Disney is well known for the movies that it has made over the years; it is
not shocking that there would eventually be a park that would be associated with
the making of movies and that's where
Disney's Hollywood Studios comes in.
Adults and children alike can enjoy checking out the different rides, attractions, as well as all of the hidden gems that are just
waiting to be discovered throughout the park. There is a lot to do at Hollywood
Studios, so plan to be at the
park for at least two days. This list will give you 15 fun things to do while
you are at the park but be sure to find other things to
do while you are there, so you can have fun exploring everything that the park
has to offer.
15) Enjoy the
Rocking Ride at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
Whether you like Aerosmith or not, you will enjoy riding on Rock 'n' Roller
Coaster starring Aerosmith. This is one of the newer additions to the park, it features a long stretched limousine
where you and a bunch of other people can hop aboard to try to make it to the concert in time. The ride starts out with a
tour of the famous G-Force Records. Here, you will witness Aerosmith finishing
up a recording session and invites you to come along with them as they head
across town to try to make it to their concert on time.
The roller coaster features different Aerosmith songs that will play as you
are riding along, such as: "Walk This Way", "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)", "Sweet Emotion" and "Back
in the Saddle". You will even hear a new rendition of "Love in an Elevator" that
was made just for the ride that is called "Love in a Roller Coaster". Even
though this last song will play every time you ride the coaster, the other songs
will vary, so you get a slightly different ride each time.
Aerosmith's Rock'n Roller Coaster
14) Embrace the
Terror with the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is an excellent combination of an extreme
free fall ride and special effects. The ride is designed so that you are
entering into a "lost episode" of the Twilight Zone, you begin your
transformation into the episode as soon as you are standing in line for the
ride. The walkways and the overgrown gardens give you a creepy feeling of going
into a long ago abandoned once elegant hotel. You hear screams periodically
coming from the upper floors of the hotel; as you enter there are
several signs that those who inhabited the building left abruptly. There are old
dusty suitcases sitting around along with half finished beverages and other
personal items that were abandoned. Emotionless bellhops then guide groups past
a damaged elevator to a library, where a television sits in the library. It
starts to play the intro to the Twilight Zone and the story of what happened in
the hotel begins.
Guests then begin to experience the same events around them as they are led
into the elevator where people are said to have vanished. Once riders are
secured into the elevator, it begins to move wildly into a series of simulated
free falls. The free falls are faster than normal free falls would be because of
the assistance of motors.
Lobby of the Twilight Zone's Tower of Terror
By Athanasius28, via
Wikimedia Commons
13) Try Your Skills
to Get on American Idol
Anyone who has ever dreamed of being a contestant on American Idol or just
enjoys watching the show will want to visit the American Idol Experience. Upon
entering the attraction guests register for the singing competition and then
audition before a producer to be in the park version of the show. If they are
accepted by the producer, they will be whisked away to have their hair and
make up done. They then are coached by a voice trainer to prepare to sing before
a live audience and a panel of judges. The contestants with the highest amount
of votes compete in a grand finale then the winner is given a guaranteed reservation
at a real future regional competition for the show. This means they will be able
to audition without waiting in the traditionally long lines for these events.
Don't worry, if you do not make it on American Idol, you will not have to
worry about your friends making fun of you at home because these auditions will
not be televised. For many, this is a really good reason to go to
Hollywood Studios. It means the ability to try out for something huge without all of the
tension that goes along with it.
American Idol Experience
12) Help to Do
Stunts with Performers
Light, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show gives onlookers the feeling of what it
is like to be on an actual action movie set. This show is held in a 177,000 sq.
ft. stadium, which holds 5,000 seats. Specially designed cars, motorcycles and
jet skis are used in the show. The vehicles are in a setting which is supposed
to be a spy thriller set in a Mediterranean village. The vehicles in the show
are color coded to represent a hero and a villain in the various scenes
presented. Cameras capture the action from different angels and then show on
screens around the stadium.
During the show, the audience has various filmmaking secrets are revealed to
them and some audience members are even selected to join in on some of the fun
during the show. There is no reason to worry if you are selected to be a part of
the action because all of the stunts are safe. You can simply experience the fun
that is associated with being a part of the recording of a real spy thriller
movie. This show runs three times a day and you can find out the times from one of
the cast members at the guest services desk.
11) Get Interactive
With the Streetsmophere Performers
Go to Hollywood Boulevard to check out some of the 'Streetsmophere' performers,
you will never see the same street performance twice. There
are a whole cast of performers that interact with you and other guests as you
walk along. The different members of the cast represent different characters in
the pursuit of making a movie. There are even some of the members of the cast
that are "discovered" in the crowd. You can always tell the members of the crew
because they are dressed in 1940's period clothing.
You will be able to find all of the members of the crew if you hang around
for long enough, including the director and the film crew. Just be ready for a
new performance every time the show is performed. Not only does the show change
based on the guests that are involved in the action but also because the
"Citizens of Hollywood" (the performers) will bring their own unique takes to
the cast. The crew will change according to the need of the performance. Special
performances have been known to happen in order to get a specific member of the
audience to be involved and to be highlighted.
10) Hang With
Indiana Jones in an Adventure
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show is a 35 minute thrilling show full
of daring stunts and special effects. Guests to the show are encouraged to enter
20 minutes prior to the start of the show because the audience is entertained by
various humorous characters. The adult members of the audience are auditioned to
be a part of some of scene to be performed. The show starts with reenactments of
scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark; it's full of several explosions and
pyrotechnic effects. The heat from many of these intense effects can be felt by
those sitting in the audience, so be cautious about whether you want to bring
small children with you or not.
Outside of the show you will find various boxes that read "Do
Not Open', open them and find out what happens. There is also a rope that leads down
a well with a sign next to it that says "Do not Pull". Pull the rope and
experience a little surprise. When you are sitting inside the theatre, you will
be with up to 2,000 other guests. The set was closed for six months
in 2000 to make sure it was available for use with the Fastpass system, so you
can get to the head of the line even faster if you purchase this option.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show
By David Bjorgen, via
Wikimedia Commons
9) Defend the
Rebellion in Star Wars
Star Tours is a must stop for any Star Wars fan because this attraction allows for you
to blast off into space in a Starspeeder 1000. Your vehicle will experience a
series of mishaps that will cause C-3PO to take control of your ship. In this 3D
adventure, you travel to worlds such as Tatooine, Hoth and Naboo. You even get
the chance to encounter several characters from the movies including Princess
Leia and Darth Vader. Battle will ensue with various adversaries, like Boba Fett.
You will have a different experience each time you partake in this attraction because it has been designed with over 50 different variations.
Make sure that when you are riding, you follow the instructions in the
pre-boarding procedures. If you fail to put on your 3D glasses, you will have a
much different experience and will miss out on a lot of the action. The
Starspeeder 1000 will be ready to take you on an adventure you will never forget
as long as you are following the instructions. Just remember that you are not
allowed to take any pictures while you are on the ride, so resist the urge.
8) Re-Enact 'Singing
in the Rain'
Locate the iconic 'Singing in the Rain' umbrella attached to a lamp post. Walk up and grab the umbrella, while standing in the black square located
underneath it a small rain shower will be produced. The umbrella is located in
what is now known as the San Francisco section of Disney Hollywood Studios. It
was previously the New York section until they started using it for street
scenes from San Francisco in 2004.
This is fun photo opportunity and can be found as you exit the Light, Motors,
Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Be aware that the umbrella will not always work if
there are weather restrictions that are in effect. Also, make sure that when you
are trying to trigger the mock rain shower that you are standing on the black
square and grasping the handle of the umbrella. The black square is rather small
because it is intended for only one foot to be on it. Keep in mind that in the
movie, Sinatra was swinging around the light poles as he was 'Singing in the
Rain'.
7) Have an Intimate
Encounter with Captain Jack Sparrow
Even though the Pirates of the Caribbean ride is in
Magic Kingdom, you can still
have a lot of fun interacting with Captain Jack Sparrow when you join the crew
in The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow. In this interactive production, you will
join the crew as you become an honorary pirate and swear your allegiance to the
pirate code then you follow Jack Sparrow into the dangerous waters that lie ahead.
As a part of the attraction, you will learn all about life as a pirate,
including pirate lore and stories from the sea. You will then get the
opportunity to take the pirate's oath and become an 'official' member of the
crew. It is a great way to allow your pint sized pirates to have fun being a
member of the crew from one of their favorite movies. This is a must if you
happen to be at the park during National Talk Like a Pirate Day!
The Legend of Jack Sparrow
6) Check Out
Everything Tatooine Has to Offer
If going to the Star Tours ride was not enough for your kids, or for you if that
is the case, then there is a Tatooine Trader Shop you can check out. This has many of
the things you might want to purchase to remember the movie by, it has verything from
t-shirts to light sabers. What is really fun
is that instead of looking like a regular gift shop, the shop is made to look
like something you might find in the movie itself. It is a great way to find
some amazing souvenirs from Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Even if you are not looking to buy a bunch of souvenirs, take the little one
to Tatooine Traders Shop. Outside, you will find a life sized speeder bike which
looks like the one Luke used in Star Wars. The kids can actually sit and play on
the speeder bike. This prop also makes for a great photo opportunity. Just watch
out for those Storm Troopers that may be lurking around the corner! You don't
want to catch their wrath from a well-placed blaster shot.
5) Learn to Be a
Jedi Knight
Before going to the Star Tour ride, take time to take the kids to the stage
located in front if the ride. This is the Jedi Training Academy, here kids are
selected from the audience to train to become young Padawans. Near the end of
the presentation the kids get a chance to battle Darth Vader himself. All of the
Padawans are taught how to tap into the force and what it means to be a young
Jedi Knight. They will go through a few different exercises to learn the basics
of being a Jedi Knight in preparation for the battle that is coming against the
evil force of Darth Vader and the 'dark side' of the force.
The young Jedi Knights that graduate from the academy will be able to enjoy
the ride all the more because they will have the confidence of having the force
on their side. Just watch out that the kids don't try to levitate the car on the
way home, you don't want to break any laws!
Jedi Training Academy
4) Get Shrunk in an
Interactive Area
Kids will have lots of fun in the Honey I Shrunk the Kids play area, there are
some features here which are fun for guests of all ages. For instance, you will
see a large dog's nose near a water hose. If you place your hand in front of the
dog's nose it will get sniffed. Be careful though, sometimes the dog has to
sneeze and you could get a little wet. This is fun for adults and children
alike. It is amazing to see all of the detail that went into making something as
simple as a blade of grass so that you feel as if you are actually smaller than
normal size and in a completely different world.
Children can be allowed to run and play throughout the area while parents
relax if you are tired of walking around. The play area recently went through
renovations in order to improve the area, so you are assured that your children
will be safe as they are playing on the different insects that they will
encounter. Just make sure that you warn them not to get eaten by the dog!
Honey I shrunk the Kids Play Area
3) Enjoy Listening
to Live Music
If you are in the mood for live musical entertainment, then look around the
Streets of America. Here you can find a band performing called Much, Sweat and
Shears. They play "Rake and Roll" classic rock songs. Disney is becoming known
for producing some of the top rated performerances in the industry, so you can
be assured the quality of the music and the talent of the performers will not
disappoint you along with your guests.
This is another great opportunity to sit down and relax after a long day of
walking around. Careful attention has been made to provide everyone with the
opportunity to stop and relax as much as possible in a park, the temperature can
soar into the 100's in the heat of summer. Taking in a musical performance may
be just the thing to help you relax and get ready for the next part of your day.
Much Sweat & Shears
2) Learn How to Draw
a Character
It can be a lot of fun to draw just like the animators that are responsible for
drawing many of the animated movies you grew up watching. The art of hand drawn
animated movies has returned with new classic movies, like The Princess and the Frog.
Many animators have to go to art school for years in order to become the
professionals that they are but it's Disney tradition to
give animators a quick lesson. In fact, this is how
Walt Disney got his start
drawing Mickey Mouse because he did not know how to draw previous to being
taught.
At the Animation Academy, be sure to enquire about the art classes conducted
by an actual Disney animator. A cast member can tell you how to sign up for a 30
minute class to teach you how to draw a Disney character. At the end, you will
learn exactly what to do so you can draw a character with relative ease. Best of
all, you will learn the tricks that allow you to draw the character in a matter
of seconds. This is because the animators have to draw thousands of panels in
order to get even a few seconds of animation, so drawing quickly is essential
for any good animator.
1) Watch a Disney
Animator at Work
If you are into animation but you do not want to learn how to draw yourself, you
can simply watch the pros at work. After all, there is nothing quite like
watching the pros in action to get a real idea of how you can draw something.
These artists are able to draw extremely quick and with accuracy when creating
the animation that will go into the finished product.
If you are looking to see a real life Disney animator at work and want a
great souvenir to take home, head over to the gift shop near the pavilion of the
Animation Courtyard. Here you can commission an actual Disney animator to draw
any Disney character of your choice. After watching one of these animators at
work, you can take their creation home. It is a lot of fun to see the character
being drawn and then to bring home the finished work with the memory preserved
forever.
Conclusion
That's it for this list of 15 fun things that you can do while you are in
Disney's Hollywood Studios but don't let it limit you. These are just 15
of some of the best things that you can do there, there are plenty more ways that you can have
a great time while you are at the park. Find more hidden gems on your
own and make your own memories of the park. You will be so pleased with your
trip that you will want to return as soon as possible. Even though this is
one of the smallest of the parks, it still has a lot to offer you while you are
on holiday. Just keep an open mind and keep your camera charged, so you can remember your trip for years to come.
References: 11) Get Interactive With the Streetsmophere Performers
AllEars.net, a website for Disney-related tourism – (Detailed
information on the Streetsmosphere performances.)
//allears.net/tp/mgm/m_streetmos.htm
10) Hang With Indiana Jones in an Adventure
AllEars.net – (Detailed information on the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt
Spectacular.)
//allears.net/tp/mgm/m_indiana.htm
8) Re-Enact 'Singing in the Rain'
AllEars.net – (Information about the New York and San Francisco street
sections.)
//allears.net/tp/mgm/streets.htm
The Dibb, a website for British tourists visiting Disney theme parks. –
(Detailed list of events and attractions that are easy to miss,
including the different Aerosmith songs on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.)
//www.thedibb.co.uk/forums/Disney-Secrets-p-219.html
AllEars.net – (Overlooked attractions, including the Star Wars speeder
bike and the animation courtyard)
//allears.net/ae/issue564.htm
