Overlooked Attractions Disney’s Hollywood Studios

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS UPDATED IN 2010.
THE NEW ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND HERE.

This article first appeared in the
May 8, 2001, Issue #85 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.

(Editor's Note: This story was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.)

If you're a regular reader of ALL EARS®, you've probably read Zamgwar's columns on observing the little things at Walt Disney World. I'm sure many of you already do that anyway, but perhaps some of you are thinking, "What's he talking about? What 'little things?' I'm in a hurry to get to (Splash Mountain, Test Track, Rock n' Roller Coaster, fill in major attraction of your choice.)"

This is the first of an occasional series designed to give you an insight into just some of the little things you might have missed — some of those "stop-and-smell-the-roses" details that help enhance the magic of a Disney trip. This week we're pointing out what we like to call the "Overlooked Attractions" of the Disney's Hollywood Studios.


If you're a Star Wars fan (and even if you're not) there are a couple fun photo ops for the little ones (or the big ones with a young attitude!). As you exit the Star Tours shop, Tatooine Traders, you'll notice across the walkway, a life-size speeder bike, complete with Endor background. Yes, it's OK to sit on the speeder, and yes! You do look just like Luke as he chased after the Stormtroopers!

Also in front of the Star Tours ride, there are several reproductions of familiar vehicles from the Star Wars movies — go ahead, take a look, take a photo!

A little further along Echo Lake, just before the entrance to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular on your left, is something that looks like an abandoned well. You'll see a weathered old sign that reads "Do not pull!" but the NOT is crossed out. Give it a pull for a very funny surprise!

As you walk along Hollywood Boulevard, and throughout Disney's Hollywood Studios, be sure to observe the "offices" on the second floors of the buildings — both the occupants and their professions will make you smile. For example, you'll find the shop of the tailor, Justin Stitches, and the office of "The Grand Astral Marge", palm reader.

Also along Hollywood Boulevard, don't be in such a hurry to walk on by if you see some characters dressed as though they could have just stepped out of the 1940s — they probably have! You've run into the Streetsmosphere actors, who perform interactive improvisational skits with guests who have the time to play.

Be sure to notice the crates piled up just outside of Min & Bill's Dockside Diner — you'll find boxes addressed to Rick's American Cafe in Casablanca, as well as a bicycle being shipped to Miss Dorothy Gale in Kansas and a shipment from the Rosebud Sled Co.

Little kids will love the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids play area, especially when you climb the stairs between the Super Soaker and the slide coming out of a roll of film. At the top of the stairs you'll find a giant-sized dog nose. When you put your hand in front of the nostrils, the dog sniffs! Be careful — you may even get wet! Ewwww!

The young'uns will also enjoy the Buzz Lightyear spaceship and the Pizza Planet delivery truck just like the ones in the movie Toy Story, just outside the Pizza Planet restaurant and arcade. Also be sure to look up when you're out in the seating area — perched atop the building are Buzz, Woody, Slinky Dog and a few other Toy Story friends.

These "little things" are just to get you started. There are many other spots located around this park that offer chances for funny photos or merry memories — all you have to do is look for them!

Do you have a favorite "overlooked attraction" in the Disney's Hollywood Studios? Drop me a line at [email protected] to share your story!

If you have any other comments or tips to share with others about touring Disney's Hollywood Studios, please email us. Thank you.


OTHER OVERLOOKED ATTRACTION FEATURES:

Overlooked Attractions in the Magic Kingdom
Overlooked Attractions in the Animal Kingdom
Overlooked Attraction in Epcot
Overlooked Attractions in the Value and Moderate Resorts