Disney Tips Your Guide To A Great Disney Vacation
Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World has become the ultimate park for thrills, nostalgia, and immersive experiences. With the addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this park is bursting with excitement for Disney fans of all ages. But did you know Hollywood Studios has a rich history, unique secrets, and fascinating facts that even the most dedicated Disney fans may have missed?
Let’s dive into these 10 fun facts about Hollywood Studios!
1. The Code Name for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Before the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney kept its development under wraps with a code name: “Frontierland Expansion Project.” Sounds pretty dull for what turned out to be one of Disney’s most immersive lands, doesn’t it? Even the attractions in Galaxy’s Edge had their own fun code names.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was known as “Alcatraz” during construction.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run was called “Big Bird”.
Disney Imagineers clearly had a great time keeping us guessing!
Credit: Disney
2. Disney’s Longest-Running Stage Show
Did you know the longest-running stage show in any Walt Disney World theme park is located in Hollywood Studios? It’s none other than Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage!
This iconic show debuted in 1991 on the exact same day the beloved Disney animated film premiered. For over 30 years, audiences have enjoyed the timeless tale and dazzling performances, making it a must-see experience when visiting Hollywood Studios.
3. Hollywood Studios Was Almost Part of EPCOT
Before Hollywood Studios became its own park, Imagineers originally planned to create a movie pavilion in EPCOT. It would have been located between the Land Pavilion and Imagination Pavilion. However, Disney leadership believed the concept was so compelling that it deserved to become its own park. And thus, Hollywood Studios was born!
4. The Iconic Guitar Outside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
The massive guitar outside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a Hollywood Studios icon. But just how big is it? The giant guitar stretches a whopping 40 feet tall!
This thrilling attraction, which takes guests through loops and corkscrews to the beat of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, was also the first ride at Walt Disney World to take guests upside down.
5. Gertie the Dinosaur: A Tribute to Animation History
Gertie the Dinosaur, the giant ice cream stand at Echo Lake, may seem like just a fun photo spot. However, Gertie has a deep history in animation! She’s based on Gertie the Trained Dinosaur, an animated short created in 1914 by Winsor McCay.
Gertie was one of the first cartoon characters to have a unique personality, paving the way for icons like Mickey Mouse. Disney Imagineers honored her legacy by creating this massive tribute in Hollywood Studios.
Credit: Disney
6. Animated Movies Fully Produced at Hollywood Studios
Back when Hollywood Studios was known as Disney-MGM Studios, it wasn’t just a theme park—it was also home to Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida. Some of Disney’s most beloved animated films were produced right here!
Three Disney animated movies were fully created in the Hollywood Studios animation studio:
- Mulan
- Lilo & Stitch
- Brother Bear
Though the animation studio closed in 2004, its legacy lives on. Today, the space has been transformed into Star Wars Launch Bay.
7. The Towering Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the most iconic and spine-chilling attractions at Hollywood Studios. But just how tall is this eerie tower?
At 199 feet, it is the second-tallest structure at Walt Disney World. Disney Imagineers purposely kept it just under 200 feet to avoid requiring a red aviation light at the top. For comparison, Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom barely beats it out, standing at 199.5 feet tall.
8. The Largest Hidden Mickey
Disney’s Hidden Mickeys are a favorite detail for eagle-eyed fans, but did you know one of the largest Hidden Mickeys on Walt Disney World property can be found at Hollywood Studios?
It’s so big that you’d need to view it from the sky to see the full shape! Located around Echo Lake, Mickey’s right ear is formed by the lake itself, and the rest of his face can be spotted in the surrounding courtyards near the Chinese Theater.
9. Fantasmic! and Its 1,000,000 Gallons of Water
The nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! is an epic way to end your day at Hollywood Studios. With its pyrotechnics, lasers, iconic Disney characters, and a towering Maleficent dragon, the show pulls out all the stops.
One of Fantasmic!’s standout elements is the magical dancing water, which uses a jaw-dropping 1,000,000 gallons throughout the performance. It’s an incredible spectacle that continues to wow guests year after year.
Credit: Disney Parks Blog
10. Blue Milk in Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars fans can finally try the iconic blue milk at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! First seen in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, Disney Imagineers recreated the famous drink as a refreshing, plant-based frozen smoothie.
And if blue milk isn’t enough, you can also try green milk, inspired by Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi. This version has a tropical fruit flavor that’s perfect for sipping on a warm day in Batuu.
Final Thoughts
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has transformed into a must-visit park, filled with thrilling attractions, immersive lands, and a rich history that celebrates movies, animation, and storytelling. From Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to classic favorites like Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, there’s something for every Disney fan to enjoy.
Next time you visit, challenge yourself to spot these fun facts and hidden details throughout the park. Whether it’s discovering the history behind Gertie the Dinosaur or marveling at the towering Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Hollywood Studios offers magic, nostalgia, and surprises at every turn.
