Hollywood Studios

Playhouse Disney Live on Stage Review Hollywood Studios

by josh on May 3, 2010

Playhouse Disney Live On Stage!

Opened: New characters arrived in March, 2008

Location: Animation Courtyard

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Live theater show

Similar To: Unique in that it caters mostly to preschool age children

Requirements: None

What to Expect: Playhouse Disney Live on Stage is a theater show featuring characters from My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and the Little Einsteins. There is no conventional seating in the theater except for in the very back where there are several benches. Parents and kids are expected to sit on the floor throughout the show – at least until the singing, dancing, and clapping starts. There is a lot of audience participation throughout and little ones really get into it.

Scary Factor: Zero

When To Go: Playhouse Disney Live on Stage occurs throughout the day at scheduled times. Check the schedule you pick up at the front of the Studios to verify the exact times. Shows usually happen once per hour and there are around ten shows per day. If you have preschool age children and they’re your focus then you may want to catch an early show and then return later for a second show. The seating area is limited and this is a popular attraction since it caters to an age group that (surprisingly) doesn’t have a lot of other attractions geared towards it. If this show is a major part of your day, then I would go to one of the first two shows because they are the least crowded and won’t require as much of a wait. If you’re planning to ride the major rides and see the headlining shows then you’ll want to save this for the afternoon or evening.

Expect to Wait: You should get in line about 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the show unless the Studios isn’t crowded, in which case you might be able to cut it shorter.

Length: 22 minutes

Rating: 10/10 for preschoolers. Not necessarily a lot to see here for anyone else.

Commentary: Playhouse Disney Live on Stage is an excellent show for preschoolers and young children. Disney has few attractions that are geared exclusively towards the very young set, so this will probably be one of their favorite experiences from your Disney vacation. Be sure to get here if you have young children, but you aren’t missing much if you don’t.

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Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Ride Disney Hollywood Studios Review

by josh on May 3, 2010

Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Opened: June 20, 1999

Location: Sunset Boulevard

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes, and you’ll probably need one unless you ride at strongly recommended times.

Type: Indoor roller coaster

Similar To: A much faster, more exciting Space Mountain

Requirements: Must be 48” or taller to ride

What to Expect: Disney has been testing a new queue system which works more like the “take a number” system you might be familiar with from places like your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Instead of waiting in a slow moving queue, guests will receive a FASTPASS like card with their return time. They are then free to move around a large tent filled with games to pass the time. This method is only in early testing so chances are you’ll be stuck in the regular, slow moving line. Unlike many of Disney’s other rides, the queue area for Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is nothing more than a long, boring single-file line. If the line exceeds 20 minutes then you’ll want to take advantage of a FASTPASS. This is not a queue you want to be stuck in for an extended period of time.

Once you traverse the line, you will be taken into a room with a 3D-like video of Aerosmith who will invite you to a concert they’re performing in just a few minutes. You then move to another queue area which takes another five or so minutes to complete. You will then be seated on a 24-person roller coaster vehicle themed like a stretch limousine. The vehicles are low to the ground which can make it difficult for people with mobility problems to get in and out, but the seats are wide and there is plenty of room for two people per row. The vehicle will then propel out of the gate with the force of a supersonic F-14 jet and you’ll be well on your way through the most intense coaster Disney has to offer.

Scary Factor: Medium. Rock N Roller Coaster is Disney’s fastest, most intense roller coaster. It features three inversions, a corkscrew, numerous hairpin turns, and an initial takeoff that takes riders from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds. Other than lit-up billboards, neon signs, and flashing lights, the ride is completely dark, which actually makes the ride less scary. It’s so fast, so dark, and so smooth, that you actually have no idea where you’re going or where you’ve been. If riders could see what the track actually looks like with the lights on it would probably scare many more people away than it does. If you enjoyed Expedition Everest, Thunder Mountain Railroad, or any of the more intense coasters at another theme park then you’ll be fine on Aerosmith. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is much faster and intense than Thunder Mountain Railroad, but the smoothness of the ride makes it seem less so. If Space Mountain or Thunder Mountain was too much, then you may want to reconsider. Like with the Tower of Terror, you can exit the queue after watching the preshow video if you decide not to ride.

When To Go: Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is the second most popular attraction at the Hollywood Studios, behind Toy Story Mania. You’ll want to get here as early in the morning as possible because lines will swell soon after the first hour the Park is open. Most guests ride Toy Story Mania first thing and then head directly to Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster to ride standby, which I would also recommend doing. If you don’t care much about Toy Story Mania, heading to Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster first will allow you to ride several times in the early morning with a minimal wait. If you also want to ride Toy Story Mania, be sure to get a FASTPASS before 10:15am, as they will likely be gone shortly after. If you can’t get here early, use a FASTPASS in the afternoon or return in the final hour of Park operation or during the last hour of evening Extra Magic Hours.

Expect to Wait: Expect waits of 30 minutes by 10am and 60+ minutes in the afternoon. Depending on season, waits may exceed 120 minutes.

Length: The preshow video introducing Aerosmith lasts about three minutes. The roller coaster ride itself has a duration of just under 90 seconds.

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster is an intense, fun experience that equates to one of the two best roller coasters at Disney World. Expedition Everest may be better, but that’s just a matter of opinion. The smoothness of the ride coupled with the inability to see the inversions and corkscrews makes Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster an accessible ride to anyone that can work up the nerve. I would highly recommend giving it a shot if you enjoyed Space Mountain, Thunder Mountain, Expedition Everest, or any other similar ride. My only complaint is that at only about 80 seconds, it’s much too short.

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Sounds Dangerous Drew Carey Review Disney Hollywood Studios

by josh on May 3, 2010

Sounds Dangerous With Drew Carey

Opened: April 22, 1999

Location: Echo Lake

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Film, with special headphones to wear during the show

Similar To: Unique in its oddness

Requirements: None

What to Expect: Visitors enter the theater and put on special headphones that are supposed to add a third-dimension to the presentation. Instead of the depth added from the 3D video we’ve grown accustomed to, the headphones provide “binaural audio technology” for an effect that is supposed to be richer than 3D video. Sounds Dangerous stars Drew Carey in a fake television pilot where he plays a detective that wears a hidden camera. The hidden camera is damaged and the theater goes dark for most of the attraction (about eight of the twelve minutes). Of course, the sound still works even though the video doesn’t, and the story progresses using the sounds Drew encounters as he tries to solve a crime.

Scary Factor: Low. There are a few scary sounds that may frighten young children, but they can take off the headset if it becomes too much. The theater is pitch black for the majority of the presentation, so be aware of that if it’s a potential problem.

When To Go: This attraction is now only open “seasonally,” which is Disney-speak for “only open during the busiest times.” It’s unlikely Sounds Dangerous will be open unless you’re visiting during a Peak time, like the week after Christmas or July 4^th weekend. If it is open I would only visit after completing everything else you want to do at Hollywood Studios.

Expect to Wait: Chances are you’ll only have to wait as long as it takes for the next show to start and I wouldn’t wait any more than 15 minutes, if that.

Length: 12 minutes

Rating: 3/10

Commentary: While it may sound like a cool idea, Sounds Dangerous is not executed particularly well. The show is exceedingly boring, especially for those who aren’t fans of Drew Carey. It had become so unpopular that Disney decided to close the attraction for most of the year, with no real plans to open a new attraction in its place. Chances are Sounds Dangerous will be closed during your vacation, but if it isn’t and you can walk right in to the theater then it may be worth it to get out of the sun for 15 minutes. If it isn’t hot or you have other things to do in the Hollywood Studios then you’ll probably want to skip this one.

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Star Tours 2 Review Disney Hollywood Studios

by josh on May 3, 2010

Star Tours

Opened: May 20, 2011

Location: Echo Lake

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes

Type: Motion simulator

Similar To: Mission Space Green Team (the version without the spinning)

Requirements: Must be 40” or taller to ride

What to Expect: Riders sit in a 40-person motion simulator vehicle inside of a room themed like the inside of a Starspeeder 1000 spaceship. A 3D movie plays on a screen in the front of the theater and the ride vehicle tilts, bumps, vibrates, sways, etc. so it feels like you’re actually inside of the Starspeeder making the journey that you see in front of you. While there are technically 54 ride variations, there are basically four sections with two or three different variations within each section. In other words, you will likely experience all of the scenes are seven or eight rides. Still, it’s a lot of fun to experience new parts of the Star Wars universe.

Scary Factor: Low. The biggest problem people run into on Star Tours is the jerkiness of the motion. The vehicle careens from side to side throughout the ride. This may make the ride a no-go for those with serious back or neck problems. It shouldn’t bother people that don’t have those kinds of problems though; it may just be uncomfortable. Those prone to motion sickness may also want to skip.

When To Go: Ideally, ride or collect FASTPASSes after getting through Toy Story Mania, Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, and Tower of Terror in the morning. You can also easily collect FASTPASSes for it in the late morning or early afternoon.

Expect to Wait: Waits are usually less than 30 minutes before noon and max out in the 40 minute range in the afternoon.

Length: 5 minutes

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: Star Tours uses 3D technology to make it feel like you’re actually a part of the Star Wars universe and has been a crowd favorite for more than 20 years. The newly refurbished attraction is even more fun and the different possibilities make each ride feel unique. Even the queue area is more fun than most. Overall, Star Tours is a must-ride for anyone even remotely interested in Star Wars. The improved motion simulation has also made the ride less jerky. Complaints of motion sickness are rare.

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Studio Backlot Tour Review Info at Disney Hollywood Studios

by josh on May 3, 2010

Studio Backlot Tour

Opened: May 1, 1989

Location: Streets of America

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Part walking and part tram tour

Similar To: Unique

Requirements: None

What to Expect: Visitors line up in a large building that is full of movie memorabilia and monitors playing a short video of director Michael Bay talking about Pearl Harbor’s special effects. Once you complete the first line you’ll move into a live-action theater showing you how special effects might be used in a scene with a submarine. The exhibit is meant to be more funny than exciting. Next, you’ll move into another queuing area where you’ll wait to board your tram. Once on the tram, you’ll be driven around the Hollywood Studios backlot to see a variety of different areas where Disney stores costumes, vehicles, and film sets. After about 20 minutes of peaceful meandering, you’ll enter “Catastrophe Canyon.” Once that concludes, you’ll be let off into a museum-like area that features replicas and costumes of the American Film Institute’s 50 greatest villains.

Scary Factor: Medium to high for youngsters. Low for everyone else. The following contains spoilers: While most of the tour is tame, there is one section near the end of the attraction, called “Catastrophe Canyon,” that is meant to be a little scary. Riders are told that they are about to enter a live movie set while the crew is on break. The tram slowly moves into position and the narrator will look startled and announce that filming has begun on the set. Several large explosions will go off, the bridge will shake, and 1,000 gallons of water will flow over and around the tram. The whole ordeal lasts only about 90 seconds, but you may want to forewarn the easily frightened that something like this is going to happen. Otherwise, riders shouldn’t have any problems.

When To Go: Due to its substantial length, I would do the Backlot Tour in the late afternoon after you’ve completed most of your itinerary and seen the major shows.

Expect to Wait: Less than 20 minutes is the norm. Each tram carries 200 people and the preshow areas hold just as many.

Length: 35 minutes

Rating: 6/10

Commentary: The Studio Backlot Tour continues the educational theme of the Hollywood Studios by teaching visitors about how special effects work and how movies are made. While mildly entertaining throughout, the Backlot Tour only features one “wow” moment during Catastrophe Canyon. The rest of the tram ride and submarine exhibit aren’t particularly entertaining. It’s worth experiencing if you have the hour or so it will take to do it, but I wouldn’t recommend riding the Backlot Tour over seeing Lights, Action, Motors or the Indiana Jones Stunt show if it comes down to it. Although this ride has changed since it first opened, it’s not necessarily better or upgraded. The ride is now narrated by an audio tape that plays in the tram rather than a live narrator and the tram ride has been shortened because Pixar Place is now in one of the areas that the tram used to tour. If you have an extra hour at the Hollywood Studios then the Backlot Tour is a worthy attraction, especially if you’d like to sit down for an extended period of time. Otherwise, I wouldn’t necessarily fit this in over one of the shows or major rides.

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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Disney Hollywood Studios Review

by josh on May 3, 2010

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Summer Nightastic: According to Disney, new special effects are coming for Summer Nightastic, June 6-August 14. It’s unclear what these additions will be or whether they will continue after August 14^th.

Opened: July 22, 1994

Location: Sunset Boulevard

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes

Type: Elevator drop

Similar To: Certainly unique in its theme and scope, but the “drop” can be compared to many other carnival/amusement park rides. The Tower of Terror is so popular that similar attractions have been built at Disney’s California Adventure (2004), Tokyo DisneySea (2006), and Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris (2007).

Requirements: Must be 40” or taller to ride

What to Expect: This section does contain more spoilers than usual. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is an immersive experience from the moment you step into the hotel’s lobby. Nothing I can describe to you will prepare you for the level of detail found in this attraction. Once you move through the queue area, you will enter the hotel’s library and watch a video of the unfortunate circumstances surrounding your visit. After that, you’ll move to the boiler room, which is another queue area with a tense 5-10 minute wait. You will then be directed in front of an elevator door. Once it’s your turn to board, you’ll enter the elevator, sit, and buckle yourself in with a lap restraint. The elevator will then take an eerie journey through the hotel, where you will see and hear a variety of spooky stories as you make your ascent to the 13^th floor. The narrator will say, “”You are about to discover what lies beyond the fifth dimension, beyond the deepest, darkest corner of the imagination, in the Tower of Terror” and the elevator will begin its sequence of drops. A computer randomly selects how many times and from how far up the Tower of Terror’s elevators will drop on any particular ride. You are guaranteed at least one full drop from the top of the tower and the window will open so you can see the entire Hollywood Studios Park before you fall. Most rides consist of two to three short drops and two to three longer drops for a total of about 30 seconds. After the final drop your announcer will welcome you back, if you’ve survived, and you will exit the elevator through a gift shop, as though nothing has changed.

Scary Factor: High. The Tower of Terror is the most obviously frightening ride at Disney World and one of few that puts an emphasis on fear. Still, there are no particularly scary images or scenes, but Disney does an excellent job of building tension up to the final drop. While the ride is intended to be scary, if you watch the exit to the ride you’ll notice that just about everyone leaving has a huge smile on their face. The ride is great fun and many people leave with a sense of accomplishment after making it through. After moving through the lobby section and watching the pre-show video, you can still opt out of the ride discreetly through a nearby exit. Just tell the attendant that’s directing people to stand in front of the various elevators that you would rather not ride.

Can My Children And I Handle It? This is a difficult question to answer because everyone’s experiences are different. You can get a good idea about the drop by standing outside of the hotel and watching as the elevators fall from the 13^th floor to the ground level. It’s actually not nearly as “bad” as it looks, but it is still a significant 130 foot drop at speeds faster than gravity would naturally pull. If you have back, neck, or claustrophobia issues then you might want to think twice about riding. Otherwise, I will say that nearly every rider enjoys the Tower of Terror, even people who don’t think they will. My advice would be to give it a shot because you’ll probably regret not riding. This is essentially the problem you’ll be facing when you try to decide if you want to ride this ride as well as a couple others – “I spent all this money on this vacation, how can I not go on the ride?” Well, if you don’t think you would enjoy it or the stress of deciding is too much, then you’re better off making the decision, sticking with it, and putting it out of mind. I also don’t recommend harassing people into trying rides they aren’t comfortable riding. While it’s true they’ll probably enjoy the ride, it’s not worth the anxiety and the stress of debating it at length.

When To Go: The installation of Toy Story Mania has made Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror much less busy, especially first thing in the morning. If you aren’t interested in Toy Story Mania or don’t mind getting a FASTPASS with a return time well into the late afternoon or evening, then you may want to take the opportunity to ride Tower of Terror and Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster first thing in the morning. Chances are good you can experience Tower of Terror with a 15 minute or less wait within the first hour of opening and may be able to easily ride more than once, depending on crowds and season. If you’re headed to Toy Story Mania first, head over to Sunset Boulevard immediately after. If you’re entering the Park late, use a FASTPASS if the line exceeds 20 minutes, return in the final hour the Park is open, or ride during evening Extra Magic Hours. Many people choose not to ride Tower of Terror, so the lines are usually much shorter than other major headlining rides like Soarin’ and Kilimanjaro Safaris.

Expect to Wait: Expect waits of less than 15 minutes during the first hour of opening. Waits of 30 minutes or less are common after that. Lines may be about twice as long during Peak and Holiday season, but should be considerably shorter than Toy Story Mania or Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster.

Length: 5 minutes

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror achieves a level of detail and immersion that is rarely achieved anywhere outside of Disney World. Everything about the Tower of Terror adds to the experience, from the bell hops dressed in $1,000 costumes, to the authentic antique furniture in the hotel lobby, to the elevator that slowly creeps up and around the tower. It’s a must-ride for anyone that has the nerves for it. If you made it through Splash Mountain, Expedition Everest, Mission Space Orange Team, or a similar ride at another amusement park then you should be fine. Just about everyone who rides the Tower of Terror enjoys it.

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Toy Story Mania! Disney Hollywood Studios Review Info

by josh on May 3, 2010

Toy Story Mania!

Opened: May 31, 2008

Location: Pixar Place

Extra Magic Hours: Morning, Evening

FASTPASS: Yes, and you’ll want one unless you’re riding immediately after Hollywood Studios opens. They often run out of FASTPASSES around lunch time so be vigilant about getting here as early as possible. Don’t be surprised if your return window is later than usual as well. If you get a FASTPASS at noon, chances are the return time will be 7pm or later.

Type: Interactive 3D Omnimover

Similar To: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

Requirements: None

What to Expect: Riders enter slow moving vehicles and shoot targets to score points with toy guns attached to the front of the ride vehicle. Unlike Buzz Lightyear Space Range Spin, Toy Story Mania is in 3D (with required 3D glasses) and also includes a “4D” element. For example, when guests shoot balloons, they will feel a slight whoosh of air as though the balloon actually popped in front of the vehicle. The games, scenery, characters, targets, and everything else are projected onto screens. There are no actual sets or moving parts. This allows Disney to update the games by simply loading a new set of graphics onto the computer, rather than physically having to change a scene. If the projectors and computers were turned off it would be as though you were moving through a warehouse with projection screens on both sides. There are five midway style games to play during the ride, none of which are violent.

Scary Factor: Zero. There are no thrill elements or scary surprises. The ride vehicles do spin 180 degrees occasionally, but only to give you a new set of targets to shoot. It shouldn’t upset even the most prone to motion sickness. The vehicles also spin very slowly at the end.

When To Go: You’ll either want to head here immediately after Hollywood Studios opens or get a FASTPASS as soon as possible. If all FASTPASSES are gone by the time you reach the ride, consider trying in the final hour the Park is open. Remember, if they let you in the line then they’ll let you ride, even if it’s past the stated hour the Park closes. Evening Extra Magic Hours are also usually a good time to ride – especially in the last hour. Since this is still a relatively new ride that guests of all ages enjoy, it’s by far the most popular ride at the Hollywood Studios and has the lines to match.

Expect to Wait: Expect waits to exceed 45 minutes after the first hour the Studios is open and be in the 90+ minute range in the afternoon. The wait time may be exaggerated in the final hour the ride is operating due to there being no FASTPASS riders (i.e. a 30 minute wait when the sign says 60 minutes), but it’s impossible to guarantee that will happen. It’s best to ask the attendant at the front of the line how long the wait really looks.

Length: 5 minutes

Rating: 9/10

Commentary: Toy Story Mania is an excellent attraction that all guests should enjoy. More importantly for Disney, it gives visitors who don’t like thrill rides like Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror a reason to spend the entire day at the Hollywood Studios. It’s tremendously popular and you’ll need to run straight for it right when Hollywood Studios opens if you want to get a FASTPASS with a return time before noon or to ride it with a relatively brief wait. Otherwise, Toy Story Mania probably has the longest lines of any attraction at Disney World, even eclipsing Soarin’ at Epcot. Luckily, the queue area is decorated with a lot of old game memorabilia that is interesting to look at and a six foot tall interactive Mr. Potato Head that tells jokes and talks to riders as they pass. Toy Story Mania has an estimated price tag of about 80 million dollars in research, development, and construction and is one of the headlining rides at Disney World so all visitors should do their best to ride at least once.

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Voyage of the Little Mermaid Disney Hollywood Studios Review

by josh on May 3, 2010

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Opened: January 7, 1992

Location: Animation Courtyard

Extra Magic Hours: Evening

FASTPASS: Yes. Make sure to note the return time is only a ten minute window right before the show is expected to start, not the usual two hour window of most rides.

Type: Live musical theater show

Similar To: Finding Nemo – The Musical

Requirements: None

What to Expect: Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a musical that features a mixture of puppets, animatronics, and live actors to tell the story of the Little Mermaid. You may feel a light spray of water before the show starts to add to the atmosphere and special effects are used liberally throughout. The actors sing many of the movie’s most popular songs and portions of the film are shown to move the story along quickly.

Scary Factor: Medium for young kids. Very low for everyone else. Ursula, the wicked octopus, makes an appearance that may frighten young children. She is 12 feet tall, 10 feet wide, and accompanied by loud effects and darkness. You might want to prepare youngsters by reminding them that she can’t leave the stage.

When To Go: Voyage of the Little Mermaid is popular and you may need a FASTPASS during busy seasons if you plan to visit in the afternoon. I would get here immediately after riding Toy Story Mania in the morning if you don’t plan to ride Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. If you do plan to ride those, get a FASTPASS for an afternoon showing. The theater is dark and nicely air-conditioned which makes it a nice break from the afternoon heat and crowds. Also consider visiting near Park closing or during evening Extra Magic Hours.

Expect to Wait: Expect to wait 30 minutes or less before 11am and up to 90 minutes in the afternoon. Get a FASTPASS if the wait exceeds 20 minutes.

Length: 15 minutes

Rating: 7/10

Commentary: Fans of musicals and The Little Mermaid will enjoy this show more than people who don’t like either. The attraction is well done and the effects are top-notch, but there aren’t any “wow” moments like with other theater shows. The only potential problem for younger kids is the emergence of Ursula, which some parents and children aren’t expecting to be quite as scary as she turns out to be. Still, this is a nice, relaxing, air-conditioned break from the sun that most visitors will enjoy. Just don’t expect to be talking about it tomorrow.

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Walt Disney One Man’s Dream Review Disney Hollywood Studios

by josh on May 2, 2010

Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream

Attraction Closure: One Man’s Dream is scheduled to close Monday August 16, 2010 for refurbishment. It is scheduled to reopen Wednesday November 3, 2010.

Opened: October 1, 2001

Location: Mickey Avenue

Extra Magic Hours: No

FASTPASS: No

Type: Exhibit and film

Similar To: Journey into Narnia – Prince Caspian

Requirements: None

Scary Factor: Zero

What to Expect: One Man’s Dream is an exhibit featuring never-before-seen memorabilia and artifacts from Walt Disney’s life. Many people aren’t familiar with Walt Disney or the struggles he went through to make Disney what it is today and this exhibits serves to educate people about the man behind the World. It’s a fascinating exhibit that includes numerous models of how Walt envisioned the Disney Parks to look, interviews with Walt, and the original Oscars for “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” There is also an optional 15 minute film about Walt Disney that is also recommended.

When To Go: Check your schedule to see if One Man’s Dream closes before the rest of the Studios, usually at 5pm. I would visit One Man’s Dream in the afternoon, around 2pm or after 4pm, when the Park is the most crowded or after the parade crowd has dissipated.

Expect to Wait: There is rarely a wait. Pay attention to when the film begins so you can enter the theater without having to wait for the next show to start.

Length: The film is about 15 minutes long and most visitors spend about 15 minutes looking at the memorabilia.

Rating: 8/10

Commentary: One Man’s Dream is an excellent exhibit that everyone should visit. Many people don’t because it’s not a ride or flashy attraction, but it’s a worthwhile expenditure of time, especially if you’re looking to get out of the sun or learn a little about the planning and construction of Disney World. Unfortunately, this exhibit is not all it could be and I would like to see some rotating exhibits and more interactivity. Nonetheless, it remains a fascinating look into the life of one of the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs.

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