Blog #3 The Backlot Tour, Disney Hollywood Studios

Photo by Bill Sauerbier

Welcome to Blog #3 of the Disney World Nation. Today is a trip over to Hollywood Studios for a ride on one of the parks oldest rides. Here is the question for Friday.

In 1989 Disney opened its third park Disney-MGM Studios. One of the rides that opened that day was the backlot tour. It took you through a working studio, down a road with some very familiar houses (such as the Golden Girls, and empty nest) and into a special effects show called Catastrophe Canyon.

Over the years The Backlot Tour has seen many changes, the soundstages are gone (now Toy Story Mania), the residential area is out (now Lights Motors Action), and even the canyon is not what it once was. Most recently the Tour Guide has left in favor of an automated tour.

Recently there have been rumors of The Backlot tours close, (with possibly a Monster's Inc. rollercoaster or something else in its place. If given the chance with the space that the backlot tour holds, what would you do with it? Would you keep the tour as it is or would you improve it, or build something new in its spot.

Michelle M: When Disney MGM Studios first opened in 1989 it was an awesome look into the behind the scenes of Hollywood.  The Backlot Tour promised the average guest a chance to experience and possibly participate in the magic of filming.  I remember as a young teenager the promise that somewhere in the backlot tour we may pass filming in progress was a huge thrill.  Sadly over the years, the backlot tour has taken a back seat to the addition of more appealing new attractions.  It has also suffered downgrades in the name of progress.  The Backlot Tour has become for many one of the attractions with the stigma that once you have experienced it there is no need to return.  In my opinion, Disney is missing a serious opportunity within this attraction.  The Backlot Tour could bypass all expectations if the execs put a little thought into it.  In my opinion Disney needs to look at appealing to the preteen/teen guest.  Instead of a drive through wardrobe, why not begin to utilize the prop warehouse and wardrobe space to actually film some of the popular Disney shows that touch the teen/preteen audiences...ICarly, Suite Life on Deck etc...or even some of the music videos played on the Disney Channel. Add props that were used in the filming of those shows that are actually tangible for tour guests.  Add a meet and greet area at the end of the attraction, bring in a different Disney star every day...there are definitely enough out there...they wouldn't even have to be huge stars  even the extras in popular Disney channel shows are recognizable and it would thrill the preteen/teen audience. After all pixie dust and vacation magic shouldn't be exclusive to adolescents.

Katherine E: The Backlot tour is a fawned childhood memory of mine, but over the passing years the once expansive tour has dwindled. I know many of us who have been to Disney over the years don't want to see our Disney disappear. But here is where I believe they need to rethink and revamp the Hollywood Studios Park. They have already started by bringing us Toy Story Mania, this attraction has brought new life to this area of the park.  Monster's Inc. attraction of some sort would be a perfect addition to Pixar Place. It is like what Walt Disney himself had said that Walt Disney world will never be finished it will always be expanding and improving areas of the parks. Even though certain rides or shows will be missed we must all look at it as the parks are changing with times, keeping their relevance means change and it is always for the better. 

Rachel J: The Backlot Tour is closing, and a Monsters Inc. roller coaster is going back there.  Well, at least that’s the rumor.  So what now?  What would you like to see replace the Backlot Tour?  I would love to see an expansion of a Pixar theme.  I would love to see Disney utilize the Disney Pixar movies that are not currently being utilized in other parks (such as It’s Tough to be a Bug in Animal Kingdom).  The popularity of these films would be a big win for DHS if they did this type of expansion.  I would love to do a ride-through in a car from the Cars movie, or take flight in an UP house, or help the Incredibles solve a crime…wouldn’t you?

Sherry W: Attractions come and go, that is what keeps Disney new and exciting.  If the Backlot Tour is replaced, it would be nice to have an audience participation attraction.  I envision a movie set, similar to that of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, but on a larger scale.  For instance, EVERYONE would have a bit part in the “movie.”  There would be a director and actors performing a scene.  For those with mobility issues and/or small children, they could ride by on a bus or train, and others could be placed in various locations of the scene.  After the movie is completed, the audience would go to a theatre and watch the production, perhaps being offered a chance to purchase their movie in the adjoining gift shop.

James H: One of my favorite things to do is kick back and watch a good movie, so it’s no surprise that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has always been a favorite of mine. The park opened two days before I was born, and although I wasn’t here for its early days, I went every single day off that I got while working at WDW. If given the chance, I would definitely update the backlot tour. Nothing is more exciting than getting the chance to visit the sound stages of your favorite T.V. shows, or pass through an intense action movie set. I think the biggest thing that WDI should improve on is the guest interaction in this attraction. By getting the guests involved, a tour guide could keep their attention pointing out amazing facts as appose to guests hearing the same voice and the same recorded spiel on every single ride of the attraction. With more and more movies being made each year I think that an updated version of the attraction would bring a lot of repeat guests back to the park and also introduce first time guest to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

One thing that everyone can agree on is that something needs to be done with the Backlot Tour. This ride is far too important to the history of Hollywood Studios and to WDW for that matter, to be brushed aside by the next big thing. Adding new hip exhibits may help (Do any of your kids know what the ship from Flight of the Navigator is?). If the WDI can’t find a way to bring back the spark to this ride, then maybe it is time to close and bring in something new. Thank you once again for joining us at The Disney World Nation. Come back on Monday for a new blog. Monday’s blog will talk about keeping cool at Animal Kingdom. Till then, see you real soon Bill Sauerbier