WDW Disney's Hollywood Studios Discussion Thread

Hey everybody!

 

This thread is simple! Rather than having a million little threads about everything that goes on at Walt Disney World's Disney's Hollywood Studios, this thread is designed to consolidate it all into one user-friendly thread. Feel free to use it to post updates, trip reports, questions, comments, and of course, general discussion. For pictures and videos of the park as well as past updates, see TPR's Park Index Page.

 

Official Park Website

 

Below are some links to past updates from the park, you may be interested in. Enjoy!

 

--Robb

 

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2005

March 17th, 2005 - Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show rehearsal photos! (see below)

July 12th, 2005 - 16 year old in critical condition after riding Tower of Terror

 

2006

June 29th, 2007 - Child dies on Rock n Roller Coaster

 

2007

August 9th, 2007 - Disney/MGM Studios to be renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios; Toy Story Mania, Block Party Bash & more coming in 2008!

 

2008

February 7th, 2008 - American Idol-based experience coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

February 8th, 2008 - American Idol theater concept art posted!

 

2009

February 18th, 2009 - Lawsuit emerges from 2005 Tower of Terror incident

May 2nd, 2009 - Secret Star Wars shoot could mean Star Tours II

May 4th, 2009 - Yoda to have a role in Star Tours II

September 12th, 2009 - Star Tours: The Adventures Continue officially announced!

 

2010

March 20th, 2010 - American Idol Experience song list updated

March 29th, 2010 - New Disney Channel-inspired show to replace High School Musical 3

August 5th, 2010 - Disney's Hollywood Studios to host Last Tour to Endor Star Tours sendoff event in conjunction with Star Wars Celebration V

October 7th, 2010 - Star Tours: The Adventures Continue droids revealed

October 13th, 2010 - Anthony Daniels to reprise C-3PO role in Star Tours update

October 26th, 2010 - C-3PO to pilot the Starspeeder 1000 in Star Tours

 

2011

February 2nd, 2011 - George Lucas visits Star Tours to give the ride a test run!

February 11th, 2011 - Admiral Ackbar, Princess Leia, Darth Vader & other notable characters star in Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

April 1st, 2011 - Star Tours destinations revealed!

June 22nd, 2011 - Disney pulls the plug on ESPN the Weekend!

December 8th, 2011 - Osbourne Spectacle of Dancing Lights photos posted!

December 9th, 2011 - Comedy Warehouse returns for the holidays at DHS!

December 13th, 2011 - Quick photo update from the park!

December 23rd, 2011 - Star Tours Mainstreet Electrical Parade tribute found!

December 28th, 2011 - Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special photo report posted!

 

2012

January 21st, 2012 - Rock the Night special fireworks show coverage!

February 9th, 2012 - Fastpass return times to now be strictly enforced

April 8th, 2012 - Star Wars Weekends 2012 Celebrity Details Revealed!

April 25th, 2012 - Mama Melrose's gets new head chef & menu updates

April 27th, 2012 - 'Darth's Mall' shopping venue for Star Wars Weekends

May 1st, 2012 - 'The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow' attraction announced

May 7th, 2012 - "Carbon-Freeze Me" offered at Star Wars Weekends 2012

May 10th, 2012 - Droid Factory experience coming to Tatooine Traders

May 15th, 2012 - New Fantasyland model moves into One Man's Dream

May 15th, 2012 - Learn to draw Phineas & Ferb characters at The Magic of Disney Animation attraction

May 15th, 2012 - Star Wars Weekends 2012 promo videos & photos

May 20th, 2012 - Star Wars Weekends Update! (Warning! PG-13!)

May 30th, 2012 - Several American Idol finalists originally performed at the American Idol Experience

September 11th, 2012 - FastPass+ reader installation photo update

September 11th, 2012 - Fantasmic adding 1000 seats to the amphitheater

September 23rd, 2012 - Wreck-It Ralph characters coming to new meet & greet

November 8th, 2012 - Legend of Jack Sparrow attraction to open on Dec. 6th

November 27th, 2012 - Behind the scenes look at the Legend of Jack Sparrow

November 29th, 2012 - Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special set to return!

December 20th, 2012 - New stories coming to Disney Junior: Live on Stage!

 

2013

January 21st, 2013 - New songs added to The American Idol Experience list

March 27th, 2013 - Countdown to Fun Parade ending on April 6th

April 26th, 2013 - "May the Fourth" Star Wars Celebration announced!

April 26th, 2013 - Monsters University Meet & Greet location announced!

October 7th, 2013 - Glow with the Show ears coming to Fantasmic!

October 30th, 2013 - The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge now open!

November 10th, 2013 - Bob Iger confirms Star Wars development for DL & WDW

 

2014

March 18th, 2014 - Do You Want to Draw a Snow Man? Learn to draw Olaf!

June 9th, 2014 - Guardians of the Galaxy preview debuts July 4th!

June 14th, 2014 - American Idol Experience officially closing Jan. 2015

June 26th, 2014 - Frozen Summer Fun Live announced for Summer 2014!

July 5th, 2014 - Frozen Summer Fun Event - Full photo & video report!

September 12th, 2014 - Frozen Summer Fun elements get extended run!

September 25th, 2014 - Studio Backlot Tour closing after September 27th, 2014

October 24th, 2014 - Sorcerer's hat to be removed

November 8th, 2014 - Big Hero 6 Meet and Greet Now Open!

November 25th, 2014 - Great Movie Ride to get TCM-inspired updates in 2015!

 

2015

March 18th, 2015 - Toy Story Midway Mania adding more track!

March 13th, 2015 - CEO Bob Iger confirms park name change ahead

March 21st, 2015 - 'Frozen' Summer Fun LIVE returns June 17th - Sep 7th

May 16th, 2015 - Star Wars Weekends 2015!

June 18th, 2015 - Frozen Summer Fun photo report posted!

June 23rd, 2015 - The Great Movie Ride enhancements confirmed!

 

2016

January 15th, 2016 - Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show closes April 2nd!

April 20th, 2016 - Expansion of Toy Story land (Slinky Dog coaster)

July 11th, 2016 - New Star Wars Land concept art released!

November 22nd, 2016 - New nighttime Star Wars Land concept art released!

 

2017

November 6th, 2017 - Flurry of Fun Christmas Event Media Night!

 

2018

January 11th, 2018 - New background audio loops debut throughout the park

February 12th, 2018 - Preview new toys coming to Star Wars - Galaxy's Edge!

February 12th, 2018 - Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway to open in 2019!

February 12th, 2018 - New Star Wars-inspired resort details released!

February 16th, 2018 - Toy Story Land officially opens on June 30th, 2018!

February 22nd, 2018 - New Star Wars-inspired resort visuals released!

February 22nd, 2018 - New Toy Story Land preview photos & video!

June 28th, 2018 - Slinky Dog Dash Complete POV!

 

2019

January 17th, 2019 - Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy opening date revealed!

March 7th, 2019 - Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge officially opens on 8/29/19

May 1st, 2019 - Star Wars: Behind The Wall Sneak Preview!

October 30th, 2019 - New destinations coming to Star Tours this December!

 

2024

August 11th, 2024 - Monsters Inc land announced!

November 22nd, 2024 - Monsters Inc Land will be replacing Animation Courtyard, Muppets will be replacing Aerosmith on RNRC!

 

2025

March 8th, 2025 - Monsters Inc door coaster preview!

May 9th, 2025 - Mandalorian & Grogu joining Millennium Falcon: Smuggers Run

 

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Original Post:

 

Here are some cool shots from a compatriot in crime. Its from the testing of Lights, Motors, Action, Extreme Stunt Show (Disneyland Paris Import) yesterday:

 

Unlike Soarin, I have not had the privilege of seeing the original. From the shots (more at www.MKT3000.com)

Cool looking shot!

I miss the houses...

 

I honestly have never been a big fan of stunt shows... This looks kinda cool but they always seem a bit lame. I just kinda never know what to think of these things as usually most of the things going on just aren't close enough to you to make a real impact.

This looks kinda cool but they always seem a bit lame.

 

Anything with fire will get me in the door Plus -- stunt cars? That seems so difficult (I saw them practice at Epcot's parking area -- and what they did was pretty wicked).

 

I'm looking forward to it. Sorry you miss the houses. Never saw that.

Edited March 18, 2005 by Jose Eber

I hate shows. Never liked them. If I see one show a year, that's a lot for me.

 

But....

 

I *LOVED* this show when we saw it in Paris.

 

--Robb "That says something!" Alvey

Damnit Robb now you have me interested...

 

I have never enjoyed a stunt show before and was especially disappointed when the plane didn't launch when I went to see Waterworld at Universal Hollywood. All the shows I have seen were terrible. Worst was a Batman show at Six Flags Over Texas... 30 min late because of technical difficulties in high 90's and it was just complete and utter crap.

^ Yeah, take the Waterworld show, give it Disney quality and a budget that seems to be 10x that show and that's what this is.

 

IMO, a show is only 'good' unless there is a lot of action, a lot of fire and stuff blows up.

 

This show gives me all that!

 

--Robb

What you mean good narration? None of the terribly acted bits between something that could be considered remotely action oriented.

 

Seriously though Waterworld had some cool parts. The bit where they launch the jetski under the wall and some of the explosions were cool. Overall though it was pretty painful.

 

The worst thing was that Batman show I was talking about at SF:OT was setup as like a stunt shoot. So they keep pausing and saying now we are going to film such and such. OMG it was terrible you saw the stunt men bouncing on trampolines and stuff on some of the falls. Ack!!! Six Flags shouldn't be allowed to do stuntshows.

 

Honestly why hasn't anyone made a tongue in cheek stuntshow? I mean seriously make fun of the bad acting and stuff. Joke around with the audience. It could be incredibly funny if they got the right people.

Here's a shot from the show in Paris. Looks nearly identical.

 

 

--Robb

Wow, great pictures. I saw this show a few times before in Disneyland Paris and yes, it looks definitely like the same in DLRP. I like this show, because there are a lot of cool stunts and action. I think it is a good expansion for the MGM Studios.

 

--Soeren

Believe me when I say that this is not your average Theme Park Show whit some lame pretending stunts. This is the real deal and you’ll be on the edge of your seat during many of the stunts… There is some time between the set up of the next stunt where not much happens, but is needed so you can be amazed again…

 

Have a good look at the picture from Paris higher up in this topic. You can see the bridge over the water. I would like to know if they have this one in MGM too. This was added later, after a stunt gone wrong. (The car didn’t make it over the water)… This safety procedure did take the jet ski stunt out… Would be interesting to know if the bridge is there and if the jet ski stunt will be performed…

Yeah, they were previewing this the other day when I was at the park, but the show wasn't until 3, and considering that shortly after opening ToT had a 65 minute stand-by line, I really didn't feel like hanging out until then for the show. Plus, I figure I'll see the original one this summer. I'm not much of a park show person either, but if stuff blows up, it should amuse me for a few minutes...

 

dt

^Yeah Dave, plus it's even more amusing in French!

 

Elissa "Oh la la Explosion!" Alvey

^Yeah Dave, plus it's even more amusing in French!

I think you like it because of the French language, right? But it looks like it would be definitely the same show as in Paris or will there be any difference? I dont think so!

 

--Soeren

Would be interesting to know if the bridge is there and if the jet ski stunt will be performed…

 

Well, I saw it today, yes, there is a big bridge there and all though several stunts were not performed today, they did say a Jet Ski act was coming in.

http://www.local6.com/news/4713504/detail.html

 

Girl Critical After Riding Disney's 'Tower Of Terror' Ride

 

POSTED: 1:00 pm EDT July 12, 2005

UPDATED: 2:16 pm EDT July 12, 2005

 

A 16-year-old girl is in critical condition after riding the "Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror" ride at Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World, according to Local 6 News

 

Officials said a girl from Britain exited the ride Tuesday at about 9:50 a.m. and complained that she was not feeling well, Local 6 News reported.

 

She sat down with her mother in the theme park but her condition continued to worsen, an Orange County Sheriff's spokesman said.

 

Disney medics came out and treated her and she was transported to Celebration Hospital where she was unresponsive, Local 6 News learned.

 

Orange County Sheriff's Office will be investigating.

 

In June, a 4-year-old boy died after passing out while aboard Walt Disney World's "Mission: Space" attraction -- an Epcot ride that has caused previous concerns because of its intensity.

 

On the ride, guests are seated aboard a freight elevator that glides through hotel passageways.

 

The elevator enters a pitch-black shaft and launches guests skyward unexpectedly. The vehicle then drops 13 stories.

Disney... hmmmmm

Man, that's a few too many accidents for me at that park.

Hope everything turns out okay for the kid.

Gregg, how do you always manage to scoop me on these???

 

Sounds like another case of a person with a health issue that could have been triggered by the ride. This was the report from WESH in Orlando.

 

http://www.wesh.com/news/4713556/detail.html

 

 

Shari

Hmm... Oh I know! People don't drink enough water and they ride these awesome rides.

 

People gatting anxious start to sweat and lose alot of water. This happened to me and I got real sick but it was at a McDonalds not at Disney. People fill up with cokes at parks and caffeine just sucks the water right out of you. Now I drink 8 glasses of water a day and hardly have any sodas. Now when I go to a park I never get dehydrated!

 

Well I'm off my soapbox now. That's probably what happened- severe dehydration. But I'm no medical expert.

^ That's a VERY good point.

 

Last week at SFMM I made sure Amanda and I had PLENTY of water as it was a VERY warm day. We went on the Round-Up and both got off kind of queazy. Had to take a break after.

 

I can imagine that heat + the Florida Humidity making people sick all of the time.

 

Remember people, you have to hydrate your body!!!

^could be health issues.

when i was in high school, i dated an anorexic (didn't know at the time, this was several months before Karen Carpenter passed) that would pass out everywhere we went in hot weather. Major dehydration problems. Gl, CP even the Cleveland Zoo, we'd be there for a few hours, and she'd drop.

Well at least this settles the debate over which Tower is better!

 

Seriously though, this sucks.

 

Makes you wonder if maybe someday in the future problems like these could be avoided by genetic testing to see if you're predisposed to clots, heart defects, etc. Of course, that's a whole new debate!

 

Elissa "hoping for a full recovery" Alvey

^that would be a good debate.

That's a shame. I wonder if it had anything to do with Disney reprogramming the drop sequences on ToT?

 

Allison "Suicide Seat!" Y2K

Well at least this settles the debate over which Tower is better!

 

You are bad!!!

 

You know, though... I agree with the poster who commented about the dehydration and the heat. I can remember when Herb and the girls and I were down there in June of '01. It was like 90 degrees at 9:30 in the morning and by noon the teenagers were begging to go back to the pool.

 

We don't hear reports on all the people who have health issues arise while they are walking around a theme park, or in the parking lot, or a restaurant. It only makes front page news when it happens on a ride, which is really ridiculous, because, once again, I seriously doubt that the ride is "unsafe". I have personally ridden ToT half a dozen times, and as I have posted before, I have a mitral valve problem. IF I had a heart attack on the ride, it would not be the ride's fault. I chose to ride knowing I had a condition that the experts would advise me against riding because of.

 

Shari "I just hope she's ok" Shoufler

She got hit by lightning and then vanished.