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Backlot Tour
Deep inside the Disney-MGM Studios lies one of
its original claims to fame: The Backlot Tour. This attraction
is a combination walking/tram tour of the movie production
studio facility at the park. The tour consists of a couple of
different segments, described below. This one lasts over half
an hour--there's even a restroom positioned for Guests to use
about halfway through.
The covered (but not air-conditioned) queue
area features several props from recent Disney
action-adventure films, including "Con Air" and
"Pearl Harbor." The Pearl Harbor items are a prelude
to the first segment of the tour. In the queue area, Pearl
Harbor director Michael Bay appears on several television sets
to discuss the making of the film. Shortly, when the tour
begins, Guests are directed to a large water tank set with
several maritime/military props--and Michael Bay pops back
onto television sets in this area to talk about a
"new" production being filmed here, called
"Harbor Attack." Several Guests have been chosen to
participate, and they're directed as to how to act, as water
and fire effects are used on the set. Finally, the film clips
are assembled into a short sequence that's shown on the
televisions.
One of the set pieces used
in the "Harbor Attack" sequence
A live
"sucker"--uh...Guest...is chosen to act in this
scene
One of the water effects at
work
More Guests acting in
Harbor Attack
After the special effects
demonstration, Guests are directed to walk through a prop
storage warehouse which is filled with various props from
Disney films and television--some of which you may recognize.
Unfortunately, this area is really just a queue for the tram
portion of the tour, and you may or may not have time to view
the props in detail. In fact, during a recent Backlot Tour,
another Guest in line with Aronda commented to her that it was
a shame folks weren't allowed to spend more time in this area,
as the props are quite interesting to see. Just before
entering the warehouse building, you'll see the restrooms near
the entrance--be sure to keep your party nearby if anyone
wants to stop, as the line may begin to move, making it
difficult to reunite.
The tram portion of the tour is
not unlike the trams running in the park parking lot, only
these are more decorative, and they have doors to keep Guests
from wandering away into the backlot area. During the tram
ride, you'll see several outdoor areas with old props,
including a collection of junk cars (hmmm...). One highlight
is Walt's private airplane--the one he used when scoping out
the central Florida area for a place to build Walt Disney
World. Other points of interest on the tram tour include the
shops where props are made--and the wardrobe department where
the costumes for use in Walt Disney World are made and
maintained. Additionally, you'll have several good views of
the Lights! Motors! Action!
attraction area, including a backstage rehearsal area.
Guests boarding the tram
Guests boarding the tram
On the tram waiting to go
The tram takes you close to
the Earful Tower
A topiary Earful Tower also
on the Tour. Note the rehearsal
area for Lights! Motors! Action! in the background
View of the Wardrobe
Department
Walt's private plane behind
Lights! Motors!Action!
One of the several
"junk cars" on the tour--this one is
"Demolition Derby Herbie" from the recent "Herbie"
movie
A nice treat on the Backlot
Tour is Catastrophe Canyon, a large set constructed on the
backlot especially for the Tour. The tram pulls inside a
cavern, and shortly the scene begins--including quaking ground
under the tram, a fire, rain effects, and a flash flood of
water heading straight for the tram. Fortunately, no one gets
hurt (or too terribly wet)--usually! After the flood,
the tram heads behind the set to show how it's built and how
it works.
Tram approach to
Catastrophe Canyon
Rain effect--very
realistic!
Oops! A fire breaks out!
A flash flood can really
dump the water
The backside of Catastrophe
Canyon
After Catastrophe Canyon, the
tram finishes the outside tour and circles around, dropping
the Guests off at the entrance to the AFI museum and store. A
nice tour--and a must-see while you're at Disney-MGM Studios!
Don't forget to visit this (or
any) attraction, store, restaurant, or whatever your plans
include--keep your plans in Aronda's Walt Disney World
Vacation Prep Pad! The Prep Pad is a
pocket-sized workbook designed to make Walt Disney World
vacation planning fun and easy! With lots of blanks to record
everything from restaurant reservations to lists of
attractions to experience to stores to shop, the Prep
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of note pages allow you write down things to remember--you can
make notes during your visit--and budget charts help you keep
up with your spending. Best of all, the Prep Pad
is small enough to fit into your pocket or "fanny
pack" so you can have it with you all the time without
the burden of keeping up with a large, cumbersome book. As a
website visitor, you're invited to take advantage of our Prep
Pad special discount
offer. Find out more about the Prep Pad and
the special offer by
clicking here! |
