Something is happening at Disney World. It’s not just the usual refurbishment here or a fresh coat of paint there. Whole areas are changing. Beloved attractions are being replaced. Entire lands are getting new identities.
One park seems to be shifting faster than the rest — and it’s leaving some longtime fans feeling like they’re watching a friend change into someone they barely recognize.
The Spirit of Hollywood Fades
Hollywood Studios used to celebrate the golden age of filmmaking. It was all about lights, cameras, and the magic of movie-making. You could feel it in the rides, the shows, and even the atmosphere. Now, that original theme is harder to find.
The park is still full of energy and thrills, but the “Hollywood” part of its name is starting to feel more like a memory.
Galaxy’s Edge and the New Direction
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a stunner. Guests can fly the Millennium Falcon, battle the First Order, craft lightsabers, build droids, and meet characters like Chewbacca and Rey. It’s cinematic in scale, but not the kind of “Hollywood” the park once promised.
Other new experiences — themed dining, character encounters, immersive set pieces — are fantastic, but they lean into storytelling worlds rather than celebrating the art of making them.
When the Curtains Closed on The Great Movie Ride
The closure of The Great Movie Ride was another turning point. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway brought a colorful, cartoonish energy, but it also erased an attraction that literally walked guests through Hollywood history. Scenes from Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, and Raiders of the Lost Ark made it feel like stepping into a classic soundstage.
From Muppets to Monsters
The Muppet Vision 3D theater felt right at home because of its film-production setting and backstage-style humor. Guests entered a working studio before watching the show, which helped it fit the park’s theme. Its upcoming replacement — a Monsters, Inc. land with Pixar characters and kid-friendly attractions — may be fun, but it’s another clear departure from the Hollywood studio concept.
Toy Story Land’s Bright but Different Vibe
Toy Story Land offers giant toys, playful rides, and colorful backdrops that make guests feel small enough to sit on a board game piece. Attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers excite all ages. It’s immersive and well-loved, but its focus on Andy’s backyard adventures doesn’t connect to the glitz and glam of old Hollywood.
The Road Runs Out for Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, with its mad dash through the neon-filled streets of Los Angeles, gave guests a thrill with a dash of rock-star swagger. The pre-show featured Aerosmith inviting riders to their concert, setting up a high-speed chase past familiar LA landmarks. Once it closes to make way for the Muppets, another authentic piece of the park’s Hollywood-inspired identity will be gone.
What’s Left
Yes, there’s still Tower of Terror and a few stage shows, but other Disney parks have shows too. Hollywood Studios risks blending in with the rest without a stronger connection to its movie-making roots.
