Disney Hollywood Studios: Sunset Boulevard

Tower of Terror at Disney Hollywood's Studios.Lake Buena Vista, Florida: A trip down Sunset Boulevard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is like taking a step back in time to the glamorous days of Hollywood. Designed to resemble Hollywood during the 1940’s, Sunset Boulevards is home to two of the parks major attractions.

Sunset Boulevard opened in 1994 as an expansion to the park. The new expansion added a new avenue for shops, rides and attractions. The expansion was anchored by a new thrill ride, the Tower of Terror and a new theater, Theater of the Stars.

Tower of Terror opened in 1994 and was the tallest attraction in Walt Disney World until Expedition Everest opened in 2006. The ride is based on the popular sci-fi TV show “The Twilight Zone.” Guests enter the eerie Hollywood Tower Hotel and quickly begin to notice that things aren’t quite right. As you continue further into the hotel, you see indications at how vibrant the hotel once was and then all of a sudden everyone just disappeared. Soon you are ushered into an elevator car for that fateful 13 story plunge down the elevator shaft.

Also opened in 1994 was the Theater of the Stars. The 1,500 seat theater is home to the Broadway style show “Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage.” The 25 minute musical contains the highlights from the movie, all of your favorite characters and songs from the Disney animated film Beauty and the Beast.

In 1998, a brand new theater opened on Sunset Boulevard. The Hollywood Hills Amphitheater is the largest theater on the Disney property, seating over 10,000 spectators. This mammoth venue was designed to house the newest addition to the park, a night time spectacle called Fantasmic!. The 26 minute show runs nightly before park closing and is an explosive battle of good versus evil. The show incorporates a battle against the Disney Villains and features lasers, water features and fireworks to entertain guests.

The most recent edition to Sunset Boulevard, Rock N Roller Coaster opened in 1999. The indoor rollercoaster features 3 inversions while going 0-60 mph in less then three seconds. As with all Disney rides, the coaster tells a story. You enter G-Force Records where you meet Aerosmith as they are recording a track. The agent breaks in and reminds the band that they are late for their concert. The band offers you to come along and orders a large stretch limo for you and your guests. But it is LA and the traffic is a nightmare so you will have to step on it to make it to the concert in time. You board your limo and the freeway light turns green and the journey begins. You shoot off to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and blaze through the track, all while the best of Aerosmith blasts in your ears. Three inversions and 4.5 G’s later, you arrive at your destination and the ride is over.

If all this action and entertainment makes you hungry, try these eateries found on Sunset Boulevard:

  • Anaheim Produce Company: fresh fruit.
  • Catalina Eddie’s: pizza and salads.
  • Hollywood Scoops: ice cream.
  • Rosie’s All-American Café: burgers, sandwiches and more.

If you are looking for a gift or souvenir, here are some of the shops found along Sunset Boulevard:

  • Beverly Sunset: Fantasmic! and Disney villain merchandise.
  • LA Prop Cinema Storage: Disney character clothing and souvenirs.
  • Legends of Hollywood: Winnie-the-Pooh themed merchandise.
  • Sunset Boulevard Shops: limited edition collectibles and house wares.
  • Tower Shops: Tower of Terror themed souvenirs.
  • Rock Around the Shop: Rock N Roller Coaster and Aerosmith souvenirs.
  • Planet Hollywood Super Store: celebrity inspired merchandise.
Click on the photo above for pictures from Sunset Boulevard.

Updated December 14, 2010

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