Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation


Disney's Hollywood Studios

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Disney World travel writers John and Donna Gross at WDW!

John and Donna Gross
Authors of "Secrets To An Affordable Walt Disney World® Vacation."

"The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal

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NOTE: News sources remove their articles rather quickly. If you receive a "File Not Found" error message, search the source's archives for the story. The source's URL is posted in its entirety to make it easier to track down the original article and avoid dead links. Be sure to copy and paste the entire URL in your web browser's address window. Certain news organizations require a free registration to view their articles online.

Red Line

Cynthia writes:

"Hi John,

On our recent trip to the 'World,' we were able to meet the guys of Four for a Dollar that sing prior to the Beauty and the Beast show at Disney Studios. We had read that they were leaving Disney, and wanted to express our appreciation of their music and our disappointment that they'd no longer be part of our family vacations. Their music is a highlight of our Disney trips as we've enjoyed their too-short performances for the past several years. When I stated that we were sorry to see them go, they expressed that they were sorry to leave and really loved performing there. It was evident that they aren't leaving because they want to, and that this is a move on Disney's part.

Is there anything we can do to reverse Disney's decision to send them packing? Their sound is so unique, and we hate to see such a talent lost from WDW.

We look forward to any advice you can give. Thanks again for your newsletter; we enjoy every edition and have utilized much of the great info you provide."

The same thing happened when Nova Era left Epcot. They were forced out and now we buy their CDs and catch them when we can when they play in Orlando.  The best you can do is contact the manager of the Magic Kingdom and voice your opinion:

General Manager of Disney's Hollywood Studios
PO Box 10000
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

COMPLAINTS AND COMMENTS:
Walt Disney World Guest Communications
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
You can send a complaint online with this form.
http://disney.go.com/Mail/DisneyWorld/index.html

Let us know their response. Thanks again for your kind comments.

Red Line

Star Wars Weekends strike back at Disney's Hollywood Studios
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/os-bevil-disney-star-wars-weekends-20100520,0,4740432.column

Two-year-old Toy Story Mania proves a boon for Disney theme parks
http://thedailydisney.com/blog/2010/05/two-year-old-toy-story-mania-proves-a-boon-for-disney-theme-parks/

A model of success, Disney's Toy Story Mania ride to get update for new movie
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-toy-story-mania-pictures,0,7039389.photogallery

‘The American Idol Experience’ Attraction Celebrates First Year with ‘Dream Ticket’ Recipient Among TV Show’s Top Five Finalists
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=115054&siteid=1

Be The First To Be The Last, As Star Tours Prepares To Launch Its..…LAST TOUR TO ENDOR
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=115065&siteid=1

More Toy-Full Than Ever! Disney•Pixar’s ‘Toy Story 3’ is Celebrated with New Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s California Adventure Fun
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=115010&siteid=1

Disney Performer Hurt In Stunt Show
http://cbs4.com/local/Lights.Motor.Action.2.1469579.html

Red Line

Beth, our travel agent, writes about introducing your child to the "big kid" rides and dealing with lines at Walt Disney World:

Lines, Line and More Lines

"So, it’s cold and rainy and the day before Thanksgiving, but we’re determined that my daughter will enjoy her birthday and we enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios around 2:00 in the afternoon. First stop, Tower of Terror. My daughter had never done it and wasn’t sure she wanted to. Luckily for her, they were all out of Fast Passes for the day, and the posted wait time was 75 minutes. We moved on.

Next stop: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Again, no more Fast Passes, but the line didn’t LOOK as long as the posted 65 minute wait time so we joined the standby line. Turns out it was every bit that long and then some. Now, this was another one my daughter had never done. She loves the Barnstormer in Magic Kingdom and we told her that going for a 'big kid' ride for the first time was a great way to kick off her 12th year of life. You know, facing your fears and doing something you’ve really wanted to do despite those fears. She cried. Then she begged not to do it. I was feeling guilty about potentially ruining her birthday. So we called her best friend (a fearless child) on the cell phone.

God bless Kaitlyn who spent ten minutes pumping my daughter up for the impending ride. The little girl in front of us (and her parents) also worked on her, so by the time we got to the boarding area my daughter had stopped crying and had come to the realization that she was going to do this whether she wanted to or not. Now I personally have a severe problem with motion sickness and the mere thought of a coaster makes me barfy, so as by daughter and my (very brave) boyfriend climbed into their seats I took the chicken exit and waited.

A few minutes later their ride was over and their car pulled up right in front of me. My daughter looked at me, then smiled bigger than I’ve seen her smile in years. She admitted that her eyes were closed most of the time, so she was unaware of the inversions she’d been put through. She loved it. Not enough to want to get right back on, but she’ll do it again – and she was clearly so proud of herself that it was worth every minute in line.

So, off to have more fun. Don’t waste your time on the so-called ice cream outside R’n’R Coaster… It’s yucky and not worth your money or your snack credits. We grabbed Fast Passes to Voyage of the Little Mermaid then spent about 30 minutes doing the One Man’s Dream exhibit and movie. (After subjecting my boyfriend to five days of Disney travel agent conference, he’s now in wonder of the man that dreamed it all up.)

Then, silly us, we thought we’d jump on Toy Story Mania, another one my daughter hadn’t done. We couldn’t get more Fast Passes, so we just got in the standby line. I will never, ever again make that mistake. The sign said the wait was 40 minutes. We waited one hour and 55 minutes. Seriously! Us and a few hundred others who were as stupid as we were. The Fast Pass people were all accommodated immediately, and there was a never-ending stream of them. By the time we got in we’d missed our showing of Little Mermaid. (Fortunately, Disney will accept Fast Passes even after the stated return window so don’t throw them out.)

Now we’re cold and wet and frustrated and more than a tad irritated - both at Disney for allowing lines to become so insanely long (Walt would be horrified) and at ourselves for being dumb enough to stand in a line that long. We took my daughter to see the Osborne Lights then shared a little pizza and a salad at Pizza Planet before returning to catch the Little Mermaid show. We then had to run all over the park looking for a pin to commemorate Emily’s first ride on Rock’n’Roller Coaster.

Our long wait for Toy Story Mania had eliminated the possibility of seeing Fantasmic and every live show in the park. We stopped at the popcorn stand on Hollywood Blvd and discovered the hard way that the popcorn that smells so good really isn’t. In fact, it’s not even warm. It was getting late and the park was closing soon so we started our trek back to the hotel to have birthday cake and faux champagne.

Lessons:

* Sometimes you need to push your kids to cross the fear barrier. If you’re lucky, they’ll thank you for it later.

* Ask if the ice cream is real ice cream and if the popcorn is warm BEFORE you buy if the answers make a difference to you.

* If you’re at the back of a line that seems impossibly long and is barely moving, stay no more than 10-15 minutes to verify your suspicions, then get out of line and do something else. Life’s too short to spend two hours waiting for ANY attraction.

* Get into parks as early as humanly possible if you hope to get a lot accomplished. If you arrive after lunch time then know in advance that you probably won’t check many things off your list - especially if you are after those 'E ticket' rides.

* Even a rainy, cold day with long lines can make for a good birthday experience. After all, a day at Disney World beats pretty much all the other options."

Red Line

Disney finds "a whole new world" in WiFi-powered rides
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2009/080509-tech-roller-coaster-side.html

Dining is Part of the Show at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=113581&siteid=1

A look at the 'Up' characters at Disney's Hollywood Studios
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/06/
disney-world-disneys-hollywood-studios-up-characters.html

It's official: Luxo Jr. is coming to Disney World
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2009/06/
its-official-luxo-jr-is-coming-to-disney-world.html

Disney's Hollywood Studios marks its 20th anniversary
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-cfbtalking-rilous-carter-060109060109jun01,0,4780583.story

New ‘American Idol’ Kris Allen Celebrates His Crowning Achievement with His Fans at Walt Disney World Resort
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=113138&siteid=1

Disney to build Burnham Institute display at Innoventions
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2009/05/
disney-to-build-burnham-institute-display-at-innoventions.html

Is something new coming to Pixar Place at Disney's Hollywood Studios?
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2009/05/
is-something-new-coming-to-pixar-place-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.html

Get down and Wookiee at Disney's Star Wars Weekends
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/
orl-calbevil-disney-star-wars-05220052209may22,0,5687555.column

Star Wars Weekends 2009 - Fact Sheet
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112985&siteid=1

Coming UP: New movie characters at Disney's Hollywood Studios
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/05/disney-up-characters-hollywood-studios.html

Disney World actor fondly recalls Rochester - a very interesting article about this improv performer at Disney's Hollywood Studios
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20090511/NEWS0204/905110326/1002/rss01

20 secrets of Disney's Hollywood Studios
http://www.chicagotribune.com/travel/chi-trav-disney-0426apr26,0,457599.story

WDI panel to be a high point of Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ 20th anniversary celebration
http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2009/04/23/
wdi-panel-to-be-a-high-point-of-disney-s-hollywood-studios-20th-anniversary-celebration.aspx

Star Wars Weekends at Disney World
http://travelwithkids.about.com/b/2009/04/20/star-wars-weekends-at-disney-world-2.htm

Revisiting Fantasmic! dinner package at Disney's Hollywood Studios
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2009/03/
revisiting-fantasmic-dinner-package-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.html

Slide Show: The American Idol Experience World Premiere
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112402&siteid=1

‘The American Idol Experience’: Fast Facts
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112291&siteid=1

Technology Meets Tinseltown in ‘The American Idol Experience’ At Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112293&siteid=1

Suit: Disney's Tower of Terror gave British teen heart attack, stroke
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disneysuit1509feb12,0,2098409.story

The American Idol Experience Song List
http://www.wdwnews.com/viewpressrelease.aspx?pressreleaseid=112170&siteid=1

Disney Sued Over Tower Of Terror Ride
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2009/1/28/disney_sued_over_tower_of_terror_ride.html?refresh=1

Disney's Hollywood Studios tunes up for Idol debut
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-amidol2709jan27,0,5593815.column

Photos: American Idol Experience at Disney Hollywood Studios
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/attractions/orl-disney-american-idol-experience-
photos,0,6278109.photogalleryESPN The Weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios
http://www.wdwnews.com/ViewEvent.aspx?EventID=50023&EventDate=128801664000000000

The American Idol Experience Grand Opening
http://www.wdwnews.com/ViewEvent.aspx?EventID=50060&EventDate=128790432000000000

Red Line

Hit the Right Note, or Join the Audience and Vote In First-Ever Attraction Based on ‘American Idol’

Theme Park Guests Shine in Attraction Spotlight

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – While guests are usually the ones to enjoy the attractions and shows at Walt Disney World Resort, “The American Idol Experience” places Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.

Modeled after the famous “American Idol” television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early).

Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater features keypads at each seat so guests can vote for their favorite singer.

Performers who receive the most audience votes in the preliminary shows return to star in that evening’s grand finale show. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition at a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

Here’s a look at what Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests may experience at “The American Idol Experience” attraction, whether judging performances from the audience or belting out their favorite song through the audition process.

Performers: A Star is Born

* Guests age 14 or older are invited to obtain an assigned audition time after they enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

* When these guests arrive at “The American Idol Experience” attraction, they enter a special queue that leads to the audition rooms and backstage areas of the theater.

* Guests proceed to the backstage lobby area where they view a pre-audition video welcome. Individuals are then ushered into an audition room to perform an a cappella song for a Disney casting director. Each audition room is built to resemble the audition rooms featured on the television show. The casting director provides feedback and coaching on the performance, and then decides whether the performer moves to the next level.

* If the guest passes Audition Round One it’s on to Round Two – where the judging is even tougher.

* Singers making it to Audition Round Two are given an “American Idol Experience” pin-on number to wear (similar to the one seen on contestants during the “American Idol” television show regional auditions). They’re ushered into the Red Room where they select from a list of pre-approved songs to sing for the Disney producer. The Red Room is an upscale, backstage lounge where they can relax and prep for their next audition.

* When their names are called, guests proceed to the next audition room to perform in front of a Disney show producer. Similar to the scene played out thousands of times in the TV show’s regional auditions, guests sing their hearts out with hopes and dreams to make it to the next level. And while that next level on the television show is a trip to Hollywood for further competition, park guests passing this audition in the attraction realize the dream of performing onstage at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in front of an audience.

* Guests chosen by the Disney producer then meet and train with a performance coach and receive the “Hollywood treatment” from professional hair and make-up designers.

* After their “look” is show ready, guests hit the main “American Idol Experience” stage for the first time. The Disney show director, stage manager and staging specialist conduct a dress rehearsal to provide final instructions.

* As the butterflies build, hopefuls wait backstage in the theater’s VIP Green Room while park guests file into their seats for the big show. The lights come up, the music begins pounding, and it’s showtime!

* In addition to the individual performances, the high-energy show features all the glitz and glamour of the TV show, including special montages from past “American Idol” winners and contestants, exclusive video clips and shout-outs from “American Idol” favorites.

* Three park guests sing their hearts out in each of up to seven 25-minute preliminary shows. The best performer (as chosen by an audience vote) of each preliminary show is invited back to the 45-minute grand finale show to perform once more with hopes of being voted the day’s top singer.

* In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getting guest in the finale show receives “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket – which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show.

Audience Members:Every Vote Counts!

* Entering the theater near the neon glow of the Hollywood-style marquee, “The American Idol Experience” audience members first receive a show overview from a Disney emcee.

* While cheering on their favorite performer, some guests are videotaped for inclusion in the show.

* Attention in the pre-show area quickly turns to the video screens overhead for a feature hosted by “American Idol” Season One runner-up Justin Guarini. Guarini, who recorded the segment exclusively for the attraction, takes guests on a 20-minute journey through the pop culture phenomenon’s history in a unique “show-within-a-show” entitled “American Idol Today.”

* When the main theater doors open, guests enter the most technologically advanced theater at Walt Disney World Resort. Produced in similar fashion to a live television telecast, “The American Idol Experience” production technicians and camera operators move about the set during the show, capturing video of singers – and the audience – to feature on the theater’s giant video screens during special montage moments.

* Three expert judges are seated onstage to provide instant feedback to the performers. However, like the TV show, the judges do not have a deciding vote on which performer moves on to the next round – that responsibility rests solely in the hands of the audience.

* When the lights come up and the show begins, the performers – Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park guests who successfully pass an audition with a Disney casting director and a Disney producer earlier that day – take the stage to belt out the best rendition of their chosen tune. (The song selection list includes tunes from a variety of musical genres, including a few Disney favorites.)

* In each preliminary show, three park guests perform for the audience, each singing a song they have individually selected, and are interviewed by the onstage host about how well they think they did.

* After all the performances, the focus turns to the audience. Every one of the theater’s 1,000 seats is equipped with a keypad, allowing each audience member to vote for their favorite performer. After the voting takes place, the suspense begins to build. Who will come out on top?

* While the results are being tallied, the audience is treated to a video exclusive from 2007 “American Idol” champion Jordin Sparks. Sparks worked with Walt Disney World Entertainment to re-record the classic disco hit, “I’ve Got the Music In Me.” As the classic pop song rocks the theater, shots from past “American Idol” champions and contestants – as well as audience members and attraction performers – will be edited into Sparks’ music video to create a high-energy backdrop to the big announcement.

* Sparks is just one of the famous faces that fans will recognize in the attraction. In addition to Sparks and Guarini, other “American Idol”-related stars – including Ryan Seacrest, David Cook, David Archuleta, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado and Jason Castro – make exclusive video appearances throughout the attraction.

* Guests can cheer for their favorite at the high-energy finale show. And the best part? They can take credit for their role in deciding that day’s star.

About the Dream Ticket:

Dream Ticket recipients must satisfy AMERICAN IDOL* TV program requirements in effect at time of use, such as age and residency (Season 8 - only ages 16-28 and U.S. citizens or legal permanent U.S. residents eligible to work full-time in U.S.). Dream Ticket does not include travel, meals, lodging or other expenses.

About the Audition:

Guests 14 or older inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios may audition to sing that day at the attraction, subject to guidelines in Frequently Asked Questions at Disneyworld.com/idol. Audition openings are limited and will likely close early in the day. Only a few singers will be chosen to sing onstage. A limited number of assigned audition times may be available in advance from time to time. (Source: Press Release, 02/16/09)

Red Line

‘The American Idol Experience’ Brings Pop Culture Phenomenon to Walt Disney World Resort

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – With all the thrills and suspense that have made it a television and pop culture phenomenon, “American Idol” comes to Walt Disney World Resort in a groundbreaking new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park.

“The American Idol Experience” captures the energy and excitement of the TV series, with some Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests auditioning to take the spotlight onstage, while their fellow guests cheer them on from the audience and vote for their favorite singer with instant results.

The attraction – grand opening Feb. 14, 2009 – was developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in conjunction with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and 19 TV Ltd. It is based on the smash-hit television show “American Idol” – produced by 19 TV Ltd. and FremantleMedia North America (FMNA) – and is designed to immerse park guests in the authentic feel of a live television production.

“Disney parks are all about making dreams come true, and that’s exactly what will happen at ‘The American Idol Experience,’ ” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Whether they are onstage singing or in the audience cheering on their favorite performer, our guests will feel immersed in a world of instant stardom.”

Each show takes place in a 1,000 seat, indoor theater that features the twirling neon signs and a multi-layered backdrop inspired by the actual “American Idol” set in California. Building on its hallmark of attention to detail, Walt Disney Imagineering worked with the Hollywood set designer who designed the actual TV show set for “American Idol.” The newly designed venue is the most technologically advanced theater found at Walt Disney World Resort.

Designed to reflect the best and brightest elements of the TV show, “The American Idol Experience” includes an audition process open to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests 14 and older (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early). These guests perform live in front of a Disney’s Hollywood Studios casting director for the opportunity to be cast in one of the preliminary theme park shows that same day.

If shown to have that special “star quality” during the multi-step audition process, it’s on to performance training, hair and make-up. Then, the lights come up and it’s showtime for the singers as they try to impress an audience of theme park guests, plus a panel of three expert judges.

Fellow park guests will be able to enjoy the performances just like at a live television taping. Then, audience members vote for their favorite performance using the armrest touchpads, with their votes tallied to determine the top singer.

Performers with the highest votes during the preliminary shows will return for a high-energy, grand finale show that same evening. After their encore performances, the big moment arrives. It’s a super-charged, eye-popping scene as audience votes are tallied, the other performers drop off, music builds and the spotlight shines down, amid a blizzard of confetti, on the day’s top singer. In addition to their new-found theme park fame, the top vote-getter will receive “The American Idol Experience” Dream Ticket, which allows an eligible holder to schedule a front-of-the-line audition to a future regional audition for the “American Idol” television show. And every member of the audience can take a bow, too, because they had a role in deciding that day’s star.

“The American Idol Experience” is the newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The showbiz-inspired theme park immerses guests in the glamour of show business with thrilling attractions, Broadway-style shows, world-class atmosphere entertainment and interactive film, music, television and radio production facilities. (Source: Press Release, 01/28/09)

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Red Line

American Idol: Path To Fame May Start At Disney
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/30/sp-path-to-fame-may-start-at-disney/

Disney's Super Soap Weekend won't be back after this year
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disneysoap3008sep30,0,2299623.
story)

The opening date for Disney's Hollywood Studios' newest attraction -- the "American Idol Experience" -- has been pushed back from January of 2009 to the Spring of next year.
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/09/15/
monday-mouse-watch-ac-gets-ready-for-its-exit-while-aie-delays-its-entrance.aspx)

Disney announces a new street show: "The show, in Disney's Hollywood Studios, will be called 'High School Musical 3, Senior Year'; will open the same day as the movie, Oct. 24; and will reflect the movie's themes and story line."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-tourism
1408jul14,0,6414834.story)

The American Idol Experience: "Jim Hill shares what he's heard about this new DHS attraction. In particular how WDW Guests will make their way through the "American Idol" audition process."
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/06/23/monday-mouse-watch-
inside-the-american-idol-experience.aspx)

"The new Prince Caspian version of the Chronicles of Narnia attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios should open to the public intermittently this week in preparation of a full opening late next week."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/orl-tourism1608jun16,0,4632370.story)

"Grad nights" and "Night of Joy" are moving to Disney's Hollywood Studios: "As it undergoes a change in theme during its 20th year, 'The Studios,' as the theme park is nicknamed, is adding performance venues and drawing events away from the resort's other three parks, becoming the site for most official Disney parties aimed at teens and young adults."
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-studios0508jun05,0,
7664613.story)

"Disney Hollywood Studios held a media preview day Wednesday for their latest attraction, Toy Story Midway Mania.
(http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/business_tourism_aviation/2008/05/toy-story-midwa.html)

"The Toy Story Mania attraction preview is open to annual pass holders of Walt Disney World."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-toystory1108may11,0,2396995.story)

For a review of the new Block Party Bash parade at Disney's Hollywood Studios, see:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-bevil1408mar14,0,2112186.
column

"Disney has announced the lineup for its 2008 Night of Joy concerts, which will take place Sept. 5-6, for the first time at Disney's Hollywood Studios." One-night ticket (advance purchase saves $5): $44.95; two-night ticket: $75.95 (advance purchase). Call 407-W-DISNEY or visit http://www.disneyworld.com/nightofjoy. Youth groups, wanting to buy 10 or more tickets, should visit http://www.nightofjoy.com/2008. Tickets sell out fast, so buy them in advance to avoid disappointment.
(http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/03/disney-announce.html)

"There are shake-ups in store this year at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Last week's announcement of an American Idol-based attraction may just be the cherry on top of '08 as a new ride, a new parade and an updated show are all either in the works or already open to guests."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/orl-bevil1508feb15,0,6311074.column)

Disney World is recreating the American Idol show in the old Superstar Television theater in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Park visitors will be able to audition for the show at several park locations. (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/custom/tourism/orl-
disney0808feb08,0,2768899.story)

New boutique coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios: "Jim Hill talks about this variation on 'Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique' [that] will help your child look like their favorite Disney Channel star."
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2008/02/04/monday-mouse-watch-
hannah-montana-high-school-musical-themed-makeovers-soon-to-be-offered-at-
disney-s-hollywood-studios.aspx)

"Meet some of the people responsible for making JTA [Jedi Training Academy] come to life and get a sneak peek behind the scenes of Star Wars and Disney."
(http://www.starwars.com/community/event/disney/f20080123/)

According to bloggers at the Orlando Sentinel the last day for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios was quite a disappointment: no refreshment cart, no snow, no parade and many lights not working!
(http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2008/01/osborne-lights.html)

Disney is in the process of removing its MGM Logo at MGM. The MGM lion is gone from the archway at Animation Court and the "Earful" water tower has been repainted. "The park's new logo dumps MGM's lion and replaces it with the torso, arms and head of Mickey Mouse, who is holding a filmmaker's clapboard amid some simple, brown lettering that gives the whole image a retro-Hollywood look."
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-tourism3107dec31,0,2029298.story)

Orlando Sentinel's Theme Park Rangers interview Soap stars at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
(http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2007/11/what-theyre-say.html)

"Disney unveiled its new logo Thursday for the soon-to-be-renamed "Disney's Hollywood Studios." It features the torso, arms and head of Mickey, who is holding a filmmaker's clapboard amid simple, brown lettering that gives the whole thing a retro-Hollywood look." The name will officially be changed January 7.
(http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-disney2607oct26,0,2316703.story)
You can see the new logo at http://www.laughingplace.com/Latest.asp?I1=ID&I2=2454.

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Race at Walt Disney World: "Villager Beth Braun crossed the finish line at this weekend’s inaugural Twilight Zone Tower of Terror race at Walt Disney World... This weekend’s race enjoyed the usual Disney flair as it was run under the night sky with actors and actresses playing insane mental patients along the course." (http://www.thevillagesdailysun.com/articles/2007/10/29/news/news02.txt)

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"Goofy's Mystery Tour occurred this week at Disney-MGM Studios. It's an annual trivia/puzzle/scavenger hunt event for cast members. Teams of four scatter to collect clues and answers across the park. Oh, and they're tethered together with a bungee cord, so choose your friends wisely, right?"
(http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/features_orlando/2007/10/cast-members-ge.html)

"Al's Toy Barn" character meet area will be moved to the Pixar section of the park.
(http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2007/10/12/why-for-did-the-mouse-really-rename
-mgm-disney-s-hollywood-studios.aspx)

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Vicki writes:

"Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your newsletters. I have been to Disney and Universal more times than I can count and I always enjoy our stays. Disney is changing I think and for the better as far as competing with Universal Studios. But I have to say that the Tower of Terror ride at MGM Disney is the best ride bar none. It rocks! Please keep the great newsletters coming, Thank you so much for a little bit of Disney magic on my email. Keep it up."

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Denise writes:

"Hi! I just wanted to let your subscribers know about Star Wars Weekends at MGM (it ran from mid May through June 15). My family just got back (our 6 year old son is a huge SW fan) from this spectacular event. He got to meet all of the characters and took part in the various kid-friendly activities like Jedi training and trivia contests. If you like Star Wars, it's worth going to. It's a trip our son won't soon forget! We also saw Fantasmic for the 1st time-WOW! Even our 2 year old was fascinated with the fireworks, animation and characters. Disney cast members truly are memory makers! :)"

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April writes:

"Hi John, I'm going to Disney in October with my family, a five year old and four year old. My question is this, would it be more suitable to go to Universal over MGM due to the ages of my children? People have told me that Universal would be better for the kids rather than MGM."

MGM would be more suitable for young children.

Red Line

Becky writes:

"Our 30-day countdown is on! We'll be spending our Halloween (Oct. 25-Oct.30) this year with Mickey and gang (already have our tix), but I do have a couple of questions.

My husband won a trip that included air fare, 3-nights in Orlando, and passes to Nick Studios. Since I had to book through a travel agency, your information was a great help [enabling] me ... to negotiate for exactly what I wanted.

I really want to make sure the family sees Fantasmic. Is one day over another better? Should I expect to have the same types of problems getting in as someone reported on the list recently even though this is one of their least busy times? We hadn't planned on doing dinner at MGM, but if need be, we can, so tips on which is the less expensive that you can get passes at would be appreciated."

During the slow season, Fantasmic! only plays once nightly. We have never had a problem getting in. One time we arrived 30 minutes before show time and they placed us in unused seats for the handicapped!

You can make your reservations for the dinner package up to a week in advance at your hotel's Guest Services or MGM. WDW Dining does not handle these reservations. At MGM, reserve your package at the kiosk at Hollywood and Sunset, or outside at the park's Guest Relations if you don't want to enter.

Restaurants in the package are the Brown Derby and Mama Melrose. Mama Melrose is cheaper. Disney adds other choices from time to time -- be sure to ask. Each adult diner is required to order an entree. After your meal, you will receive a ticket that grants you access to a special reserved seating section. This will permit you to arrive 30-45 minutes early and get a seat. Seats are not reserved, only the section. Best seats go the early birds -- those arriving 45-60 minutes early.

Look for the Fantasmic! sign on Hollywood Blvd next to Oscar's Super Service right after you enter the park. If you arrive less than 30 minutes before show time, you will get standing room only. A Cast Member will guide you through a gate to the seating area. They can cancel the show if there is lightning. We have sat through it in ponchos while it poured! Your ticket can not be used on another day.

"I also have seen that the food court at Port Orleans is nicer than that at the Allstars. Is there any reason why we can't visit the other resorts and eat meals there?"

You can eat anywhere you choose at WDW.

Red Line

Lockers

Tina writes:

"... what size are the lockers and the price for rental?"

Each theme park and the Transportation and Ticket Center have lockers that rent for $5 (includes a $2 refundable deposit). If you have some items that won't fit in the locker, give them to the locker attendant at Guest Relations at MGM.

If you plan to park hop, you don't have to pay another locker deposit. See the locker attendant for particulars.

Red Line

Rock 'N' Roller Coaster

Reaching 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds, the Rock 'n' Roller takes riders on a tour of Southern California at night (the ride is completely enclosed -- even the tracks are dark!), past landmarks of Hollywood. Guests board a stretch limousine that holds 24 passengers and resembles a 1962 Cadillac. Expect an 85-foot climb and 5 inversions!

In a move to attract the teenage market, Disney commissioned the rock group, Aerosmith, to produce 6 soundtracks that are broadcast from 120 speakers in the car. The soundtracks are all different so that a repeat rider will not hear the same music every time. The music features Aerosmith's greatest hits.

Red Line

Sounds Dangerous

Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey (at the former ABC Sound Studio) features Drew Carey as an undercover agent on the trail of smugglers. The camera he has concealed on his tie malfunctions and the movie screen and theater go completely dark for nine minutes! Fortunately for the audience, we are wearing head phones so we can hear all the action as the movie continues with audio only. If you like bees and electric shavers in your ears, you'll enjoy this show. May frighten very young children.

Red Line


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