The entrance area of Walt Disney Studios Park is the Front Lot, inspired by the classic movie studio lots of Hollywood's golden age. All the key elements are here: iconic studio gate, production soundstages, looming water tower... with mouse ears!
The warm colors and rich details of the Front Lot present a welcoming face to the park. Art Deco details combine with subtle hints of Mickey Mouse to make this studio uniquely Disney, while the stars and searchlight pattern incorporated into the courtyard and gateway evoke a feeling of glitz and glamour from old Hollywood.
Inside the gates is La Place des Frères Lumière, a plaza area dedicated to the early European innovators of Cinema. Their tributes circle the plaza, culminating in the Fantasia Fountain at the center, honoring Walt Disney's 1940 cinematic triumph.
Surrounding La Place des Frères Lumière are all the typical theme park main entrance services, including The Walt Disney Studios Store. The entrance of the store is dressed as though it's hosting a premiere, complete with red (tile) carpet, covered entry for celebrity arrivals and even Disney royalty in their couture gowns. Some of Disney's greatest movie stars also make appearances here to meet their fans.
Inside, the walls of Walt Disney Studios Store are adorned with photographs from the early days of the actual Walt Disney Studios, like this shot of the lot at 2719 Hyperion Avenue where Mickey Mouse, Silly Symphonies and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs were animated.
The biggest structure on the lot is Disney Studio 1, a massive soundstage through which Guests pass to reach the rest of Walt Disney Studios Park. Step inside, and you'll find yourself on the set of an elaborate production entitled, "Lights, Camera, Hollywood!"
The plywood backing of the sets is stamped with logos for both the studio and the production. Step through to the other side, and you'll discover a movie set recreation of a fantasy Hollywood that serves as the de facto Main Street for the park.
Several of the iconic locations of old Hollywood are here, from the Brown Derby to Schwab's Pharmacy. Other facades look familiar, but are graced with names unique to the park. Fans of Disney's Hollywood Studios might recognize Crossroads of the World (here called The Gossip Column) and Oscar's Super Service Station (dubbed Last Chance Gas - with none other than Herbie the Love Bug on the lift in the station's garage).
Beyond the facades, the entire left side of Disney Studio 1 is a merchandise location, with a food court facility taking up the right side of the building. The store is set up as a prop shop, with fixtures designed as rolling racks to move items to and from the set. I particularly enjoyed this section, filled with amazingly detailed Egyptian props and set pieces.
The food court side of Disney Studio 1 is comprised of a collection of facades presenting a fun, kitschy side of Hollywood, with place names like Gunga Den, Carmen's Veranda, Swankadero and the Hep Cat Club.
There's even a Tiki lounge, a staple of Hollywood in the '50s and '60s. In case you got caught up in the illusion of "Lights, Camera, Hollywood!" though, reaching the opposite end of Disney Studio 1 reminds you that you're really on a movie set. A camera crane looms over the exit doors, capped with a mural of the Hollywood hills. It may be a wrap for this section of the park, but our Walt Disney Studios Park adventure is just beginning.
TAND
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
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