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The Disney-MGM Studios is Walt Disney World’s movie park. Rides, shows and attractions beckon around every corner, each promising to take park guests inside their favorite films and television shows of all time. Many of the attractions are shows that are performed on a set schedule, making the combined use of a park map and a Times Guide (show schedule) absolutely essential. Yet the tight scheduling required to ensure that you see every show can cause you to walk (or run) right by many entertaining diversions. Make a plan to ensure that you see the things that are really important to you, but be sure to leave some extra time in your schedule to simply wander around and see the things that are often overlooked. To help you get started, here is a list of this author’s top ten most overlooked attractions at Disney-MGM Studios:

1) Streetmosphere. The Streetmosphere characters perform both scripted and improvisational material throughout the streets of the park. The shows rely heavily on audience participation, and you may just be chosen to be a star. Be sure to stop and watch.

2) Sid Cahuenga’s. This autograph shop is located just inside the park entrance gates. Beyond the traditional autographed film posters, Sid’s also carries an extensive collection of props and costumes from movies and television shows from the Golden Age of Hollywood through today’s blockbusters. The shop is open for at least 30 minutes to an hour past park closing, so feel free to visit on your way out.

3) Journey Into Narnia. Located in a soundstage that is accessible from Mickey Avenue, this walkthrough attraction houses many props and costumes from the hit film Chronicles of Narnia. A short film also plays here. The attraction is short but well worth seeing, particularly for fans of the movie.

4) Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream. This walkthrough attraction is located on Mickey Avenue. Extensive exhibits showcase both the personal history of Walt Disney and the corporate history of the Walt Disney Company with an emphasis on the theme parks. Disney fans especially will appreciate the extensive collection, but first time visitors will also enjoy walking through. Both educational and entertaining, the exhibit should not be missed.

5) Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground. Although it is designed for kids, this play land is tough enough to withstand adult visitors as well. Shrink down to the size of an ant as you explore the backyard. Watch out for the various water features, from the dripping hose to the sneezing dog. Endless things to climb on, crawl through or jump over make this playground fun for all ages.

6) Stars and Motor Cars Parade. This short afternoon parade is a great place for pictures of many of your favorite Disney and Pixar characters. A wide variety of characters are on hand, most traveling in vintage cars. Keep your cameras ready throughout the parade, as you never know who you might see next.

7) High School Musical Pep Rally. This new show based on the hit film is heavily oriented towards audience participation. East High, basketball court and all, is faithfully re-created by an amazing group of performers. Don’t be surprised to find yourself joining in the singing and dancing or even shooting hoops. This is one show that turns the whole block into a giant street party.

8) Singin’ in the Rain. Just across from the Backlot Theater, see if you can find the umbrella. Grab hold of the handle and step in the cement square below. I bet you can guess what happens next.

9) Do Not Pull. Outside the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, look for the rope leading down to a well. The sign says Do Not Pull. Disobey the instructions and enjoy the result.

10) It’s all in the details. Disney-MGM Studios has two basic themes -- a recreation of the Golden Age of Hollywood and a working film studio. These two themes fit together in some wonderful but quite unexpected ways. Props both real and fictionalized are everywhere, so keep your eyes open. Pull on ropes, open crates, and read signs. A great place to get started is in the preshow lobby for MuppetVision 3D. Arrive well ahead of showtime and spend some time exploring the room in detail -- bonus points of you can find the key.

Although it houses many big-draw attractions such as the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Disney-MGM Studios is a fairly compact park. The relatively small size of the park makes it easy to cover the park in great detail. The Imagineers were quite creative in their design details and injected humor around every corner. Make your touring plan carefully, being sure to include the main attractions, but allowing yourself plenty of time to simply wander and observe.

If you have enough time in your vacation schedule, you may want to dedicate two days to Disney-MGM Studios. The tight scheduling of the big-draw shows and rides can easily fill the first day, while exploring the details could be a day on its own. If you go this route, be sure to schedule a meal at the Prime Time Café or Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater for your exploration day. Make a game of finding out how many old TV shows (at the Prime Time) or old movies (at the Sci-Fi) you can name. You can easily add a Hidden Mickey search to this day as well.

 

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