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, 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 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, MGM'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 Disney-MGM 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 $67 for adults, $56 for children 3 to 9. Kids younger than 3 get in free.

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

Out of the Warmth & into the Cold -- Over at soundstage 4, on Mickey Avenue, the frozen world of Narnia comes alive. At Journey Into Narnia: Creating the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, guests can walk through a gigantic wardrobe and into an elaborate wintry landscape much like the set from the hit blockbuster movie. They'll be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic a la Disney. Filling the gallery just beyond the set are elaborate creatures, along with actual costumes, armory, and props used in the making of the film.

Buzz & Woody are Back in Action -- At press time, the details regarding Disney's Toy Story Mania were just being released. This new interactive attraction, based on the popular Disney/Pixar Toy Story movies, is set to debut in early 2008 and will include 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 will 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.

Services & Facilities in Disney-MGM Studios

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 -- MGM 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.

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 $7, including a $2 deposit.

Lost Children -- Lost children at Disney-MGM 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 $10 a day for cars, light trucks, and vans; $11 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 $10 for a single and $18 for a double.

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 $35, plus a $5 refundable deposit.

Parades, Playgrounds & More

Disney Stars and Motor Cars, MGM's big parade, made its debut in 2001, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Uncle Walt's birth in Chicago. The motorcade includes a fun, highly recognizable procession of Disney characters and their chariots. The parade is popular enough that if you decide to skip it, you'll find shorter lines at the park's primo rides (check the parade schedule in your park map).

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.