Built to compete
with Universal Studios, Disney/MGM is a wondrous place
where the movies come to life. MGM opened in May of
1989 to lots of fanfare and has never looked back.
The park was so immediately popular that backstage
areas had to be opened to handle the overflow of the
crowds. Attractions were then built into these areas
and the park's expansion was underway.
The dedication
plaque for MGM Studios reads "we welcome you to a
Hollywood that never was - and always will be".
Disney captures the imagination put into the movies by
giving you a new perspective on some of the most
popular movies of all time.
The problem is
that many of the references will be lost if you
haven't seen the movies. However, there are enough
attractions based kids' favorites
and animated Disney films to keep everybody
happy.
You'll get the
best look at Disney animation in the Magic of Disney
attraction where you get to see the actual animators
at work. Most of the animation for the recent Disney
movie Tarzan was drawn here, with visitors getting a
sneak peek at the work in progress.
Thrill seekers
will love the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, its a
trip into the beyond that has two 13-story free falls!
Others will like the Star Tours motion simulator ride.
It's still one of the best rides of it's kind.
One of the new
attractions in MGM is the fantasmic! water and light
show. This spectacular attraction conducted at
the park's closing features images
projected upon walls of water. Don't miss it. (start
to find seating at least 30 min. before showtime.)
Other notable
attractions are the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt
Spectacular and Jim Henson's Muppet-vision 4-D.
You'll find most
of the park's guest services like maps, guest
relations and ATMs on the end of Hollywood Blvd. near
the main entrance.
MGM is also the
site of the daily Mulan parade. Based on the popular
animated film, the parade starts near Star Tours,
circles the front of the replica of Mann's Chinese
Theater and travels down Hollywood Blvd. Forget about
walking across the park while it's in progress.
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