Walking Disney's Hollywood Studios: Lost Attractions, Muppet Studios, and Imagineering's Unbuilt Dreams (Ep. 5)
Join Jim Hill and Len Testa as they continue their early Walt Disney World walk-around series with a tour of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Originally recorded in 2012, this episode explores the park's origins, how Epcot influenced its design, and the many ambitious attractions and expansions that never made it beyond the drawing board. Along the way, Jim shares stories about Roger Rabbit, Muppet Studios, Indiana Jones Adventure plans, Sunset Boulevard concepts, and the fascinating history behind one of Walt Disney World's most unique parks.
Original Air Date: February 25, 2012
Original Title: Episode 5 - Walk around Disney's Hollywood Studios with Jim and Len
HIGHLIGHTS
- How Epcot's massive scale directly influenced the intimate design of Disney-MGM Studios and Hollywood Boulevard.
- The real Los Angeles buildings and landmarks that inspired the park's architecture and layout.
- Why Roger Rabbit was originally a major part of Disney-MGM Studios and how the character shaped the park's early years.
- Stories behind the park's original Streetmosphere performers and interactive design elements.
- The history of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and plans that once called for a full Indiana Jones Adventure attraction.
- Why Star Tours' major update performed differently in Florida than it did in California.
- The rise, fall, and unrealized future of Muppet Studios, including concepts for the Great Muppet Movie Ride and Gonzo-themed restaurant experiences.
- How Pixar Place evolved from backstage production space and the long-discussed Monsters, Inc. coaster project.
- Early concepts for Sunset Boulevard, including ambitious expansion plans that never moved beyond development.
- The fascinating story behind Tower of Terror and some of the radically different attraction concepts Imagineering explored before settling on the Twilight Zone theme.
- Lost Disney-MGM Studios attractions such as Roger Rabbit's Toontown Transit, Creature's Choice, Ghost Writer, and other unbuilt experiences.
- Why Disney's Hollywood Studios ultimately became a very different park from the one Imagineering originally envisioned.
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | Website: touringplans.com
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