Disney-MGM Studios

You'll probably see the Tower of Terror and the Earrfel Tower, a water tank with mouse ears, even before you enter this park (formerly the Disney-MGM Studios), which Disney bills as "the Hollywood that never was and always will be." Once inside, you'll find pulse-quickening rides such as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, movie- and TV-themed shows such as The Voyage of the Little Mermaid and American Idol, and a spectacular laser-light show called Fantasmic! The main streets include Hollywood and Sunset boulevards, where Art Deco movie sets remember the golden age of Hollywood. The Streets of America sets include New York, lined with miniature renditions of Gotham's landmarks (the Empire State, Flatiron, and Chrysler buildings); as well as San Francisco, Chicago, and others. You'll find some of the best street performers in the Disney parks here.

Arrive at the park early. Unlike Epcot, the Studio's 154 acres of attractions can pretty much be seen in a day. The parking lot reaches to the gate, but trams serve the outlying areas. Pay attention to your parking location; this lot isn't as well marked as the Magic Kingdom's. Again, write your lot and row number on something you'll be able to find at the end of the day.

If you don't get a Hollywood Studios Guide Map and entertainment schedule as you enter the park, you can pick one up at Guest Relations or most shops. First things first -- check show times and then sketch out a plan for your day, because many of the of the park's best offerings are its shows. Schedule your rides around the shows that interest you most and go from there.

There's a Tip Board listing the day's shows, ride closings, and other information at the corner of Hollywood and Sunset boulevards.

Hours -- The park is usually open from 9am to at least 6 or 7pm, with extended hours sometimes as late as midnight during holidays and summer.

Ticket prices -- A 1-day park ticket is $71 for adults, $63 for children 3 to 9. Kids younger than 3 get in free.

Fit for Royalty -- Over at soundstage 4, on Mickey Avenue, Journey Into Narnia has transformed in order to keep pace with the recent release of the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Rather than venturing through a gigantic wardrobe into the wintry white world, guests will explore Aslan's Stone Chamber, recreated from the mold used to create the original -- and even meet Prince Caspian himself. Filling the gallery just beyond the set are elaborate creatures, along with actual costumes, armory, and props used in the making of the film.

Disney Idol? -- At press time, Disney's version of American Idol was about to make its debut. Based on the wildly popular TV show of the same name, American Idol brings with it an exciting new element to the park's existing lineup of spectacular shows and experiences. Studios guests are invited to audition, perform, and even compete live on stage -- a stage that practically mimics the original.

Tune Time -- Weekdays from noon to 4pm, you can watch BB Good broadcast her Radio Disney show live from a studio next to Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey. You can tune into the show and others on Radio Disney at 990 on your AM dial.

Buzz & Woody are Back in Action -- At press time, Disney's Toy Story Mania was making its debut. This new interactive attraction, based on the popular Disney/Pixar Toy Story movies, features several classic midway-style games, each with a Toy Story -- and technological -- twist. Shrunk to the size of a toy and sporting 3-D glasses, guests attempt to score points at the various booths that line the midway. Similar to Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin at the Magic Kingdom, onboard cannons will fire at the targets as characters, including Buzz, Bo Peep, Woody, and even the little green men, cheer everyone on as they play. Hidden targets will earn you extra points and lead to different levels of play, ensuring that each experience will be different than the last -- and that you'll want to come back for more.

Go Wildcats! -- With the popularity of Disney Channel's hit movie, High School Musical II: School's Out, it shouldn't surprise anyone that a bit of Disney's movie magic has made its way to the streets of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Wildcat fever is catchy as guests are invited to join in on the cheering, dancing, and singing as the High School Musical-style pep rally makes its way through the park.

Call Ahead -- Disney's Hollywood Studios is home to some of Disney World's most unique restaurants. If you plan to dine in any of them, be sure to make Advance Reservations (preferably before you arrive, but if not, then the minute you arrive at your hotel or in the park). Waiting until lunch or dinnertime will almost assure that you'll miss out, especially at the Sci-Fi Dinner Theater and 50's Prime Time Café.

Services & Facilities

ATMs -- ATMs accepting cards from banks using the Cirrus, Honor, and PLUS systems are located on the right side of the main entrance and near Toy Story Pizza Planet.

Baby Care -- The Studios has a small Baby Care Center to the left of the main entrance where you'll find facilities for nursing and changing. Disposable diapers, formula, baby food, and pacifiers are for sale. Changing tables are also in all women's restrooms and some men's restrooms.

Cameras & Film -- Film and Kodak disposable cameras are available throughout the park. Digital supplies, however, are limited. Services, varying from location to location, include CD burning, film developing, and minor repairs.

First Aid -- The First Aid Center, staffed by registered nurses, is in the Entrance Plaza adjoining Guest Relations and the Baby Care Center.

Lockers -- Lockers are located alongside Oscar's Classic Car Souvenirs, to the right of the Entrance Plaza after you pass through the turnstiles. The cost is $5 to $7, including a $5 deposit.

Lost Children -- Lost children at Disney's Hollywood Studios are taken to Guest Relations, where lost children logbooks are kept. Children younger than 7 should wear name-tags inside their clothes.

Package Pickup -- Any purchase can be sent to Guest Relations in the Entrance Plaza; allow at least 3 hours for delivery. If you're staying overnight at a Disney resort, you can also have all packages purchased by 7pm sent to your hotel (they will be delivered by noon the next day).

Parking -- It's $12 a day for cars, light trucks, and vans; $13 for RVs.

Pet Care -- Day accommodations for $10 are offered at kennels to the left and just outside the entrance (tel. 407/824-6568). There are also four other kennels in the WDW complex. Proof of vaccinations is required.

Strollers -- Strollers can be rented at Oscar's Super Service, inside the main entrance, for $15 for a single and $31 for a double. Length-of-stay rentals are available at $13 per day for a single and $27 per day for a double. Full payment is expected up front for length-of-stay rentals.

Wheelchair Rental -- Wheelchairs are rented at Oscar's Super Service inside the main entrance. The cost for regular chairs is $10 a day. Electric wheelchairs rent for $45, plus a $20 refundable deposit.

Parades, Playgrounds & More

Disney's Block Party Bash, the Studio's big parade, made its debut in 2008, replacing Disney Stars and Motor Cars. Guests are invited to sing and dance along as fan-favorites from Disney-Pixar flicks such as Finding Nemo, Toy Story 2, Monster's, Inc., The Incredibles, and A Bug's Life (among others) take to the streets in this new interactive dance party parade.

Discover the Stories Behind the Magic is an exhibit under the giant sorcerer's hat at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. Its interactive kiosks let you explore the inspirations behind the chapters in Disney's life.

Aside from the parades, there are character-greeting hot spots at Toy Story Friends near Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano, on Commissary Lane, on the north end of the Streets of America, on Mickey Avenue near the Backlot Tour, and at the Magic of Disney Imagination. See the handout Times Guide for the schedule.