Studio Backlot Tour
Disney's Hollywood Studios · Streets of America
Overview
The Studio Backlot Tour was a tram-and-walking tour on Streets of America that took guests behind the scenes of a working movie studio backlot, passing wardrobe departments, prop warehouses, and vehicle graveyards from real film and TV productions. Its centerpiece was Catastrophe Canyon, a live special-effects sequence where the tram drove into a simulated flash flood, oil-rig explosion, and fire — one of the most technically elaborate effects sequences Disney had ever built into a ride.
ParksLog Verdict
The Backlot Tour is the attraction longtime Disney-MGM Studios fans mourn the most — it was the clearest embodiment of the park's original premise as a genuine working studio, and Catastrophe Canyon remains one of the most ambitious effects sequences Disney has retired. Losing it stung, but it made room for two of the park's biggest modern lands.
About this experience
Behind-the-scenes tram tour featuring working sets, props, and Catastrophe Canyon effects sequence.
Best For
- Guests who remember Catastrophe Canyon's flash-flood effect
- Fans of Disney-MGM Studios' original working-studio concept
- Park historians tracking the Streets of America backlot
Tips
- Catastrophe Canyon's special-effects set was one of the most elaborate Disney ever built for a tour attraction
- Its former footprint is now split between Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land
- It shared its backlot setting with Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, also lost in the same expansion
Details
History
It opened with the park on May 1, 1989, as Disney-MGM Studios' anchor demonstration of genuine studio operations, later renamed simply the Studio Backlot Tour. It closed in 2014 as Disney began clearing Streets of America to make way for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land.
Fun Facts
- Catastrophe Canyon combined a simulated explosion, fire effects, and roughly 70,000 gallons of water per show
- The tour included real prop and costume warehouses used by actual film and TV productions filmed on-site
- Its closure, alongside Lights, Motors, Action!, cleared the largest chunk of new land Hollywood Studios has ever developed
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does Studio Backlot Tour take?
- The experience runs about 35 minutes. Budget extra time for the queue, any pre-show, and boarding — on busy days the full process can take considerably longer.
- Is Studio Backlot Tour good for young children?
- Yes — Studio Backlot Tour is listed as kid-friendly on ParksLog. The experience is gentle enough for most young guests, though always consider a child's individual comfort with the ride type before queuing.
- How intense is Studio Backlot Tour?
- ParksLog rates this as low intensity — calm pacing with light movement. Suitable for most guests including young children. Use your own judgement based on personal comfort and any health advisories posted at the entrance.
- When did Studio Backlot Tour open?
- Studio Backlot Tour opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 1989.
- Is Studio Backlot Tour still operating?
- ParksLog marks this attraction as retired or no longer operating. Check Disney's Hollywood Studios's official site for the current lineup.