For our last day visiting the Disney Orland parks, we go to
Disney's Hollywood Studios. It originally opened in May 1, 1989 as the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park with production studios and back lots. However, the partnership with MGM dissolved in 2005 and the park was re-branded under its current name and dedicated to the heyday of entertainment in
Hollywood's golden era of the 1930's and 1940's.
As with the other Disney parks, the Crossroads Tower at the entrance can be seen from many vantage points throughout the park. At the other end of the main boulevard is a replica of
Mann's Chinese Theater.
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| Crossroads Tower |
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| Mann's Theater anchors the other end of the main boulevard |
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I love their recreation of
Art Deco buildings, once very common in Los Angeles and Hollywood during the 1930's and 1940's.
Of course the most stunning is Mann's Theater. Christine and the kids are off in search of thrilling roller coasters giving Peter and me time to explore Mann's on our own.
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| Impressive lobby |
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| Complete with vintage movie posters |
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| We opt for TCM's Classic Movies ride |
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| Montage of classic movies is shown in the main theater |
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Not far away is a whole area dedicated to
George Lucas'
Star Wars franchise, which Disney acquired in 2012 as part of their purchase of
Lucasfilm.
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| Great entrance to the exhibits |
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| Chocolate Darth Vader in coffee shop |
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The swimming pool at the condo complex calls us back to escape the heat of the afternoon.
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| Brooklyn practices holding her breathe underwater |
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| Peter teaches Cody swimming techniques while Christine looks on |
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| Uhhh... Cody, I think my hat's a little big for you |
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Once back at the park in the later afternoon, the kids and Christine make a beeline for the
Rock 'n' Roll Coaster and the
Twilight Tower of Terror rides. Since the lines are horrendous for both, we opt to explore elsewhere.
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| Entrance to Rock 'n' Roll Coaster |
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| Twilight Tower of Terror |
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We meet back up at at
Hollywood Scoops, a really good ice cream shop, and then explore an enormous gift shop for the kids.
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| Need any Mickey or Minnies? |
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Even if you never set foot in one of the numerous gift shops, you can still get souvenirs from street vendors. I especially like the balloon vendors.
As the skies begin to darken and fade, we stake out seats next to a wall for the evening's light show and settle down to wait.
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| Good spot |
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| Not many people yet waiting for the show |
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| Cell phone distractions |
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The light is too good to pass up, so I take off snapping photos while the others hold down the fort.
By the time I get back, the courtyard in front of Mann's is already half full and people are still coming in.
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| Mann's courtyard filling |
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| Cody plays with light sabre |
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| Hey - the show is starting! |
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Although there is a sound track with this light show telling a story, it's hard to decipher, so here's the jest of the story. First, the Death Star looms on the scene as the Dark Side is menacing and up to no good threatening life throughout the galaxies.
Then the rebel forces swoop in with their space ships and trusty droids.
The battle is fought fiercely on both sides, but eventually the Force triumphs saving the universe for humankind and life in general - this is Disney after all where every story has a happy ending.
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| We can now all go home and sleep better tonight knowing we are safe from evil |
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Watched a lot of 1949's movies with my mother. A sentimental and romantic era! Still love black & white movies!Hope you enjoyed your visit.
ReplyDeleteAs movie buffs, both Peter and I really enjoyed this park. However, the kids might have found it more boring as they couldn't relate much to the movies and there weren't enough roller coasters to keep them occupied.
DeleteArt Deco is a favorite style. Enjoyed your photos immensely and those of those of your daughter and darling grandchildren.
ReplyDelete