Disney World Map Update: Disney's Hollywood Studios

So all of the Disney World map guides have been updated to say "Disney's Hollywood Studios. I just have to ask: What's in a name?

Some bloggers and Disney critics ask if the new name more than just a way to avoid issues related to the original partnership with MGM Studios.

To me, the old issues with MGM don't really matter. Even back in the 1980s when Disney-MGM Studios opened, Disney hardly needed to shore up its identity in the world of movies, television and music. Being able to use the MGM name and collection was just a nice bonus … a way to provide more variety and perhaps a classic angle that added depth to the theme park.

So here's what I care about … What does the new Hollywood name mean to guests like you? I see the possibilities from two different angles.

On one hand, the "Hollywood" name reminds those of us of a certain age … yes, you know who you are… of the Golden Age of Hollywood. We think of great American traditions. Film and television stars, classic movies and timeless music recall a world of dreams fulfilled. The new art-deco-style logo seems to be inspired by this golden age. So that gives me hope that the Disney folks understand the foundation of historic Hollywood and we'll see more attractions based on Walt's vision of quality entertainment.

On the other hand, the word "Hollywood" means something different to my teenage daughter. Pop music, blockbuster movies, television shows for every conceivable audience, even trendy fashions have become the new trademarks. Hollywood has become hot, cool, phat, with-it, or any slang you can think of… anything that means everyone wants a piece of it. Tagging the park Disney's Hollywood Studios makes me think that we'll continue to see changes, just as we see changes in the weekly television schedule or Top 40 Billboard chart.

Both of these angles are good. Traditional and innovative are not mutually exclusive terms. So far, we've seen the new parade and Playhouse Disney show. Exciting details are leaking out about Toy Story Mania, and this week we heard that American Idol is coming to the park. It looks to me that the name change is a sign that Walt would be very proud of Disney's Hollywood Studios… always changing to bring the latest and greatest entertainment to his guests.

Harlem Gospel Choir at the Theater of the Stars

Here's a special place to mark on your Disney World map: the Theater of the Stars at Disney-MGM Studios. That's where you can find the Harlem Gospel Choir beginning Nov. 30.

Known around the world, the Harlem Gospel Choir will bring their trademark soulful spirit to Disney-MGM Studios this holiday season. The 12-member group includes the finest singers and musicians from Harlem's Black Churches. They will present songs of peace and joy each evening from November 30 through December 25.

The performances will be at the Theater of the Stars at 5:00 , 6:00 and 7:30 p.m. nightly. To get to the Theater of the Stars, head down to the end of Sunset Boulevard.... that's the street to the right off Hollywood Boulevard, the central street at Disney-MGM Studios. I would expect a full house for every show, so plan to arrive early to get a good seat.

I'll be posting more about special notes to add to your Disney World map if you're traveling this holiday season. Gee, I love Christmas! What better place to spend it than at the land where dreams come true!

Disney World Map: Twilight Zone 13K Route

If you'll be at Walt Disney World on Saturday, October 27, be sure to add the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K to your plans.... and mark the route on your Disney World map if you want to catch part of the action.

One of the popular running events held at Walt Disney World each year, the Tower of Terror 13K begins at 9:30 PM that evening inside Disney-MGM Studios. You can join in the fun by getting "party tickets" that give you admission to the park until 1:00 AM. There will be a live band; select attractions will be open; and you can witness all of the finish line activities.

What attractions will be open? The Tower of Terror, Rock N Roller Coaster and The Great Movie Ride. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for children age 3-9. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit the Disney World Sports web site.

So what's the route? The race begins at Disney-MGM Studios, exits through the back of the park and follows the roadway to Disney's Wide World of Sports. After circling around the sports complex, racers head back to the Studios, wind through the park and end in the shadow of the Hollywood Towers Hotel, AKA the Tower of Terror.

So that's the latest addition to my Disney World map suggestions. Be sure to check out the other mosts for more ideas on how to use your map of Walt Disney World to get the most out of your family vacation!