Disney's Hollywood Studios - Backlot Tour
Disney's Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour
Rumor: Will this show soon be replaced by Cars Land? Click here to read the speculation.
Opened: May 1, 1989
Ride length: 35 minutes
Overview/History:
This attraction combines two demonstrations of special effects.
The first queue has TV monitors placed throughout the area. You'll watch a video clip that explains what goes on behind the scenes to create the special effects from some popular movies. They'll also be looking for volunteers to participate in the first demonstration. (If you're interested, try to be near the front of the line.)
From here you head to an outdoor viewing area where you stand behind railings to see the Special Effects Water Tank. The "lucky" volunteers will get firsthand experience in re-enacting nautical battle scenes.
Following
this "damp" presentation, you walk through
a prop warehouse. You may recognize a few items from familiar Disney movies, but by now you're mostly looking for a chance to sit down, especially if it's a hot day.
Next step, boarding the tram. They're covered by a canopy but otherwise open so don't expect A/C. Still, it's a pleasant ride and you get some great photo ops. The tram passes through production bungalows, the wardrobe department
(where you can watch the costumers at work), and the scenery
shop. Along the way you pass topiaries and vehicles that have been used in Disney movies.
Finally, you reach Catastrophe Canyon. (SKIP THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH IF YOU WANT TO BE SURPRISED.) The tram comes to a stop. Before you know it, the ground starts shaking, the tram starts rocking, a fuel truck crashes, sparks cause a fiery explosion and it all ends in a flash flood. PHEW! It's amazing how much happens within the span of a minute. This is the best part of the attraction. Sit on the left if you want to be closest to the action. (You might get a little bit wet, but it's not bad at all.)
After a drive past the Streets of America, the ride ends and you're let out at the American Film Institute Showcase Shop. There are costumes/props on display and movie/TV themed merchandise for sale. You may have started to notice a trend. A lot of the attractions empty out into a store. Coincidence? I think not.
While a bit on the long side, the Disney's Hollywood Studio Backlot Tour has something for everyone that all age groups can enjoy. While not a major attraction, it is quite busy for most of the day.
Fastpass: No
Handicapped Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible. For deaf guests, sign language interpreters are available if you have made arrangements with the Sign Language Coordinator 2 weeks prior to your visit.
Fun Fact: This attraction was originally named the Backstage Studio Tour.
For a review of this attraction, click here.
- friendnc - "This attraction wasn't the best before they dropped the battleship preshow, but now it's worth skipping (as we do). For all of the space this takes up, it either needs a super-major overhaul or be totally replaced."
- klam_chowder - "A good attraction to do so that people in your party can take a break and rest their feet on the long tram ride. The canyon scene is fun too. Seems with all the time and space this takes, they could be doing more with it."
More Backlot Tour Reviews


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| Today's Theme Park Hours Sunday 5/19/2013 |
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| Magic Kingdom: Epcot Future World: Epcot World Showcase: Hollywood Studios: Animal Kingdom: Typhoon Lagoon: Blizzard Beach: |
9:00 - 11:00 9:00 - 9:00 11:00 - 9:00 8:00 - 10:00 8:00 - 8:00 10:00 - 5:00 10:00 - 5:00 |
Extra Magic Hour Evening: Magic Kingdom


