Ask Matt

July 31, 2007 - #36

Every week I’ll be answering any question about the Disney-MGM Studios from planning questions to “what happened to...” questions. So if you’ve got something you’ve been wondering about or simply need clarification, please feel free to email them to me (use the form below).

I was just wondering how many studios does the park currently have available for production and what other buildings are in the back of the park and what they do? Also what's in the old animation department now? Thanks! - Andy

The traditional animation staff has since left the Disney-MGM Studios following the early 2005 closing of the animation department in Florida following "budget cuts". With their departure, meant the removal of the animating area that park guests used to be able to peer into during their tour. There are still some soundstages on the backlot, which are still active, mostly being used for costumes and such (which you can see on the Backlot Tour). The old bungalos that were used for production meetings and such are now being used by park administration.

Many of the soundstages along Mickey Avenue have been gutted to make room for Toy Story Mania, and there's been speculation that another soundstage will be removed to make room for a potential new attraction to come to the Studios.

Will there be anything "special" done for the release of this moive on Aug. 17th? My daughter is a huge fan and we will be at Disney that day. Thanks! - Donna

There does not appear to be anything planned to coincide with the release of High School Musical 2 at the Studios, or even at Walt Disney World. There is a movie premiere planned for Downtown Disney at Disneyland Resort on August 14th.

There has been some recent speculation that the High School Musical Pep Rally at the Studios will be updated to match the new version that will debut at Disneyland in August.

Hey Matt!

I love the podcast, thanks for all of your hard work. I heard about your Fantasmic event at Mousefest on the show and was wondering if you could explain it? It sounds interesting but I wanted to show my wife just what exactly it is because I just couldn't describe it to her. Maybe you can help? - Eric

Thanks for listening to the show Eric and I'd be more than happy to try to explain the event to your wife (and clarify it for you).

studioscentral.com and MEI-Mouse Fan Travel are co-hosting a meet at Mousefest 2007 on Saturday, December 8 where we will have a private dessert reception prior to Fantasmic! in a secluded viewing area at the rear of the Hollywood Hills Ampitheater (the stadium where Fantasmic! is shown). After some desserts and beverages, we will as a group watch Fantasmic! from our private viewing area. Besides meeting me, other members of the WDW Today podcast will be there along with other names I'm sure you'll recoginize from the Disney Internet community. It should be a very fun event and if you're interested in coming, be sure to buy your tickets before we sell out (there is only limited seating so be sure to get your ticket). I hope to see you (and your wife) there!

Hi Matt,

I have been enjoying the podcast for the last year or so but this is the first time I have written in. I have a question about the Magical Beginnings promotion and the Playhouse Disney Live concert series that happened in Sept - Oct last year and they are repeating again this fall. Do you thnk that this wil be an ongoing annual event? My wife and I would like to start planning ahead to attend in fall 2008. - Dan

Thanks for listening to the podcast Dan! As for your question, your guess is as good as mine but if I had to bet, I'd bet it will return for 2008 because the event occurs during September and October, which are very slow times of the year because most kids are just back in school. The Playouse Disney concerts coincide with the Magical Beginnings at the Magic Kingdom where Fantasyland is open an hour early to park guests on select days. By no means are these programs raking in the crowds to make it feel like summer, but they were a good draw last year and Disney really doesn't have much reason not to continue to hold this event again next year. Like I said, plan on it returning unless we hear otherwise.

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Page Last updated: 07/31/07