This week, I want to talk about my childhood favorite park, MGM aka Hollywood Studios. WDWNT is having the return of their Hollywood Studios Appreciation Week this week (04/27-05-01), and I am having all of the nostalgia.
Despite all of the DRASTIC changes over the recent years, I still adore this park. It’s hard to pick favorites because it’s all so great. I love everything about this park. My heart may be broken from the removal of some of my favorite parts, but they replaced them with such great things I can’t hold a grudge (too much).
The “Oldie Goldie” part of this week’s post is going to be longer than the other three parks because there’s so many good ones. My lifelong dream has been to live in the time of classic Hollywood and old MGM made all of those dreams come true. I’m still in denial that the majority of it is gone.
Ride:
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (I mean, who doesn’t want to have their breath sucked out of them while listening to Aerosmith?)
• Slinky Dog Dash (The queue itself is enough to make all of your 90’s baby dreams come true. So much nostalgia comes flooding in if you take the time to truly take in everything the queue and ride entail. Also, I have to mention the smoothness of the ride… wow!)
• Star Tours (The queue of this is amazing. I love a good motion simulator ride experience. My goal is to get every storyline. Nothing against Galaxy’s Edge, but this is a classic.)
Character Meet n Greet:
• Chewbacca (I mean, this is pretty self-explanatory. Who doesn’t like Wookie hugs?)
• Sorcerer Mickey and Glamorous Minnie (You can find these two in Red Carpet Dreams. He’s a classic and she’s as fabulous as always.)
• Toy Soldiers (You can find these cool dudes marching around Toy Story Land and getting all up in your personal business. I’ve always adored these guys and they’re even better in real life.)
Snack/Drink:
• Carrot Cake Cookie from The Trolley Car Cafe (Pure heaven. That’s all I gotta say. I could probably go on about these all day. They’re absolute magic in every bite.)
• Totchos from Woody’s Lunchbox (I get the vegetarian version of these, obviously, and they’re amazing. I’m a huge tater tot and nachos fan, and these just hit the spot every time.
• Jabba Juice from Oga’s Canteen (If you love fruity drinks, this is a winner for you. This is a non-alcoholic drink, but the name alone was main reason I got it, haha. However, if you want something with a little more of a punch, the Fuzzy Tauntaun is for you. Trust me, you have to try it at least once. If you’re a Star Wars fan, Oga’s is something you have to experience.)
Restaurant:
• 50’s Prime Time Cafe (I love this restaurant because I’m a sucker for anything from the 50’s and it embodies the theme of the original park (MGM). It’s truly a family dinner. Don’t be scared. Go with the flow. Make some new friends. Mind your manners. Clean your plate.)
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater (Once again, I love the classic Hollywood era and this brings a dream come true. Enjoy your meal in the back of a convertible while watching movies under the stars.)
Show:
• Indiana Jones Stunt Show (Watch the filming of Indiana Jones up close and personal. It’s interactive. It’s chaotic. It’s a blast.)
Hidden Gem:
• Darth Vader (If you are a Disney Chase Cardholder you get access to an exclusive meet n greet with Lord Vader himself. Plus, all photopass photos taken during your meet are available for free download. You can find him near BB-8 in Launch Bay. If he is available to meet there will be a cast member standing outside the hall with a clipboard.)
Oldie Goldie I Miss:
• Great Movie Ride (I’m still in denial it’s gone so let’s not talk about it.)
• March of the First Order (There’s nothing quite like having Captain Phasma and a swarm of Stormtroopers march by within reaching distance.)
• Journey Into Narnia (Growing up reading Chronicles of Narnia, this was incredible to my middle school self.)
• Backlot Tour (I cant talk about this either or I might cry).
• Lights, Motors, Action! Stunt Show Spectacular (Spectacular. That’s all I gotta say.)
• Streets of America (Singing in the Rain Umbrella. End of story.)
• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (The first year I was cast member was also the last year these were displayed, and you better believe I was there almost every night. I’m a sucker for Christmas and these made all my magical Christmas dreams come true.)
Drop a comment below and let me know what your DHS/MGM favorites are. Do we share a favorite? Are all the changes better or worse, in your opinion?
Here’s to spreading a little pixie dust until we can all return. Until then, stay safe and I’ll “See You Real Soon”!
Gracie Waldrop 