On the last day we visited the fourth theme park, MGM Studios, and this was another exciting adventure for us all. At the center of it all is a huge wizard’s hat (just like the one worn by Mickey in Fantasia) at Hollywood Junction. Here my daughter reveled in the High School Musical Pep Rally and met some of the characters she had been longing to meet.
One of the most interesting diversions in these parks is seeing children line up to get the “autographs” of their favorite characters. Autograph books and special Mickey pens are sold in all the parks, and it is unbelievable to see children and adults (no chances for a FASTPASS here) waiting in long lines for these ten to fifteen-second encounters. We did get autographs in the other parks, but the most coveted ones were found here (Mickey and Minnie). Even I couldn’t help but jump in a picture with Mick and shake his white-gloved hand (my daughter was not the only one waiting a lifetime to meet this charismatic mouse).
MGM Studios is a delightful place (and features the Brown Derby if you want to treat yourself to one great meal in the parks) that is made to look like old Hollywood, with swaying palm trees, art deco buildings, and bright pink and blue archways that reflect days of the golden age of films. We saw the best shows in this park, with the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular being the most thrilling 30-minute adventure you can imagine. Also, don’t forget to come back at night for Fantasmic, a superb laser and water show that is the best of some very good evening entertainment found in the parks.
While running around the parks and trying to see all the sights, get on the rides, and watch the shows, it isn’t that simple to stop to shop or eat. We packed a brown bag lunch every day for each of us, and this was fortunate because the lines for a sandwich, cup of coffee, or an ice cream could be as time consuming as the ones for the rides. As for shopping, the best thing to do is probably wait until evening and take some time to get away from the parks and visit Downtown Disney.
Article comments
1 - diana hartman
Congratulations! This article has been selected for syndication to Boston.com, where it will be enjoyed by even more readers.
2 - Victor Lana
Thank you, Diana. As always, I appreciate opportunities such as these. Thanks for letting me know.
3 - steev janssen
hope you used their photopass service! it is awesome. ;)
4 - Victor Lana
I should have mentioned Photo Pass in the article. That was a really great idea. In every theme park there are photographers standing in strategic locations who will take your picture, scan your card, and then you can access them online.
This takes a lot of the worry about missing a shot out of the equation, and the pictures came out great.
Thanks for reminding me, Steev.