With the American Idol Experience closing a few weeks ago, there is now another closing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to announce. The Studio Backlot Tour is officially closing in less than a week and a half as the long-time attraction will begin to make way for something else.
The last day of operation for the Studio Backlot Tour will officially be on Sept. 27, 2014.
The Studio Backlot Tour that is a walking and tram-riding experience through the movies opened on May 1, 1989…the same day that Disney’s MGM Studios opened as well. It has been a staple with Catastrophe Canyon for over 25 years.
There has been no word on what exactly is going in its place, but there have been rumors of Star Wars Land, an expansion of Pixar Place, and more. All we can do is wait and see just what will soon take up the spot where Studio Backlot Tour now resides.
An official announcement has not been made via Disney, but word is making the rounds and a few birdies have shed some new light on things. Rumors about the Studio Backlot Tour closing began a few months ago and really heated up on Friday, but then the news came down.
Remember though, until an official announcement comes directly from Disney…things are always possible of changing.
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Feels like a lot of concurrent closures heading into the holiday season, but I suppose it’s all for the eventual best. I was sure to take in Backlot the last time I was there. I wasn’t pants-a-fire about getting on again this year. I think I should be sure to watch LMA for the first time though. I’ve been missing that for years.
I will say that it should be perfectly simple for Epcot to reabsorb the people who used to be riding Maelstrom. I would assume that American Idol traffic will be more than absorbed by the Frozen Sing Along. The loss of Backlot is sure to be felt in other lines and walkways around this park.
The thing is, there is hardly a line for Backlot Tour ever anyway. For a few years now, the lines have been virtually nonexistent and hours for the attraction have been reduced.