10 Hidden Secrets and Must-Know Facts About Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

Hollywood Studios is one of the most exciting and immersive Disney theme parks, offering many attractions, shows, and hidden secrets. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Disney aficionado, there’s always something new to discover.

From fun Easter eggs to fascinating behind-the-scenes tidbits, here are 10 incredible facts and secrets about this fantastic park. Next time you visit, share these with your friends and family!

1. Anubis Lives On: A Hidden Piece of The Great Movie Ride

A fun hidden detail for longtime Disney fans: one of the towering feet from the Anubis statue that once guarded The Great Movie Ride lives on in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge! You can spot it just outside Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities in Hollywood Studios.

While it looks authentic, it’s actually a replica; legend has it the original foot broke during transport and had to be recreated. The other foot can be found across the country at Disney California Adventure, making these two ancient relics unexpected Easter eggs from a bygone attraction.

2. Hidden Gas Pump Numbers Mark the Park’s Opening Date

One of Hollywood Studios’ fun Easter eggs can be found near the entrance, on the gas pumps located on the right-hand side. If you look closely at one of the pumps, you’ll spot a number that marks the park’s opening date: May 1st, 1989.

This hidden detail is a tribute to the park’s history and adds a fun element for Disney fans always looking for these subtle nods to the past.

3. Gertie the Dinosaur: A Giant Tribute to Animation History

In the heart of Hollywood Studios stands a giant, green dinosaur named Gertie. This iconic creature is a tribute to one of the first animated films ever shown in theaters, titled Gertie the Dinosaur, which premiered in 1914.

The giant dinosaur structure, which houses an ice cream stand, honors animation’s legacy and celebrates animator Winsor McCay’s groundbreaking work. So next time you pass Gertie, take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of this towering figure.

4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster’s Hidden History

If you’ve ever experienced Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, you know it’s a thrilling indoor ride filled with fast-paced twists, turns, and high-speed drops. But what most people don’t realize is that the ride wasn’t always indoors!

Originally, the coaster was built outside before the attraction building was added around it, transforming it into the enclosed experience we know today. This exciting indoor-outdoor blend is just one example of Hollywood Studios creating truly unique and immersive experiences for its guests.

5. The Shallow Waters of Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! is one of the most magical nighttime shows at Hollywood Studios, and its water-based effects are a major part of the spectacle. While many people assume the waters surrounding Mickey and his friends are quite deep, the reality might surprise you.

The pool around the stage is only about 18 inches deep at its shallowest point, with the deepest part reaching just 6 feet. It’s a clever design choice that allows for the show’s stunning water fountains and projections while keeping the area safe for performers and performers’ safety.

6. A Silent Tribute: The Clock in Walt Disney Presents

While you’re exploring the Walt Disney Presents exhibit, look for a special detail: a clock with its hands frozen at 9:30 AM. This is a subtle but heartfelt tribute to Walt Disney, who passed away on December 15th, 1966.

This simple clock is a beautiful nod to the legacy of the man who made all of Disney’s magic possible.

7. Hollywood Studios Was a Real Animation Studio

Before it became the theme park we know today, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (originally Disney-MGM Studios) was a real, working production facility. It wasn’t just animation, though that was a big part of it. Classic films like Mulan (1998), Lilo & Stitch (2002), and Brother Bear (2003) were animated right inside the park at the Florida animation studio, where guests could watch artists in action through the tour.

But live-action filming happened too. TV shows and movies such as The All New Mickey Mouse Club (1989-1994) and Kermit’s Swamp Years (2002) were shot on-site, using soundstages just steps away from the attractions. Hollywood Studios truly lived up to its name, blending entertainment and production all in one place.

8. Struck by Lightning? A Chilling Tower of Terror Rumor

It’s said that the Tower of Terror was struck by lightning during its construction, a story that feels almost too perfect, given the ride’s haunting theme.

While some believe it’s just a myth, it wouldn’t be hard to believe. After all, the tower has been hit by lightning multiple times over the years, and there are real videos showing lightning rods doing their job. Whether fact or legend, the rumor only adds to the eerie allure of this iconic attraction.

9. Toy Story Land: Shrinking Down to Toy Size

When you step into Toy Story Land, you’re shrinking down to the size of a toy. One of the most fun details is the size of Andy’s footprint, which stretches about 25 feet long.

It’s so big that it would take a Green Army Man about 12 steps to cross it! This clever attention to detail makes Toy Story Land an incredibly immersive area, and it’s just one of the many ways Disney brings its theme parks to life.

As you explore the land, pay close attention to the details around you, from oversized toys to the little touches that make you feel like you’ve become part of Andy’s world.

10. Hidden Dates in Toy Story Land

If you’re a fan of Disney’s hidden Easter eggs, you’ll love the dates hidden around Toy Story Land. These secret nods to Disney history add fun to your experience.

Here are two hidden dates you’ll want to look out for:

• Toy Story Mania Queue: Look for a board game with a barcode that features the date 12.15.2006—the date that plans for the attraction were first announced.

• Slinky Dog Dash Queue: As you approach the loading area, glance up at Rex’s original packaging. You’ll see an orange price tag with the date 11.22 and the price $19.95, a tribute to the release of Toy Story on November 22, 1995.

These hidden dates are just another example of how Disney infuses its parks with layers of storytelling and attention to detail.

Discover the Magic of Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is packed with fun facts, hidden secrets, and fascinating history, making every visit a new adventure. Whether you’re marveling at Gertie the Dinosaur, uncovering hidden dates in Toy Story Land, or learning about the park’s origins, there’s always something new.

Next time you visit, look for these fun facts and share them with friends and family. After all, part of Hollywood Studios’ magic is in the details!