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7 January 2008: The Disney-MGM Studios is now officially Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Disney-MGM Studios is now officially Disney's Hollywood Studios. News and information will for the park will be posted on our new Disney's Hollywood studios pages.

29 December 2007: ABC Theater new show to be "The Stars of Hollywood Hills"?

The ABC Theater has been walled off now for several months whilst the interior is being refurbished to make way for a new show. No information on the new show has been officially released, however a couple of strong rumors suggest the new show will be either an "American Idol" type show,  or a permanent home for the High School Musical. The project  is currently being referred to as "The Stars of Hollywood Hills". The theater refurbishment is set to be complete early February 2008, but there is currently no information on when the actual new show will debut. Remember, this information is speculation, and is not yet officially confirmed.

21 December 2007: Former Hunchback Theater removal process

The former home to the Hunchback show is being removed. Work is currently underway on removing the roof. Thanks to Figment1986 for the photos.

1 November 2007: Hanes to be sponsor at Walt Disney World

Hanes have signed a deal with the Walt Disney Company to become a sponsor for various parts of the Disney theme parks. As part of the deal, Hanes will become the sponsor the Disney-MGM Studios Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and have a venue for personalizing apparel at the Disney Resort. Champion will receive naming rights to Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.

28 October 2007: ABC Theater construction update

The construction walls still surround the ABC Theater with no changes being visible on the exterior. It still is not yet clear what is in store for this location.

11 October 2007: Star Tours Jedi Training Academy stage up and running

The new permanent Jedi Training Academy stage is now in use at the Disney-MGM Studios. Thanks to Buzz Lightyear for these photos.

30 September 2007: Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights installation update

The Osborne lights installation is very much underway and isn't far from completion. This year's show begins on November 12 2007 and runs through to January 6 2008.

30 September 2007: Star Tours Jedi Training Academy stage update

The permanent Jedi Training Academy is progressing well. Walls are still up, but the area seems to be at an advanced stage of theming.

30 September 2007: ABC Theater construction update

The ABC Theater remains walled off, but shows no external signs of any changes.

30 September 2007: Playhouse Disney Live photos

The Playhouse Disney Live concerts are underway using a temporary tent structure backstage behind Rock n RollerCoaster. The photos below show the entry area and the tent.

30 September 2007: New Movie and TV billboards in the Studios parking lot

3 large billboards have just been installed along the walkway from the parking lot to the Studios main entrance. They currently promote Enchanted, Dancing with the Stars, and Extreme Makeover Home Edition.

17 September 2007: ABC Theater walled off

The ABC Theater is now walled off in preparation for a new production. There is currently not reliable information about the new show. Thanks to DisneyData for the photos.

3 September 2007: Rock n RollerCoaster refurbishment begins tomorrow

Rock n RollerCoaster closes tomorrow (September 4th) for refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen on October 5th 2007.

15 August 2007: Osborne lights installation underway

The installation of this years Osborne lights is now underway at the Studios. Work is currently on the facades near to the New York City-scape.

9 August 2007: Disney's Hollywood Studios official announcement press release

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Aug. 9, 2007) -- In the Walt Disney World theme park famous for all things Hollywood, it's curtain up on the launch of new attractions, new looks, new breakthrough experiences...

...and a brand-new name.

Disney-MGM Studios will be renamed Disney's Hollywood Studios, effective January 2008, announced Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort.

"The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer -- in music, television, movies and theater," she said.

Framed by the park's supporting cast of classic Hollywood architecture are shows and attractions straight from contemporary Hollywood, such as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" and many more. Disney's Hollywood Studios is also the place to meet favorite character stars of today including Lightning McQueen and Mater from Disney-Pixar's "Cars," Power Rangers and Little Einsteins.

With exciting coming attractions and experiences, the best and brightest of Hollywood is about to emerge for park guests, Crofton said.

"As Disney continues to grow and invest in our family entertainment business, we constantly explore new ways to deliver high-quality, immersive experiences for our guests," she added. "As a park all about entertainment, Disney's Hollywood Studios will deliver like never before. Now we can say that Hollywood is literally our middle name."

New Attractions, Experiences

Toy Story Mania! Guests get sporty in a new, interactive "Toy Story" competition inspired by Disney-Pixar's "Toy Story" films and hosted by characters like they've never before experienced. Past a queuing area featuring a giant Mr. Potato Head, guests grab 3-D glasses, board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by many of their favorite "Toy Story" characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Once inside "Andy's Toy Box," the competition heats up. Who can rack up the most points? Using spring-action shooters, guests launch darts at balloons, rings at aliens, eggs at whimsical barnyard targets. Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity -- and beyond. (summer 2008)

"Block Party Bash." Play, party and dance as the Disney-Pixar Film Pals present "Block Party Bash," the wildest, most interactive parade in Disney history. New to Disney's Hollywood Studios, "Block Party Bash" will invite guests to rock to retro tunes, be dazzled by high-flying acrobatics and join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. This immersive rolling spectacle will feature favorite characters from "The Incredibles," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." and "A Bug's Life." (spring 2008, replaces "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade)

"Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse," "Little Einsteins," "Handy Manny" and more. ("Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" will be dark most of January 2008, reopens February 2008)

"Disney High School Musical 2: School's Out!" With new songs and a rollicking new spirit, the Disney Channel Original Movie "High School Musical 2" comes to life on the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is interactive fun as high-energy performers on a traveling stage invite all ages to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. (fall 2007, replaces "High School Musical Pep Rally")
Meet and Greet Adds Handy Manny. And what would a Disney theme park be without characters? Disney's Hollywood Studios is center stage for character meet and greets. Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome guests in the Animation Courtyard next to "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny later this year. (November 2007)

Part of the Disney's Hollywood Studios magic includes events for which the park is famous. To a stellar lineup including ABC Super Soap Weekend, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, ESPN the Weekend and Star Wars Weekends, the park reprises the Playhouse Disney in Concert series with dynamic concerts and special entertainment for little ones.

Headliners include favorite children's acts The Doodlebops, Imagination Movers, Dan Zanes and Friends, and Johnny and the Sprites. The fun happens on select dates Aug. 30-Oct. 28, 2007, during Little Ones Travel Time in a 10,000 square foot, air-conditioned performance venue. For the complete show schedule: disneyworld.com/pdic.

In addition, holidays at Disney's Hollywood Studios will have a special sparkle this year as the park hosts the Harlem Gospel Choir Nov. 30-Dec. 25, 2007.

"This is easily one of the most ambitious attractions rollouts in the 18-year history of the park," Crofton said. "With so many great coming attractions, we are thrilled to be launching a Studios year unlike any other. Wrapped in a brand-new name...Disney's Hollywood Studios."

9 August 2007: Disney-MGM Studios name change to Disney's Hollywood Studios

The Disney company today announced that effective January 2008, the Disney-MGM Studios will be renamed "Disney's Hollywood Studios".

Discuss this change at http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=213230

Toy Story Mania!
New new, interactive “Toy Story” competition inspired by Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story” films and hosted by characters like they’ve never before experienced. Past a queuing area featuring a giant Mr. Potato Head, guests grab 3-D glasses, board fanciful ride vehicles and zip into a world of exciting midway-style games hosted by many of their favorite “Toy Story” characters including Woody, Hamm and Rex. Toy Story Mania! takes the interactive ride-game experience to infinity – and beyond. (Summer 2008)

Block Party Bash
Play, party and dance as the Disney•Pixar Film Pals present “Block Party Bash,” the wildest, most interactive parade in Disney history. (Spring 2008)

Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!
A whole new cast of friends from Playhouse Disney fills the popular Playhouse Disney stage. Children will be on their feet singing, clapping and dancing to performing stars from “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Little Einsteins,” “Handy Manny” and more. (February 2008)

Disney High School Musical 2: School’s Out!
With new songs and a rollicking new spirit, the Disney Channel Original Movie “High School Musical 2” comes to life on the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It is interactive fun as high-energy performers on a traveling stage invite all ages to catch Wildcat fever by singing and dancing. (Fall 2007)

Meet and Greet Adds Handy Manny
Disney Channel stars JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins welcome Guests in the Animation Courtyard next to Playhouse Disney, and will be joined for the first time by Handy Manny later this year. (November 2007)

4 July 2007: FASTPASS downtime at Tower of Terror

An update on the FASTPASS downtime detailed below. The Tower of Terror FASTPASS system will not be available July 23-25 for the same upgrades to the ticket machines.

2 July 2007: FASTPASS downtime at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

FASTPASS will not be available at the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster from July 12th-17th and will reopen on July 18th. During this time the software will be updated and the new ticket stock introduced (as previously seen at Animal Kingdom). The same change will be happening at the Tower of Terror a few days later.

27 June 2007: Disney-MGM Studios upcoming changes

The following changes are all schedule to be taking place, please note though, these are not yet officially confirmed, and should be treated as speculation at this time.

• The Jedi Training Academy will become a permanent addition with a brand new stage. The wall will go up July 9th.
• Mickey Avenue will officially close on July 9th 2007 and will reopen with the ride as Pixar Place.
• The Sorcerer Mickey hat will get a lighting refurb and the wall is expected to go up in July 2007.
• Playhouse Disney in Concert will be held in a large air-conditioned tent in the parking lot behind Rock 'n' Roller Coaster this year.
• A new Playhouse Disney show will be opening in February featuring the Little Einsteins, Jojo's Circus, and Mickey's Clubhouse.
• Little Einsteins and Jojo's Circus characters will have a new meet and greet area in the Animation Courtyard probably opening sometime in the fall.
• Sorcerer Mickey will have a new meet and greet inside the Animation Tour building also opening in the fall.
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will be going down for a major refurbishment from Labor Day to the beginning of October 2007.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid will be going under refurbishment sometime in the next few months.
• Rosie's and Eddie's on Sunset Blvd will go under refurbishments in the next month or two for kitchen upgrades.
• Muppet Vision 3D is speculated to be switching over to a digital projection system.
• Block Party Bash will be making its debut in March 2008 and the Stars and Motor Cars parade will be retired.
• Toy Story Mania will be opening tentatively in late April 2008.
• A brand new show will be opening on a permanent basis in the ABC Theater in May 2008.

20 June 2007: Disney-MGM Studios July 4 entertainment schedule

"Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade (3 p.m.); 4th of July fireworks (9 p.m.); "Fantasmic!" nighttime spectacular of dancing water, dramatic music, breathtaking animation, lasers, fireworks and surprises (10 p.m.). Park hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

18 June 2007: Ratatouille characters make daily meet-and-greet appearances

Copyright 2007 THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

The two rodent stars of the new Disney-Pixar animated film "Ratatouille" Emile (left) and Remy (right) now make daily meet-and-greet appearances with Disney-MGM Studios guests. "Ratatouille" features Remy as a rat in Paris who dreams of becoming a gourmet chef. The fish-out-of-water comedy-adventure is directed by Brad Bird, who won an Academy Award for the Disney-Pixar film, "The Incredibles."

6 June 2007: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13th Anniversary Annual Passholder Event

Disney are holding a special Annual Passholder event to mark the 13th anniversary of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on Friday July 13th from 10:30pm. You must register for this event on the Disney Passholder website as spaces are limited.

4 May 2007: Christina Aguilera visits Disney-MGM Studios

Grammy Award-winning artist Christina Aguilera poses with Mickey Mouse at the Disney-MGM Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. May 3, 2007. It was a "homecoming" for Aguilera, who taped the Disney Channel's "The New Mickey Mouse Club" series at the Disney-MGM Studios as a child star in the early 1990s. Aguilera, who has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, is in the midst of a 41-city North American tour. Her "Back to Basics" tour will perform in Tampa, Fla. on May 4 and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. on May 5 before heading to San Diego for a May 21 concert. Later this summer, her tour will head to Asia and Australia. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

Copyright 2007 THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY

4 May 2007: Crane update

We have had information to confirm that the crane is in fact there for work on the Tower of Terror facade refurbishment. It is scheduled to be there for most of May.

3 May 2007: Crane by Tower of Terror and Rock n RollerCoaster

A large crane (shown in the photos below) appeared over the weekend. It's positioned directly between the Tower and Rock n RollerCoaster, and has been in use during the daytime.  The Tower of Terror is currently having a facade refurbishment, but the crane has not (yet) been seen working on the Tower, and it appears to be working in a backstage area. If anyone know more, please let us know.

2 May 2007: Huge new Pirates of the Caribbean movie poster installed at the Studios

1 May 2007: Tower of Terror Exterior facade refurbishment

Now that the busy Easter period is over, the Tower of Terror facade is undergoing some refurbishment work. Scaffolding and construction walls are up around some of the front and side areas around the queue.

8 April 2007: New props in the bone yard

Some new props have been added to the bone yard, which is viewable from the backlot tram tour.

 
Above: One of the physical props used for the airliner in Flight Plan

 
Above left: A gondola from the 2005 movie Cassanova
Above right: Two bone cages from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest

23 January 2007: High School Musical Pep Rally reopens at the Studios

The High School Musical Pep Rally opened yesterday after it's move from the Magic Kingdom. The show begins by Star Tours and heads to the hat. The show there lasts for around 15 minutes, and then heads along Hollywood Blvd, and goes backstage by Sid's near the entrance.

22 January 2007: Rock n Roller Coaster reopens after refurbishment

Rock n Roller Coaster reopened to day after its refurbishment closure. Whilst no significant changes are yet visible to guests, work has been ongoing to put into place a new queue system, featuring a new single rider option. As well as the new single rider option, the existing Fastpass line will be separated from the standby line. A second rotunda area will be built to handle the new queues.

Work will continue on the new queues whilst the coaster remains open over the next month or so, but it seems that there will be another period of closure to complete the project, after which time the new queue will be open to guests.

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