[Hollywood Blvd][Sunset Blvd][Tigger Ave][New York Ave][Commissary Lane]
[Tower of Terror][Fantasmic][Rock N Roller Coaster][Map]

History:
The idea for a park based on favorite movie themes originated with Walt Disney more than 40 years ago when “backlot tours” were limited to a privileged few. He first considered a park on his own backlot, then looked across the river from the Disney Studios in Burbank on land adjacent to Griffith Park. Lack of enough land combined with potential traffic problems caused him to look elsewhere; namely, Anaheim. The result was Disneyland. In the mid '80s, a greatly expanded production schedule for the Walt Disney Company demanded more facilities. Rather than buy expensive land in California, the company realized it had plenty of land in Florida and the opportunity to combine its new production facilities with a chance for Walt Disney World guests to see behind the scenes of movie and television production.

Location:
One mile southwest of Epcot on Walt Disney World Resort property, Lake Buena Vista, Fla., approximately 22 miles southwest of Orlando.

Employment:
Theme park, 5,100; Production and animation, 400 plus additional technical support as required by individual producers’ needs.

Major Attractions:

• “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It!” : The thrill and excitement of the hit ABC-TV game show plays out every day in an all-new attraction. All guests get to play for points with a chance to win exclusive “Play It!” merchandise.
• “Fantasmic!” : Another dream comes true at Walt Disney World Resort, only this time it’s Mickey Mouse’s dream that comes to life in a brilliant display of lights, lasers, fireworks and water animation.
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith : A “super-stretch limo” catapults guests through a series of unexpected twists and turns. Five specially recorded Aerosmith soundtracks echo throughout this indoor roller coaster.
• The Twilight Zone Tower Of Terror™ : A thrilling journey through the eerie corridors of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, culminating when guests plummet 13 stories twice -- faster than free-fall -- in a breathtaking finale.
• “Bear in the Big Blue House - Live On Stage!” : Meet Bear, Ojo, Tutter and the rest of the gang as they perform some of your favorite songs from the whimsical Disney Channel series.
• “Jim Henson’s Muppet*Vision 3D,” presented by Kodak: Three-dimensional film spectacular in a 584-seat theater starring Jim Henson’s famous Muppets and featuring explosive in-theater effects.
• “Disney’s Doug Live” : Doug Funnie comes to life through a mix of live performances and animation in this original story. Lucky audience members are chosen to play parts in each performance.
• “The Hunchback of Notre Dame - A Musical Adventure” : Colorful costumes and magical music highlight this 32-minute stage show based on the hit animated film, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Performances daily at the Backlot Theater.
• The Great Movie Ride , presented by Coca-Cola: 20-minute journey into the movies aboard 70-passenger vehicles; stars a cast of Audio-Animatronics® characters re-creating memorable movie moments, including “Wizard of Oz,” “Indiana Jones,” “Alien,” “Casablanca.”
• “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!” : 35-minute live show in 2,000-seat amphitheater; daring stunt artists and thrilling special effects, re-creating spine-tingling motion picture stunts.
• The Magic of Disney Animation : 25-minute tour; features include animation gallery, 9-minute motion picture in 172-seat theater, view of animation unit at work, and 5-minute motion picture in 140-seat theater showcasing Disney Classics.
• Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour : 25-minute tour aboard 200-passenger shuttles through studio backlot including costuming, scenic shop, Residential Street and New York Street and Catastrophe Canyon.
• “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” Movie Set Adventure : Based on the hit film “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” the movie set adventure playground features an ant the size of a pony, grass blades 30 feet tall and mushroom caps three stories tall.
• Star Tours , presented by Energizer: “Space journey” in a 40-seat advanced flight simulator from the creative forces of Disney and George Lucas, the ultimate “Star Wars” adventure.
• “Beauty and the Beast -- Live on Stage” : A delightful musical stage show based on the hit Disney movie, “Beauty and the Beast.” Performances daily in the Theater of the Stars.
• “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” : Based on the hit animated film “The Little Mermaid,” the show features dazzling special effects which combine with puppets, Audio-Animatronics figures, live performers and favorite clips from the film to tell the tale of Ariel.

  Film and Television Production:

• The HBO series “From the Earth to the Moon”: A 13-part drama was in production in two soundstages throughout 1997.
• Films shot at the studios include: “Marvin’s Room,” “Passenger 57,” “Oscar,” “Quick Change,” “Ernest Saves Christmas,” “Splash Too,” “Separate But Equal” (Emmy-winning TV mini-series) and “Instinct.”
• TV shows taped at the studios include: “Sheena,” “Full House,” “Wheel of Fortune,” “World Championship Wrestling,” “ESPN College Football Awards,” “Talk Soup,” “Step By Step,” “Barbara Walters Special” and “Live! With Regis & Kathie Lee.”

  Celebrity Visits:
  Among the hundreds of actors, comedians and entertainers who’ve appeared at the studios are: Charlton Heston, Dustin Hoffman, Bette Midler, Ann-Margret, Sylvester Stallone, Tom Hanks, Liza Minnelli, Billy Joel, Kevin Bacon, Michael J. Fox, Gary Sinise, Samuel L. Jackson, Lou Gossett Jr., Drew Carey, Oprah, Susan Lucci and Britney Spears.

  Restaurants, Snack Bars and Lounges:

• The Hollywood Brown Derby : 236 seats, full-service; features world-famous Cobb Salad, steaks, seafood, pasta specialties, fine International wines.
• 50’s Prime Time Cafe/Tune In Lounge : 225 seats, full-service restaurant and 52-seat lounge; features peanut butter and jelly milkshakes, sundaes, delicious fried chicken, old-fashioned meat loaf, chicken pot pie.
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant : 252 seats, full-service; features cosmic concoctions ranging from salads and sandwiches to linguini and fresh fish entrees. Diners watch the big screen for the best science fiction scenes.
• ABC Commissary , hosted by Kikkoman: 562 seats, serving creative fast food with an international flair. Selections include vegetarian stir fry noodles, fish and chips, and Brazilian feijoada (traditional Brazilian black bean stew).
• Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano : 250 seats, full-service; featuring gourmet pizza baked in wood-burning brick ovens. Mama Melrose brings old-fashioned Italian cooking to a restaurant with an upscale feel. Delicious pasta dinners and seafood are available.
• Hollywood & Vine : 468 seats (80 seats on outside patio) “all you care to eat” buffet features fresh salads, pasta, rotisserie meats, and vegetarian selections
• Backlot Express , hosted by Coca-Cola: 600 seats, counter service; features custom-broiled hamburgers, grilled hot dogs, marinated chicken breast sandwich and salads.
• Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner : 140 seats on patio, counter-service; features fruit, yogurt, beverages and snacks.
• Sunset Ranch Market (featuring Rosie’s All-American Café and Catalina Eddie’s ): 400 seats covered outdoors; hamburgers, hotdogs, individual pizza, baked potatoes, and turkey legs. Beer is available.
• Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction : Snack bar, features ice cream.
• Starring Rolls Bakery , hosted by Nestlé Toll House: 48 seats on patio; bakery; features muffins, cookies, pies, cakes, pastries.
• Studio Catering Co. , hosted by Coca Cola: 496 seats outdoors (328 covered); deli stacked sandwiches and soft-serve ice cream
• Anaheim Produce : Produce stands featuring fresh fruit, vegetables and beverages.

  Dining Priority Seating:
  Available for full-service restaurants; can be made at Hollywood Junction Red Car Station (corner of Hollywood and Sunset) on the day of visit for the Hollywood Brown Derby, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and Mama Melrose’s. Priority seating can be made in advance by calling 407/WDW-DINE.

  Merchandise:

• Crossroads of the World : Souvenirs, film, sunglasses, post cards, rainwear, sundries.
• Oscar’s Classic Car Souvenirs : Car-themed memorabilia.
• Oscar’s Super Service : Stroller, wheelchair rental.
• Sid Caheunga’s One-of-a-Kind : One-of-a-kind Hollywood celebrity collectibles, autographed photos, movie and television props.
• The Darkroom : Camera sales and rental, film, camera accessories, film processing.
• Cover Story : Guest photos are put on magazine covers.
• Celebrity 5 & 10 : Studio logo souvenir variety goods.
• Keystone Clothiers : Adult Disney fashions, accessories and jewelry.
• L.A. Prop Cinema Storage : Children’s Disney character apparel, toys, costumes, souvenirs.
• Mickey’s of Hollywood : Character apparel, plush characters and other themed toys and souvenir items.
• Golden Age Souvenirs : Walt Disney World Resort logo merchandise.
• Animation Gallery : Animation cels, original art and collectibles.
• The Disney Studio Store : Disney animated films merchandise.
• Tatooine Traders : Souvenirs and collectibles featuring characters from “Star Wars” films.
• Indiana Jones™ Adventure Outpost : Clothing, hats and souvenirs based on the adventures of Indiana Jones.
• Stage 1 Company Store : Muppets and “Sesame Street” souvenirs.
• It’s a Wonderful Shop : Holiday items and decorations.
• In Character...Disney's Costume Shop : Princess costumes and accessories.
• AFI Showcase Shop : TV-and-Disney-movie related merchandise.
• Legends of Hollywood : Pooh and the gang clothing, toys and accessories.
• Sunset Ranch Souvenirs : Disney character hats and accessories.
• Sunset Club Coutures : Limited edition and one-of-a-kind watches drawn by Disney artisans; jewelry and clocks.
• Tower Hotel Gifts : The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ logo apparel, hats and souvenirs.
• The Writer’s Stop : Books, gifts, snacks.