Studio Backlot Tour reopened today after refurbishment (video)

[wdwmagic]

http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions...-Tour-reopened-today-after-refurbishment-.htm

The Studio Backlot Tour reopened this morning after a 3 month refurbishment. The tram tour section now features a pre-recorded spiel despite the tour guide still being inside the tram with the guests. There are two versions of the spiel, one male and one female. No confirmation yet on whether they have a different script or if they are just used to match the onboard tour guide gender. No significant changes were made to the pre-show, Harbour Attack scene, AFI Showcase, or the actual tram tour.

Video up at http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Studio-Backlot-Tour/Video.htm

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

Sounds interesting..I guess if there's a problem with the audio spiel they have the tour guide with them just incase...

 

[NMBC1993]

Must be a nice job to have now, just sit back and let the car do all the work

 

[SirGoofy]

Another spieling attraction loses all it's personality.

I swear if they do this to the JC, I will seriously go off..

 

[jt04]

Another spieling attraction loses all it's personality.

I swear if they do this to the JC, I will seriously go off..

You don't have to worry. A lot of people would.

 

[wdwmagic]

Sounds interesting..I guess if there's a problem with the audio spiel they have the tour guide with them just incase...

That already happened. The very first tram today had an audio failure all the way through to the costuming. The CM in the front car was pretty much left helpless.

A friend just sent over a video, so uploading now.

 

[SirGoofy]

You don't have to worry. A lot of people would.

There was actually plans to do it a while back. Thank heaven someone snapped out of whatever state of mind even made them think of doing it.

 

[wdwmagic]

Video now up at http://www.wdwmagic.com/Attractions/Studio-Backlot-Tour/Video.htm

 

[LongballMG]

It's a sad day for former Backlot Tour cast members like me. I'd be so embarassed to have to sit there and play an automated spiel.

 

[wdwmagic]

Just an update on that video. It begins at costuming. Up until that point there was silence, no spiel what-so-ever due to a technical or operator issue on the tram.

 

[imamouse]

As much as I don't like for CMs to be replaced by automation, I quickly adjusted to the automated spiel on LwtL. The differnece with the Studio Backlot Tour is now it's even less of a "real" studio (to me). I wonder if this means no more (or fewer) changes to the backlot due to the need to change the spiel? The last additions I remember are the bone cages from PotC2, so I guess this is a non-issue.

 

[Rob562]

I'll bet the on-board CM is now there just as a safety lookout. The tram driver is too busy to both drive *and* make sure a Guest doesn't jump out or stand up along the way. So the other CM (who used to do the spiel) is most likely there to keep an eye on the Guests.

When LwtL went to automated spiels, they added the safety monitor CM position who keeps an eye on the monitors for standing/exiting Guests. The Backlot Tour is too spread out to be able to do that.

-Rob

 

[Disneyson 1]

So does anyone have it on youtube? I can't figure out how to open the link correctly...

 

[wdwmagic]

So does anyone have it on youtube? I can't figure out how to open the link correctly...

You just click on the link and it will open in Windows Media Player.

YouTube has a 10 minute limit, and the clip is longer than that so I cant upload it there.

 

[bgraham34]

This was once a fun attraction. It is so rare that I will go on it. Thanks for the video though,

 

[RSoxNo1]

This was once a fun attraction. It is so rare that I will go on it. Thanks for the video though,

Now the coolest thing about it is watching Catastrophe Canyon from the top of the Lights Motors Action stands.

 

[WDW_Fan_79]

Unfortunately the only talking the "former tour guide" can do is the load and unload spiel and saying "driver we're clear". The Shuttle Assistant as they are now known as are not allowed to talk over the mic.

 

[hokielutz]

So, there was no major changes or fixes other than new automated audio for a 3-month refurb??

Was this closure really necessary?

 

[amejr999]

I have no clue why they made this change. It's not saving on labor, so what's the point?

 

[Master Yoda]

I have no clue why they made this change. It's not saving on labor, so what's the point?

It provides a consistent guest experience. Most people could not give a hill of beans whether a person or an MP3 player is giving the spiel they just want to be able to hear it and understand it. There have been quite a few times on LWTL and the Backlot Tour that I have had the spiel given by a CM with either no love for their role or a very bad speaking voice and it ruins the attraction. The automated spiel removes that kind of bad show possibility.