Bye Bye Backlot Tour

The news of the Backlot Tour closing was shared abruptly with little notice. It makes me nostalgic to see things go at Disney but I like to think of the Parks as a balance between a museum and a technology exhibit. Walt himself said Disneyland would continue to grow and change. But there is a sense of familiarity that we love about going to Disney. Attractions we enjoyed as a child now hold special memories and keep us coming back. I believe Disney Parks must embrace its rich, memorable history and entertain the future to remain the thriving vacation entity it is. That means, sometimes, old rides have to go.

The Backlot Tour was a unique experience. I especially liked Catastrophe Canyon. This “set” allowed guests to be in the middle of a simultaneous flash flood and explosion. Always an awe inspiring experience. The first scene of the attraction was really neat too. I have fond memories of my mom’s boyfriend being chosen to be in the mechanic seat when I was little. We had just gotten Annual Passes, my first ever as I was probably three years old, and Hollywood Studios was still a new Park. We have great pictures of him enduring the great splash that I’ll never forget. When I went as an adult, the memory flooded back and I was filled with delight thinking of special times there in my childhood. Disney is a bit of a memory time capsule like that. On the last day the Backlot Tour was open (9/28/14) I finally got to volunteer in this show myself.

I’m ok-ish with seeing the Backlot Tour go. Mainly because I’m happy to see Disney spend money on something all guests will potentially benefit from. This attraction took up a large piece of real estate, enough for a land of its own. When the whole Magic Band and FastPass+ transition was going on and we heard how much money was spent on it.. I was shocked. I felt like there was nothing to show for it. Now that its seemingly all in place, I still feel I have benefitted in no way from what was such an expensive “addition” to Walt Disney World. I only wore a Magic Band once when my friend’s mom didn’t want to go on rides and let me go for her. (Thanks, Sue.) I also rarely get Fast Passes anymore because you have to plan so far in advance. No matter what the drive behind the transition was (higher guest satisfaction, shorter wait times) I think it could have been addressed with more attractions. The absence of the Backlot Tour to me says something new is coming. Something that has nothing to do with planning your vacation and everything to do with living it.

So what’s next for this large piece of real estate? Rumors of a Pixar Place expansion are swirling and the location makes it seem possible. John Lasseter was spotted around Walt Disney World this week, once around the Park with Disney Hollywood Studios’ own Dan Cockerell. Coincidence? Guess we’ll have to wait and see. As I was walking away from the Backlot Tour on its last day I had a bittersweet moment. This attraction will be missed but I’m excited for new beginnings, especially if they are Pixar themed. From Toy Story to Monsters University, Pixar stories and characters are timeless and fun and would be a perfect addition to Hollywood Studios. I’m crossing my fingers for actual attractions. Nothing 3D, nothing with glasses. Just like the Backlot Tour brought Guests into actual atmospheres with real things, I hope Disney will bring more movies to life.