Disney's Hollywood Studios: NEW "Block 89"

[Wendy Corduroy]

Hollywood Studios: "Block 89"

Hello! I have been mentally armchair imagineering for far too long and am ready to share my first in-depth project. I am passionate about bridging hyper-realism with a sense of whimsy. One of my favorite things to do while visiting Disney and Universal parks is to check out the building facades and window displays with a closer eye. I love the little details! My preferred area of focus is on dining, retail, and general hangout spaces.

I am excited to present an idea for a corner of the Sunset Boulevard area of Disney's Hollywood Studios: Block 89.

Here, little has changed from 1989, as tribute to the park's opening year. Despite Disney seemingly doing away with all that harkens back to these times, it is now considered retro-cool. Those like myself, born in the 90's and later, yearn to experience the era, as evidenced through the success of popular shows, such as "Stranger Things," and the "vapor wave" aesthetic. Think of this area as "Back to the Future's" " 80's Cafe" in grander form.

This new block will stand off to the side of Rock n' Roller Coaster/Electric Mayhem, behind Hollywood Scoops. It will tie the musical coaster in with the rest of the Hollywood theming, all while juxtaposing the town's grit and glamour.

It will comprise of two structures, designed to appear as several facades, featuring a center courtyard. Two larger dining establishments will be on opposite sides, with street side entryways, as well as with ability to enter and exit via the courtyard. There will be an incline leading up to the side of the block facing Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, which will then be entered by going downstairs (with interior elevator access). Turning the corner, the walkway declines. Retail stores provide the aesthetic transition to the other building, which is then accessible at street level. The courtyard can also be entered here, with access to additional quick-service eateries and retail spaces.

Block 89 hopes to fill a hole left following the closure of Pleasure Island by providing cheeky entertainment for adults, while retaining the transportive, whimsical Disney experience. This project also returns a bit of atmosphere to Hollywood Studios that was lost with the removal of Streets of America. The intentional aging and dirtying detail work used in Animal Kingdom are brought here, instead used in an American city setting.

 

[Wendy Corduroy]

"Scuzzy's Off Sunset"

Scuzzy's Off Sunset is a bar and entertainment venue inspired by the iconic rock spaces of the Sunset Strip, and the kinds of dive bars where 1980's bands might've gotten their big break. It is dirty, fun, loud, but only a little bit scary.

Trekking over from Rock n' Roller Coaster, guests see a flat-roof building with a brick facade, partially painted black. A flickering neon sign advertises "Scuzzy's" with "Off Sunset" crudely painted below, alongside a leaderboard featuring funny messages. Hours are stated as "LATE" and mock health department sign rates it "N for Nasty". Entry is over grates and under a tattered awning, either down into a basement or up into a gift shop. Here, Scuzzy's and other Block 89 merchandise, such as t-shirts and glassware, can be purchased. One may take the elevator down, or use the outside stairs, which appear dark and grimy, providing little view into the space.

Entering the bar and lounge, the lighting is quite low, predominantly provided by overhead string lights, notably in red. One room features a large bar area with dark wooden tables, facing a moderately sized stage. In another room, a more intimate bar top is situated by multi-colored vinyl booths, sitting beneath a mixture of neo-Victorian and pop-art style chandeliers. The walls, tables, and floors are mostly coated with a layer of pseudo filth, featuring food splatters, water stains and chewing gum remnants. Drinks are served in specialty bar-branded glasses, which have been glazed tan and cloudy, to give an appearance of being unwashed. Clear glasses are available upon request. Specialty cocktails and mocktails include classics, such as "The Rusty Nail," among others with abrasive names. Cast members are attentive, yet slightly gruff, and wear Scuzzy's t-shirts with acid wash jeans. Small plates are available, including specialty chips and popcorn.

Nods to Disney characters, especially the villains, are hidden amongst the decor. Wall art depicts Pete as a regular customer, and a small flame mural appears to be the work of Hades. Dr. Facilier and his friends from the other side draw allusions to the darker underbelly of the Hollywood scene, with various signs depicting their presence. The Descendants cast appear to have gone on a graffiti spree, with quotes from their songs painted on several walls. License plates, from both villains and non-villains alike, can be found on walls and ceilings, identifiable through names and colors.

The space's stage is frequently occupied either by scheduled entertainment, or via "open mic" sessions. Regular acts include an aging hair metal band, "White Stallion", and an ex-princess punk rock girl group, "DePrincessed", performing covers, including the occasional Disney song. Guests are able to sing karaoke when there are no scheduled performances. Pinball machines are available to play, themed to various Disney properties.

Restrooms are located in the hallway, toward the courtyard back exit. Still quite dark and ominous, they feature a special haunted house effect, where the lights gently flicker on a randomized schedule, and the automatic faucets are set to occasionally turn on by themselves. Hidden black lights also flicker, revealing messages written in lipstick across the mirrors. An additional family restroom without effects is also available.

 

[Wendy Corduroy]

"Sunset Convenience" "Time-Sensitive Souvenirs"

Leaving through the main entrance of Scuzzy's, one turns the corner on a concrete sidewalk, walking up to the next facades. The building now appears comparatively cleaned up; painted with only minor fading.

The first sign reads "Sunset Convenience". In this small location, one can find various sundries, in addition to a "slurpee" machine and fountain sodas. Here, guests have the unique opportunity to order a "New Coke," produced specially for the park. Black and white tile floors give the appearance of a neighborhood quick mart. A hanging tube TV plays vintage commercials from the Disney Channel, and its original "off-air" message.

Immediately down, a sign made from individual metal letters reads "Time Sensitive Souvenirs" and welcomes guests inside. Printed posters fill the windows with exclamations such as, "Must go NOW!" "The sun is setting on these deals!" and "Running out of TIME!" Colorfully dressed, wigged mannequins displaying the shop's wares. These stores are also connected from the inside.

Entering Time Sensitive Souvenirs, one is transported to retail past, with overhead track lights and printed carpeting. Mirrored racks and shelves are stocked with various 1980's inspired goods. Featured items include those referencing the original park logo, now defunct attractions, and retro film and TV shows. Styles such as visors and packs grace the selection, and SWATCH digital watch products are available for sale. Vacation Brand sunscreen and other body products are also a nod to the era. Purchases are placed in a reproduction of the original park shopping bag.

As the sidewalk declines, the building strip appears to end and guests reach the entrance to the block's courtyard. Continuing on to the next corner, they arrive at an entirely different facade.

 

[Wendy Corduroy]

"Hair of the Dog Diner" "Hot Buns Bakery"

Hair of the Dog is a casual restaurant where neon dreams come true. A glitzy 80's take on a diner, it has playful, subtly star-studded touches.

At Hot Buns Bakery, guests can enjoy several variations of swirled bun pastries, in an amusing fitness inspired atmosphere.

At this corner of the block, guests are met with a two-story 1980's contemporary structure, loosely inspired by art deco design. Painted white stucco, the restaurant features large glass block windows and a neon pink sign advertising "Hair of the Dog Diner". After entering through a large pillared doorway, one may either walk straight ahead to the restaurant's quick-service counterpart, or up an open set of stairs with thick tubular railings. A glass elevator is also available.

Upstairs is a bright and open space, with abundant windows and glass block dividers. Neon pink and blue, in addition to pastel tones, color the walls and furnishings. Booths appear diner-style and tables glow with built-in LED lights, changeable by guests at the push of a button. Tile lines the floors, going partially up the walls. Strips of neon light on the ceiling are turned on lowly during the day, and then are turned on brighter at nighttime, providing more of a dance club-like atmosphere. Additional seating is available under glass solarium walls, which particularly come alive at night, with a flashing light show. Pop-adjacent electronic music is played during the day, transitioning to deeper synths as the sky darkens. Cast members are dressed in oversized blazers with shoulder pads, in light or bright colors.

Hair of the Dog gets its namesake from its wall decor, featuring illustrated pictures of dogs with elaborate 1980's hairstyles. This includes era-inspired studio portraits, posters, magazine covers, and album art. We see stylizations of Disney characters such as Max and Goofy, those from Lady & the Trap, and Oliver & Company. We also see then-popular figures and entertainment acts depicted as dogs, given canine-related names, such as "Duranimal Duranimal" and "Dogs & Boneses". The menu features all-day breakfast, with brunch items and elevated versions of popular diner dishes. Eggs benedict, pancakes, waffles and crepes are available until park close. Restrooms are large with abundant glass block, and television adorned waiting areas.

Past the staircase leading up to Hair of the Dog, there is a glass door underneath an additional, smaller lit up sign, reading "Hot Buns Bakery". Guests walk into a former aerobics studio, what was once the set of "Mousercise", now transformed into a bakery. Walls are painted in pastel shades, with a now faded emblem of Mickey & Friends in their workout clothes. Small roman-style busts of characters can be found in corners. Remaining gym equipment is used as furniture, with workout benches providing some seating, exercise bike screens used as cash registers, and stacks of free weights propping up trays of food. Inside seating is available on mismatched tables, some appearing as stacked-up aerobics steps or dumbbell racks. Cast members wear sweat bands and cut-up t-shirts, or sweatshirts, over shorts and tanks. Soft classical music plays in the background.

The menu at Hot Buns focuses on the perennial mall favorite, the cinnamon bun, as well as variations on the pastry in unique flavor combinations. Items include "lemonade" buns, "orange-jewel" buns, and savory pretzel buns. Coffee drinks are also available. Beverages are available in special souvenir cups, authentic to the designs used at the park in 1989.

Additional covered seating is available outside, underneath the Hair of the Dog solarium. A separate entrance is accessible here, via the courtyard.

 

[Wendy Corduroy]

The courtyard can be entered streetside, via a metal archway. Lush hibiscus and palm trees fill the space, many in tiled planter boxes. Approaching the center, a fountain sparkles by day, and is lit up by multiple colors by night. Several classic-style park benches line the walkways. A photobooth is available, as well as a temporary tattoo cart. Pop-up "street-mosphere" entertainment includes cast members performing skateboard tricks, as well and dance and rap battles.

During holiday seasons, additional vendor booths are added, featuring limited editions snacks and merchandise. A spooky Halloween ghost projection show occurs in the fall, while a spectacular light show airs at Christmastime.


"CD Bagels" "Push-It-Up Pops"

For a quick bite and a flashback to heyday of physical media, CD Bagels offers both NY-style bagels and a less-than curated CD collection.

Push-It-Up is an ice cream parlor with both nostalgia and flavor, served in an "underground" urban setting.

On the street-adjacent side of the courtyard, beneath Time Sensitive Souvenirs, a metal sign reads "CD Store" over the brick facade, in which "Store" has been crossed out and painted over with "Bagels". An enlarged CD has been colored over in beige, to now instead represent a bagel. Windows beside the door feature dusty boomboxes and filled CD racks. Walking into the small quick-service restaurant, guests see it has indeed replaced a former record store, with abandoned-looking walls lined with shelves of cases. Some sections are labeled as "Demo" by unknown names and others, as obscure genres of music, such as "Samba Honky-Tonk" and "Gothic Polka," implying to guests that the store's selection did not sell well.

Low, warm toned lighting creates a relaxed feel, made not-too-dark by mirrors on the upper walls. Broken stereo sets make a few small booths against the wall, while former center racks create standing bar tops. Some CDs are still available for sale at the register. Cast members wear visors and aprons, over t-shirts reading "LA" heart "NY" with the bagel emblem.

The menu is comprised of various bagels and toppings, stored behind the counter in crates, and labeled by sharpie-written jewel cases. The signature dish is the namesake "seedy" bagel, akin to an "everything" bagel. Vintage style souvenir cups are also available. There is additional patio seating outside, on a small terrace in the courtyard.


Toward the corner of the courtyard, beneath Sunset Convenience, and adjacent to the back exit of Scuzzy's, neon lights flash with "Push-It-Up" and an emblem of a push-pop. Additional, smaller signs on the windows light up with "Cold Ice Cream" and "Crank It Up". Inside, a brick wall features the menu, painted on in graffiti art style, with concrete floors. The space is small and loud with hip hop beats. Ice cream, sorbet, and libations are served 'push-pop" style, in a manually lifting container. Cast members wear light colored jeans and jerseys, with the option to wear a color-block bomber jacket, or chunky gold jewelry. Guests are served via turn table, with their ice cream placed in a holder, and spun to them over the counter. Some bench seating is available, with additional tables toward the CD Bagels patio.

 

[Wendy Corduroy]

The back side of Scuzzy's is labeled with additional signage. The far corner of the building appears to be blocked off by a one-story brick wall, which is painted with a music inspired mural, and large text reading "Block 89". Behind the wall, there appear to be dumpsters, vents, and a metal overhang, all dripping water to create a children's splash pad play area. Continuing around the wall, a brick arch leads to a staircase with the rusted appearance of a fire escape, bringing guests back up to the Scuzzy's main entrance. The archway attaches to a smaller brick building on the side of the courtyard.


A 3D sign stating "Vanity Magic" bridges between two facades: The brick half attaches via arch to Scuzzy's on one side, abutting a single story wing of the Hair of the Dog and Hot Buns building on its other side. There are entrances on both sides, while the buildings connect on the inside. A neon hand mirror flashes from above.

"Vanity Magic"

At Vanity Magic, guests have the opportunity to get a Hollywood makeover, with makeup and hairstyling services specializing in 1980's drama.

Entering closest to Scuzzy's, guests pass a darkened window, walking into the makeup studio. Black marble and black lacquer paint line the walls, along with gold damask wallpaper. Large bulbs surrounding the mirrors at each station and flickering faux candles light up the otherwise dark space. Clear acrylic furnishings contrast heavy drapery and leather seating in the waiting area. An opulent yet rock n' roll dressing room, guests can choose from a variety of beauty packages, including looks from both the 1980's and those from the golden age of Hollywood. Cast members embody a moody look. Upon completion of services, can take a look in a magic, interactive mirror and receive a message.

Entering on the stucco side, guests walk into an airy hair salon. Skylights allow in natural light, creating a breezy atmosphere, accompanied by cast members in white lab coats. Columns are abundant and mirrored walls surround the silver-y stations, with pale tile and white marble filling the space. This blowout bar similarly allows guests to choose styling from various eras, with the option to pair with a corresponding makeup look. Following services, there is an additional option to have thematic photos taken in a small photo studio, located towards the back of space.

Between the two halves of Vanity Magic, products used are also available for guest purchase. Golden glass cabinets stand on pink floors, decorated with flower bouquets. Posters and cosmetic advertising material are displayed around the store, featuring both Disney princesses and villains alike, drawn in the style seen in 1980's magazines.

Courtyard restrooms are situated in the corner, between Vanity Magic and the Hot Buns outdoor seating area, with glass block walls serving as entry points. A painted and neon lit photo wall stand in front, featuring geometric shapes and a flower motif, opposite the other mural. Exiting the courtyard, guests may take a pathway to Sunset Boulevard, or return via the original entry, back to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.



Thank you for touring Block 89 with me; I hope you had a totally awesome time exploring! I had a great time Imagineering. See ya real soon!