Lights, Camera, Amusement! Life’s a stage, and you need to be ready for just about anything. A lot has changed since 2012, but some things remain the same. It’s time to call the big shots, and visit the best of Hollywood Studios.
In front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
16, March 2016
Of all the Disney Parks, Hollywood Studios is actually the smallest! I believe the space is mostly used for the number of shows that we saw that day.
If you have been to Hollywood Studios before, you would know that there use to be the Sorcerer’s Hat in front of the Chinese Theatre. Jen pointed that very big detail that I missed (how could I?) The hat was there from 2001-2015, so I only saw it once. There might have been a deal involving the Chinese Theatre, but I will not get into that story.
This was a pretty laid-back day, as we didn’t have much a schedule to follow (other than the performances). Looking around Hollywood, you are taken to a lively world full of street performers and wonderful hoopla. Inspired by the 1930s/1940s, the park takes you the golden years of movies… Coincidentally, Snow White premiered in the 1930s (just a fun fact!)
Every part of the park is unique, but ultimately feeling like a movie lot and having an all-access pass to the greatest movies of Disney. But, not everything in Hollywood can be Disney-fied, they even appreciate the movie culture:
The first movie that we entered was one of their latest franchises, Star Wars. The thing about Star Wars is that the park had the ride Star Tours for some time – it’s like they were hinting that one day Disney would purchase the Lucas film. With a new update, the ride brings a new adventure with some stellar special effects. Having C-3PO as a host is definitely an amusement! But my favourite portion were the safety guidelines, and their personal touch!
Having fast passes, Isabelle and Vince took another tour, while the rest of us waited. Being the anxious one in the group, I needed to occupy my time with something, anything! There were not a lot of vendors in the area, and so we decided to take a photo by this vehicle:
I have yet seen a Star Wars film, and I’m sure I’ll be confused as ever, wondering why I have to begin with Episode 4. Chris said that Star Tours is always different every time you ride, making every experience unique from the other. And I’m sure in the years to come, a new update will be made.
Following the universe of Star Wars, it was time to see the first miniature musical. When you get a fast pass, you get three passes for one ride you request, and the other two chosen by the generator (or, however fast pass works). One used for Star Tours, the next one was for Beauty and the Beast (my favourite!) I may have seen this show once or twice, but I am always blown away by the performances; it’s truly amazing! You think 30 minutes is not enough, but the producers captured the essence of the movie in every way.
If I had to pick one scene out of the performance, I think I would have to go with The Mob Song, simply because of the harmonies that left chills on my body. The actor that played Gaston was truly amazing, he was much like the animated character. And I must say, the chorus members had such intensity throughout the performance. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the transitions, but the show must go on:
However, tale as old as time conquers in the end, leaving happily ever after in its place:
I might be biased, but I believe this was one of the best shows that I saw, despite being a replica of the film. After being taken away from Belle and the Beast, we checked into the hotel with an extended stay. I heard the ride in Disneyland will be closing down, but the one in Hollywood Studios remains:
Yes, we rode the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror! At first, Chris didn’t want to ride, but after a few minutes of pacing back and forth, he joined us for the visit. Vince, however, sat out on this ride – he wanted to stay alive for the rest of the day! What I like about this ride is how it captures the essence of the television film. The movie was filmed in the actual ride, and the ride features the characters/victims of the elevator. I’m not really sure how the Twilight Zone connects to the ride, but it’s a nice throwback to the television series. Waiting for the ride, Chris took one moment with his mother before saying his goodbyes:
I do not remember how this ride went, but it’s quite amazing. You think the ride would simply go up and down, but that’s not the case… In fact, the ride takes you into another dimension (scary and mesmerizing!) Somehow, through all of the pitfalls of the ride, we survived! The child Shellby sat beside was crying by the end of the ride, but they made it without calling out; you got to admire their bravery.
The gift shop was really something, mostly providing gifts for the adults. There was a bag in the shop that Shellby pointed out, but was expensive. But honestly, that bag was definitely my style! One of the items that caught my attention was a childhood favourite game, modified for the Hollywood Tower Hotel:
Going outside to meet up with Vince, we saw a penny souvenir outside of the ride – and you know what that means! I have too many of those souvenirs, and I’m sure that I’ll keep coming back to add to my collection!
Following the Tower of Terror, we had to head to another Starbucks for Jen’s mug collection – and this Starbucks was everything! From the uniforms to the stage set, this Starbucks truly felt like what I would imagine to be old Hollywood (such a spectacular!) But none could compare to the holiday that was coming up.
After the mini haul, we set up for lunch outside of the store. This time, we enjoyed home-cooked meals, including the cup noodles, aluminum-foiled hot dogs, and plenty of water bottles for everyone! Halfway through, Shellby had to go to work – and thankfully, Hollywood Studios is close by to Epcot (it’s one boat ride away!) Once we finished lunch, there was a Frozen-theme store close by… I had to take a look inside.
For a Frozen store, there were a lot of paintings for sale in that shop. I have yet to see someone display Disney paintings on their wall – Warner Brothers, yes, but no Disney whatsoever – weird, don’t you think?
We walked around for a bit before heading to the Voyage of The Little Mermaid, a celebration of the music from the beloved Ariel. There were a lot of young children waiting for the show, and it was a long time before the next showing. Much as I am a fan of The Little Mermaid, I felt like this show was a bit lacklustre – I think the show could add dialogue to enhance the performances. Unlike The Lion King, the show is not interactive, and only focuses on the music. Compared to Beauty and the Beast, Voyage of The Little Mermaid has me seeking for much more. But on the other hand, the performances were pretty spectacular.
After cooling down in the theatre, we warmed up with the now closed feature, Lights! Motors! Action! I think I have seen this show once, but cannot remember the entire show – for one, I know this would have been something I wouldn’t enjoy back when I was nine. But now that I was 24 at the time, I must say, it is one awesome show. From car chases to stunts performed on stage, the show answers all of your curiosity in ‘how did they do that?’ In the scenario below, the red car is being chased by the following black cars. Within the stunts, there was reverse driving, head-on collisions, and escapes that defy gravity!
There was a surprise appearance from the cast of Cars – it was actually delightful to see some familiar faces from the Disney realm! It was a good show which I’m sure will be missed by all. But hey, a new era means future trips to Orlando!
Due to some scheduling conflict, Jen and the family had fast passes to the Toy Story ride, a point and shoot 3D experience that is thrilling and exciting. As for me, I decided to wait in line and take photos with the stars of Toy Story:
Maybe I am too old to remember, but I have no recollection of waiting so long in line to take pictures with beloved characters. Waiting in line to see these idols took longer than my cousins to wait in line and ride the Toy Story ride – probably by 15 more minutes. What a time to be alive, having to take pictures at every opportunity (but I am not complaining!)
As if one stunt show wasn’t enough, we then explored into the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! It was the last showing of the night, and it was highly amusing. To be honest, I have not seen an Indiana Jones movie (if yo can tell, I am not one who is into action films!) But the show was an absolute delight. From movie stimulations to reenactments of classic scenes, the stunt show has something for everyone. From what I remember back in 2012, the first scene has not changed a bit – because it is the best part! The suspense, the danger, the bone-chilling music – everything you expect in an action film.
On to lighter displays, a female host comes to introduce a new action scene, one that would happen in a market setting. The audience also participates in the scene, and there is a lot of action happening up high, down low, and all around the scene. My favourite part was the scene demonstration, for its liveliness and believability in the delivery… It had the audience fooled!
The sun was setting, but there were a few more rides in us before the final shows we had to watch at night. Nothing would be complete without the Great Movie Ride! Set in a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, what better way to celebrate the ride other than in Hollywood’s iconic theatre. Along the waiting line, there were some fascinating articles about movies in general, including Walt Disney’s last film:
And what is more fitting to wait for the Great Movie Ride, other than looking at timeless movies themselves.
Although this ride is one of the longest rides at Disney World, it is one of the most entertaining rides out there! With a host and a number of films, the interaction with this ride makes you feel like you are jumping into the films themselves. Whether it be musical or gangster films, science fiction or ancient myths, classic movies cannot be topped!
There is never a dull moment with this ride. If you were not a big fan of movies, this one will certainly make you a believer in the cinematic masterpieces before your eyes.
One childhood favourite ride would have to be Muppet Vision 3D – you can’t go wrong with a show hosted by Kermit and his friends! A silly little show that is bound to make you laugh. From the old geezers to the Swedish chef, everyone will make you want to laugh out loud until you can’t handle it no more!
And of course, all great rides leads to great stores (yay merchandise!) Again, I have not seen anyone hang Disney art in their home, but some of the artwork done is quite amazing:
If there is one show I look forward to seeing, it would have to be the nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic! This show to me is the epitome of what Disney is all about: theatricality, fireworks, and magic! It is definitely a must-see that you want to get good seats. I know waiting for the show in a Disney Park is torture, but you’ll be happy when you see the whole production. In one show, you will see all of your favourite characters, including the mouse of the hour:
I must have forgotten this portion of the show, but I am glad to see a big shout out to the native princess, Pocahontas. Say what you want about Pocahontas being inaccurate, but the music in that film is truly outstanding. And what a better honour than for her to be part of the Fantasmic show:
But the best part has yet to come. If I remember anything from Disney Parks, it would be the finale when Mickey has to take on the evil Maleficent in her dragon form – for who ever could defeat a monster that shot green fires.
And how does Mickey save the day? With magic, of course! You probably know how it ends, but it’s always a joy to see when good conquers evil (life’s a show, after all!) To end that night? A celebration on the steam boat, you know?
The one last show of the night went to a new feature from Hollywood Studios. What I believe to be one of the best fireworks would be from the least expected movie: Star Wars. That’s right, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular had some of the best fireworks display at any Disney Park! I believe it was the overall display, but it kept me bewildered from beginning to end. I believe there was a light show suppose to display on the Chinese Theatre… oh well, save it for the next trip, perhaps! I have yet to see any Star Wars film, but I’m sure in good time, I will see the whole franchise.
To end the night, we had to visit the only thing open after hours: the stores! I swear, Disney could have all of my money, and I would still be starving for their products! The one thing I wanted but didn’t end up getting were some ears, but at least I’ll have the photos to remember the nostalgia:
And that’s a wrap for the day! We did not have a chance to ride the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but it was definitely a whirlwind of a day. Movies are not easy, but they are a plenty of fun to explore! I’m more amazed how tired you can get from watching shows all day… But even then, that is simply not enough!
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