Hollywood Studios attractions on their way out at Disney World
The makeover of Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park is about to take a major step forward. Familiar facades and attractions are about to be shuttered as preparation continues for lands that will be dedicated to the “Star Wars” and “Toy Story” franchises.
The official final day is April 2 for a motorized stunt show, playground and some retail and restaurant outlets, so get there quickly if you want to stroll down memory lane on the Streets of America. If it’s been awhile — or if you’re still calling the park Disney-MGM — here is a reminder roundup of some of the attractions on their way out.
Cars land
What it is: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, where Hollywood Studios guests watch cars — and the cameras catching them — race through south-of-France scenery.
Why we won’t miss it: The revving tends to mess with the tranquility of the Streets of America, and we are tired of being told not to try those stunts at home. We might be a little bitter still that it ate part of the Backlot Tour and took away our happy place: the “Golden Girls” house.
Think small
What it is: Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, an oversized playground tucked between a New York street scene and the Studio Catering Co. restaurant.
Why we’ll miss it: It’s a kids’ paradise, where they can ride ginormous ants, dodge a super-duper Super Soaker and burn off excess energy through creative playground equipment and way-bigger-than-life blades of grass. In addition, we can’t unsee that giant sniffing dog nose.
Why we won’t miss it: It’s a bit musty and zero fun for the claustrophobic.
Better shop around
What it is: Disney confirms that “some merchandise shops” and the Studio Catering Co. will close April 2. The official Disney World website warns that’s the closing date for Watto’s Grotto, a “Star Wars” store.
Why we’ll miss it: If, indeed, Youse Guys Moychindice, a small shop on the New York street is outta here, we’ll be sad because the name is so fun. The moych is pretty standard, lately with a lingering emphasis on “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Why we won’t miss it: Grotto, which opened late last year, has always been too Tattooine Square Mall. And we remember when Writer’s Stop had an array of books (kids, ask your nana).
The end?
So if Writer’s Stop and Youse Guys aren’t on the list, what does it mean for the immediate future of the Streets, the urban backdrop in the background of countless tourist photos? On April 3, will they be barriered off like the Premiere Theater and the old Phineas/Ferb meet/greet? Disney isn’t sharing yet.
But given the rendering for the planned “Toy Story” land and the streets’ proximity to the long-standing Star Tours attraction, announced closures and construction going on backstage, doesn’t it feel like demolitions will happen soon — or maybe later — despite lack of official word?