Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Studio Backlot Tour
What it is
Combination tram and walking tour of modern film and video production.
Scope and scale
Headliner.
Fright potential
Sedate and nonintimidating except for Cata-
strophe Canyon, where an earthquake and flash flood are simulated. Prepare younger chil-
dren for this part of the tour.
Bottleneck rating
6.
When to go
Before noon or after 5 p.m.
Special comment
Use the restroom before getting in line.
Authors' rating
Educational
and fun; .
Duration of tour
About 35 minutes.
Preshow
A video before the special
effects segment and another video in the tram boarding area.
Probable waiting time
Usu-
ally less than 10 minutes.
About two-thirds of Disney's Hollywood Studios was once a film and television facil-
ity. Special effects are explained with demonstrations of rain and a naval battle. Next,
visitors board a tram that takes them through wardrobe and craft shops, where cos-
tumes, sets, and props are designed. On the backlot, western canyons exist side by
side with New York City brownstones. The tour's highlight is Catastrophe Canyon,
anelaborate special-effectsmoviesetwhereathunderstorm,earthquake, oil-field fire,
and a flash flood are simulated. Prepare young children for Catastrophe Canyon, as
the rattling earthquake and sudden flood shake the tram. If you are sitting on the left
side facing the canyon, you will get wet. Disney often chooses four volunteers to be
part of the special effects demonstration. You must be in the very front of the line to
get a chance to be part of the naval battle scene. Or if you are at the end of the line,
ask to be part of the next showing.
