet show in 1976.  The Muppets were “born” when Jim and his future wife Jane Nebel created a five minute puppet show on a Washington TV station called “Sam and Friends.” Famous Muppet “Kermit” was conceived from a character on the show, but he nowhere resembled the famous frog we know today.

Jim Henson was much like Walt Disney – a dreamer and a doer. Walt created a magical world of cartoon characters and fairytales, Jim’s magical world consisted of lovable, cuddly puppets. And like Walt, Jim brought out the best in his workers and was an inspiration to all who knew him. Even at home with his five children; Jim was as playful and good-natured as the Muppets he conceived.

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Walking Around the World…Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

by Bill I. (NDH#35) | Published: Thursday, November 3, 2011

Disney is well known for its attention to detail and storyline. No matter what you might encounter – be it an attraction, show, character etc. you will find a fascinating story behind it and the detail, both historically and functionality are true to life. For me, there is no attraction on property more beautifully and accurately detailed than the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror hotel, here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In addition, the storyline of this eerie Hotel is based on what most experts concur is one of the greatest Sci-Fi anthology TV series in history, Rod Sterling’s “Twilight Zone.”

Inside the Hotel, you will find numerous props and memorabilia that reference many episodes of the show. In addition there are frequent visual clues to the storyline and the Hotel itself scattered about. The architectural elements of the Hotel are amazing and are impeccable for the time period, October 31st, 1939, which is the date this story begins. This attractions queue line is the most detailed in my opinion of any ride. From the moment you enter the Main Lobby, to the library and my favorite part, the boiler room, the Imagineers left no stone unturned. In fact, there is so much detail and storyline to talk about; this was one of the most intensive researched articles I have ever done!  Let’s get started…

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When the hat comes down

by John G. (NDI#194) | Published: Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Photo Credit: Eddison Moreno, Wikimedia Commons

The hat is coming down. Soon. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the giant Sorcerer Mickey hat, enjoyed by some and hated by others, will be removed, or more likely moved to take up residence elsewhere. Walt Disney Imagineering installed the massive structure for the 100 Years of Magic celebration in late 2001 but it was never meant to be permanent. Because of a few financial quirks it stayed in its location for longer than was intended, however the time has come and the hat will soon be gone. I wonder, will Hollywood Studios lose some of its magic without its magical icon? What happens when the hat does come down?

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MIN AND BILL’S DOCKSIDE DINER – MORE THAN A RESTAURANT

by Bill I. (NDH#35) | Published: Friday, July 1, 2011

Min and Bill's Dockside Diner

Walt Disney World is full of detail, stories and trivia. No matter what park you go to, almost anything; be it a picture, a date on a window, a building or even music in the background, has a reference to something Disney. For the savoir-faire guest, there is a treasure-trove of exciting information staring them right in the face! Some quick examples; going on the Living with the Land Boat ride, as you pass the farmhouse, you’ll note the sign RFD #82 in front, the “82” referencing the date EPCOT opened. Or for the really trivia minded, in front of Min and Bill’s Dockside diner, you’ll find a stack of crates. On one of the crates you’ll see…”Ship to Rick Blaine, Rick’s Café Amercain, 112642 Rue Renault, Casablanca, Morocco”  This clever inscription is in reference to one of Warner Brothers Studios hit films, “Casablanca” The film won three academy awards and is on the list of the Greatest films of all time.

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DISNEY’S STAR TOURS GRAND RE-OPENING PRESS EVENT

by Bill I. (NDH#35) | Published: Sunday, May 22, 2011

Perhaps no sci-fi genre franchise has been as popular or continues to draw in new, rabid fans as Star Wars. Conceived by director/producer George Lucas, the first film “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” released on May 25, 1977 and the following five sequels are a phenomenal success story. Disney decided to create a new “simulator ride” attraction centering on the Star Wars universe. Disney and George Lucas came up with “Star Tours” – an action trip to the Moon of Endor, hurling guests through a fun-filled adventure, climaxing with an attack on the Death Star along with Rebel X-wing fighters before returning to the spaceport.

The attraction opened January 9, 1987 in Disneyland and here at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (then known as Disney’s MGM Studios) on December 15, 1989. After a wildly successful run, Disney decided that a total re-hab of the attraction was needed.  Using new high-tech 3D graphics and high definition not available in the beginning, the new “Star Tours” is leaps and bounds ahead of the original. And what makes this new adventure even more Magical is that there are at least 50 different scenarios, so guests will get a different “tour” every time they ride. According to Disney, you would have to ride at least four hours in a row to experience every different trip!

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STAR WARS WEEKEND LINEUP 2011

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Monday, May 9, 2011

Photo Credit: Chris Reid

Disney has released the line-up of guests coming to Hollywood Studios for this year’s Star Wars Weekends.  Every year for 4 weekends, Hollywood Studios is host to some out-of-this-world creatures from the classic films.  This year is no different and will start the weekend of May 20th.

Here is this year’s lineup, courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel:

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STAR TOURS 2 LIVE

by JL Knopp (NDM#1) | @jlknopp1 | Published: Tuesday, May 3, 2011

If there’s a new attraction that has a lot of buzz lately it’s Star Tours 2, the highly anticipated prequel to the original Star Tours attraction.  The new ride debuts on May 20th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and June 3rd in Disneyland but what exactly does Star Tours 2 entail? What’s new with this ride? What can we expect?

First and foremost, the ride system for Star Tours 2 will be all new.  The simulators are being enhanced to offer six axises of movement and the ride will be in 3D.  To make things even more enticing, the film you see will be completely random, meaning when you ride at park opening, you’ll see one trip but come ride again and you’ll see something completely different.  Disney promises 54 possible destinations and this means there’s lot of great re-rideability built into this ride.

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PREPARE FOR INTERGALACTIC TRAVEL

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Sunday, April 24, 2011

Photo Credit: InsideTheMagic.net

As if the world was not excited enough by the arrival of Star Tours II on May 20th, Disney had to go and make this attraction even more interactive and fun for us at home waiting patiently for our Galactic journeys to begin!  Introducing StarToursPassport.com! This website allows you to make your own intergalactic passport with your photo and information and use it for your travels on Star Tours.

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THE BARE NECESSITIES

by NDM367 | Published: Saturday, April 2, 2011

As a working mom, I often feel guilty about not staying home with my boys or being there when they get off the bus.  I miss being the parent to take them to after-school practices, or in Reagan’s case, therapies.  As hard as it is, I know that I am doing what I have to do to provide for my family.  I’m blessed with a good job and a great boss who lets me have the time I need to go to their school functions, doctor’s appointments, and yes – Disney World!

But guilt has often found me trying to make up for not always being there, and I find myself giving them material things or overdoing the simple things.  For example, I plan over-the-top birthday parties for them – you know the kind – where you take care of every minute detail and elaborate decorations, only to see them having more fun playing tag.  Or buying them an awesome Hot Wheels track with loops, bells, and whistles, only to see them pulling the wrapping paper tube out of the trash and using it for a tunnel.  (By the way, cardboard tubes also make cool swords that make a great sound without the pain when you whack your opponent.)

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DISNEY DINING PLAN TIPS FOR SNACKS AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

by Kristen H. (NDI#59) | Published: Monday, March 28, 2011

Disney Dining Plan tips for dining and snacks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. Find out where you can get the most bang for your buck at the Studios.

Contributed by: Kristen Hoetzel (NDI#59) Kristen is the DDL Dining Tips Blogger. She is also the creator of Cooking With Mickey.

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TOP TEEN ATTRACTIONS AT DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

by Hannah N. (NDT#23) | Published: Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Photo credit: NDM #118

Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The moment you step through the gates you just feel like you’re in Hollywood. From the music to the citizens of Hollywood running around, it’s the closest thing I can think of to actually being there. It’s a great park for teens because of the thrill rides, shows, and stunts you’ll see there.  Here is my list of the best attractions for teens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

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TOP TEEN ATTRACTIONS AT MAGIC KINGDOM

by Hannah N. (NDT#23) | Published: Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Magic Kingdom: The most magical place on earth. It’s got great opportunities for Kodak moments, a wonderful atmosphere, and a ton of fabulous attractions for teens. Here is my list of top teen attractions at Magic Kingdom.

1. Jungle Cruise – I absolutely love this attraction. The snakes do creep me out a bit, but I find my courage so that I can go listen to the cute skipper’s cheesy jokes.

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WALKING AROUND THE WORLD…SUNSET BOULEVARD

by Bill I. (NDH#35) | Published: Friday, February 25, 2011

For most folks, just mention Walt Disney World and they immediately conjure up images of shows, exciting rides, great restaurants, and, of course, Mickey Mouse. And that’s a shame, because Disney is so much more. Almost everything here at the parks has a fascinating back story, be it a building, an innocuous sign, a  prop, or even music. Here on Sunset Boulevard there are several “Theater” storefronts and shops with an interesting story all their own. When the then named Disney- MGM Studios opened on May 1st 1989, Sunset Blvd did not yet exist. The first expansion of the park, Sunset Blvd. opened in July of 1994 and contained the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.  In keeping with the park’s homage to the Hollywood of the 30s and 40s, there are shops along the Boulevard that were inspired by real buildings in California. But the crowning touches for this nostalgic road are several “Movie House” storefronts, again modeled after real theaters in California.

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STAR TOURS 2 CAST LIST

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Sunday, February 20, 2011

Photo Credit: Jess Clawson

Recently, an announcement has been made regarding the Star Wars characters who will be featured in the upcoming attraction Star Tours 2. The list, announced by the Disney Parks Blog, includes the two new droids, AC-38, theSpokesbot Aly San San, and the already announced R2-D2 and C3PO.  The word going around is that C3PO, through an uncertain turn of events, will actually be piloting the Starspeeder!

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NDP COMMUNITY REPORT

by Jackie G. (NDM#30) | @jjzmgailey | Published: Sunday, January 30, 2011

The Disney Driven Life started out about 2 years ago with a trip report on a popular Disney forum.  Soon, people started wanting to Be Counted and take their place on the Roster.  Today, our little community has grown to 1,049 Neurotic Disney People and 12 Neurotic Disney Critters!

We’re so glad that we now have a place where Disney fans can come together and ‘hang out’.   This year, we thought it would be fun to share important events / milestones that are going on in each other’s lives once a month.  Here are some of the great things that happened in our NDP Community during December and January:

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WHERE TO DINE ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

by Kristen H. (NDI#59) | Published: Wednesday, December 29, 2010

So you haven’t made your ADRs for New Year’s Eve and you’ll be in Walt Disney World. What to do? Well, here are some place to avoid and some place that are your best bet.

Contributed by: Kristen H (NDI#59). Kristen is one of our resident Disney foodies and creator of Cooking With Mickey

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PLAYHOUSE DISNEY CHANGES

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Sunday, November 14, 2010

A beloved show of many preschoolers, Playhouse Disney, will soon be undergoing a change according to the Disney Parks Blog.  The stage in the Animation Courtyard area of Hollywood studios will be undergoing a marquee and name change to help promote the new Disney children’s channel, Disney Junior.

The new “Disney Junior- Live on Stage!” show will be very similar to the current Playhouse Disney show, including keeping a similar stage design and keeping some of the current scenes in the show like “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny” and “Little Einsteins”.  The addition to the show will be adding a new scene based on a show airing in February on Disney Junior called “Jake and the Never Land Pirates” where a young boy and some other kid pirates have adventures around Never Land and learn about teamwork. There is concept art for the new backdrop on the Disney Parks Blog.  A similar show change will be happening to the Disney’s California Adventure version of the show as well.  The changes in both parks will be coming in March of 2011.

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NEWS FROM A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Monday, November 1, 2010

This week, there has been a small update from the Disney Parks Blog on the new Star Tours II attraction.  The news is about who the new pilot of the Star Speeder will be.  There was word there would be a new pilot named AC-38, also known as Ace.  With the storyline it seems that, as you are getting ready for your ride, he is the one who will be your pilot.  The surprise comes when you load into your Star Speeder and see not Ace, but a much more familiar droid is driving, one by the name of C-3P0! The story as to how 3P0 becomes the pilot has not come out yet, though I am sure it must be a good one.  From what I remember, he really hates space travel, which may make for a very interesting flight.  It was also announced that Rex, the pilot from the original Star Tours, would also be featured somehow in this new attraction, though his part is still unknown.

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A DISNEY “STAYCATION”

by Mark J. (NDD#102) | Published: Wednesday, October 20, 2010


A couple of months back, it looked like my wife might have to have some minor surgery; nothing too serious, but it would require some recovery time before she could return to work.  As a result, she would have to use the vacation time she would need for our Disney World trip.  We probably weren’t going to get to go to our favorite vacation spot this year.

I was explaining this to my son, then 9, when he had a stroke of genius.  “Well, maybe if we can’t go to Disney World this year, we can have our vacation here.  We could play Toy Story Mania on the Wii on the day we were going to go to Hollywood Studios.”

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HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS AND RESORTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

by Jessica C. (NDI#21) | @lady_aurora | Published: Sunday, September 26, 2010

Disney Parks Blog made a couple big announcements regarding some new additions to the Walt Disney World Resort last week.

The first announcement is for Hollywood Studios and is about the Block Party Bash.  As of January 1, 2011, the Block Party Bash will no longer be running and, after a couple weeks of rest, will be replaced by a new parade.  There is no word on exactly what this new parade will be called, it seems to be still in the works, but what it will include are some of your favorite Pixar characters along with a couple new additions, including Emile and Remy from Ratatouille and Carl and Russell from Up!

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