Backlot Tour Closing

[zhoover]

I'm hoping for the Pixar Place instead of Star Wars but that is just because I'm not a huge fan of the Star Wars enterprise.

My guess is the Star Wars expansion will happen in a different area of the 'Studios, by Echo Lake, American Idol, etc. I've got my fingers crossed for Monstropolis or Monsters University to get the CarsLand treatment where the Backlot Tour currently is.

Also, "Star Wars" and "Enterprise" shouldn't be used in the same sentence...

[Amy]

I'm hoping for the Pixar Place instead of Star Wars but that is just because I'm not a huge fan of the Star Wars enterprise.

My guess is the Star Wars expansion will happen in a different area of the 'Studios, by Echo Lake, American Idol, etc. I've got my fingers crossed for Monstropolis or Monsters University to get the CarsLand treatment where the Backlot Tour currently is.

Also, "Star Wars" and "Enterprise" shouldn't be used in the same sentence...

Didn't even notice I did that

[theBIGyowski]

Here is video of one of the last tours...as well as the actual closing of the attraction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFgt_B0E2fw

[cy1229]

I'm hoping for the Pixar Place instead of Star Wars but that is just because I'm not a huge fan of the Star Wars enterprise.

My guess is the Star Wars expansion will happen in a different area of the 'Studios, by Echo Lake, American Idol, etc. I've got my fingers crossed for Monstropolis or Monsters University to get the CarsLand treatment where the Backlot Tour currently is.

I heard on a WDW Today podcast that they're going to add third track to Toy Story Midway Mania in part of the Backlot space. No idea where they got their info but they're more in the know than I. Thought I'd throw that in there.

[theBIGyowski]

I heard on a WDW Today podcast that they're going to add third track to Toy Story Midway Mania in part of the Backlot space. No idea where they got their info but they're more in the know than I. Thought I'd throw that in there.

Do you remember which episode it was?

I've listened to some of Jim Hill's stuff with Len Testa and he's talking about all kinds of craziness to happen before WDW turns 50 in 2021. Of course you have to take stuff Jim Hill says with a grain of salt sometimes.

[Deacon8luez]

I heard on a WDW Today podcast that they're going to add third track to Toy Story Midway Mania in part of the Backlot space. No idea where they got their info but they're more in the know than I. Thought I'd throw that in there.

Do you remember which episode it was?

I've listened to some of Jim Hill's stuff with Len Testa and he's talking about all kinds of craziness to happen before WDW turns 50 in 2021. Of course you have to take stuff Jim Hill says with a grain of salt sometimes.

I've heard the same thing from friends in the know on such things. The reason for the addition is because the lines are so long and capacity is a big issue.

[cy1229]

I heard on a WDW Today podcast that they're going to add third track to Toy Story Midway Mania in part of the Backlot space. No idea where they got their info but they're more in the know than I. Thought I'd throw that in there.

Do you remember which episode it was?

I've listened to some of Jim Hill's stuff with Len Testa and he's talking about all kinds of craziness to happen before WDW turns 50 in 2021. Of course you have to take stuff Jim Hill says with a grain of salt sometimes.

I don't remember which day, but it was within the last 2 or 3 weeks. It was before I went to Connecticut, so I'm thinking it was sometime in the week Sept 15-22.

[kelpseaweedkelp]

I'm hoping for the Pixar Place instead of Star Wars but that is just because I'm not a huge fan of the Star Wars enterprise.

Also, "Star Wars" and "Enterprise" shouldn't be used in the same sentence...

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!

[GoldenBear]

This used to be such a staple of visiting MGM/Hollywood Studios, sad to see it get taken apart little by little over the years, but in its current state, it had to go.

Now they just need to do the same with the Great Move Ride, revamp that for a more contemporary audience.

[ImagineerWannabe]

I'm hoping for the Pixar Place instead of Star Wars but that is just because I'm not a huge fan of the Star Wars enterprise.

Also, "Star Wars" and "Enterprise" shouldn't be used in the same sentence...

LOL! Well said. Although this isn't the place to find out who's on what side

I realize it's a rumour, but here's hoping any work/improvements on Toy Story Mania won't affect its current operation.

[Wyntuck]

I was hoping it wouldn't include New York Street. That was always a great overflow area and great for taking snapshots. And yes, the Osbourne Spectacle... where will it go?

[Amy]

I was hoping it wouldn't include New York Street. That was always a great overflow area and great for taking snapshots. And yes, the Osbourne Spectacle... where will it go?

That is a great area, even if I end up getting a little lost back in that corner of the park sometimes I'm hoping they have something planned for the Osborne Lights already. They moved from where they once were on the Residential Street of the Backlot Tour to the Streets of America so hopefully they will be moving them again. They are one of our favorite things to see at the holiday!

[Blackie Pueblo]

I was kinda sad to see The Backlot tour close but I was also sad that they kept it open for so long. As a movie fan it was devistating to me that they would just throw movie cars and the Indiana Jones Tank and other things back there to the point it became nothing more than a junkyard/graveyard. It was even worse when they started adding eyes to Disney's plane and the planes from Pearl Harbor. Ugh!

My wife and I rode it on the last day and it was really a husk of it's former self... not that there was much before. Is the AFI part still open though? You know where they would have the coolest movie props on display like they should be?

[cousininmiami]

I am more sad about the "old original" Backlot Tour being gone, but that has been gone for years. The one that just finally closed down is a shell of it's former glory. A blessing to close finally.

I remember back in the 80's and 90's when the Backlot Tour was actually really cool! Driving past the houses, sometimes seeing something being filmed. Going thru costuming and props was also really fun! When my kids were little we loved it! In fact I will never forget the time they were both picked to be on the Honey I Shrunk the Kids bumble bee flying scene! Does anyone else remember this? It was awesome, my daughter about 8-yrs old at the time on "the bee" and my son about 5-yrs old holding her hand and flying next to her! I sure wish I still had the video of this... what a bummer.

But for now seriously I am happy they finally closed the Backlot, and put it out of it's misery! On to bigger and better things I suppose

[theBIGyowski]

Martin has done some incredible videos documenting the Backlot Tours. Below is Part 1 of 3. He has Part 2 done as well and you should be able to search for it on his page. I don't think he's posted Part 3 just yet.

Disney MGM Studios - The Tours history 1 of 3

I have to say this is one of the best tribute videos he has ever done. You get everything from the original plans for the park itself to the plans for the tour and of course the changes through the years. It'll be a trip down memory lane for those of you who have frequented the parks over the past 25+ years.