Walt Disney World is full of unique dining options, and while Disney Hollywood Studios may not have as many sit-down locations as other Disney parks, it sure has some of the most unusual places.  One of my favorites, the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater.  Be sure to check the latest menu, which includes some of the best burgers around, but the real treat here in the Hollywood Hills Drive-in Movie theater. Walt Disney World is full of unique dining options, and while Disney Hollywood Studios may not have as many sit-down locations as other Disney parks, it sure has some of the most unusual places. One of my favorites, the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater. A trip back to the 1950s and the old school drive-in theater, complete with your 50s roadster to watch the double feature.   Of course, you’ll be watching while dining.  Clips include “News Flashes from the Future,” a Tom and Jerry Cartoon (at least in this version, remember Tom and Jerry are MGM), clips from monster moves that come straight from the 1950s, and even a clip with Walt Disney himself. The entire loop is right around 45 minutes, just enough to enjoy a full meal.    And just in case you missed some of it, I have you covered. This episode of SamsDisneyDiary is the full video loop from 2019; without “The Cat That Hated People,” which has been blocked by the copyright owner on youtube.  The Cat that Hated People is a 1948 MGM cartoon directed by Tex Avery.  Parts of Tom and Jerry Cartoon have also been blocked, the cartoon is Tom and Jerry Episode 119 “Mouse into Space”.  The audio in this video isn’t perfect, because it’s a restaurant with background noise.  But to me, that makes it real; this is from a family vacation when dad just happened to let his camera run during the meal.  Thanks for watching, be sure to subscribe for more.

Sams Disney Diary

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

The Great Movie Ride. The opening day marquee attraction of the Disney MGM Studios, and when it closed 28 years later, that last remaining opening day attraction at the park. Located inside the park’s icon, “The Chinese Theater,” the Great movie ride showcased animatronic figures, practical sets, live actors, pyrotechnics, and projections to recreate iconic scenes from classic features throughout motion picture history. (At least throughout the Disney and MGM studios library) Did you know the ride was developed initially as a pavilion for Epcot’s Future World? The “Show Business” pavilion would have been located between the land and imagination pavilion, featured the attraction “Great Moments at the Movies”. When newly assigned Disney CEO Michael Eisner was briefed on the project, it quickly escalated into a Theme Park of its own. Hey, why settle for an attraction when you can have a full working studio. The Disney Studio was born, well, at least the idea, it would take some planning and partnering to see the attraction expand into the Disney-MGM Studios. The 22-minute journey into the movies had a few changes over the years, most notably the Turner AMC sponsorship that added an audio recording and the live cast member. I’m partial to the original version, a cast member taking us on a tour into the movies. I hope you enjoy our trip to the movies. Ready CB! The Great Movie Ride. The opening day marquee attraction of the Disney MGM Studios, and when it closed 28 years later, that last remaining opening day attraction at the park. Located inside the park's icon, "The Chinese Theater," the Great movie ride showcased animatronic figures, practical sets, live actors, pyrotechnics, and projections to recreate iconic scenes from classic features throughout motion picture history. (At least throughout the Disney and MGM studios library)

The Great Movie Ride (1989-2017)

For just shy of 11 years, Mulch, Sweat & Shears ruled Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios.   The fan-favorite “atmosphere entertainment” created quite the cult following.  The studios’ official “landscaping crew” doubled as a high-energy “rake and roll” show!  If you visited Hollywood Studios from 2004-2015, you likely ran into them on the streets of America or at the end of Hollywood Boulevard right in from of the sorcerer mickey hat, remember that?  Specializing in classic rock, the landscapers loved to engage the audience with an honorary member playing the cowbell.   According to the official Disney description:  Mow”-sy on over for some classic hard rock, as this energetic cover band performs an unforgettable “rake and roll” show. For just shy of 11 years, Mulch, Sweat & Shears ruled Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios. The fan-favorite "atmosphere entertainment" created quite the cult following. The studios' official "landscaping crew" doubled as a high-energy "rake and roll" show! If you visited Hollywood Studios from 2004-2015, you likely ran into them on the streets of America or at the end of Hollywood Boulevard right in from of the sorcerer mickey hat, remember that? Specializing in classic rock, the landscapers loved to engage the audience with an honorary member playing the cowbell. According to the official Disney description: Mow"-sy on over for some classic hard rock, as this energetic cover band performs an unforgettable "rake and roll" show. This video was taken on the Bands’ 10th anniversary, October 18, 2014.

Mulch, Sweat & Shears (10th Anniversary Show 2014)

Disneyland Today.  Part of Disneyland in-room television, Disneyland today is a great way to start your day at the Disneyland Resort, getting the latest details and information on happenings thought out the day. Disneyland Today. Part of Disneyland in-room television, Disneyland today is a great way to start your day at the Disneyland Resort, getting the latest details and information on happenings thought out the day.   

Disneyland Today (Disneyland Resort TV July 2017)

With over 25 resorts, Walt Disney World has something for everyone.  No matter what your price range, you’re sure to find theming and an immersive environment.  Each resort has its own unique charm, and some have exclusive activities.  When it comes to value resorts, Disney’s Pop Century is my favorite; it’s a nostalgic look at the unforgettable fads of the 1950s through the 1990s.  The Disney Skyliner station connection the resort and Art of Animation to the Carriean Beach Station, continuing to Disney Hollywood Studios or Epcot isn’t a bad addition at all  When you checked in, did you notice the Shadowboxes along the way across from the check-in counters?   Those shadowboxes tell the story of the decades, the story of the resort.  Pre-Covid, on select days the resort front desk staff would conduct a “Shadowbox Tour.” The icons are unmistakable, from the 1950s Lady and the Tramp, and bowling pins, 1960’s Yo-Yos Hippie flowers, and Play-Doh.  The 1970s 8-Track tapes, Disco and Big Wheel, the 1980s Rubik’s cube and Rodger Rabbit and Cell Phones and Laptops of the 1990s.   Pop Century is a salute to the timeless fashions, catchphrases, toys, and dances of those decades. When you checked in, did you notice the Shadowboxes along the way across from the check-in counters?   Those shadowboxes tell the story of the decades, the story of the resort.  Pre-Covid, on select days the resort front desk staff would conduct a “Shadowbox Tour.” The tour typically started around 3:30, so if you’re like me, at 3:30 in the afternoon in Walt Disney World, I would be in one of Walt Disney World’s Theme Parks.  So the Shadowbox tour is one of those things I always wanted to do, but who has the time?  Well, one day back in 2014 headed back to Pop Century to get ready for the Not So Scary Halloween Party, and that was my opportunity to record the tour, not just any tour, a private tour for you and me!  That tour is this episode of SamsDisneyDiary. Thanks for watching.  

Walt Disney World: Pop Century Resort: Official Shadow Box Tour (2014)

The Mariachi Espectacular is a group of all-star mariachi musicians, made up of the best musicians from around the world. Members have also produced, composed, arranged, records for some of the most famous artists in the world. The group performed in the Plaza de la Familia at Disney California adventure to celebrate the release of the Disney Animation Coco, they have also performed during the Viva Navidad Holiday celebration at Disney California Adventure. The Mariachi Espectacular is a group of all-star mariachi musicians, made up of the best musicians from around the world. Members have also produced, composed, arranged, records for some of the most famous artists in the world. The group performed in the Plaza de la Familia at Disney California adventure to celebrate the release of the Disney Animation Coco, they have also performed during the Viva Navidad Holiday celebration at Disney California Adventure.  

Mariachi Espectacular Disney California Adventure

The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar opened at Disney California Adventure in 2009.  It has served as a preview center for coming attractions at the park since, featuring sketches, painting, and 3D models providing a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney artists, architects and engineers bring the ideas to reality.  In 2018 the exhibit focused on the design and reimagination of Pixar Pier, inspired by a classic seaside boardwalk in California. The Walt Disney Imagineering Blue Sky Cellar opened at Disney California Adventure in 2009.  It has served as a preview center for coming attractions at the park since, featuring sketches, painting, and 3D models providing a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney artists, architects and engineers bring the ideas to reality.  In 2018 the exhibit focused on the design and reimagination of Pixar Pier, inspired by a classic seaside boardwalk in California. The update includes a full model of Pixar Pier, the science of developing an interactive Roller Coaster, and a behind-the-scenes presentation by the Imagineers focused on the project. 

California Adventure: Blue Sky Cellar (Pixar Pier) 2019

Walt’s kiss goodnight, Fireworks.  A perfect ending to a fantastic day at any Disney Park.   Today it is so much more than the first Disneyland fireworks back in 1956.  It’s hard to imagine that those simple fireworks, individually light by cast members, would have evolved into full-scale production, including Projections, synchronized music, and more explosives that Walt could have imagined.   Happily, Ever After, premiered in 2017 creating the question, Should I be watching the sky for Fireworks or the castle for Projections????   The answer… YES!!!  The storytelling is amazing and the rewatch ability is highlighted by the projections and fireworks together. In this video, I stuck around after the show, just let the camera roll.  Taking in the sights and sounds of the Magic Kingdom after fireworks and gave me time to finish my ice cream.   Thanks for watching, be sure to subscribe for more.   

Happily Ever After

If there is a closer connection to Walt Disney in a Walt Disney World Attraction, I sure can’t think of it.   Not only does the Carousel of Progress bear his name, but it’s also the only attraction in Florida with Walt in the preshow.  I included the famous clip from Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair as the introduction.  Then it’s a first-person trip on the rotating theater and audio-animatronic stage show attraction, as it appears in 2019 at Walt Disney World in Florida.   The original attraction was created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair.  After the World’s Fair, the attraction was relocated to Disneyland, and in 1973 it was relocated to Walt Disney World as part of the Tomorrowland expansion, which included the addition of Space Mountain in 1975. The original attraction was created for the 1964 New York World’s Fair. After the World’s Fair, the attraction was relocated to Disneyland, and in 1973 it was relocated to Walt Disney World as part of the Tomorrowland expansion, which included the addition of Space Mountain in 1975.   

Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress (2020)

Once Upon a Time (Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Projection Show) In 2011, The Magic, The Memories and You ushered in the age of projection mapping using Cinderella’s Castle as a canvas. The original show featured images of guests from throughout the day – It debuted in 2011 and was updated in 2012 with “Celebrate the Magic”, both previously featured on SamsDisneyDiary. The Current Projection Show “Once Upon a Time” made its debut in 2016. Based on a similar nighttime show at Tokyo Disneyland. The show is a bedtime story told by Mrs. Potts to her son Chip. Mrs. Potts recounts cherished moments in Disney Animation that all start with “Once Upon A Time..”. Stories include Cinderella, Peter Pan, Frozen, Alice in Wonderland, and Beauty and the Beast. As of March 2021, the show is temporarily unavailable due to covid-19. This episode of SamsDisneyDiary is how the show looked before the pandemic delay.

Once Upon a Time (Walt Disney World Cinderella Castle Projection Show)

The D23 Expo is the ultimate Disney Fan celebration, and no one celebrates Disney attractions like the D23 community. This session from the 2015 expo celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Disneyland Original, Jungle Cruise. Skippers from throughout the years reflect on their experiences at the Jungle Cruise, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary as one of Disneyland’s opening-day attractions. They will also discuss changes to the attraction over the years including recent holiday overlays and other additions. During the presentation, Kevin Lively, a former Jungle Cruise skipper now in Walt Disney Imagineering, announced the Jungle Navigation Co. Skipper Canteen will open later this year in the old Adventureland Veranda space in the Magic Kingdom's Adventureland. We also got a little backstory for the new restaurant.

Safari So Good, Jungle Cruise 60th Anniversary

The Golden Horseshoe Revue was an opening day attraction at Disneyland in 1955.  Did you know, the first performance took place the day before Disneyland’s official opening, to celebrate Walt and Lillian’s 30th wedding anniversary.  The Golden Horseshoe has a long history of entertainment, with the first original show running until October 1986.  Other versions included a Variety Show, Billy Hill, and the Hillbilies, and Woody’s Round-up to celebrate the opening of Toy Story 2 in 1999.  The video in this edition of SamsDisneyDiary is from my personal collection and was recorded in 2017. The Golden Horseshoe Revue was an opening day attraction at Disneyland in 1955. Did you nkkow, the first performance took place the day before Disneyland’s official opening, to celebrate Walt and Lillian’s 30th wedding anniversary. The Golden Horseshoe has a long history of entertainment, with the first original show running until October 1986   Looking for more?  Don’t miss the Disney Family Album, The Golden Horseshoe Revue, including a more in-depth history, interviews with performers, and backstage details 

Disneyland Golden Horseshoe Revue (Full Show 2017)

There is nothing better than a Disney attraction with ties to Walt Disney himself.  First premiering at Disneyland in 1963, the Enchanted Tiki room was an opening day attraction at Walt Disney World in 1971.   The Disneyland version was the first attraction to feature audio-animatronics, the foundation for the Disney 1964 World’s Fair attractions.  The Walt Disney World version of the attraction was an identical show, with a different pre-show, the Tropical Serenade. There are over 150 talking, singing, and dancing birds, flowers, tiki drummers, and tiki totem poles—all singing the signature "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room song" by the Sherman brothers, among others. During a 2013 interview for the Tiki Room’s 50th anniversary, Wally Crump explained that the Tiki Room’s original concept was a restaurant.  Walt was ahead of his time; The Rainforest Café wouldn’t open until 1994.  Of course, I joke, but you can see the similarities and how the show quickly became the focus versus a dining venue. There are over 150 talking, singing, and dancing birds, flowers, tiki drummers, and tiki totem poles—all singing the signature “The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room song” by the Sherman brothers, among others. This edition of SamsDisneyDiary is the 2019 version of the Walt Disney World Enchanted Tiki Room!  

Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room

Walt Disney World is the one location where my entire family can find something to smile about. No matter the age, no matter who is with us, you will find an adventure. Sam’s Disney Diary is simply a way for me to capture and share the memory or those adventures in the magic. I hope you enjoy.