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Let me start with saying – Disney’s Hollywood Studios has never been a “must” on our trips. Since it’s inception as MGM, it’s always been a pretty park, but has never had much drawing me to visit.
We decided to stop in with hopes of riding Toy Story Midway Mania and our son appreciating Playhouse Disney, a stage production for the younger ones who watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny, The Little Einsteins, and, showing the show’s age, Winnie the Pooh and Friends. Though Winnie the Pooh is no longer aired on television, my son loves watching Mickey Mouse and Handy Manny, if for nothing more than their theme songs and other tunes played during each episode.
We arrived for their “Rope Drop” show, which has seemingly improved since June. Now, there is actually a show of sorts. They had a director and actress set up as though we were in the 1930’s filming a movie. Actually, they had these characters all throughout the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, ‘filming’ scenes and calling out directions to innocent bystanders.
But, other than these actors and producers, we noticed that some of the Disney spirit was seemingly missing. The cast members didn’t appear as cheerful at DHS as those working in the other parks (or resorts). I personally enjoy interacting with the cast members – asking questions, talking about their jobs, etc… but, at DHS, this interaction didn’t happen much.
The “actors” on the Great Movie Ride did their job with a little flair, but nothing over the top. At Playhouse Disney, my husband was practically scolded by a cast member when he had put our son on his shoulders. I understand that maybe they’re not working their dream job, but neither are the cast members at Small World, yet they’re always smiling!
Has the magic been lost? Was it ever really there? Maybe it went out when the functioning studio left. I’m not sure, but I can tell you that we won’t be heading back on our next trip.
Jenn resides with her husband, 1 year old son, and 2 bratty dogs in a suburb of Washington, D.C. She also hosts her own blog, the Disney Babies Blog, where she shares her experiences, tips, and ramblings about traveling the parks with a baby. In her non-Disney life, Jenn is often found running, practicing yoga, or playing the clarinet in the military
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