Episode Details

Jim Hill and Len Testa examine the major transformation beginning at Disney's Hollywood Studios as Disney prepares to move away from the park's original working-studio concept. With the Studio Backlot Tour, American Idol Experience, and American Film Institute showcase closing, Jim explains how Disney could use the newly available space for a much larger mix of Pixar and Star Wars attractions. They also look back at why Disney-MGM Studios struggled as an actual production facility and discuss possible additions including a Cars-themed attraction, new Pixar rides, changes to Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage, and the long-rumored Monsters, Inc. coaster.

NEWS

• Why the Studio Backlot Tour closure signals the end of Disney's Hollywood Studios as a working movie-production concept.

• How Disney-MGM Studios originally tried to combine a functioning film studio with a theme park - and why that model ultimately failed.

• The large amount of redevelopment space created by the closures of the Backlot Tour, American Idol Experience, and AFI showcase.

• Plans for a broader Pixar area featuring multiple family attractions and a possible Florida version of Radiator Springs Racers.

• Why Star Wars and Pixar were emerging as the two major intellectual properties likely to define the park's future.

• The possible return of the long-rumored Monsters, Inc. coaster and other projects Disney had previously placed on hold.

• How Universal Orlando's success with Diagon Alley was increasing pressure on Disney to move faster and invest more aggressively.

HOSTS

• Jim Hill - X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | jimhillmedia.com

• Len Testa - Bluesky: @lentesta.bsky.social | Instagram: @len.testa | touringplans.com

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Jim Hill explains how the closure of the Studio Backlot Tour could launch a major Disney's Hollywood Studios transformation built around Star Wars, Pixar, Cars, and new family attractions.

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