Disney Hollywood Studios - Hollywood Blvd/Echo Lake - Exploring the "World", One "Land" at a Time

We move on to the second park in our exploration of Walt Disney World - Disney Hollywood Studios! This park has seen the most changes recently with more on the horizon. 
Opening May 1, 1989 as Disney MGM Studios, this park transformed in 2008 becoming Disney Hollywood Studios. This year, announcement was made that another name change is coming. The new name, yet to be released, will also come with a new look and new attractions. These highly-anticipated changes were officially announced this past weekend at the D23 Expo. We now know we will be seeing Toy Story Land as well as Star Wars Land. Although no timeline was given when these new lands will open, they have led to a multitude of closures. Some welcome, some not. In the wake of these closures, we will explore the attractions still operating at this park as we anxiously await more news.

You can begin your day at Disney Hollywood Studios by strolling straight down Hollywood Blvd. To me, it is the Studios version of Main Street USA with lots of great shops carrying some unique and fun items! For the last 15 years, this boulevard led you to the giant Sorcerer Hat, serving as the "icon" of this park. However, earlier this year the hat was removed, much to the delight of some park guests and disappointment of others. However, you can still find fun at the end of this street meeting some of your favorite Disney characters decked out in their Hollywood finest!

The removal of the hat once again cleared the way for the visually stunning replica of Hollywood's Chinese Theater, home of The Great Movie Ride. This ride has recently been renovated due to a new collaboration between Disney and TCM, Turner Classic Movies. The attraction employs the use of audio-animatronic figures, live actors, special effects and projections to recreate iconic movie scenes. Changes include new pre-show video and finale footage hosted by TCM's Robert Osborne. Robert also provides new in-ride narration.

One of my favorite attractions at DHS are the "streetmosphere" characters known as the Citizens of Hollywood. These street performers can usually be found on Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd throughout the day. There are many citizens from the early Hollywood era that can be found roaming the streets. You may find aspiring actors, directors, policemen, stars, agents, moguls and more! Their comedy skits are wildly funny and family-friendly and usually interactive. With hilarious names such as Ben Appetit (the caterer), Officer Les Manly, Roman Holiday (star) and my personal favorite, Shelby Mayer, these performers will have you in stitches. They are definitely worth the time to stop and watch (and video!). 

Now playing in the Hyperion Theater, formerly Superstar Theater, home of the American Idol Experience, is For the First Time in Forever Frozen Sing-along Celebration. Join Anna, Elsa and Kristoff for this 30 minute show as they relate the story of the film using subtitled animated clips so everyone can sing along!

As you stroll around Echo Lake, you will find the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame. This display honors those who have made a significant contribution to the world of television. Take notice of that guy up front!

Further along, you will find Star Tours: the Adventure Continues. This ride was reopened in May 2011 after some big changes were made. The guests (space tourists) are still brought through the spaceport terminal at Star Tours for their intergalactic journey. After some confusion, C3PO is now trapped inside and has become our pilot. Your ride now features 54 randomized 3D adventures featuring some of the most well-known characters. As we speed through different star systems, it becomes clear that this tour has a higher purpose, to deliver the rebel spy to safety. The rebel spy can be anyone on board, even you! This is a fun, 3D motion simulator ride featuring many various scenarios. If your tummy can handle it, ride it again and again for a new experience!

For even more Star Wars fun, young Jedis between 4 and 12 years of age can sign up for Jedi Training Academy. Sign ups are held outside ABC Sound Studio at park opening. Children will then be given a show time. Children will don their brown robes and enter this 20-minute training academy where they will learn to use the force and defeat the dark side! If you can defeat Darth Vader, you will be given a certificate proclaiming you a true Jedi Knight! Check the times guide for show times and don't forget to sign up early. Spots fill up fast!

At Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, you can watch Indy and Marion perform wild stunts, learn from the director how stunts are performed, and even be part of the action if you are chosen as a volunteer! This long-running stunt show is also on the rumored list for closure. So if you are a fan of Indy or just want to see how actors perform these epic stunts, be sure to stop by and see it before it's gone! 

Hollywood Blvd and Echo Lake are packed with tons of food options. For great table-service food, there is the Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood and Vine and 50's Prime Time Cafe. For lighter fare, there is Backlot Express, Oasis Canteen and Min & Bill's Dockside Diner (pictured here). Or, you can stop by the Tune In Lounge for a beverage. They serve both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.


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