Disney’s Hollywood Studios Overhaul: Star Wars, Pixar & the End of the Backlot Tour (Ep. 65)

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 FOLLOW • Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews • YouTube: @jimhillmedia • TikTok: @jimhillmedia • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia/ SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at https://www.patreon.com/jimhillmedia. If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. https://www.jimhillmedia.com/sponsor/ 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices