The Disney-MGM Studios theme park at Walt
Disney World is a working motion picture and television production studio as well as a theme park. Buena Vista Pictures, Disney’s movie production arm, as well as a Disney animation workshop are based here. Disney-MGM Studios, opened in 1989, offers a mix of action, suspense, surprise, and special effects.
You enter Disney-MGM Studios along Hollywood Boulevard, a Disneyesque version of Hollywood’s main drag of the 1920s and 30s. This palm-lined street is dotted with Art Deco Disney shops, services, and restaurants. Disney characters and street performers are frequently found along this avenue. Just off of Hollywood Boulevard is Sunset Boulevard, a recreation of that famous street in its heyday, the 1940s. Sunset Boulevard offers another venue for shopping, dining, and street entertainment.
Hollywood Boulevard ends at a recreation of Hollywood’s famous Chinese Theater. In front of the theater is a huge replica of the sorcerer’s hat that Mickey Mouse wore in Fantasia. This hat has become the central meeting place and icon of the park.
Disney-MGM studios is divided into two sections: the backlot, movie and television production area and the attractions and commercial area. The backlot, which comprises almost two-thirds of the park, is only open to visitors on the Disney-MGM Studios backlot tour, a half-hour combination tram and walking tour that’s not to be missed. The tour starts with a walking tour of the special effects area. Here, technicians explain the visual and mechanical tricks routinely used in movies. Included are rain effects and a naval battle. The tram portion of the tour takes you through costume and prop shops, to sets such as a desert canyon and New York City brownstone before reaching “Catastrophe Canyon,” a special effects demonstration where you are the star.
Other highlights of Disney-MGM Studios include the thrilling “Twilight Zone of Terror,” a recreation of a neglected Hollywood hotel with a haunted elevator; “The Great Movie Ride,” a 20-minute ride through movie history; and “Star Wars,” a simulated, indoor space flight. Live stage shows, simulated TV games shows, and “Fantasmic’” the spectacular, evening light show offer variety to the adventure rides.
Dining always adds to the fun of visiting a Disney theme park and Disney-MGM Studios is no exception. The Brown Derby restaurant, modeled after the famous Hollywood restaurant of the same name offers casual dining in an elegant 1930s atmosphere. The house specialty here is the Cobb salad, created by the original Brown Derby. The 50’s Prime Time Café offers 50s-style diner fare in a dining room reminiscent of a 1950s kitchen.
The wait for a table at the popular restaurants can be long. Go early or late to avoid the lines. On-site Disney hotel guests can take advantage of priority seating. This reserves a time slot for your party and you are seated ahead of walk-in guests. Not quite a reservation, but it helps.
Disney-MGM Studios offers something for visitors of all ages. There are exciting rides, interesting exhibits, shopping, dining, and fun. Make sure you include a visit to Disney-MGM Studio in your next vacation.
