Possible return of the "Backstage Pass" attraction at the Disney-MGM studios

[imagineersrock]

Yesterday (June 22nd) I visited Millionaire-Play it twice during the day. One thing i found very interesting was that during both visits, the television sets that can be seen through the glass windows (part of the old "backstage pass" tour) Were on and being worked on. There were also several construction workers/technicians walking back and forth in that tour area. I tried taking pictures of the TV screens but unfortunately they didn't show in the photos I took.

Anyway, not sure if this is directly related or not- but I just found this post(Thanks MichelleBelle) which states that Screamscape is reporting a new Narnia walk-through attraction taking place in the soundstages might be coming to the studios. http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=58100

Though I am unsure as to whether or not these two tid-bits of information are related... it does seem to make sense.

If anyone has anymore information regarding the subject, feel free to share.

 

[AndyP]

Very interesting, thanks!

 

[imagineersrock]

I try...

lol, Thanks for the response.

 

[a2grafix]

So, if I understand correctly, the Backstage Pass tour is no more? When did that happen?

Last time I was at WDW, unfortunately, was in August 1993. I'm a newbie here but an oldie but goodie when it comes to Disney and the theme parks.

I hope to return to WDW for a week stay - at least - sometime in the next year or so. I really need it.

So, when did the backstage pass tour go away? I loved the walk-through, including the Honey I Shrunk the Kids prop pieces, Mr. P.W. Herman and Mel Gibson and I think C-3PO and the movie at the end.

So sad to hear as well the animation studio is/was closing.

Wow, so many changes.

 

[imagineersrock]

Yes, the tour that you remember has been gone for quite a while. It closed down and re-opened with a 101 dalmations theme where you got to see how some of the puppets worked and you walked through some of the sets from the film. If I'm not mistaken that closed and re-opened to include an interactive scene from the show "Home Improvement." This last version also ended up closing a few years ago.

Now, rumors are circulating that the tour might be re-opening within the next few months that would include a walk-through of the elaborate sets from the soon-to-be blockbuster "Narnia" film(s.)

 

[ToTBellHop]

It makes sense...Narnia should be huge...possible E-Ticket that I'd like to see either at MGM or Animal Kingdom (I could see it replacing Beastlie Kingdomme)

 

[Coasterbp]

That area is being used in conjuction with the production that is going on in SoundStage 1. This production is using SoundStage 1, the Tour Bridge Walkway, and parts of SoundStage 4.

 

[Captain Chaos]

What production is going on in MGM Studios? I thought Disney stopped using this park as a working studio a while ago.

 

[mandib]

The heat has gotten to me because this is not ringing any bells. 1st off does anyone have any pictures of this. 2nd where did you actually start the tour. 3rd what is this Narnia about that you speak of? Wow...must go turn up the a/c or something!

 

[rogerrabbitfan9]

The heat has gotten to me because this is not ringing any bells. 1st off does anyone have any pictures of this. 2nd where did you actually start the tour. 3rd what is this Narnia about that you speak of? Wow...must go turn up the a/c or something!

Nania is a movie based on the series "The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis.

Production? Disney Studios? Please elaborate.

 

[netenyahoo]

Nania is a movie based on the series "The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis.

Production? Disney Studios? Please elaborate.

Actually the series is the Chronicles of Narnia with the first book called The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

There are rumors that there will be a walk-thru of some of the sets from the movie Disney is releasing in December.

 

[imagineersrock]

That area is being used in conjuction with the production that is going on in SoundStage 1. This production is using SoundStage 1, the Tour Bridge Walkway, and parts of SoundStage 4.

Can you expand on this at all?

 

[Coasterbp]

The only thing I know is that out front of SS 1 is a sign that says Camp Laurette. I asked around and they said that they are using SS1 and part of the Tour Bridge and SS 4. I have no idea what it is, but they are in there until August, or something.

 

[imagineersrock]

Thats kind of a dissapointment, because that means we probably won't be seeing anything new for park guests in that area for a while. Bummer.

 

[leifink]

from what I remember, when Millionaire-Play it was being built and the tour was still open, you could see the set being built through the windows , I asked a cast member on the future of the tour due to the new Millionaire game, if it would affect it in any way, and she said that due to Florida game regulations, that they would have to close the tour down, she wasn't really specific as of why, but she went right along the lines of people being able to cheat and people in the tour affecting the game show with flash photography and noise.

I would really love to see the tour open again, I really liked it, but it might mean having to decide between Millionaire and the tour

 

[mkepcotmgmak]

That area is being used in conjuction with the production that is going on in SoundStage 1. This production is using SoundStage 1, the Tour Bridge Walkway, and parts of SoundStage 4.

productions are going on at d/mgm???

 

[imagineersrock]

Hmm, that seems odd, and once again- a "bummer." You'd think the millionaire set would be a great thing to use for the tour as they could say actual episodes of the show had been filmed right there. While the "Florida game regulations" thing makes sense... I'm sure Disney could find ways around it if they really wanted to i.e. extra tinted one-way windows so that the audience (and players) of millionaire couldn't see the people on the tour. Also, sound proofing so that neither could hear the other. PS- I don't think that remark about flash photography being a distraction can be true, because if I remember correctly... No form of video or photography has ever been allowed in the soundstages while on this tour.

In my opinion, this is a quick fix that WDI should be able to take care of very easily if permitted to do so. This is probably just a case of not doing so because there is no demand for it, and I find that unfortunate.

 

[OliveMcFly]

a2grafix - I loved the walk-through, including the Honey I Shrunk the Kids prop pieces

Same here. I wish I could have had the chance to hang onto the fly. HeHe I also remember seeing a clip of the Bette Midler movie "The Lottery" and then they would recreate the scene right in front of you. Now when in line for the Backstage Tour you can see the apartment building props and the subway props. Makes me sad, I can remember that so well.

 

[Coasterbp]

The reason that the Backstage Pass attraction closed was there wasn't enough production going on to warrant it. Most of the time, the only "production" going on in the Sound Stages was Millionaire.

The comment about the tour attraction having to close because of the alleged "Florida Game Commision", (which btw, isn't real... try looking it up....) is false. That had nothing to do with the tour being closed.

 

[dr_teeth90210]

The "Mickey Mouse Club" set used to be where Millionaire is. That was always fun to see on the backstage tour.