Some time ago, at the 2015 Walt Disney Company annual shareholders meeting, Bob Iger admitted that Disney's Hollywood Studios would again be undergoing a name change. The proposed name has not yet been disclosed, nor has a date for when the change will take place. At this point, most Disney fans expected that with a new name would come a new look and new attractions.
And Disney did not disappoint. Announcements have been made, although some remain unconfirmed officially, that Toy Story Mania will undergo an expansion to add a third track along with the possibility of a Pixar Place play area, and that an entire Star Wars "land" will be built in the park. Permits have been filed for a new "flex space" theater between Rockin Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, and there is still a persistent rumor that Cars Land will be coming to DHS as well. However, many of these changes, some still in the rumor stage, will take years to see completion.
Whether it's to prepare for these changes, or for some other reason, it seems that Disney Hollywood Studios has seen a rash of attraction closings of late. And, when these closures are announced, they are carried out swiftly with barely any chance for fans to "say goodbye". Plus there are rumors circulating daily that even more attractions are on the chopping block. So, a person has to start to wonder: with all these attractions closing, and replacements seemingly years away, what's left to do in this park? As a favorite park of a few of my family members, we always dedicated 2 days to DHS. However, with this rash of announcements, I've seriously been reconsidering our schedule. If all these rumors come to fruition, you can almost count on one hand the number of attractions remaining, so it seems that 2 days may now be a waste of time here. And for those that always considered it a 1 day park, there is now talk that it can actually be done in a half day! With all this in mind, let's take a look at the attractions that have gone along with those still rumored for closure and see if we can determine if what is left will be enough to sustain this park for the years it will take to see new attractions come to life.
AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE: Although originally announced to close in January 2015, closure of this attraction was moved up to August 30, 2014. It was later replaced by the Frozen Sing-a-long Celebration in Summer 2015.
THE LEGEND OF CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW: This interactive, walkthrough experience was closed on November 6, 2014 (much to the disappointment of this Captain Jack fan who never got a chance to see it!).
STUDIOS BACKLOT TOUR: This was, perhaps, one of the most abrupt closings. While this attraction was a significant part of this park's opening line-up, it's announcement and closure took place in less than a week!
WANDERING OAKEN'S TRADING POST: Closed on January 4, 2015.
"THE HAT" - This was a biggie. Disney fans were decidedly split on this decision. Over 14 years, the hat had become the unofficial "icon" of Disney's Hollywood Studios park. Many were sad to see it go. On the other side of the coin, many Disney fans were glad to see it go. They believed it to be poorly placed and looked forward to the return of the original landscape with the Chinese Theater as the focal point at the end of Hollywood Blvd. Many felt this was more in line with the "Old Hollywood" theme of the park. Sadly, many of those Disney purists were dismayed to find that no sooner was the hat removed then a stage was erected in it's place for yet ANOTHER Frozen show!! So, alas, those great photos with the Chinese theater backdrop are still NOT to be had. 
In addition to all these closures and removals, persistent rumors continue to swirl that these attractions are also set for closure or have questionable futures within the park:
Walt Disney One Man's Dream
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show and
Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
So there you have it. If any of the attractions mentioned above are a favorite of yours, put them on your "must-do" list for your next visit. These closures happen so quickly, the last time you saw something may have really been the "last time"!! What do you think of all this change happening so suddenly? Do you think there is enough left in this park to entertain the masses while awaiting the new changes??
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