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.
Cinderella's Castle: Sparkling Spot on Your Disney World Map
Oh, my, what a wonderful addition to your Disney World map .... twinkling, shimmering lights have transformed Cinderella's Castle for the holiday season.
Officially dubbed "Cinderella's Holiday Wish," the specially decorated castle debuted last week ... with 200,000 tiny, LED lights cascading like icicles from the turrets. Every night through January 6... which happens to be the Feast of the Epiphany on the Christian calendar ... Cinderella and her Prince Charming preside over lighting the castle. Mickey, Minnie and the gang are also on hand for the ceremony.
Cool facts about the castle lighting:
- It took 65 "evles" and two cranes six weeks to put up the lights.
- Fifteen miles of cables, which are colored to match the castle, and 32,000 square feet of fishing net support the lights.
- In all, there are 200,000 energy-efficient LED lights and 500 strobes.
Where to mark your Disney World map ... Go to the Magic Kingdom, which is located on the top center of the resort map. Enter and go under the train station to Main Street USA. Head north.... It's hard to miss the castle!
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!
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!
How To Use Your Disney World Map
Today, let's look at how to use your Disney World map to help plan your vacation.... Using a theme park map might seem a little different from using a road map. You might be surprised by how much alike they are!
When you use a road map, you usually start by locating where you are starting. Then you find where you want to go and plot the best route between the two locations. Use a pencil or a highlighter to mark the way.
When you look at a Disney World map, you'll want to do that same thing... Use the entrance to the park as your starting point. Most theme park maps put the entrance at the bottom center (even if that doesn't put north at the top of the map). Look for the ticket booths, lockers, stroller rentals and restrooms.
Then follow the walkways to explore the park. Use a pencil or highlighter to mark the attractions and restaurants that are most interesting to your family. Notice how the park is arranged... This will help you get around faster when you visit the park.
The Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom use the classic "hub and spoke" layout. That is... A main walkway leads to the center of the park, then other walkways radiate out from the center to lead you to the other areas of the park.
Disney-MGM Studios is a modified "hub and spoke" design. Some areas of the park aren't directly connected to the center hub. Follow the walkways to reach the back side of the park.
And Epcot is arranged like two circles side by side... From the main entrance, you'll enter Future World, which is mostly like a "hub and spoke" design. By walking through Future World, you'll reach the World Showcase. The attractions are arranged on an oval walkway around a lagoon.
No matter what park map you are exploring, check out each attraction, restaurant and other points on the map. Highlight the areas with the most interest, then plan your trip to the park by drawing a route on the map... just as you would on a road map.
So, think of the theme park map as your road map to your vacation. Some Disney World maps will have more details than other maps. I like putting short descriptions on the maps... that helps me remember important details and makes enjoying my day in the theme parks that much easier!
When you use a road map, you usually start by locating where you are starting. Then you find where you want to go and plot the best route between the two locations. Use a pencil or a highlighter to mark the way.
When you look at a Disney World map, you'll want to do that same thing... Use the entrance to the park as your starting point. Most theme park maps put the entrance at the bottom center (even if that doesn't put north at the top of the map). Look for the ticket booths, lockers, stroller rentals and restrooms.
Then follow the walkways to explore the park. Use a pencil or highlighter to mark the attractions and restaurants that are most interesting to your family. Notice how the park is arranged... This will help you get around faster when you visit the park.
The Magic Kingdom and Disney's Animal Kingdom use the classic "hub and spoke" layout. That is... A main walkway leads to the center of the park, then other walkways radiate out from the center to lead you to the other areas of the park.
Disney-MGM Studios is a modified "hub and spoke" design. Some areas of the park aren't directly connected to the center hub. Follow the walkways to reach the back side of the park.
And Epcot is arranged like two circles side by side... From the main entrance, you'll enter Future World, which is mostly like a "hub and spoke" design. By walking through Future World, you'll reach the World Showcase. The attractions are arranged on an oval walkway around a lagoon.
No matter what park map you are exploring, check out each attraction, restaurant and other points on the map. Highlight the areas with the most interest, then plan your trip to the park by drawing a route on the map... just as you would on a road map.
So, think of the theme park map as your road map to your vacation. Some Disney World maps will have more details than other maps. I like putting short descriptions on the maps... that helps me remember important details and makes enjoying my day in the theme parks that much easier!
Magic Kingdom Focus on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Today we are opening our Disney World map to the Magic Kingdom... and taking a sneak peek at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. I admit that I'm not a big fan of Halloween, but Mickey and his pals make it more fun than usual...
The Magic Kingdom is located on the north side of Disney World, near the top of the map. Since we always stay at the Disney hotel, it's just a (relatively) short ride right to the front entrance. If you're staying off property, you'll drive to the main parking area then take a tram to the Ticket and Transportation Center... and then take the boat or monorail over to the Magic Kingdom.
So what do you need to know about Mickey's Halloween Party? First of all, it's an "after hours" event. That means you'll need a special ticket... which costs $39 for adults and $33 for children age 3-9. Next, there are lots of special activities... trick-or-treating stops, special decorations, a special parade and a special fireworks show. (I told you there were lots of specials!)
And finally, some... but not all... of the Magic Kingdom attractions will be open. The official word is the "most popular" attractions will be open. That means the attractions that probably have the longest lines during the day are the ones that will be open for the party.
So how does your Disney World map help you plan? Use your map to find all of the hidden, out-of-the-way or less popular attractions ... and ride them during regular park hours. If you can, get copy of the special party map at Guest Relations and find the attractions that will be open... and plan to enjoy them during the Halloween Party!
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