The Hollywood Picture Backlot is a tribute to Hollywood past and present. Classic architecture sets the tone and transports you to Hollywood’s Golden Age. From the legendary Hyperion Theater to the Hollywood Tower Hotel, everything old is new again when a generous touch of Disney magic is applied. Entertainment is the focus with spectacular stage shows, a game show, an insider’s look at the animation process, and a hotel with a very quirky elevator.
One of the newest attractions in Disney’s California Adventure Park takes you on a wild journey as Mike and Scully try to return Boo safely to her bed. Watch out because Randall and the Child Detective Agency are still trying to keep this from happening.
Located in the Animation Building, this is your once in a lifetime opportunity to have a conversation with Crush, the 150 year old sea turtle from Disney’s ‘Finding Nemo’. Interact and learn about the world under the sea but be prepared, Crush is very curious to learn all he can about your world!
This attraction is based on the Twilight Zone television show. Looming at 13 stories tall, the Hollywood Tower Hotel, home to this attraction, is the tallest structure in Disneyland. Fans of the Twilight Zone will delight in the more than 100 references to classic episodes found throughout the queue. The attention to detail is amazing. You’ll feel as if you’ve entered into a hotel that was long since abandoned. The cobwebs, yellowed newspapers and dingy furnishings in the lobby lend to the eerie atmosphere. The bellhop ushers you into the library. As the lights dim, the TV flickers and your host, Rod Serling appears on screen. This is when you learn of the ill-fated day when five passengers vanished from the elevator. You’ll next proceed through the boiler room to the service elevators. Once you’re belted in, prepare for a trip to the fifth dimension. Each elevator ride is different, with incredible special effects and unpredictable ride sequences. There’s no mistaking that you entered into the Twilight Zone. - FASTPASS Attraction
Restrictions: Height restriction: 40” - Inaccessible to strollers. Wheelchair/ECV accessible. Assistive listening devices available at Guest Relations. If you have difficulty climbing stairs, request the elevator to the right. You should be in good health, free of heart, back, neck problems, motion sickness or other conditions that could be aggravated while riding this attraction. Expectant mothers should not ride.
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The Disney Animation attraction offers a fascinating insight into the world of animation. You’ll find yourself surrounded by images of the many Disney characters that we’ve all come to know and love. The Animation Courtyard is the starting point. There are backdrops all around and constantly changing sketches of characters on the screen. You’ll feel as if you’re immersed in a cartoon. From here, there are several exhibits to visit, each offering a unique experience:
Drawn to Animation: Join a Disney artist as he and Mushu, the mischievous dragon from Mulan, explain how animated characters are created. Hosted in a 230-seat theater, it’s a humorous and fascinating glimpse into the creative process.
Sorcerer’s Workshop: For hands-on fun, this is the place to go. As you enter, you can try your hand at creating your own animation. Next you’ll enter the Beast’s Library. Prominently displayed on a shelf is the glass-encased Enchanted Rose. As the petals fall, wait and watch the sequence of events that follow. In the library, you can take a personality test, conducted by Lumiere and Cogsworth, to see which character you resemble. You may discover that there’s a bit of a Disney villain lurking within. In Ursula’s Grotto, you can voice a scene from the Little Mermaid, and then listen as it’s played back with you doing the vocals.
The Art of Animation : This gallery is an exhibit of the conceptual ideas and drawings that led to the development of Disney characters. It’s an insightful look into how they evolved.
The Animation Screening Room : In a theater setting, you’ll view the Walt Disney story. This film was developed in celebration of his 100 th birthday. It offers never before seen footage and a rare look into the life of the “Man Behind the Mouse.” Continuous showings.
Restrictions: Accessible to strollers, Wheelchair/ECVs. Assistive listening devices available at Guest Relations. Closed captioning and reflective captioning.
Jim Henson’s Muppet Vision 3D
The Muppets, led by Kermit and Miss Piggy, embark on a madcap 3-D adventure in this delightful attraction. Sight gags abound in the queue area and the pre-show. The theater itself is a copy of the Muppet Show stage. As the penguin orchestra tunes up, you don your 3-D glasses and watch the mayhem unfold. In addition to Muppet favorites, Waldo the “spirit of 3-D” leads the cast in an unforgettable romp. There’s a live character, animatronics and all sorts of visual effects incorporated in this hilarious presentation. Including the pre-show, you can expect it to last 25 minutes. -
FASTPASS Attraction
Restrictions: Accessible to strollers, Wheelchair/ECVs. Assistive listening devices available at Guest Relations. Closed captioning and reflective captioning.
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ENTERTAINMENT
Disney’s Aladdin – A Musical Spectacular – Hyperion Theater
This lavish production is not to be missed. Through song and dance, the story of Aladdin unfolds. The sets are breathtaking, the special effects are dazzling, and the talented cast is superb. This show features Aladdin, Jafar, Jasmine and the show stopping performance of the Genie. Not only is the Magic Carpet a delightful character, you’ll be amazed as it flies overhead while Aladdin and Jasmine discover a “Whole New World.” Favorite tunes from the movie are performed, as well as a new number written by the legendary composer Alan Menken. The 2000 seat Hyperion Theater offers orchestra, mezzanine and balcony seating. Each level brings a new perspective to this unforgettable show.
The show lasts 40 minutes. Restrictions: Accessible to strollers, Wheelchair/ECVs. Assistive listening devices available at Guest Relations. Closed captioning and reflective captioning.
Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! -
Join the cast from Bear in the Big Blue House, Rolie Polie Olie, and Stanley in this delightful 20-minute interactive show. Geared towards the littler guests, the audience sits on the floor and is invited to join in the Bear Cha-Cha as well as other song and dance numbers from the Disney Channels popular lineup of shows. Grown-ups will want to join in the fun while watching the little ones smile, sing-a-long and cavort with the characters.
Restrictions: Accessible to strollers. Wheelchair/ECV accessible.
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RESTAURANTS & REFRESHMENTS
• Award Wieners–Features hot dogs, chilidogs, gourmet sausages, fries, sides and beverages. Lunch, dinner, snacks
• Between Takes Catering Truck – Chili & Cheese and Cinnamon Apple Nachos, Chili in sourdough bread bowls, beer and beverages.
• Fairfax Market – A farmers market that serves fresh fruit (open seasonally)
• Schmoozies – Serves a variety of fruit flavored drinks, snacks
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STORES
• Gone Hollywood – located opposite Playhouse Disney , this Art Deco themed shop features trendy and glitzy gifts, stylish apparel, and Hollywood themed souvenirs.
• Off the Page – located adjacent to Disney’s Animation (you can exit the attraction via this shop.) Features Disney collectables, animation cels, limited edition prints, books, tapes, DVDs, and other souvenirs. The fun décor is worth a visit. On the ceiling are sketches with the characters literally falling “off the page.”
• Rizzo’s Prop & Pawn Shop – In zany Muppet fashion, check out the tongue-in-cheek props found throughout this shop. This shop features Muppet themed clothes, toys and souvenirs.
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