Hollywood Studios

The world of entertainment is the theme of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Attractions, shows, restaurants and shops are all designed to bring the movies, television and music to life for guests. The spotlight's on you!

Surviving ESPN the Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios

The 2010 edition of ESPN The Weekend has begun! If you're a sports fan -- and even if you aren't -- it pays to plan ahead. How can you survive one of the busiest weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

  • Scope out the schedule in advance. Visit the ESPN website for daily schedules. Get a detailed schedule at the park entrance.
  • If you are planning to attend events at Disney's Hollywood Studios, arrive no later than 8:30 AM -- even earlier if possible! Pick up Fastpasses for Toy Story Mania ASAP, because they are sure to run out early in the day. 
  • Be prepared for extra traffic on Saturday morning during the Champion 5K. Runners start at 7 AM, so plan for delays all morning. 
  • If you aren't planning to participate in ESPN The Weekend events, skip Hollywood Studios this weekend. Enjoy one of the other parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Considering the weather, I plan to visit Epcot.)
  • Most of all, relax and enjoy yourself. The crowds and long lines can try your patience if you let let it! Remember that you're at Disney World!

Star Wars Weekends: May 29-31 Details

Star Wars Weekends get the summer off to a good start at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This weekend features special appearances by:

  • Peter Mayhew (“Chewbacca”)
  • Matthew Wood (“General Grievous”)

In addition to the Star Tours attraction and Jedi Training Academy interactive show, guests can enjoy:

  • Star Wars themed motorcade parade
  • Stars of the Saga talk show and Q&A hosted by Jay Laga’aia
  • Clone Wars: Behind the Force behind-the-scenes show
  • Padawan Mind Challenge game for kids under 12
  • Special merchandise (of course!)

Here's a sneak peek: Read more

Idol Kris Allen Is Going to Disney World!

Yes, just like David Cook last year, the new American Idol winner, Kris Allen, is going to Disney World. The Orlando Sentinel reports that his visit is planned for May 29, but official details haven't been announced. Here's Kris version of the world-famous "I'm going to Disney World!" spot:

 Read more

ESPN The Weekend: Coming Feb. 27-March 1

Logo: ESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios.ESPN The Weekend takes over Disney's Hollywood Studios this weekend... bringing delight to sports fans and (probably) some extra frustration to non-sports fans.

What is ESPN The Weekend? It's a three-day special event that brings a few dozen pro athletes and ESPN personalities for some personal interaction with their fans. Here's the official list of activities:

  • ESPN live telecasts and tapings
  • ESPN radio live broadcasts
  • 5K road race and fun run
  • Motorcades and conversations
  • Dream job - the experience
  • ESPN Sports Zone

And here are some more details ... Read more

Disney-MGM Studios News: Jedi Academy and Mickey Avenue

Photo: AT-AT Walker in front of Star Tours, Disney-MGM Studios.Two changes are underway at Disney-MGM Studios... First, construction on Toy Story Mania in the old studio that housed "Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Play It" has spread onto Mickey Avenue. That's the walkway from the Studio Catering Company on the north to Journey into Narnia and One Man's Dream on the south.

That section of Mickey Avenue is now closed due to the construction for Toy Story Mania. For the foreseeable future, you're going to have to walk down Commissary Lane to get to the back of the park. Commissary Lane is narrower, so expect it to feel a bit more crowded.

Second, Jedi Academy was apparently so popular during Star Wars Weekends that the Disney folks are adding a permanent stage to host this show year round. The Orlando Sentinel tourism blog has reported that plans for the stage call for a large covered patio in front of the Star Tours attraction at the end of Commissary Lane. The show is expected to open this fall, with up to eight shows daily.

Because of the attention that this new show will bring to Star Tours, there might be an increase number of people riding and - naturally - an increase in waiting time. Be sure to use FASTPASS if waiting time get longer than 30 minutes. Check Page 12 in the Mouse Map for details on using FASTPASS.

May the Force be with you...

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