After the Great Movie Ride closed its doors and Toy Story Land puts on its finishing touches, is Disney Hollywood Studios getting a new name?
Walt Disney World Parks in Orlando are making many changes. From this year’s new Pandora at Animal Kingdom to the redesigned Mission Space at Epcot, Disney is making many changes. The Imagineers are busy sprinkling pixie dust all over the Disney parks. While the final piece of the Slinky Dog roller coaster has been placed, Disney Hollywood Studios could have an even bigger change. Will this Disney theme park get a new name?
Disney Hollywood Studios, photo by Cristine Struble
WDW News Today reported that a focus group survey has sought opinions on potential new names. A few new proposed names include Disney Legends Park, Disney Cinemagic Park, and Disney Storyverse Park. Many of the choices seem to lead fans to believe that the movie magic part of Hollywood Studios might be replaced with more brand-focused initiatives.
A potential park name change makes sense. With Toy Story Land and the Star Wars Land under construction, the park is moving away from the general movie and/or Hollywood theme. The Great Movie Ride closed recently. Walking around this Disney theme park is more Star Wars centric than just a movie influenced park.
Disney Hollywood Studios, photo by Cristine Struble
Even though the replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater greets guests, people eagerly anticipate the Rebel Forces walking in during the day. The current Star Wars areas, like Launch Bay, have long lines for character experiences and pictures. This park is about connecting with favorite movie characters more than any other Disney park.
If Hollywood Studios would to change its name, one area could need some changes. The Sunset Boulevard area isn’t necessarily character-driven. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, while a fun ride, doesn’t connect with a specific character. Also, younger generations may not care or know about The Twilight Zone.
Disney Hollywood Studios, photo by Cristine Struble
The same can be said for Rock n’ Roller Coaster staring Aerosmith. The roller coaster is a lot of fun. As riders cross through Los Angeles with Aerosmith tunes in the background, the ride doesn’t tie to a movie character. Yes, the Aerosmith connection is quite clear, but it doesn’t make for a story.
To re-brand the Los Angeles area of Hollywood Studios might be a little difficult. Granted, Disneyland transformed its Tower of Terror into Guardians of the Galaxy Mission BREAKOUT to much success. A similar change could happen in Florida. But, with Guardians of the Galaxy coming to Epcot, it seems unlikely that another Guardians of the Galaxy ride would be added.
Disney Hollywood Studios, photo by Cristine Struble
Re-branding the Aerosmith ride seems very difficult. The whole area is filled with the music theme. From the twisting guitar to the records in the pavement, this area would be hard to quickly transform. But Disney, with its magic and pixie dust, does have some great imagination.
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Will Disney Hollywood Studios rebrand in the near future? We will continue to watch the rumor mill for signs of any pending changes. As Toy Story Land approaches its completion in 2018, anything is possible. Personally, I would like to see the name Disney Hollywood Studios stay. A little bit of nostalgia can be a good thing.