Don’t Fall for These Hollywood Studios Myths
Built as Walt Disney World’s third theme park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in May 1989. During those first years, the park was known as Disney-MGM Studios, and the Earffel Tower served as the official park icon.
By 2001, Sorcerer Mickey’s hat replaced the tower as the symbolic “weenie” in the park. The park was dubbed as Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008.
Since that time, more than 11.5 million people have visited the park each year. With all these visitors heading to the park, there are bound to be a few misconceptions surrounding this legendary park. Let’s look at a few of these half-truths and downright lies to reveal the facts around Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Drop and Roll
Myth: When you yell “Andy’s coming,” all the Toy Story characters will fall to the ground.
This myth has been around for many years, even when Toy Story Mania was the only attraction based on the film(s) in the park. While this myth adds to the characters’ realism, dropping to the ground would lead to injuries to both Cast Members and guests. Not to mention, those clean (and expensive) costumes would get damaged, especially if it happened several times a day. You can yell, “Andy’s coming!” but don’t expect anyone to drop to the ground.
You Are Now Entering the Twilight Zone
Myth: Tower of Terror will be reimagined with a Frozen/Guardians of the Galaxy theme
Ever since the Californian version of Tower of Terror was turned into a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, the rumors have floated about changes to Florida’s Tower. Many guests might be unfamiliar with the Twilight Zone television show, so it would make sense to update with a more popular franchise. While you might not see the Guardians, rumors have suggested that there could be a Frozen-themed redo. However, there are no plans (for now) to reimagined the thrilling Tower of Terror.
Wocka Wocka
Myth: Another Muppet-themed attraction is scheduled for the park
At one time, there were plans to add another Muppet attraction to Hollywood Studios. In addition to Muppet-Vision 3D, there was to be “The Great Muppet Movie Ride.” This attraction would take guests on a tour through movie history in a way only the Muppets could present. However, this never came true, and there aren’t any plans to add more Muppets to the theme park. Remember though; good ideas always have a way of coming back to the parks.
Get Your Eat On
Myth: Hollywood Studios has limited table service options
You will not find a table service restaurant in Toy Story Land or Galaxy’s Edge. Since they are the most popular sections of the park, some guests may think that table services are limited. However, you can find many exciting and delicious dining choices if you know where to look.
The Sci-Fi Dine-In Diner’s menu features fried pickles, huge burgers (made with a specialty ground chuck, brisket, and short rib blend), and housemate candy bars. You can enjoy your meal while sitting in a classic car (or automo-booth) as you watch sci-fi movie clips and commercials.
At the 50s Prime Time Café restaurant, you can get those home-cooked items just like mom would make. To add to the ambiance, the entire restaurant looks like you stepped back into a 1950s kitchen, including tables with mini televisions playing clips from those mid-20th century sitcoms.
For those who love Italian fare, you will want to check out Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano. The table service restaurant is based on a story about a girl from Sicily who came to Hollywood to become an actress but decided to open up a restaurant with family recipes. Make sure to order some Italian favorites like chicken parmigiana, saltimbocca, and tiramisu.
The only character dining option is located at Hollywood & Vine. However, this dining comes with a twist. Every season, the theme changes. You might see Minnie in Santa garb for the winter or she will dazzle in a Halloween costume during those autumn months. All the food is served buffet-style, and you can find many delicious offerings, such as lobster macaroni or herb-crusted salmon. Of course, this restaurant may have to update its service due to COVID restrictions.
Finally, for a more upscale option, you don’t want to skip out on a chance to dine at Hollywood Brown Derby. The atmosphere is based on the classic Hollywood restaurant and features lobster Cioppino, filet of beef, Bell & Evans chicken breast, and that famous grapefruit cake.
You Have a Friend in Me
Myth: Hollywood Studios only has Toy Story and Star Wars attractions
While there are complete lands dedicated to the Star Wars and Toy Story franchises, you can find plenty of other attractions throughout the park. The thrilling Tower of Terror is based on the Twilight Zone shows. You can enjoy the 3D attraction with the Muppets. You can also meet Mickey, Minnie, and other characters in the park. If you don’t like Darth Vader or Buzz Lightyear, there are plenty of other attractions that you can enjoy.
*Before the COVID shutdowns, Indiana Jones performed a high-action show several times a day, and the Little Mermaid even had a musical show. With the entertainment cuts, these live shows have failed to return.
May the Force Be with You
Myth: Skip Galaxy’s Edge unless you are a huge fan of Star Wars
When Star Wars Land was announced, fans were excited about all the changes, and those non-fans went “meh.” When the land opened, those less enthusiastic fans wondered if this “land” was worth their time. The good news: you don’t have to be a rabid fan to enjoy Galaxy’s Edge. Yes, there are plenty of Easter eggs to fascinate those hardcore fans, but regular people can appreciate the Imagineers’ work in the Millennium Falcon and throughout the Batuu marketplace. Plus, everyone seems to enjoy the newest attraction, Rise of the Resistance.
Ride the Movies
Myth: You only need a half-day to experience Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is about half the Magic Kingdom size, but there plenty to do at this park. With the addition of Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, you might even need two days to fit everything into your schedule. Even if you skipped the new additions, you would still have a full day of Disney fun.
It All Started With a Mouse
Myth: Mickey at the Crossroads is just a cute fixture.
If you look up, you will see Mickey Mouse at the top of the Crossroads of the World kiosk near Hollywood Studios’ gates. This marker welcomes guests into the park and bids farewell at the end of the day. However, Mickey is harboring a secret. One of those famous mouse ears is made of copper. Florida is known for its frequency of lightning strikes, so those ears serve as a lightning rod for the park to keep everyone safe.
The Man With a Plan
Myth: Walt Disney’s plane rests at Hollywood Studios
At one time, this myth was actually true. When the Backlot Tour took guests throughout the park, the tour travel passed an old plane owned by Walt Disney. This plane was the same one that Walt once used to scout land for the “Florida Project.”
Now that you know the truth about Hollywood Studios, you will not fall for those myths that seem to live on throughout the park. Let me know in the comments if there are any other myths involving Hollywood Studios that you want to be busted.
