Backstage Studio Tour Opened at Disney-MGM Studios on May 1, 1989. One of the main reasons for building Disney-MGM Studios was to give guests an opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes during the making of a movie or television show. This tour began with a tram ride through production buildings, with windows showing costume and set construction areas. Then it was onto the backlot, with a ride down a residential street before entering Catastrophe Canyon for a special effects demonstration. In the early days of the tour, the tram would drive guests around the New York Street area, but later they were welcome to stroll that area on their own. On exiting the tram, guests were encouraged to continue their tour to an area called Inside the Magic—Special Effects and Production Tour. Here were several special effects locations, followed by a walk along an enclosed catwalk above the sound stages, where filming was often in progress. One of the primary residents of one of the sound stages was The Disney Channel’s Mickey Mouse Club. A highlight on the tour was the viewing of a short film, called The Lottery, starring Bette Midler; then guests were directed through the sets of the film. In 1996, this last area was remodelled to show clips and sets from the live action version of 101 Dalmatians. The tour has changed throughout the years, with the residential section removed for the building of the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show attraction. With many elements of the tour removed, the attraction later became the Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour on June 30, 1996, and in January 2008 the Studio Backlot Tour. Pre-recorded narration took the place of a host in March 2009, and the attraction closed on September 27, 2014. See also Studio Tram Tour – Behind the Magic.
