Countdown to 2012 WDW Marathon Weekend #17

#17 - Disney's Hollywood Studios The Great Movie Ride

From the Walt Disney World website:
The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park is an attraction for all ages that celebrates Hollywood and the history of film.

The thrill begins when you enter the full-scale reproduction of Hollywood's historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre. As you wander through the lobby of the theater, check out the rotating exhibit of costumes, props and set pieces on display, which may include a pair of Dorothy's ruby slippers from the classic The Wizard of Oz.

Then you're ushered onto The Great Movie Ride for a journey that'll put you in the middle of the action from gritty gangster flicks of the 1930s to the adventure of contemporary classics such as Raiders of the Lost Ark—and provide a few surprises along the way, too!

Through the use of film footage, special effects and nearly 50 lifelike Audio-Animatronic replicas of legendary movie stars, some of the most memorable moments in motion picture history are recreated, including scenes from:
•Alien
•Casablanca
•Fantasia
•Mary Poppins
•Raiders of the Lost Ark
•Singin' in the Rain
•Tarzan the Ape Man
•The Public Enemy
•The Wizard of Oz

If you've always wanted to be in the movies, this is your chance!

Why am I looking forward to The Great Movie Ride?
The Great Movie ride can be found at Disney's Hollywood Studios housed in a replica of Grauman's Chinese Theatre.  Take a few minutes to enjoy the architecture of the building, it's gorgeous and it comes complete with some very special hand and foot prints in the sidewalk outside.

When you enter the queue, which is essentially the lobby, it snakes through the building and along the way you'll see some amazing displays of costumes and props.  Take a look and see which ones you recognize.  The displays do rotate so you never know what you night see!

As you enter the next room you'll see a huge movie screen.  It's okay if you have to wait for a few minutes here because on that huge movie screen you'll be watching some clips from some great classic movies.  See how many you can name or count how many you've actually seen.  It's always fun to hear the reactions of other guests as different movies play.

You'll be ushered in to another room where you will board your ride vehicle.  The vehicles are long trains with bench seating.  Don't worry, there really aren't too many bad seats and you'll have a good view from any of the rows.

The Cast Member that you get plays a big part in the enjoyment of this attraction.  They are on script and a big part of the show, so if they are lackluster and not committed to the role it does take a little bit away from experience.

As your journey begins you'll be transported through many great movie scenes.  There are audio animatronics and props and wonderful scenes.  There are a ton of details so really try to look around and take it all in.

There is also one live action scene in the attraction.  Your driver will get involved in the action and there are two possible scenes that you may see.  This can be entertaining, but again it really depends on the Cast Members to make it great.

After you've seen all the movie re-enactments your ride vehicle will pull in to another dark room with a massive movie screen.  Here you'll get to see even more clips of movies - classic, modern and Disney.

Now, I do love this attraction.  There are some really amazing aspects of this attraction, but in all truth, the attraction could use some updating.  I think even a great refresh of the existing attraction would be helpful - give it a fresh new feel if nothing else.  I think it would be difficult to determine what should change because the attraction is full of classics, but I think one thing that would be amazing to see would be a real representation of the Sorcerer Mickey scene from Fantasia!

Next time you're at Disney's Hollywood Studios go ride The Great Movie Ride and enjoy seeing some great classic movie clips and scenes!