MGM Studios

Hollywood Studios, previously known as MGM Studios is one of the four theme parks that can be found in the Disney World Resort. The other three theme parks are the Magic Kingdom, the number one most visited theme park in the world, Animal Kingdom, home to some of the most exotic animals on the globe and Epcot, a creative look at the past and future of technology and science. So if you plan on vacationing for more than four days we whole heartedly suggest you spend a day at each theme park. But, if you don’t have that much time then we will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision on which parks to visit.

Evoking the Golden Age of Hollywood, you are transported back in time from the moment that you approach the main gates. Art Deco is the prevailing style as you stroll down Hollywood Boulevard surrounded by sleek chrome trimmed architecture and neon highlights.

As a fitting tribute to the studios of the past, a water tower is prominently displayed. The "Earffel Tower" adds the distinctive Disney twist of sporting a pair of 5000 pound Mouse Ears.

Portions of the 135 acres that the Disney MGM Studios covers are devoted to television and movie production. The Backlot Tour is an exciting behind the scenes look into the world of special effects. You can watch Disney animators at work when taking the "Magic of Disney Animation" tour. Patterned after the popular TV show, "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It" gives you the opportunity to get in the Hot Seat and win fabulous prizes. Entertaining stage shows and productions such as "Beauty and the Beast", "Voyage of the Little Mermaid", "Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage" and the "Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular" are sure to delight and thrill audiences.

Speaking of thrills, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Star Tours provide fast paced rides for those who dare to try them. With Disney World Tickets, you can take a nostalgic journey with some of Hollywood's favorite films in the Great Movie Ride. Join Kermit, Fozzie, Miss Piggy and friends in the madcap "Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D". For a rare glimpse into the man behind the Mouse, "Walt Disney: One Man's Dream" is a fascinating exhibit of Walt's life and the path he followed to achieve his goal of creating the "Happiest Place On Earth."

MGM-Studios is home to the more recent Disney characters, as well as your old time favorites. Buzz, Woody, Jessie and other friends from Toy Story can be found at Al's Toy Barn. Along Mickey Avenue you may find your pals from Monsters, Inc., Lilo and Stitch, as well as 101 Dalmatians.

Backlot

Backlot is the place to go for special effects. The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is designed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Learn how Hollywood movies do everything that gets your blood pumping by sitting front row to extreme stunts with pyrotechnics, special vehicles, and fast cares. Also experience the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and the explosions, crashes, and death-defying stunts of Indiana Jones. Learn about the complex puzzles and traps of the movie and get a chance to be behind the director's chair. If you're lucky, you could be involved with the stunts as an extra. Nostalgic and fun, the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, puts you in a snazzy 50's retro car to watch science fiction movies featuring countless monsters and creatures. You also get to choose all sorts of food like sandwiches, salads, specialty drinks, and shakes. At Al's Toy Barn meet the cast of Toy Story so be sure to bring your camera and laugh with Woody, Buzz, and the others.

Mickey Avenue Animation Courtyard

Disney's Animation Courtyard is all about showing you the behind the scenes of Disney animation. First visit the Magic Disney Animation and learn exactly what makes up an animated short by watching a live-action short film. After the film, share words with the talented artists that work in animation at the studio. Even more to come when you visit the Journey into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe and are shown all the special effects that made the film possible. Meet the White Witch and then view a gallery of fantastic creatures and costumes from the film. Among the other attractions in the Courtyard, make sure to see the Walt Disney: One Man's Dream show. The audience is shown the life of Walt Disney and what motivated him to create this Magic Kingdom known the world over. Disney is proud to have you experience Walt Disney in a completely unique way and through your many senses.

Hollywood Boulevard

On Hollywood Boulevard, the guests are put into the movies they loved so much. On the Great Movie Ride, see the great movies from the past and watch movie clips followed by Audio-Animatronics acting out the film directly in front of you. Also, watch the amazing Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade, to see amazing limo's and larger than life characters like Luke Skywalker, Ariel, and Mickey. For food, try the Hollywood Brown Derby. Keeping the old way alive, this restaurant celebrates the Golden Era of Hollywood by replicating the original Brown Derby Restaurant.

Sunset Boulevard

Finally, relish Sunset Boulevard's attractions like Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, Fantasmic, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. On the Roller Coaster, go from the beginning of the track to the end in 0-60, and in rhythm to an Aerosmith soundtrack. Twists and flips all link up to the music as you experience F-14 scale gravitational forces. Or be scared out of your pants in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The ride coaxes you into boarding a phantom elevator that will take you thirteen stories into the air until it suddenly jerks, and plummets back to the ground below. Before touching down, you will rocket to the top yet again, but if you choose to ride the crazy elevator again, you'll notice that it wasn't quite the same as the last ride. Last, but not least, Fantasmic is a show centered on Mickey Mouse as his dreams are turned into nightmares and he has to return them to normal. He battles all of Disney's most infamous villains, making use of dynamic dancing water, powerful music, and mystifying animation aided by lasers and fireworks. It is one show, you must see before leaving the MGM Studios at Disney World Resorts.