Orlando (September 6-12, 2006)

Disney-MGM Studios is dedicated to the Hollywood experience, both television and movies. It is 135 acres in size, and was the third Walt Disney World theme park to open, in 1989.

You step right into Hollywood Boulevard. Just before the Sorcerer's Hat (the park's icon) you can turn right into Sunset Boulevard, where you can see the thrill ride Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the end of the street. There is also the high speed Rock and Roller Rollercoaster and the Beauty and the Beast show. At night the fireworks spectacular Fantasmic! is held in an amphitheatre down at the far end.

Straight ahead from the Sorcerer's Hat, you can go into the Animation Courtyard and Mickey Avenue , or turn left into the Echo Lake area where you can see the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Tucked away behind these, is the Streets of America, building fronts of streets in San Francisco, New York and Chicago. At the back of the park is the Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show.

It is possible to see all of MGM Studios in one day if it is not too busy. We didn't try the two scary rides, but saw most everything else. At dusk we slipped out for a meal at a nice restaurant, and returned to see Fantasmic! comfortably, from a seat in the amphitheater overlooking the lagoon. This show was at the Disneyland Park in California last year, but we were not able to see it properly due to the lack of seating and crowded conditions there.