You are here: Home / Archives for Disney Hollywood Studios

Disney World Star Wars Weekends 2013 Dates Announced

December 28, 2012 by 1 Comment

The dates for the Disney World Star Wars Weekends 2013 have just been announced. The Star Wars Weekends take place every year in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This is an earlier announcement than it has been in years past and will allow Star Wars fans to plan their trips to Walt Disney World a little sooner.

The 2013 Disney World Star Wars Weekends will take place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 17 – June 9, 2013.

Here is video which Disney parks blog has just released which shows a quick over view of all the fun of the Star Wars Weekends.

As yet there are no announcements of who the special celebrity guests will be but we can expect to hear about that over the next month or so. The same celebrity hosts will be appearing as hosted the 2012 event.

James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on The Clone Wars animated series is the Official Celebrity Host of the Disney Star Wars event. Ashley Eckstein will return as the host of the “Behind The Force” events which will take Star Wars fans behind the scenes of the movies. Ashley is the voice of Ahsoka Tano, on Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

I wonder what changes we can expect this year as a result of the recent announcement that Disney is to take over the Lucasfilm company. As we reported Disney is to acquire Lucasfilm and surely in future years this can only mean great things for the Star Wars Weekends.

It would of course be wonderful if there were more Star Wars attractions planned for Disney Hollywood Studios. Another ride to go alongside the very popular Star Tours attraction would be such a great boost for the park. It may be too much to hope of course but a Star Wars Land would be the ultimate dream come true for fans of the movies. …

Photo by gordotarpley

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks, Disney Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

May 10, 2012 by 1 Comment

If you are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios be sure not to miss the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular. Even if you have never seen the Raiders of the Lost Ark movie upon which this show is based then you will enjoy this fast moving action packed show. Stunt performers, pyrotechnics and special effects all make the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular a must see show at Disney World.

Photo by rachelak

The idea behind the 35 minute show is that the audience can see how some of the amazing stunts for the Indiana Jones movies were created. The amphitheater holds 2,000 guests and it does get full at busy times. There is a Fast Pass available. To get the best seats you do have to arrive early. There are usually 3 or 4 shows each day so check your schedule as soon as you arrive in Disney’s Hollywood Studios so that you can plan which show to go to. The first show of the day is usually the one which is least crowded.

The doors open around 20 minutes before show time. The best seats are towards the front and center, but you will get a good view of the stage from almost everywhere in the auditorium.

The seating is on benches which are not the most comfortable, but the show is more than worth the wait! You may be in the amphitheater for almost an hour if you arrive early so factor this into your schedule when you are working out which show to go to during the day.

There is audience participation for a chosen few. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and yes they really do need to sign a waiver! To increase your chances of getting picked scream like crazy when they ask for volunteers, jump up and down, just anything to get you noticed.

The stunt show has 3 scenes which are all based on famous scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The first one showcases the stunt performer portraying Indiana Jones in the classic scene where Indy dodges spikes coming out of the floor, and numerous other traps so that he can get to the prized treasure. Then comes the famous scene where he is being chased by the giant bolder.

Indy is then joined my Marion in the streets of Cairo. Lots of non stop action here with acrobatics, explosions and a great fight scene. The volunteers get to participate in the crowd scene.

The final scene is also action packed with Indiana Jones and Marion trying to stop the Nazis escaping with the ark. Lots more fire, explosions, fight scenes and stunts.

Overall the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is a great show for all of the family to enjoy. Even if you have never seen an Indiana Jones movie you will enjoy this show as it does not rely on any knowledge of the movies. It is great how they bring the movie stunts to the audience and you do get some insight into how some of the stunts are performed.

I have seen this show so many times I have lost count and I always seem to see something different in it. Just wish they would change the script slightly as I now know it by heart! But next time you visit Disney Hollywood Studios make sure that you go to the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – you will be glad you did.

You may also like:

Disney World Fast Pass Rides and Attractions

Disney Animal Kingdom Rides

Top 10 Disney World Must See Rides and Attractions

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios Tagged With: , , ,

Disney Star Wars Weekends 2012

April 11, 2012 by 1 Comment

What are the dates for the Disney Star Wars Weekends 2012? This annual event is held every year at Disney Hollywood Studios and is a very exciting event for all Star Wars fans. The dates for 2012 are:

May 18th to 20th
May 25th to 27th
June 1st to 3rd
June 8th to 10th

Disney has now released the details of the celebrity line up for the 2012 Star Wars Weekends. The hosts for the event will both be voice actors from The Clone Wars. James Arnold Taylor who is the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi and who is voice of Ahsoka Tano, “Clone Wars”).

May 18-20:

Guests will be delighted to see that Ray Park who played Darth Maul in Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace will be there this weekend.
Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda, “Phantom Menace”) and Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) will also be there.

May 25-27:

Andy Secombe, (Watto, “Phantom Menace”), Ray Park (Darth Maul, “Phantom Menace”), Tom Kane (voice of Yoda in the animated series”Clone Wars”)

June 1 -3:

Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker) and Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi both from Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace.

June 8-10:

Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing, “Phantom Menace”), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett, “Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Episode VI — Return of the Jedi”).

Also appearing are Daniel Logan (Boba Fett, “Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones”), Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress, “Clone Wars”).

There will be more details released soon about the schedule so we will keep you posted. The Star Wars Weekends are always very popular events in Disney Hollywood Studios so if you are not a Star Wars fan and you are at the parks at that time then you may be wise to go to one of the other parks!

You may also like:

Top 10 Disney World Must See Rides and Attractions

Disney World Birthday Ideas

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios Tagged With: ,

The Great Movie Ride

February 28, 2012 by 1 Comment

One of the most popular rides in Disney Hollywood Studios is The Great Movie Ride. This ride takes guests on a journey through movie history. Or more accurately a ride through movie history which stops in the early 1980s. The idea behind the ride is a promising one, and it is certainly worth seeing if the lines are not too long, but unfortunately this ride is in major need of an update.

All photos by expressmonorail

The Great Movie ride facade used to be one of the first things that you saw as you entered the park. It is right at the end of Sunset Boulevard. Now it is difficult to spot as it is almost completely hidden by the huge Sorcerer Mickey Hat.

You may recognize the facade of The Great Movie Ride. It is a recreation of the Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. It is perhaps the most recognizable landmark of the Hollywood Age.

Just as with the original Chinese Theater, outside you will see the famous Hollywood walk of fame autographs in the concrete. All of the autographs outside the Disney version are authentic. Take some time when you are outside to look at the autographs there which include Tom Cruise, Tony Curtis, Lauren Bacall, Harrison Ford, Audrey Hepburn, Liza Minnelli and George Lucas.

The Great Movie Ride Line

Usually the wait for this attraction is less than 30 minutes. The line is completely inside the building. Close to the door you will see some movie memorabilia displayed. Rather like the ride this is in need of updating and will be of little interest to young children apart from perhaps the merry go round horse from Mary Poppins. If the line is short you will probably walk quickly by these displays but it is worth taking a bit of time to look at the costumes on display.

You will then enter the main room which has a large movie screen at the front of it. As you wind your way around the line you will view a montage of movie clips. These help to while away the time in line. Many of the clips are black and white classics so again your children may have no idea what movies they are from.

Once you reach the end of the line you will be ushered into the 1930s sound stage like room which houses your ride vehicles. It is an open ride vehicle which seats around 70 guests at a time. There is a live guide at the front of the vehicle who will take you on your tour.

The enjoyment of the ride does to some extent depend upon the skill and enthusiasm of your tour guide. There is a script and a surprise along the way. I have ridden this attraction many times and have recently seen a big variation in the quality of the guides. On my last visit the tour guide looked as though she had done this a million time and was bored beyond belief with her job. But mostly the guides do a good job with the material that they have.

The Great Movie Ride Movies

You start your journey in 1930s Hollywood. The golden age of movie making. The first movies you will encounter are the musicals. You will drive slowly past a figure of Gene Kelly in Singing in the Rain. Gene Kelly himself was more than pleased with his own model when he inspected it personally (you can see his autograph outside too).

You will then see Mary Poppins before entering into Gangster Land. Not giving away any secrets about what happens here but be prepared for some surprises. Look closely here, and in all parts of the ride at the attention to detail on the signs and set designs.

Then it is into the Western Era where you will see John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Soon you move into science fiction with an Alien encounter. This is the part of the ride which young children may find scary. The anticipation is scarier than the reality but there is an alien above you!

Finally there is a scene which the children may recognize. Indiana Jones. This again may be scary though as there are snakes and skeletons. The older kids will think it is tame but be aware that the younger ones may find this really scary.

After Indiana it is Tarzan. In spite of the relatively recent movie many children may not have a clue who Tarzan is, but this scene is pretty fun with Tarzan flying through the air.

Cascablanca is your next scene. Adults will appreciate that this is a classic movie but again the kids may have no idea what this scene is all about.

The ride then goes through a scene from Fantasia projected onto the walls before arriving in Munchkinland for The Wizard of Oz. This is a large and very colorful area with lots of singing animatronic figures. The Wicked Witch of the West makes a scary appearance before we ride out past all the classic Wizard of Oz characters and into a dark theater to watch a montage of movie clips. These movie clips have been updated relatively recently and everyone will find one of their favorite movies.

The Great Movie Ride is one of those classic Disney rides that you should see at least once. But if the lines are long it is probably one which you can miss as in my opinion it is not worth a wait over 30 minutes in line.

What do you think? Leave me a Comment about The Great Movie Ride.

You may also like:

Top 10 Disney Hollywood Studios Attractions

Walt Disney World Hotels

Magic Kingdom Fireworks

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Rides Tagged With: ,

Top 10 Disney Hollywood Studios Attractions

February 9, 2012 by 5 Comments

What are the top 10 best Disney Hollywood Studios attractions? Disney Hollywood Studios has something for all ages to enjoy. From thrilling rides, to nostalgic journeys through movie history, to Broadway quality stage shows you are sure to have a great day in this Disney theme park. Here is my own guide to the not to be missed Hollywood Studios attractions.

All photos are by the inspirational brilliant photographer expressmonorail

Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

As you approach Hollywood Studios you see a very tall, very imposing building. This huge, almost creepy looking structure is The Tower of Terror. Being Disney you are not going to be completely terrified by this ride but you will get pretty close!

Disney knows how to theme a ride and Tower of Terror is a brilliant example of how a simple idea for a ride can be taken to the heights of imagination by the Disney Imagineers. The ride will drop you 13 stories in an elevator. And then you go back up again for more. This is not for the feint of heart (or for those under 40″). But for those who like an adrenaline rush you will certainly get that on Tower of Terror.

Make sure that you take some time to look at the attention to detail of all the props and decoration in both the ride and the line. This hotel looks as though it really was abandoned in 1939!

For more information go to:

Disney’s Tower of Terror

Disney Rock N Roller Coaster

Disney goes rock n roll with this extremely fast roller coaster. The inspiration for this ride is the rock band Aerosmith. At first look that may seem to be an unlikely partnership but the result is probably the best and most thrilling of all the Disney roller coasters.

Aerosmith’s Rock N Roller Coaster ride accelerates from 0-57 mph in just 2.8 seconds cataputing riders 200 feet. Riders experience G Force of up to 4.5. This is a roller coaster in the dark but it is very unlike Space Mountain the original Disney coaster. It is incredibly smooth and seems incredibly fast. The addition of speakers on each seat blasting out Aerosmith music also adds a lot to the experience.

This is a roller coaster for those who may think they don’t like roller coasters. Try it even if you don’t usually like thrill rides and you may find that you are lining up for a second time..

For more on this Disney ride check out:

Disney Rock N Roller Coaster

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast on Stage

I have seen this excellent stage show so many times that I not only know the words but most of the dance moves too – but every time I see it is a delight. The excellent cast perform music from the Beauty and the Beast stage show with music Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman.

The story is of course taken from the Disney Beauty and the Beast movie. You will recognize the songs from the movie. The character of Gaston is particularly entertaining!

The show usually plays 3 or 4 times a day. Check your schedule for show times. Arrive early for the best seats. Personally I like to go close to the front rows but most would prefer a view from at least 8 to 10 rows back from the stage. The theater holds up to 1500 and it does get full at busy times. It is covered so does provide some welcome shade from the Florida sun.

Star Tours The Adventure Continues

You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to love this ride but it helps. Star Tours has just undergone a very radical update making it one of the very best attractions in the whole of Walt Disney World not just Hollywood Studios. This is a classic flight simulator ride. Guests board a Star Speeder 1000 on their intergalactic journey where they will encounter creatures and characters from the Star Wars movies.

This attraction now has a twist. You never know quite which direction you are going to take as there are a possible 54 variations of the Star Tours ride. Guests do have to be over 40″ tall.

Disney’s Voyage of the Little Mermaid

The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is aimed at the younger set but all ages will enjoy this combination live action, animation and puppetry extravaganza. Based upon the Disney movie The Little Movie it mixes live and recorded music with songs from the original film.

Guests are seated in a large theater for the 17 minute show. Be aware that the theater is pretty dark and some of the sequences involving Ursula are also rather scary so sensitive younger children may not enjoy this as much as you may imagine. Just use your discretion and sit near the left hand side of the stage so that you can leave easily if junior gets upset. Most of the show is very upbeat though, and can have some excellent live singing performances.

Toy Story Midway Mania!

Want to know which is the most popular Disney Hollywood Studios attraction? This is it. Prepare for long lines and you won’t be disappointed. Toy Story Midway Mania is of course based on the very popular series of Disney Pixar movies. Our friends Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Mr Potato Head and many more are here to make sure that we have a lot of fun playing a fast moving carnival game. Guests board 4 person vehicles and don 3D glasses and head out on a series of carnival type virtual shooting games.

This one really is a lot of fun but the wait definitely is not. There is a Fast Pass available but these usually run out around lunchtime (and before at busy times). Expect wait times of 70 to 90 minutes unless you get there at opening time.

Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

This fast moving stunt show is based upon the very popular Indiana Jones movies. It is a 35 minute live stunt show which is housed in a large amphitheater which holds up to 2,000 guests. It does get full at busy times and there is a Fast Pass available.

The Indiana Jones stunt show is split into 3 scenes with spectacular stunts, pyrotechnics and some impressive explosions. This is something for all ages. Even if the kids don’t know the Indiana Jones movies they will still find this fast paced show entertaining.

One Man’s Dream

This is probably one for the grown ups but the children will enjoy the models and vintage Disney toys. For me this is one of the really essential places to visit when you go to Disney World because it puts it all into context. Walt Disney famously said “It was all started by a mouse’, but of course it was all really started by Walt and Roy Disney. Mickey Mouse may have been his starting point but it was the vision of Walt and the financial acumen of Roy Disney which made Walt Disney World possible.

The One Man’s Dream exhibition is a celebration of Walt’s life and his dream of building a theme park where all the members of the family would have a great day out. There is an interesting movie at the exit which shows how the Disney idea went from Mickey Mouse to the Walt Disney World which you enjoy today.

Muppet Vision 3D

This is a very entertaining 3D show with mainly animated but some live action showcasing The Muppets. Even the pre show for this is worth a visit as you will be kept entertained by Kermit and the gang as you wait for the theater doors do open.

The theater is an exact copy of The Muppet Theater from the 1970s television show. You will even see Stadler and Waldorf in their box. The 3D movie does of course resort to “cheap 3D tricks” and the humor is very much what you would expect of the show, so it is a hit will all ages. Since the success of the new Muppet Movie a younger generation will also be familiar with the characters including Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and Sam the Eagle.

The shows run continuously so usually there is not too much of a line.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

This one if a bit of a controversial one as some feel that this just isn’t Disney enough. The stunt show idea was taken from the show which has run in Disneyland Paris for many years and is not really based around any particular Disney idea. True it used to have Herbie and now it has Lightning McQueen in a very short (and disappointing) sequence, but really this is a show about fast cars and scary stunts.

The outside stadium is huge (it holds 5,000 people) and a little uncomfortable (solid metal benches), but the stunt show is worth the wait. The back drop is a French village, and the stunt show will take you through fast car chases, motorcycle stunts, explosions and fire.

Fantasmic!

Disney took the idea for the show from Disneyland and made it better by giving it it’s very own 6,000 seat amphitheater. Fantasmic is shown on select nights only so check the Disney schedule before you visit. At busy times the show is shown twice nightly.

To say Fantasmic! is spectacular is an understatement. The story line is Mickey Mouse fighting the path of good triumphs over evil. The stage is huge, the effects are amazing, and the musical score is brilliant. You will see many of your Disney character favorites including a sequence of the Disney villains projected onto water.

This 25 minute show is Disney at it’s spectacular best. See Malificent transform into a 40 foot dragon, watch as Mickey Mouse battles the evil dragon, be amazed as the water surrounding the stage bursts into flames. And then be very glad that everything is resolved in a happy Disney way and you can see many of your favorite characters sail around the water which minutes earlier was all ablaze.

Fantasmic! is very popular. Extremely popular. Even though the stadium seats 6,000 guests and can accommodate many more standing, it does fill up. If there are 2 performances the later one is usually the least busy. You must arrive at least 60 minutes and if possible up to 90 minutes early to get the best seats. If this is not your idea of fun then consider booking a Fantasmic! meal package at one of the Disney Hollywood Studios restaurants. This will not get you a reserved seat, but it will get you a seat in a reserved area which means that you only have to arrive 30 minutes before the show starts. Book a Fantasmic! Dinner Package online or by calling 407 WDW DINE.

Which is your favorite Disney Hollywood Studios attraction? Leave me a Comment below to let me know your favorites.

You may also like:

Top 10 Best Walt Disney World Restaurants for Kids

Top 10 Magic Kingdom Rides for Toddlers

Top 10 Disney World Must See Rides and Attractions

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks, Disney Tips, Disney Top 10, Rides Tagged With: , , ,

Scotty McCreery to Visit Disney American Idol Experience

May 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Disney has just announced that newly crowned American Idol Scotty McCreery will visit Disney Hollywood Studios on Monday 30th May. He will arrive at 10am and join a parade along Hollywood Boulevard and then towards the American Idol Experience attraction. If you are going to be there on Monday this is going to be a great event and it is all included in the usual entry ticket. So if you are a Scotty fan this would be an amazing opportunity to see your country singer favorite.

Now all I am waiting for is a visit by Steven Tyler to Rock N Roller Coaster. Dream on I think! Although of course Joe Perry was there earlier this week…..

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios Tagged With: ,

Disney Hollywood Studios Block Party Bash Parade to Finish

September 16, 2010 by 1 Comment

Disney Block Party Bash Farewell

Disney has announced that the Block Party Bash Parade at Hollywood Studios will end on January 1st 2011. The parade featured Disney Pixar characters and for me was perhaps the weakest of the parades ever offered at Disney World. It seemed inevitable that the Block Party Bash would not last too much longer at Disney World when it was pulled from Disney’s California Adventure. Why didn’t it work? For me there just wasn’t enough activity or enough characters in the 35 minute parade. It spend long periods of time static and this just seemed to be a time filler so that they could have less floats on the parade.

Anyway there is a promise of an all new parade featuring the Disney Pixar characters that will start in Hollywood Studios on 16th January 2011. It is being said that it will include new characters such as Remy and Emile from Ratatouille and Carl and Russell from Up.

Picture by armadillo444

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks Tagged With: , ,

Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

December 31, 2008 by 4 Comments

Dare you enter The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror?

Is your idea of fun dropping 13 stories in an elevator? Well you have found your perfect ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror!

Disney is known for it’s brilliantly themed attractions and the Tower of Terror is certainly one of the very best.

Enter the Hollywood Hotel Tower of Terror and you will experience The Twilight Zone. Board the elevator and you will glide past ghostly images through scary hotel passageways. Then prepare to be plunged into darkness before being dropped 13 floors to the ground! The ride is not over yet as the elevator goes up and down in a random sequence – you never know when it is going to end! Sound like your idea of fun?

Every great Disney ride has a themed back story and the Tower of Terror is of course no exception. The Hollywood Tower Hotel opened in 1919 and quickly became one of the favorite ‘haunts’ of the movie star elite of the age. But then tragedy strikes on October 31st 1939. Five guests enter the elevator of the hotel just as lightning strikes the building. The child star, her nanny, two young starlets and the bell hop vaporise – never to be seen again  (well not until much later as you will find out on the ride). All the other hotel guests run from the building leaving their belongings behind.

The Hollywood Tower of Terror mysteriously re opens in 1994 at Disney MGM Studios. Dare guests enter the building and find out what lies behind the imposing building?

Based on the television series The Twilight Zone The Tower of Terror is as you would expect 13 stories high. Walt Disney Imagineers s watched all 156 episodes  of The Twilight Zone many times over so that they could recreate the mood and feeling of the series. The star of The Twilight Zone Rod Serling appears throughout the ride on audio and video screens. Original clips were taken from the series and additional voice overs were provided by an actor specially for the  Tower of Terror ride.

The attention to detail is amazing – right from the moment that you step into the line. The hotel looks as though it has remained untouched for over 50 years – cobwebs and dust cover authentic and reproduction furniture and belongings. You really do feel as though you are stepping into a time warp.

The suspense and, let’s not gloss over this, fear, are built up slowly. By the time you get to the elevator most guests are pretty scared! The Bell Hop Cast Members do a brilliant job of remaining in character and setting the scary mood of anticipation.

Enter the ride vehicle and travel along ghostly passage ways and you may just see some of those unfortunate elevator occupants from 1939. Then comes the moment everyone has been waiting for – you enter the elevator. Yep it’s scary. Yep you feel as though you are going to rise up out of your seat with your stomach following you just a little while later. And there is a lot of screaming.

Dare you ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror? Well you need to be over 40″ to enjoy the attraction. Don’t underestimate how scary it can be for the kids either ( and some adults as well). It is all in good Disney fun but you be the judge of whether your child is going to see the funny side or not! There is a Child Swap option where all your party has to stand in line only one time – each of you can look after the child while the other experiences the ride. Ask a Cast Member for more details.

The lines for Tower of Terror can be long. It is one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World. So how to avoid those lines? Use a Fast Pass. As soon as you get to the park head to the Tower of Terror. If the line is already past 20 minutes ( and it could be up to 120) then get a Fast Pass.  This will give you a set time window to come back to the ride and get into the Fast Pass Line.

Want to know more about the Tower of Terror? Find out the secrets and see some amazing pictures? Then head on over to Disney Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Filed Under: Disney Hollywood Studios, Disney Parks Tagged With: , , , ,

EverythingMouse is not affiliated with The Walt Disney Company.