List of Disney's Hollywood Studios attractions

The Sorcerer's Hat, the former icon of Disney's Hollywood Studios, at the end of Hollywood Boulevard

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park located at the Walt Disney World Resort. Major attractions are listed below.

Hollywood Boulevard

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Hollywood Boulevard is lined with shops selling Disney merchandise and food. While parades are a major attraction today, the area was not originally built to handle parades, and an appropriate sound system and other facilities had to be retrofitted after initial construction. Michael Eisner, who had a major part in the park's creation ever since the earliest development, wanted the opening land to operate on the same principle as Main Street, U.S.A. — a street lined with shops and food, but in a style more fitting to Hollywood.

Echo Lake

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Action on the set of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Grand Avenue

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The entrance and exterior of Muppet*Vision 3D.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

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Toy Story Land

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Main article: Toy Story Land

Animation Courtyard

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The entrance and exterior of Star Wars Launch Bay.

Sunset Boulevard

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The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction

Entertainment

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The park's original logo and name from 1989 to 2008.

Theater of the Stars

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Originally located off Hollywood Boulevard (1989-1993) and relocated to Sunset Boulevard (1994-present)

  • Hollywood! Hollywood! A Star-Studded Spectacular (May 1 – August 31, 1989)[25][26]
  • Dick Tracy starring in Diamond Double-Cross (May 21, 1990 – February 16, 1991)
  • Hollywood's Pretty Woman (September 24 – November 3, 1991)
  • Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (1991 – 1993; July 15, 1994 – March 15, 2020; August 15, 2021 – present)
  • Used for seasonal special events:
    • Star Wars Weekends, etc. (2015)
    • The Music of Pixar Live! (May 26 – August 27, 2017)
    • Disney Socienty Orchestra and Friends (August 2 – October 3, 2020)
    • Disney Holidays in Hollywood (November 11 – present; seasonals)

The theater is also used for occasional corporate, seasonal, promotional and internal events, and presentations.

Hyperion Theater (Soundstage 10)

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Formerly known as SuperStar Television Theater (1989–1998; 2009–2014) and ABC TV Theater (1999–2008)

Mickey Shorts Theater (Soundstage 11)

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Formerly known as Monster Sound Studio (1989–1997) and ABC Sound Studio (1997–2012)

Epic Theater

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Grand Arts Theatre

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Hollywood Boulevard

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  • High School Musical Pep Rally (January 22 – September 14, 2007)
  • High School Musical 2: School's Out (September 23, 2007 – September 13, 2008)
  • High School Musical 3: Right Here! Right Now! (October 24, 2008 – October 2, 2010)
  • Disney Channel Rocks! (October 22, 2010 – April 6, 2013)
  • March of the First Order (May 4, 2016 – July 6, 2019)
  • Glisten! (November 9, 2024 – present; seasonal)

New York Street

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This entertainment venue is no longer operating as it has been demolished for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Premier Theater

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Formerly known as Backlot Theater (1993-2002). This entertainment venue is no longer operating as it has been demolished for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Soundstages 2 & 3

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Originally a portion of the Disney-MGM Studios Backstage Studio Tour (1989-1990), Inside the Magic (1990-1996), Backstage Pass (1996-2000). This entertainment venue is no longer operating as it closed to make room for Toy Story Mania!, which became part of Toy Story Land

Soundstage 4

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Originally a portion of the Disney-MGM Studios Backstage Studio Tour (1989-1990), Inside the Magic (1990-1996). This entertainment venue is no longer operating as it has been demolished to make room for the entrance of Toy Story Land

Walt Disney Theatre

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Originally a portion of the Disney-MGM Studios Backstage Studio Tour (1989-1990), Inside the Magic (1990-1994)

Animation Courtyard Theater (Soundstage 16)

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Formerly known as Walt Disney Theater and was the final portion of the Disney-MGM Studios Backstage Studio Tour (1989-1990). This building was originally soundstage 15 until Rock 'n' Roller Coaster opened with its show building labeled as soundstage 15. The Animation Courtyard Theater then became soundstage 16 around 1999.

Soundstage Theater (Soundstage 5)

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Sunset Showcase Theater

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  • Club Disney (December 5, 2015 – February 6, 2016)
    • Club Villain (January 16, 2016 – October 31, 2017; seasonals)
  • Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy (March 31, 2019 – October 7, 2024)
  • New Disney Villains-themed stage show (Opening in Summer 2025)[28]

Hollywood Hills Amphitheater

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  • Fantasmic! (October 15, 1998 – March 15, 2020; November 3, 2022 – present)

Nighttime entertainment

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  • Sorcery in the Sky (May 29, 1990 – October 15, 1998) – This fireworks show debuted in 1990 when the film Fantasia was celebrating its 50th anniversary, and featured music score from such films as Puttin' on the Ritz, The Wizard of Oz, Singin' in the Rain, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Mary Poppins, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Star Wars, Chariots of Fire, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and Fantasia. The show was cancelled in 1998, and its park replacement was Fantasmic!, debuting later that same year. The show was brought back from 2001 to 2003 for performances on July 4 and New Year's Eve before being replaced with new shows in 2004. While Sorcery in the Sky is no longer performed, a Hollywood-themed fireworks show is still occasionally presented during corporate functions and on special evenings such as New Year's Eve and Independence Day.
  • Fantasmic! (October 15, 1998 – March 15, 2020; November 3, 2022 – present) – This nighttime spectacle with mist projection screens, fireworks, water fountains, pyrotechnics, and Disney characters has drawn record numbers of guests to the park. The show was updated with new animation and live-action sequences when it returned on November 3, 2022.
  • Lights, Camera, Happy New Year! (2004–07) – This show debuted in 2004 as the New Year's Eve fireworks display for Disney's Hollywood Studios. A visually similar display was shown on Independence Day until 2011 when it was replaced by a new show.
  • Rock the Night Fireworks (2008–15) – This was the New Year's Eve fireworks display. The show starred the park's in-house band Mulch, Sweat and Shears, and the fireworks were set to the band's live music performance. Occasionally, the show was performed outside of the New Year's holiday.
  • Rockin' Fourth of July Celebration (2011–2017) – This is the former Independence Day fireworks display. It starred Mulch, Sweat and Shears, and was a similar set up to the New Year's show.
  • Frozen Fireworks Spectacular (2014–15; seasonal)
  • Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular (2014–15; seasonal, 2015–16) – A Star Wars-themed fireworks show featuring John Williams' music. This fireworks show was first presented at a private showing on December 17, 2015[29] during an opening night event for The Force Awakens, and had been a nightly fireworks show until 2016.
  • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular (June 17, 2016 – March 15, 2020) – A "second-generation" version of Symphony in the Stars and the largest fireworks display in the park's history. The show featured fireworks, projection mapping, fire effects, lasers, fog effects, and searchlights.
  • Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! (November 14, 2016 – January 5, 2020; November 11, 2023 – present) – A seasonal holiday-themed fireworks and projection mapping display featuring fireworks, projection mapping, lasers, artificial snow, and searchlights, with a story based on the Prep & Landing franchise.[30] On June 15, 2023, Disney's Hollywood Studios announced that the revamped version of the holiday shows will return in a new holiday event, Disney's Jollywood Nights at Walt Disney World Resort, as part of the Disney 100 Years of Wonder celebration.
  • Disney Movie Magic (2017–19; 2021–present) – A projection mapping show themed to Walt Disney Studios' live-action films, including Beauty and the Beast, Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones, Tron: Legacy, Doctor Strange, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
  • Wonderful World of Animation (May 1, 2019 – March 15, 2020; August 1, 2021 – present) – The show will kickoff with a tribute to the beginning of Disney animation, Mickey Mouse, and be followed by segments highlighting a number of animated feature film. Concept art currently confirms Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, Lilo & Stitch, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Zootopia, Cars 3, Coco, and Ralph Breaks the Internet. Chris Diamantopoulos voices the 2013 edition of Mickey Mouse in a cameo appearance.
  • Glisten! (November 9, 2024 – present; seasonal) – A new seasonal holiday-themed ice skating nighttime spectacular show.

Parades

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Former attractions

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Name Attraction Type Description
SuperStar Television[27] Interactive stage show Here, guests could re-enact famous scenes from television history. Using chroma-key technology, the on-stage guests would be shown on TV monitors in the theatre appearing opposite famous celebrities. For example, a female guest would play Ethel Mertz alongside Lucille Ball's Lucy Ricardo in the famous candy factory scene from I Love Lucy. In another example, a guest would appear on the set of The Tonight Show being interviewed by Johnny Carson. It originally opened on May 1, 1989.[32] It closed on September 26, 1998 and was replaced by Doug Live! The theatre was renovated to host a new live-action show, The American Idol Experience, inspired by the hit television series of the same name, which opened on February 14, 2009.
The Monster Sound Show Guests could become volunteer Foley artists and add various sound effects to a short comedy film starring Chevy Chase and Martin Short. Sounds Dangerous! used this theatre. It originally opened on May 1, 1989,[32] and was closed on February 20, 1999.
Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It! One of the first attractions to make use of the former production soundstages. During Star Wars Weekends, a Star Wars Edition of the game would be played. The game began with Greedo answering questions and a Gamorrean guard in the audience cheering him on, followed by a typically played game featuring all Star Wars questions.[33] The attraction was closed in 2006, and its soundstages were renovated for Toy Story Mania!, which opened in May 2008.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Based on the Cars franchise, this stage show featured an animatronic Lightning McQueen who took the stage teaching guests, dubbed “rookie racers”, how to be a racer on the racetrack using the simulator and also demonstrated how to work as a team with the help of his friends in a simulated race against Chick Hicks.
Soundstage Restaurant Quick service restaurant Formerly located in the theatre which currently houses Disney Junior Dance Party! Designed to look like a "live set" for animated feature films such as Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, and before that, the live-action film Big Business.
Catwalk Bar Bar Cocktail bar located on catwalks above the seating and service areas for the Soundstage Restaurant. It was reached by a stairway and elevator between the Soundstage Restaurant and the Brown Derby.
Aladdin's Royal Caravan Parade Promoted with the release of film of the same name. It featured spitting camels that are now outside The Magic Carpets of Aladdin at the Magic Kingdom.[11]
The Hunchback of Notre Dame – A Musical Adventure Musical stage show Based upon the 1996 animated musical film of the same name, was performed in the Backlot Theatre, which was renovated into the Premiere Theater, currently used for special events.[34]
The Spirit of Pocahontas Based upon the 1995 animated film of the same name, was another performance located in the Backlot Theatre.[20]
Here Come the Muppets Stage show The Muppet characters were portrayed in life-size costumes and performed songs in a concert form.[35] The attraction was replaced by Voyage of the Little Mermaid in 1992.
Doug Live! Here, Doug and his friends performed daily. Guests were selected to play some of the other roles in the show.[33]
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade Featured cars decorated to resemble various park characters, including those from Disney films.[13]
Star Tours Walk-Through and Ride-Through Attraction Based upon the Star Wars saga, this attraction was replaced with the prequel version Star Tours – The Adventures Continue on May 20, 2011.[5]
Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian Walk-through attraction Guests could view props and set pieces on display from The Chronicles of Narnia film series, as well as meet the namesake of the second film in the series, Prince Caspian. This attraction was located in Animation Courtyard, and was closed on September 10, 2011. It was replaced by The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow, which opened on December 6, 2012.[5]
Sounds Dangerous! Audio show A show following Drew Carey through a day as an undercover detective when his video camera fails and the audience is left in the dark wearing earphones, following his adventure through sound cues.[33]
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi A film retelling of Star Wars, located at ABC Sound Studio.
The American Idol Experience Live stage show A live show where guests audition in front of live audiences to vote for their favorite singers. Inspired by the television series of the same name.[5]
Studio Backlot Tour Tram tour A walking-tram tour showing how film special effects are produced. Guests saw a scene from Pearl Harbor recreated on the Special Effects Water Tank with volunteers from the audience. After that, guests boarded studio trams and were taken through Catastrophe Canyon, to see fire and water effects, are driven past large-scale movie props, the Earffel Tower and are shown Creative Costuming department along with lighting and grip and the carpentry shop.[36] The Earffel Tower was removed in April 2016.
The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow Interactive special effects show An immersive walk-through special effects attraction based on the Pirates of the Caribbean series.[5]
The Magic of Disney Animation Tour and show A short presentation showing how animated films are made. At Animation Academy, guests could take drawing classes from one of the Disney artists and learn to draw Disney characters such as Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Pluto, Winnie the Pooh, Stitch and Jiminy Cricket.[32]
Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show Show A car/motorcycle stunt show that debuted at the Walt Disney Studios Park. It was added to Hollywood Studios in 2005[18] and closed in April 2016.[37]
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids: Movie Set Adventure Playground A playground area where kids can have fun in based on the film Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.[35]
The Great Movie Ride Dark ride A dark ride paying homage to several classic films within the park's Chinese Theater.[38] This attraction closed on August 13, 2017, and was replaced by Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway.[39]
Disney Junior – Live on Stage! Live Stage Show Disney Junior Live on Stage! closed on September 2, 2020. It was replaced by Disney Junior Dance Party! on December 22, 2018.
Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple A live show based on the teachings and practices of the fictional Jedi Knights from the Star Wars films,[40] depends heavily on audience participation, focusing on children. Each participant is given a lightsaber and Jedi robes and is taught a routine set of sword fighting moves.[41][42]
Voyage of the Little Mermaid Stage show A live performance that recreated the animated musical film of the same name, in an abbreviated form using puppets, lasers, movies, human actors, and water (mist) in the Animation Courtyard Theater.[43][11] The show closed in March 2020 alongside the resort's temporary closure from the COVID-19 pandemic. In January 2023, a mold infestation was reported in the attraction's building and the show's puppets were sold, which confirmed the permanent closure of the attraction.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Knapp, JD (July 17, 2017). "Disney World: Mickey Mouse, 'Toy Story,' 'Guardians' and More Score Attractions". Variety. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 18, 2017.
  2. ^ Wisel, Carlye (July 18, 2017). "Disney Just Unveiled Its First-ever Mickey Mouse Ride". Travel + Leisure. Archived from the original on July 19, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  3. ^ Smith, Thomas (February 11, 2018). "Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Opens Next Year at Disney's Hollywood Studios". Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. Archived from the original on February 12, 2018.
  4. ^ "Star Tours – The Adventures Continue". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on June 28, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  5. ^ a b c d e Veness 2015, p. 197.
  6. ^ "Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular!". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on March 4, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  7. ^ Veness 2015, p. 185, 189.
  8. ^ "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  9. ^ Brigante, Ricky (July 5, 2014). "Frozen Summer Fun event debuts at Walt Disney World as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf appear in delightful new shows". Inside the Magic. Distant Creations Group, LLC. Archived from the original on July 8, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2014.
  10. ^ "Muppet*Vision 3D". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on April 19, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  11. ^ a b c d Veness 2015, p. 191.
  12. ^ "Toy Story Mania!". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on June 16, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  13. ^ a b Veness 2015, p. 196.
  14. ^ "Disney Junior Play and Dance!". Walt Disney World.
  15. ^ "Star Wars Launch Bay". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on April 17, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  16. ^ McElroy, Joey. "New 'The Little Mermaid' Show Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios". Archived from the original on December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  17. ^ "Walt Disney: One Man's Dream". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on July 8, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  18. ^ a b c Veness 2015, p. 195.
  19. ^ "The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on January 22, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  20. ^ a b Veness 2015, p. 192.
  21. ^ "Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  22. ^ "Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on April 5, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  23. ^ "Fantasmic!". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved July 21, 2017.
  24. ^ Veness 2015, p. 188-189, 193.
  25. ^ "June 1989 Entertainment Schedule". Archived from the original on October 22, 2015.
  26. ^ "Mid 1989 Guide Map". Archived from the original on March 3, 2013.
  27. ^ a b Fickley-Baker, Jennifer (April 21, 2014). "A 'Hollywood' Classic: SuperStar Television". Disney Parks Blog. The Walt Disney Company. Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved April 1, 2018.
  28. ^ Mike (September 3, 2024). "Villains Stage Show Replacing Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Debuting Summer 2025". BlogMickey.com - Disney World News, Photos, and Info. Retrieved September 3, 2024.
  29. ^ "TFA Opening event". Archived from the original on January 11, 2016.
  30. ^ Nolfi, Joey (October 14, 2016). "Disney's Hollywood Studios announces new nighttime holiday spectacular — exclusive". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 17, 2016. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
  31. ^ "Frozen Summer Fun". disneyworld.com. Disney Parks. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  32. ^ a b c Veness 2015, p. 189.
  33. ^ a b c Veness 2015, p. 194.
  34. ^ Veness 2015, p. 193.
  35. ^ a b Veness 2015, p. 190.
  36. ^ Bevil, Dewayne (September 25, 2014). "Disney's Studio Backlot Tour turning out the lights". Orlando Sentinel. Archived from the original on October 25, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  37. ^ Smith, Thomas. "Experience Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show One More Time at Disney's Hollywood Studios". Disney Parks Blog. Archived from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved January 15, 2016.
  38. ^ "The Great Movie Ride". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on June 15, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  39. ^ Kubersky, Seth (July 15, 2017). "Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is replacing Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios". Attractions Magazine. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
  40. ^ "Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on January 15, 2016. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
  41. ^ "Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple | Disney's Hollywood Studios". touringplans.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2015. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  42. ^ "Jedi Training Trials of the Temple – Disney's Hollywood Studios". allears.net. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved January 4, 2016.
  43. ^ "Voyage of The Little Mermaid". Walt Disney World. Archived from the original on February 1, 2017. Retrieved July 20, 2017.
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