The Walt Disney World Parks
This page is all about Disney World. I have not been to Disneyland California,Tokeyo, Hong Kong, or Paris, so therefore, I cannot write about them. But I TOTALLY have been to Disney World, so sit back and enjoy!
History Of the 'World'
After the huge success of Disneyland California that opened in 1951, Walt decided to purchase land just outside of Orlando, Florida. ( BTW, Disney World is NOT located in Orlando. It is located Lake Buena Vista, Florida.) ANYWAY, construction on the park started almost immedietly, they began building The Magic Kingdom park, a zoo-like island attraction, called Discovery Island, and Disney's first water park, River Country, which opened in June 1976. The two resorts were Disney's Polynesian resort and Disney's Contemporary Resort. Walt Disney World officially opened October 1, 1971. It boasts now more than 700 million visitors have been since the opening. Walt called Disney, " The Florida Project."
Magic Kingdom
Status: Open to public
Opening date: October 1, 1971
Theme: A Magic Kingdom, magical, fun, fantasy.
Renovation News: Undergoing Fantasyland Expansion since Febuary 12, 2011
Magic Kingdom consists of 6 themed 'lands'. It has been visted by 17.2 million guests, making it the most visited theme park in the world.
Dedication:
" Walt Disney world is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney...and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place...a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -together."
-Roy Oliver Disney, 25th October 1971
Main Street, U.S.A
Attractions: Walt Disney World Railroad.
This part of Magic Kingdom is a replica of a small midwestern town, it also has inspiration from New England to Missouri, this design is most noticable.
If you're looking for classic Disney merchandise and fast food eats, then Main Street USA is the way to go. It is lined with shops, fast food good eats-it even has a barber shop!! The decor is a small town 20th century America, inspired by Walt Disney's childhood, and the film, The Lady and the Tramp. A brief description of all the shops.
The Emporium is the ultimate shop to buy all the souvenirs your heart desires, such as Disney plush toys, collectible pins, and Mickey-eared hats. Tony's Towne Square Restraunt is a table service restraunt, inspired by the film , The Lady and the Tramp. Casey's Corner at the end of the Main Street sells traditional ballpark fare, like hot dogs, burgers, fries, and popcorn. (Hint: If you need a quick lunch in Magic Kingdom, I would recommend this place.) The Confectionary sells sweets of all kinds, including candy apples, fudge, chocolate, cookies, and rice treats.
This is also one of the stops that the Walt Disney World railroad makes, through the Magic Kingdom.
At the end of the street stands the Magic Kingdom landmark, the Cinderella Castle. It is 189 feet tall (55m) with a forced perspictive, making it look taller than it really is.
Lastly, this park has two statues: in front of the Cinderella Castle, stands a statues of Mickey and Walt, stated "Partners" , and Roy O. Disney sitting with Minnie Mouse in Main Street USA.
Adventureland
Attractions: Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse: A walk through tour of the Robinsons' home.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Fly over Agrabah on a magic carpet.
The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management: Join Iago from Aladdin in a sing-song Animatronics show.
Jungle Cruise: Silly Safari boat tour.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Join Cap'n Jack Sparrow as you sail through the Spanish Main.
Adventureland represents the mystery of exploration of foreign lands. It resembles remote jungles such as Africa, Asia, Middle East, South Pacific and South America, with the extension of a small Caribbean town. The decor is lots of trees and such.
Frontierland
Attractions: Walt Disney World Railroad
Splash Mountain: Plunge 5 stories into Brer Rabbits laughin' place.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Runaway train coaster.
Tom Sawyer Island: Come explore the island.
Country Bear Jamboree: Sing and swing with the bears.
Frontierland is where you inner west side can come out, from Cowboys to Indians, to exploring the mysteries of the Rivers of America.
Liberty Square
Attractions: The Hall of Presidents: Re-imagined Audio Animatronics show, now with President Obama!
Liberty Square Riverboat: Cruise through the Rivers of America.
Haunted Mansion: Journey through the dark with 999 happy haunts-but there's room for a thousand!
This part of the park is the smallest (hosting the least number of attractions) and is themed an American Revolutionary town.
Fantasyland
Attractions: "it's a small world": Musical around-the-world voyage.
Peter Pan's Flight: Join Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy and all the rest on a flying fantasy adventure through Neverland.
Mickey's PhilharMagic: 3D movie! Join Donald, Mickey, and the gang in a sym-phunny!
Dream along with Mickey: Musical stage show about learning to believe.
Storytime with Belle: Meet Belle and listen to her stories!
Snow Whites Scary Adventures: A tale of Snow White through the dark.
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Soar over Fantasyland with Dumbo.
Ariel's Grotto: Meet the "Little Mermaid", live and in person!
Pooh's Playful Spot: A toddler play area.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Roll, bounce and intrude some bee hives for honey with Pooh and his friends.
Mad Tea Party: Spin round, and round and round.....in a teacup.
In the words of Walt Disney: " Fantasyland is dedicated to the young at heart and to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams can come true." Fantasyland is carnival/medieval styled. It has more 'kiddish' attractions for the younger ones.
Tommorowland
Attractions: Tommorowland Indy Speedway: Drive a race car all around Tommorowland.
Space Mountain: Awesome space rollercoaster.
Astro Orbiter: Fly outdoors in a spaceship.
Tommowland Transit Authority: A tour around Tommorowland.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress: Join Walt on a journey through time.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: Shoot the lasers and earn points to defeat Zerg.
Stitch's Great Escape!: Uh-oh! Stitch has escaped! Help!!!
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor: Mike Wazowski has found out human laughter is ten times more powerful then screams! Laugh it up here!
In the words of Walt Disney: Tommorow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space age to achievments that will benefit our children for generations to come. The Tommorowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future." Tommorowland is themed to be a space/intergalactic city, or sort of like a technology future.
Former Lands of Magic Kingdom
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Attractions: Minnie's Country House: Walk through Minnie's home.
Mickey's Country House: Walk through Mickey's House.
Toontown Hall of Fame Tent: Meet all your favourite Disney Princesses and Disney Fairies.
Judge's Tent: Meet Mickey!
Donald's Boat: Water Play area.
The Barnstomer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm: Try out Goofy's crazy airplane kiddie coaster.
Man...this place had a lot of name changes. Once Mickey's Starland, then Mickey's Birthdayland. Sheesh!
This land closed permanently on February 12, 2011 to make way for an expansion for Fantasyland, which will include a dark ride themed to Disney's The Little Mermaid, called Ariel's Undersea Adventure, and an area themed to Disney's Beauty and the Beast, with the Beasts Castle, a new dining experience, Gaston's Tavern, and a walk through of Belle's cottage. The attraction Snow White's Scary Adventures will be taken out, with instead an area themed to Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It will include Snow Whites cottage, and a Seven Dwarfs mine roller coaster ride. Where Snow White's Scary Adventures was, Princess Fairytale Hall will be built, with some meet and greet with Princesses like Rapunzel from Tangled,, Snow White and Cinderella.
For more pictures and information on this huge, amazing expansion, please go to these links.
http://lebeauleblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/fantasyland-expansion-concept-art-pt-1/
http://themeparks.about.com/od/disneyparks/a/MKFantasylandExp.htm
http://www.miamiherold.com/2011/01/19/2022899/disney-unveils-new-fantasyland.html
Extras-Shows, parades, and more!
Wishes Nighttime Spectacular: The biggest, most dazzling firework spectacular ever to grace through the Magic Kingdom-but its best seen by the castle. But you can see it through the whole park!!
Move It! Shake it! Celebrate It! Street Party: Dance sing, and well- shake it! with all your favourite Disney characters.
Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade: Lots of music, characters, and dancing!
Opening date: October 1, 1971
Theme: A Magic Kingdom, magical, fun, fantasy.
Renovation News: Undergoing Fantasyland Expansion since Febuary 12, 2011
Magic Kingdom consists of 6 themed 'lands'. It has been visted by 17.2 million guests, making it the most visited theme park in the world.
Dedication:
" Walt Disney world is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney...and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place...a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn -together."
-Roy Oliver Disney, 25th October 1971
Main Street, U.S.A
Attractions: Walt Disney World Railroad.
This part of Magic Kingdom is a replica of a small midwestern town, it also has inspiration from New England to Missouri, this design is most noticable.
If you're looking for classic Disney merchandise and fast food eats, then Main Street USA is the way to go. It is lined with shops, fast food good eats-it even has a barber shop!! The decor is a small town 20th century America, inspired by Walt Disney's childhood, and the film, The Lady and the Tramp. A brief description of all the shops.
The Emporium is the ultimate shop to buy all the souvenirs your heart desires, such as Disney plush toys, collectible pins, and Mickey-eared hats. Tony's Towne Square Restraunt is a table service restraunt, inspired by the film , The Lady and the Tramp. Casey's Corner at the end of the Main Street sells traditional ballpark fare, like hot dogs, burgers, fries, and popcorn. (Hint: If you need a quick lunch in Magic Kingdom, I would recommend this place.) The Confectionary sells sweets of all kinds, including candy apples, fudge, chocolate, cookies, and rice treats.
This is also one of the stops that the Walt Disney World railroad makes, through the Magic Kingdom.
At the end of the street stands the Magic Kingdom landmark, the Cinderella Castle. It is 189 feet tall (55m) with a forced perspictive, making it look taller than it really is.
Lastly, this park has two statues: in front of the Cinderella Castle, stands a statues of Mickey and Walt, stated "Partners" , and Roy O. Disney sitting with Minnie Mouse in Main Street USA.
Adventureland
Attractions: Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse: A walk through tour of the Robinsons' home.
The Magic Carpets of Aladdin: Fly over Agrabah on a magic carpet.
The Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management: Join Iago from Aladdin in a sing-song Animatronics show.
Jungle Cruise: Silly Safari boat tour.
Pirates Of The Caribbean: Join Cap'n Jack Sparrow as you sail through the Spanish Main.
Adventureland represents the mystery of exploration of foreign lands. It resembles remote jungles such as Africa, Asia, Middle East, South Pacific and South America, with the extension of a small Caribbean town. The decor is lots of trees and such.
Frontierland
Attractions: Walt Disney World Railroad
Splash Mountain: Plunge 5 stories into Brer Rabbits laughin' place.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad: Runaway train coaster.
Tom Sawyer Island: Come explore the island.
Country Bear Jamboree: Sing and swing with the bears.
Frontierland is where you inner west side can come out, from Cowboys to Indians, to exploring the mysteries of the Rivers of America.
Liberty Square
Attractions: The Hall of Presidents: Re-imagined Audio Animatronics show, now with President Obama!
Liberty Square Riverboat: Cruise through the Rivers of America.
Haunted Mansion: Journey through the dark with 999 happy haunts-but there's room for a thousand!
This part of the park is the smallest (hosting the least number of attractions) and is themed an American Revolutionary town.
Fantasyland
Attractions: "it's a small world": Musical around-the-world voyage.
Peter Pan's Flight: Join Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy and all the rest on a flying fantasy adventure through Neverland.
Mickey's PhilharMagic: 3D movie! Join Donald, Mickey, and the gang in a sym-phunny!
Dream along with Mickey: Musical stage show about learning to believe.
Storytime with Belle: Meet Belle and listen to her stories!
Snow Whites Scary Adventures: A tale of Snow White through the dark.
Cinderella's Golden Carrousel
Dumbo the Flying Elephant: Soar over Fantasyland with Dumbo.
Ariel's Grotto: Meet the "Little Mermaid", live and in person!
Pooh's Playful Spot: A toddler play area.
The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh: Roll, bounce and intrude some bee hives for honey with Pooh and his friends.
Mad Tea Party: Spin round, and round and round.....in a teacup.
In the words of Walt Disney: " Fantasyland is dedicated to the young at heart and to those who believe that when you wish upon a star, your dreams can come true." Fantasyland is carnival/medieval styled. It has more 'kiddish' attractions for the younger ones.
Tommorowland
Attractions: Tommorowland Indy Speedway: Drive a race car all around Tommorowland.
Space Mountain: Awesome space rollercoaster.
Astro Orbiter: Fly outdoors in a spaceship.
Tommowland Transit Authority: A tour around Tommorowland.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress: Join Walt on a journey through time.
Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin: Shoot the lasers and earn points to defeat Zerg.
Stitch's Great Escape!: Uh-oh! Stitch has escaped! Help!!!
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor: Mike Wazowski has found out human laughter is ten times more powerful then screams! Laugh it up here!
In the words of Walt Disney: Tommorow can be a wonderful age. Our scientists today are opening the doors of the Space age to achievments that will benefit our children for generations to come. The Tommorowland attractions have been designed to give you an opportunity to participate in adventures that are a living blueprint of our future." Tommorowland is themed to be a space/intergalactic city, or sort of like a technology future.
Former Lands of Magic Kingdom
Mickey's Toontown Fair
Attractions: Minnie's Country House: Walk through Minnie's home.
Mickey's Country House: Walk through Mickey's House.
Toontown Hall of Fame Tent: Meet all your favourite Disney Princesses and Disney Fairies.
Judge's Tent: Meet Mickey!
Donald's Boat: Water Play area.
The Barnstomer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm: Try out Goofy's crazy airplane kiddie coaster.
Man...this place had a lot of name changes. Once Mickey's Starland, then Mickey's Birthdayland. Sheesh!
This land closed permanently on February 12, 2011 to make way for an expansion for Fantasyland, which will include a dark ride themed to Disney's The Little Mermaid, called Ariel's Undersea Adventure, and an area themed to Disney's Beauty and the Beast, with the Beasts Castle, a new dining experience, Gaston's Tavern, and a walk through of Belle's cottage. The attraction Snow White's Scary Adventures will be taken out, with instead an area themed to Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It will include Snow Whites cottage, and a Seven Dwarfs mine roller coaster ride. Where Snow White's Scary Adventures was, Princess Fairytale Hall will be built, with some meet and greet with Princesses like Rapunzel from Tangled,, Snow White and Cinderella.
For more pictures and information on this huge, amazing expansion, please go to these links.
http://lebeauleblog.wordpress.com/2011/03/15/fantasyland-expansion-concept-art-pt-1/
http://themeparks.about.com/od/disneyparks/a/MKFantasylandExp.htm
http://www.miamiherold.com/2011/01/19/2022899/disney-unveils-new-fantasyland.html
Extras-Shows, parades, and more!
Wishes Nighttime Spectacular: The biggest, most dazzling firework spectacular ever to grace through the Magic Kingdom-but its best seen by the castle. But you can see it through the whole park!!
Move It! Shake it! Celebrate It! Street Party: Dance sing, and well- shake it! with all your favourite Disney characters.
Celebrate A Dream Come True Parade: Lots of music, characters, and dancing!
Epcot
Status: Open to the public
Opening date: October 1, 1982
Theme: Technology, innovation, international qualities.
Renovation News: None
Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
It was named EPCOT Center until 1994, since then it has just been Epcot. Since 2009, it has hosted 11 milion people, making it the third most visited theme park in the U.S, and the sixth most visited in the world. It was the second park built in Disney World. It is separated into two parts, Future World and World Showcase. It took an estimated $800 million to $1.4 billion to construct, taking three years to build.
Dedication:
" To all who come to this place of joy, hope, and friendship-welcome. EPCOT is inspired by Walt Disney's creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all. May EPCOT Center entertain, inform, and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new of belief and pride in a man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere in the world."
E. Cardon Walker, October 1, 1982
Future World
Attractions:
Future World consists of a variety of pavilions that explore innovative aspects and applications of technology. Originally, each pavilion featured a unique circular logo which was featured on park signage and the attractions themselves. The logos, including that of Epcot itself, have been phased out over recent years, but some remnants still remain scattered throughout the park, which is good....you still need some Disney History!!
World Showcase - Attractions
Not all of the country's have a ride. Some have a film, or dance/music showcase to display what it is like in those country's. They are also themed and decorated as so.
Attractions:
World Showcase contains pavilions representing eleven countries—click on the links below for more information about each. In clockwise order, the pavilions are:
Pavilions for Russia, Spain, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, and Israel never made it past the planning phase. An Equatorial Africa pavilion was planned but never built. It would have featured a large African presentation film hosted by Alex Haley. A small African themed refreshment stop is now in its place, known as the Outpost. After Disney's Animal Kingdom—an African-and-Asian-themed animal preserve and park—opened, any plans for an African Pavilion were dropped.
Opening date: October 1, 1982
Theme: Technology, innovation, international qualities.
Renovation News: None
Epcot stands for Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow.
It was named EPCOT Center until 1994, since then it has just been Epcot. Since 2009, it has hosted 11 milion people, making it the third most visited theme park in the U.S, and the sixth most visited in the world. It was the second park built in Disney World. It is separated into two parts, Future World and World Showcase. It took an estimated $800 million to $1.4 billion to construct, taking three years to build.
Dedication:
" To all who come to this place of joy, hope, and friendship-welcome. EPCOT is inspired by Walt Disney's creative vision. Here, human achievements are celebrated imagination, wonders of enterprise and concepts of a future that promises new and exciting benefits for all. May EPCOT Center entertain, inform, and inspire and, above all, may it instill a new of belief and pride in a man's ability to shape a world that offers hope to people everywhere in the world."
E. Cardon Walker, October 1, 1982
Future World
Attractions:
Future World consists of a variety of pavilions that explore innovative aspects and applications of technology. Originally, each pavilion featured a unique circular logo which was featured on park signage and the attractions themselves. The logos, including that of Epcot itself, have been phased out over recent years, but some remnants still remain scattered throughout the park, which is good....you still need some Disney History!!
- Spaceship Earth
- Innoventions
- Universe of Energy
- Mission: SPACE
- Test Track
- The Seas with Nemo and Friends
- The Land
- Imagination!
World Showcase - Attractions
Not all of the country's have a ride. Some have a film, or dance/music showcase to display what it is like in those country's. They are also themed and decorated as so.
Attractions:
World Showcase contains pavilions representing eleven countries—click on the links below for more information about each. In clockwise order, the pavilions are:
- Mexico
- Norway
- China
- Germany
- Italy
- The American Adventure
- Japan
- Morocco
- France
- United Kingdom
- Canada
Pavilions for Russia, Spain, Venezuela, United Arab Emirates, and Israel never made it past the planning phase. An Equatorial Africa pavilion was planned but never built. It would have featured a large African presentation film hosted by Alex Haley. A small African themed refreshment stop is now in its place, known as the Outpost. After Disney's Animal Kingdom—an African-and-Asian-themed animal preserve and park—opened, any plans for an African Pavilion were dropped.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Status: Open to the public
Opening date: May 1, 1989
Theme: Show business, Hollywood movies
Renovation News: None
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. The third park built at the resort, it opened on May 1, 1989 as Disney-MGM Studios.
In 2010, the park hosted approximately 9.6 million guests, ranking it the fifth-most visited amusement park in the United States, and eighth-most visited in the world.
Dedication:
The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be. ” —Michael Eisner, May 1, 1989
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard serves as the park's main entrance and is lined with venues selling Disney merchandise. Parades such as the Pixar Block Party Bash travel down Hollywood Boulevard on their route through the park, and live street entertainment can be found here throughout the day.
At the far end of Hollywood Boulevard stands the Sorcerer's Hat, the icon of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Behind it, inside a replica of Grauman's Chinese Theater, is The Great Movie Ride, a dark ride paying homage to several classic films, including Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is the park's small oval-shaped lagoon, which was designed to form one of the ears in the enormous Hidden Mickey from the park's original layout.
Attractions:
The American Idol Experience
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Lastly, the live-action Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! re-enacts various scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark while illustrating how movie stunts are performed.
Streets of America
Originally the New York Street backlot set that was part of the park's original Backlot Studio Tour, the section was later opened to pedestrian traffic. Recently, additional architectural treatments were added to create street sets resembling San Francisco and New York.
Attractions:
Studio Backlot Tour - a tram ride through the backlot areas and through Catastrophe Canyon, an effects-laden "movie set"!!
Muppet*Vision 3D - a 3-D film featuring Jim Henson's Muppets from the The Muppet Show.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - based on the 1989 Disney film, viewers are 'shrunk' in the audience.
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show - a behind-the-scenes look at how vehicle action sequences are created for films.
Animation Courtyard
This section of the park originally was the starting point for the tours of the park's active production studios. Its entrance is marked by a square "studio arch," much like a real Hollywood studio lot entrance might be marked. The Animation Courtyard is home to a number of attractions based on Disney characters of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The Magic of Disney Animation - a attraction that examines the development process of an animated character. It also includes interactive games and exhibits, along with meet-and-greet areas for Disney and Pixar characters.
Mickey Avenue - a sub-section of Animation Courtyard, is home to a walk-through exhibit, Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, which explores the life and legacy of Walt Disney through photos, models, and rare artifacts.The Courtyard section also hosts two live shows. Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! entertains guests with puppet characters from the Playhouse Disney. Across the plaza, Voyage of the Little Mermaid uses glow-in-the-dark puppets, lasers, music, projectors, human actors and water effects to re-create favorite scenes and songs from the animated Little Mermaid film.
Pixar Place
The park's newest section includes many of the original soundstages used when the park hosted actual production facilities. Today, Pixar Place resembles the campus of Pixar Animation Studios.
Toy Story Midway Mania! - an interactive 3D attraction inspired by classic carnival midway games, each hosted by characters from the Toy Story film series.
Sunset Boulevard
The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror - a thrill ride which drops you 13 stories - and a different sequence every time.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith - a high speed, awesome indoor rollercoaster wth a high-speed launch!!
Sunset Boulevard has two live stage shows. The covered Theater of the Stars hosts Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, a stage show featuring scenes of the film. The open-air Hollywood Hills Amphitheater is the home of Fantasmic!, a nighttime show featuring Mickey Mouse and many other Disney characters in a story filled with fireworks, lasers and water effects.
Opening date: May 1, 1989
Theme: Show business, Hollywood movies
Renovation News: None
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort. in size, its theme is show business, drawing inspiration from the heyday of Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s. The third park built at the resort, it opened on May 1, 1989 as Disney-MGM Studios.
In 2010, the park hosted approximately 9.6 million guests, ranking it the fifth-most visited amusement park in the United States, and eighth-most visited in the world.
Dedication:
The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be. ” —Michael Eisner, May 1, 1989
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard serves as the park's main entrance and is lined with venues selling Disney merchandise. Parades such as the Pixar Block Party Bash travel down Hollywood Boulevard on their route through the park, and live street entertainment can be found here throughout the day.
At the far end of Hollywood Boulevard stands the Sorcerer's Hat, the icon of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Behind it, inside a replica of Grauman's Chinese Theater, is The Great Movie Ride, a dark ride paying homage to several classic films, including Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is the park's small oval-shaped lagoon, which was designed to form one of the ears in the enormous Hidden Mickey from the park's original layout.
Attractions:
The American Idol Experience
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Lastly, the live-action Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! re-enacts various scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark while illustrating how movie stunts are performed.
Streets of America
Originally the New York Street backlot set that was part of the park's original Backlot Studio Tour, the section was later opened to pedestrian traffic. Recently, additional architectural treatments were added to create street sets resembling San Francisco and New York.
Attractions:
Studio Backlot Tour - a tram ride through the backlot areas and through Catastrophe Canyon, an effects-laden "movie set"!!
Muppet*Vision 3D - a 3-D film featuring Jim Henson's Muppets from the The Muppet Show.
Honey, I Shrunk the Audience - based on the 1989 Disney film, viewers are 'shrunk' in the audience.
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show - a behind-the-scenes look at how vehicle action sequences are created for films.
Animation Courtyard
This section of the park originally was the starting point for the tours of the park's active production studios. Its entrance is marked by a square "studio arch," much like a real Hollywood studio lot entrance might be marked. The Animation Courtyard is home to a number of attractions based on Disney characters of yesterday, today and tomorrow.
The Magic of Disney Animation - a attraction that examines the development process of an animated character. It also includes interactive games and exhibits, along with meet-and-greet areas for Disney and Pixar characters.
Mickey Avenue - a sub-section of Animation Courtyard, is home to a walk-through exhibit, Walt Disney: One Man's Dream, which explores the life and legacy of Walt Disney through photos, models, and rare artifacts.The Courtyard section also hosts two live shows. Playhouse Disney Live on Stage! entertains guests with puppet characters from the Playhouse Disney. Across the plaza, Voyage of the Little Mermaid uses glow-in-the-dark puppets, lasers, music, projectors, human actors and water effects to re-create favorite scenes and songs from the animated Little Mermaid film.
Pixar Place
The park's newest section includes many of the original soundstages used when the park hosted actual production facilities. Today, Pixar Place resembles the campus of Pixar Animation Studios.
Toy Story Midway Mania! - an interactive 3D attraction inspired by classic carnival midway games, each hosted by characters from the Toy Story film series.
Sunset Boulevard
The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror - a thrill ride which drops you 13 stories - and a different sequence every time.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith - a high speed, awesome indoor rollercoaster wth a high-speed launch!!
Sunset Boulevard has two live stage shows. The covered Theater of the Stars hosts Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, a stage show featuring scenes of the film. The open-air Hollywood Hills Amphitheater is the home of Fantasmic!, a nighttime show featuring Mickey Mouse and many other Disney characters in a story filled with fireworks, lasers and water effects.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Status: Open to the public
Opening date: April 22nd, 1998
Theme: Animal Conservation
Renovation News: In 2013, a new area will begin to be constructed, based on the movie Avatar.
Dedication: "Welcome to a kingdom of animals... real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions,
dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we
enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn."
—Michael D. Eisner, April 22,1998
Oasis
Oasis is the parks main entrance. You encounter many animals, like African Spoonbills, Giant Anteaters, and many more!!
The main paths lead on to Discovery Island.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the main center of the park, connecting all the other sections, except Rafiki's Planet Watch.
It also includes gift shops and restraunts, plus "It's Tough To Be a Bug!" a 4-D movie inspired by the Disney Pixar film, "A Bug's Life."
Camp Minnie-Mickey
Camp Minni Mickey was themed as a rustic camp. Here, you can meet many characters, like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck. It was built on the spot where Beastly Kingdom was supposed to go.
Africa
Set in the fictional African village of Harambe, you can jump on a Safari Tram, on Kilimanjaro Safari's. You can see lots of native-to-Africa animals.
Opening date: April 22nd, 1998
Theme: Animal Conservation
Renovation News: In 2013, a new area will begin to be constructed, based on the movie Avatar.
Dedication: "Welcome to a kingdom of animals... real, ancient and imagined: a kingdom ruled by lions,
dinosaurs and dragons; a kingdom of balance, harmony and survival; a kingdom we
enter to share in the wonder, gaze at the beauty, thrill at the drama, and learn."
—Michael D. Eisner, April 22,1998
Oasis
Oasis is the parks main entrance. You encounter many animals, like African Spoonbills, Giant Anteaters, and many more!!
The main paths lead on to Discovery Island.
Discovery Island
Discovery Island is the main center of the park, connecting all the other sections, except Rafiki's Planet Watch.
It also includes gift shops and restraunts, plus "It's Tough To Be a Bug!" a 4-D movie inspired by the Disney Pixar film, "A Bug's Life."
Camp Minnie-Mickey
Camp Minni Mickey was themed as a rustic camp. Here, you can meet many characters, like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck. It was built on the spot where Beastly Kingdom was supposed to go.
Africa
Set in the fictional African village of Harambe, you can jump on a Safari Tram, on Kilimanjaro Safari's. You can see lots of native-to-Africa animals.