Hollywood Studios

American Idol Experience

by josh on May 3, 2010

American Idol Experience

Opened: February 14, 2009

Location: Echo Lake

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Live theater show

Similar To: A condensed version of the American Idol television show

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero, unless you find yourself on stage singing, in which case I imagine it would be terrifying.

When To Go: The last show is the finale and the best show as far as talent and excitement are concerned.  Otherwise, attend whenever it is convenient.  Shows are currently scheduled at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, 6:00pm, and the finale begins at 7:00pm.  Outside the theater, you can watch the finale show on the large monitor.

Expect to Wait: You should be able to get a good seat if you arrive about 10 minutes prior to show time during most days for any show other than the finale.  Earlier shows are much less popular than the finale, which usually fills to capacity about 10 minutes before it begins.  Arrive around 6:40pm to ensure seating for the finale.

Length: 25 minutes

What to Expect: The American Idol Experience is similar to the American Idol television show.  The stage is huge and everything about the lighting and atmosphere is just like it looks on television.  As an audience member, you will sit in the theater and watch as three contestants sing their song followed by judge critiques.  At the conclusion of the show, you’ll have the opportunity to vote for your favorite contestant and that contestant will proceed to the finale at the end of the day.  The final show crowns the winner, who will receive a front-of-the-line type ticket to audition for the next American Idol regional audition without having to wait in the line.

How to be Selected for the Show: In order to be chosen as a contestant, you will need to audition for the show.  Please read Disney’s 15-page FAQ for all of the details if you’re interested at  http://wdw1.wdpromedia.com/media/wdw_nextgen/Site/WDWContent/Media/InternetMediaType/Attraction/AmericanIdolMiniSite/pdf/AI_FAQs.pdf

It isn’t usually necessary to audition for the show first thing in the morning and it’s not at all uncommon for Disney to be looking for contestants during the 3pm Parade, meaning they haven’t filled all the slots by 4pm.  If you want to be assured that there is space available and it’s your only opportunity to try out, then I still recommend heading to the audition area as early as possible.  The audition area is located across from ABC Commissary on the opposite side of the main entrance to the theater.  You can visit a cast member at the front of the theater that will direct you to the audition.

First, you’ll sing any song you want a cappella to a show representative that will decide if you move on to the second audition.  If you are selected for the second audition, then you choose several songs from a list that’s available here.  You will be given an IPOD with the various songs that are available, along with their arrangements.  Be aware that many of the arrangements are not the same as the originals you’ll hear on the radio or original record.  You will then be led into a room with other potential contestants where you have the opportunity to practice and listen to the various songs.  The second audition is in front of the show’s “producer” who will select the contestants that will compete in front of the audience throughout the day.

If chosen for a show, you will receive a brief lesson with a vocal instructor, get your hair and makeup refreshed, and have an opportunity to practice in the empty theater prior to the show.

Where to Sit: Cast members are usually strict about seating, guiding people into seats row after row with no empty seats in between different parties.  This assures as many people as possible are able to enter the theater.  It also means you won’t have as easy of a time choosing your location.  I recommend holding back and letting a lot of people in front of you.  This assures your group that you won’t be seated in the first few rows, where it may be more difficult to see the entire stage.  Once it looks like enough people to fill up half of a higher row have entered, head in yourself to be seated around the center.  Really, there aren’t any bad seats though.

Exit: As you’re facing the stage, the exit is located in the back left corner of the theater.  It’s usually a pretty orderly exit that only takes a minute or two.  If it’s important that you’re close to the exit, wait until just before the show is scheduled to start and ask to be sat in the back near the exit.  Cast members should have no problem allowing it, particularly if the show isn’t close to filling to capacity.

Rating: 8/10

Commentary: The American Idol Experience is housed in one of the more comfortable, air-conditioned theaters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  This makes it an excellent destination in the afternoon heat to relax and take a break.  The show is fun to watch most of the time, but the talent of the singers isn’t always amazing.  Like in the original American Idol, one of the judges is particularly “honest,” which sometimes equates to some cringing negative comments.  Be sure to “boo” that judge liberally throughout the show.  I would recommend attending the final show of the day, which will feature the six or seven best singers from the previous shows.  All in all, this is a fun attraction for any fan of the show and most guests enjoy it, even those who don’t necessarily love American Idol.

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Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage

by josh on May 3, 2010

Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage

Opened: November 22, 1991

Location: Sunset Boulevard

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Live Broadway-style theater show

Similar To: A smaller-scale Festival of the Lion King

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Very low.  It’s a little iffy for Beast at one point.

When To Go: Like other theater shows, Beauty and the Beast is scheduled at certain times throughout the day.  Although the theater it covered, it’s still outside.  If it’s hot, you may want to watch when it’s cooler in the morning or evening.  If weather isn’t a concern, then you’ll still have the best luck with either the first (usually around 11:30am) or last show of the day (usually around 5:45pm), crowd-wise.

Expect to Wait: If you want a good seat that isn’t in the sun then you’ll want to arrive about 30 minutes early.  This show fills up faster than any of the other live shows at Hollywood Studios.  You may be able to cut it closer for the first show or if the crowd level is particularly low.

Length: 25 minutes

What to Expect: Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is a Broadway-style musical featuring characters, music, and scenes from Beauty and the Beast.  The show follows the same story as Beauty and the Beast, only it’s condensed into the 25-minute show time and features six of the most popular songs.  The sets are elaborate, the costumes are first-rate, and the acting is excellent as well.  Anyone who enjoys musicals or enjoyed any of Disney’s other theater shows will certainly love this one as well.  It’s one of the better live attractions at Walt Disney World.

Where to Sit: Like most older Disney live shows, seating is on long bleachers.  I recommend sitting as close to the center as possible at least a third of the way up from the stage.  This ensures that you can see the entire stage without a lot of head turning.

Exit: The exit is in the rear of the theater, in between the two raised bleacher sections in the back.  If you’re looking for an easy exit, sit in the very back of the theater.  It may be several minutes to exit if you’re seated closer to the front.  I don’t recommend heading to the standby line of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror immediately after a show gets out unless you’re among the first people to exit.  The entrances to both attractions are nearby and hundreds of people will be headed to both if the posted wait time is low.

Proof is in the Pudding: Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is the longest running stage show at any Disney Theme Park.

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage would be more relaxing if the theater was indoors, but it is well-covered and shouldn’t get so hot that it’s unbearable.  At 1,500 seats, the theater is also large enough to seat most of the visitors that want to watch the show, but people are turned away from nearly every performance so you’ll want to arrive early to guarantee a good seat.  If you only have time for either Beauty and the Beast or Voyage of the Little Mermaid then I would go with whichever movie your group enjoyed more.  The performance and acting at Beauty and the Beast is better, but Voyage of the Little Mermaid is air-conditioned and has more comfortable seating.  The Little Mermaid is also a little scarier than Beauty and the Beast, so take that into consideration if you have little ones that are easily frightened.

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Fantasmic

by josh on May 3, 2010

See this post for more details on what to expect.

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Great Movie Ride Review Info at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

by josh on May 3, 2010

Great Movie Ride

Opened: May 1, 1989

Location: Hollywood Boulevard

Extra Magic Hours: Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: Dark ride

Similar To: Living With the Land, Ellen’s Energy Adventure

Requirements: None

What to Expect: The Great Movie Ride is housed inside of a full-size replica of the famous Grauman’s Chinese Theater.  The preshow area features a winding queue with movie memorabilia and then another large room with a giant movie screen that plays short clips/trailers from popular (old) movies.  If the line fills this room, you’ll probably see the same clips two times.  Once you move through that queue area, you’ll be placed in another line where you’ll wait to board a 70 person slow-moving vehicle similar to the ones used at Ellen’s Energy Adventure.  A live narrator will board the boat with you and help move the story along as you travel through famous movie scenes that Disney has recreated with the help of animatronic characters.  Movies represented include   Alien, Casablanca, Fantasia, Mary Poppins, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Public Enemy, and the Wizard of Oz. There are two possible storylines featured in the Great Movie Ride, but the scenes are the same for both.  The gangster story is often the only one running.  When the Studios is busy, both stories may be running.  If you’ve never seen the cowboy version, ask the cast member if it’s available when they ask how many people are in your party.

Where to Sit: There really isn’t a bad seat in any of the vehicles.  Each row seats about six adults and the view is best on either the far left or right sides.  I prefer to sit closer to the front because the narration is synced better.  In the back, occasionally you won’t have your eyes on whatever the narrator is talking about because the vehicles are so long.  In a perfect world, I would be seated on the far right of the third row.

Scary Factor: Medium.  The following contains possible spoilers: There are a few movie clips in the preshow and animatronic scenes during the ride that may be upsetting to youngsters.  This includes a creepy scene from the movie Alien.  Although the bark is worse than the bite, there is an alien that lowers its head from the ceiling and the lighting and props are on the scary side as well.  It’s not particularly scary, but kids may be anxious about what will be shown.  The Raiders of the Lost Ark scene also includes a floor covered in snakes and skeleton props.  The gun fight between the villains and your live host may also startle kids who have trouble remembering none of it is “real.”   The problem kids may run into is that the vehicles carrying the riders move slowly and the scenes surround the boats, so kids can’t look away – only close their eyes if they get scared.

When To Go: Because The Great Movie Ride is located right at the end of the “main drag,” it’s busiest in the late morning when the majority of guests are arriving and immediately after the afternoon parade when the area is swamped again.  I would recommend visiting after 5pm, long after the parade crowd has dissipated.  Riding Toy Story Mania, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror early in the morning is more important than hitting the Great Movie Ride early because of the ride’s long duration and the fact that the line won’t be as long in the afternoon as the headlining rides.

Expect to Wait: After 5pm, the line shouldn’t exceed 10 minutes unless it’s Peak or Holiday season.  Expect waits to peak in the 20 minute range.  The later into the evening you ride, the shorter the line should be.  When crowds are low and Hollywood Studios is recommended, you shouldn’t run into a line at all.

Length:25 minutes

This Ride is the Reason the Hollywood Studios Exists: The Great Movie Ride was originally planned to be the centerpiece for a new Pavilion at Epcot.  Instead, newly appointed CEO Michael Eisner thought the attraction was strong enough to plan an entire new theme park around it.  He was only sort of right.

Rating: 6/10

Commentary: While we all may be able to appreciate the “classicness” of a Disney attraction, this is another ride that has remained the same for more than 20 years.  Although the live acting adds a bit of excitement and uniqueness to each visit, the story usually comes across as a bit forced and contrived.  It’s still a pleasant, relaxing, air-conditioned attraction, but it’s not nearly as fun as it would be with updated scenes and movies.  For example, there’s a scene from Tarzan, the Ape Man, which is regarded as one of the worst movies of all time.  Does it really belong in a Disney theme park in the 21st century?  On the other hand, The Public Enemy is an excellent gangster film, but how many people under the age of 75 have even seen it?  There’s certainly nothing wrong with featuring the classics, but a serious refurbishment and a change in the narration would go a long way to making this a better attraction.  As it stands, The Great Movie Ride is a must-do for anyone interested in experiencing one of the most classic Disney attractions, but it’s unlikely to impress anyone who only cares about the latest and greatest technology.

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Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure

by josh on May 3, 2010

Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure

Opened: December 17, 1990

Location: Streets of America.  The Movie Set Adventure is located adjacent to the Studio Catering Company quick service.

Extra Magic Hours: Morning

FASTPASS: No

Type: Playground for kids

Similar To: The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom

Requirements: Kids must be age four or older

What to Expect: Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure is a playground area that’s geared towards kids between the ages of 4-9.  The play surface is soft, so even kids that fall or bump into things shouldn’t be hurt.  Like (the now defunct) Honey I Shrunk the Audience at Epcot, the theme of the playground is that you’ve been shrunk by Wayne Szalinski’s shrinking machine.  Naturally, you’ll run into a 52-foot long water hose, 40-foot tall bumblebees, 30-foot tall blades of grass, and a bunch of slides and other objects to play on.

Scary Factor: Low for the kids.  With all of the oversized grass and other objects, it may be difficult for you to keep track of your little ones.  There are a lot of hiding spots which also make it difficult to round them up when you’re ready to leave.  You may want to place an adult at both the entrance and the exit to make sure no kids wander out the door.  You’ll probably see at least one parent frantically searching for their child because it’s so easy to lose them.

When To Go: It might be difficult to get your youngsters away from this playground, so I’m not sure I would even tell them this place exists unless you’re sure to get the rest of your itinerary done or are planning the vacation around your children’s happiness.  There is also nowhere to sit and it gets extremely hot in the afternoon.  If you’re interested in visiting, I’d head over around 11am.  That should give you enough time to hit the major attractions/characters and you’ll arrive before the weather heats up.  If highs are below 80 degrees, then you can visit comfortably in the afternoon and evening as well.  Check your Times Guide to see when the area closes.  It isn’t usually open past 7pm and may close as early as 5pm in the off-season/winter.

Expect to Wait: While the capacity is 250 people at any given time, including adults, kids, cast members, etc. it’s somewhat rare that it fills to capacity.  Waits of more than a couple minutes are rare, if you run into any sort of wait at all.

Length: Spend as much time as you can stand.

Rating: 4/10

Commentary: Considering it’s difficult to get most kids away from the Playland at the local McDonald’s, imagine how hard it’s going to be to get them away from a Disney themed playground.  Unless you have limited things to do at the Hollywood Studios or have plenty of extra time, you might want to do your best to shy away from Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure.  It can suck up a lot of precious time and doesn’t offer much to do for anyone over the age of eight.  On its own, it’s an excellent playground for kids and they’re sure to have a good time.  It’s just unfortunate that it gets so hot and is on the cramped side.

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Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show

by josh on May 3, 2010

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Opened: August 25, 1989

Location: Echo Lake across from American Idol Experience

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Stadium show

Similar To: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

Requirements: None

What to Expect: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a large-scale theater show that seats about 2,000 people on bleacher-style seating.  The actors perform a series of stunts that mirror those from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark and the director explains how they are executed so they are safe and seem real.  You’ll see large explosions, sword fights, chases, gun battles, and a number of other exciting stunts that are sure to be crowd pleasers.  Several volunteers (over the age of 18) will be selected from the audience to perform minor roles throughout the show, so if you want to be chosen make sure you sit up near the front center and yell loudly when they ask for volunteers.

Where to Sit: Like most Hollywood Studios’ stage shows, the best seats are about half way up from the bottom in the center section.  Because the theater is so large and the seating area is curved so that seats on the two far sections are looking towards the stage, there really aren’t any bad seats in the theater.  Try to sit as close to the center as possible.

Exit: As you’re looking at the stage, the exit is located in the back right corner of the theater.  It lets out right near Backlot Express and Star Tours.  Unless you’re among the first people out of the theater, I don’t recommend going to Star Tours right after because a lot of people exiting will do the same thing, particularly if the posted wait is 20 minutes or less.  Sit on the far right near the back of the theater if you’re looking to make a quick escape or may need to leave early.

Scary Factor: Low.  While there are some thrilling moments on stage, the audience is never in any danger, real or imagined.

When To Go: The show is usually scheduled five times daily, with the first show at 11:30am and the last show at 5:30pm.  When the Studios is particularly busy and open later, a sixth or seventh show may be added.  The stage is covered better than Lights, Motors, Action, but may still get hot when the temperature is above 90 degrees.  I would recommend going to the first or last show of the day if the Studios is particularly busy.  Otherwise, visit whenever you can conveniently fit it into your schedule.  You shouldn’t have a problem obtaining seats on the far sides of the theater and the view is still very good.

Expect to Wait: During busy seasons, plan to arrive about 20 minutes early to secure good seats together.  As always, arriving earlier will result in better seats.  When the Studios isn’t busy, you can usually arrive shortly before the show starts and still score good seats.

Length: 30 minutes

Rating: 8/10

Commentary: The biggest complaint about the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is that it’s the exact same show that debuted in 1989.  This won’t be a problem if you’ve never seen it or it’s been a while, but don’t go into it expecting to see a new or different show if you’ve recently visited.  I would recommend trying to fit this into your schedule even if you aren’t familiar with the Indiana Jones franchise.  The explosions, sword fights, and giant boulder need little introduction.  It’s particularly pleasant in the evening when it isn’t as hot out.

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Journey into Narnia Prince Caspian Disney Hollywood Studios Review

by josh on May 3, 2010

Journey into Narnia – Prince Caspian

Journey into Narnia closed permanently September 10, 2011.  It is expected to be replaced with a Pirates of the Caribbean interactive exhibit in Fall 2012.

[click to continue reading..]

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Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

by josh on May 3, 2010

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

Opened: May 5, 2005

Location: At the end of the Streets of America.

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Stadium show

Similar To: Unique in its size and scope, but similar to other live-action shows like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Requirements: None

What to Expect: Lights, Motors, Action is a stunts show spectacular featuring more than 50 crew members and 40 vehicles.  You’ll see furious car chases and jet ski escapes, among other stunts that include fireballs, high-speed jumps, and 5-story falls.  All the while, the director teaches the audience about how the stunts are safely executed.  The show’s stunts are intentionally shot out of order to show the audience how movies are really filmed and then edited together in the correct order and shown on a giant screen at the end of the show.

Where to Sit: It doesn’t really matter.  I’d sit at least a third of the way up in the center section, but even seats in the top corners provide a very good view of the large stage down below.  Seats closer to the stage don’t offer as good of a view because it’s more difficult to see everything that’s going on without a lot of head turning.

Exit: As you’re looking at the stage, the quickest route out is down to the right.  Sit in the far right seating section near the bottom to exit quickest.  Unfortunately, these are also some of the worst seats in the house.  For a nice compromise between good seats and a quick exit, I’d sit about a third of the way up the theater in the far right section.  Only instead of sitting as far to the right as possible, sit as close to the center as possible.  As the show concludes, walk down the bleachers as quickly and as safely as possible and exit to the right.  You’ll be out nearly as fast.

Scary Factor: Low.  Although there are some exciting stunts, the crowd is never in any “danger,” real or perceived.

When To Go: Lights, Motors, Action is usually scheduled two times over the course of the day, usually around 1:20pm and again at 4:30pm.  If the Studios is busy, a third show scheduled around 11am may be added.  The 4:30pm show is generally less crowded than the 1:20pm show, though there are usually seats available through the beginning of either show.  Should a show be scheduled at 11am, it’s less crowded overall than the later shows.  Although the theater is covered, it gets extremely hot from May – October because the ceiling is high and there’s no air-conditioning.  See the 11am show in the summer if it’s offered because it will be cooler.  The afternoon shows can be brutal.

Expect to Wait: Depending on crowd level, you’ll probably want to head over to the stage about 20 minutes before the scheduled start time to get good seats together and avoid the rush.  The stands hold about 5,000 people and Disney schedules enough shows that everyone who wants to see it should be able to. In addition, the stage is so large that there aren’t really any bad seats.  If you don’t necessarily care about where you sit, arrive ten minutes before the show starts.  The walk to the stage is longer than you might imagine and it can easily take ten minutes just to walk it.

Length: About 35 minutes

Rating: 6/10

Commentary: While it sounds promising, Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show is a bit of a letdown.  While the stunts are exciting, there is far too much talking and the middle of the show gets particularly bogged down with chatter.  The uncomfortable metal stadium-style seating doesn’t help and it tends to get extremely hot during the spring and summer months because of the limited shade.  If the show is crowded, you’ll also have to climb a lot of stairs to get to the top of the stadium.  Nonetheless, I would recommend it if it isn’t too hot and you have the time.  If it was a choice between this or Indiana Jones, I would go with whichever sounds more appealing.  Although Lights, Motors, Action is superior in its size and scope, it isn’t necessarily any more entertaining than Indiana Jones.

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The Magic of Disney Animation

by josh on May 3, 2010

The Magic of Disney Animation

Opened: Newest iteration opened October 1, 2004

Location: In the very back of Animation Courtyard.

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Educational show and exhibit

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero.  This educational exhibit offers no thrills or frightening images.

What to Expect: The Magic of Disney Animation no longer features a tour of a real animation studio because there is no working studio to show.  Disney closed it in 2004 and consolidated animation in Anaheim.  Instead, visitors enter the attraction and watch a faux-animator sketch Mushu the dragon from Mulan while s/he explains the animation process.  Next, a cast member shows visitors what was once the animation studio and fields a few questions.  Finally, there is an optional sit-down area where guests can sketch a Disney character with the guidance of an animator.  There are also several other exhibits to check out to help pass the time until the animator finishes with the previous group or you’re ready to head back out and face the crowd.  After the presentation, visitors exit into the gift shop area where there are usually characters to meet and greet.

When To Go: Visit after you’ve already completed most of the headlining rides and attractions.  The show is air-conditioned and relaxing and provides a nice break from the sun in the afternoon.

Expect to Wait: Waits that exceed ten minutes are rare.  If for some reason a large group has arrived and the wait is longer, find something else to do and return in 30 minutes.

Length: The initial interaction with the animator lasts about ten minutes which is followed by another five minute presentation by an additional cast member.  You will then have the opportunity to sit for an additional 15 minute lesson on animation.  Altogether, expect this attraction to take about 20 minutes.

Rating: 7/10

Commentary: The Magic of Disney animation was better when it featured a live animation studio, but the current iteration is still as interesting as it is relaxing.  I recommend visiting in the afternoon to get out of the heat.  The best part of this attraction, by far, is the optional sit-down with the animator where you’ll have the opportunity to learn a bit about how difficult it is to animate a character and draw one of your own.  I would highly recommend doing this if there’s room.  It’s also a nice, free souvenir to take home.  Overall, The Magic of Disney Animation isn’t a “must-do,” but it will provide a nice break from the ruckus of the Studios and will probably make most kids swear they’re going to grow up to become a Disney animator.

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Muppet Vision 3D

by josh on May 3, 2010

Muppet Vision 3-D

Opened: May 16, 1991

Location: Streets of America across from Toy Story Pizza Planet

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: No

Type: 3D show

Similar To: Mickey’s PhilharMagic

Requirements: None

What to Expect: After you move through the queue (if there is one), you’ll enter a large room full of crates, Muppet memorabilia, and movie poster spoofs featuring the Muppets as the main characters.  In front of the room, a number of monitors will play a 12-minute video introducing the group to the Muppets and what is about to take place.  Once the preshow concludes, you will move into the air-conditioned theater with some of the most comfortable seats at Disney World.  The show features the 3D Muppets film as well as animatronic Muppets inside of the theater and a live version of Sweetums, the large, hairy Muppet.

Where to Sit: Capacity crowds are very rare at Muppet Vision and theaters that are about half full, at best, are common.  Nonetheless, this is another one where you’ll want about half of a row full of people to enter before heading into a row if they’re enforcing the “Everyone move down to the end of the row” bit.  If it’s obvious that the theater is only going to be 25% full, then you can safely go to the middle of a row and plop yourselves down.  Everyone else will be doing the same.  I’d sit at least half way back so you’re far enough away from the screen that head turning won’t be necessary.

Exit: You’ll exit on the opposite side of the theater.  It’s usually orderly and only takes a moment as you head out down a ramp.

Scary Factor: Low.  At times the show is loud, but there is nothing here that should scare anyone of any age.  Although Muppet Vision is “similar” to It’s Tough to be a Bug and (the now defunct)Honey I Shrunk the Audience, it is nowhere near as intense or scary.  If the kids were fine with Mickey’s PhilharMagic, they should have no problems here.

When To Go: I would go in the late afternoon, after you’ve completed the headlining rides and shows.  The theater and preshow area are nicely air-conditioned and Muppet Vision 3-D makes for a nice break from standing in the sun.  The theater seats 584 people and the preshow allows just as many to stand and watch for a total of more than 1,000 people engaged in the attraction at any given time.

Expect to Wait: Waits are generally 10 minutes or less.  You should only have to wait for the next preshow to start and most often you can walk into a preshow that has already begun.

Length: The standing preshow video takes about 12 minutes and the theater show is 17 minutes long, for a total of about 30 minutes.

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: The only problem with Muppet Vision 3D is that the attraction is still using the same 20 year old film.  It has been upgraded to digital, but it still shows signs of its age.  In addition, younger people may not be as familiar with the Muppets as the older generation.  Nonetheless, Muppet Vision remains a fantastic attraction and one of the Hollywood Studios’ pure delights.  Everyone should do their best to see it.  Doing otherwise would be unpatriotic.

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