Movie Magic and Special Effects will be revealed for the last time as the Studio Backlot Tour is set to close after Sept 27th at Disney World.

Walt Disney World announced earlier this week that the Studio Backlot Tour at Hollywood Studios would close after Saturday, September 27. This news comes on the heels of Disney announcing it will close Epcot’s Maelstrom attraction in Norway pavilion make way for a “Frozen”-themed attractions.

One of the few remaining attractions from when the park opened in 1989, the Studio Backlot Tour takes audiences on a behind-the-scenes tour of how special effects are made in the movies. Guests board a tram where they are taken through the backlot into Catastrophe Canyon where water and fire effects go off to simulate the movie-making process. Prior to boarding the tram, guests enjoy a live show where audience volunteers assist in creating a naval battle scene.

Unlike Maelstrom’s closing where Disney gave fans over a month to get in their last ride, guests were given just a weeks notice of the closing of the Studio Backlot Tour. Disney also explained what would be replacing Maelstrom, while there is currently no word yet on what will replace the Hollywood Studios nixed attraction. Of course, there are already rumors swirling including turning Catastrophe Canyon and surrounding roads into Radiator Springs in a new Cars Land or Pixar Place with a Toy Story Playland, or a Monsters Inc. ride similar to the one at California Adventure or Tokyo Disneyland. Not long ago there was discussion of a possible “Star Wars” –themed area that would come to Disney, and now some are saying the Backlot Studio Tour area would be the perfect spot to take guests to a galaxy far, far away. This would make sense since the Star Tours attraction isn’t far from the Backlot and Star Wars Weekends is a huge draw to Hollywood Studios every spring. 

During the upcoming holiday season, part of the exit to the Backlot Tour will be used for the relocated Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post. It will continue to operate closer to the popular "For the First Time in Forever: A 'Frozen' Sing-Along Celebration."

For one last tour on the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, look for discounted Walt Disney World tickets right here on Best of Orlando. Stay tuned for more details on what will replace this iconic attraction. 

Orlando, FL – 09/24/14

By: Jena Pugh