I think one of the reasons why I loved Disney-MGM Studios so much was the theming. I mean, I am a "theatre geek" (as mom likes to call me) and am into all of the movies and theatre stuff, so naturally I'd love hanging out in a theme park that is centered around the world of movies and theatre. Believe it or not, MGM Studios has more than what the public sees--there are working soundstages in off-limits parts of the park where everything from TV commercials to shows are filmed.What I loved the most about the backot tour (my favorite attraction at the park) was that it gave a really good insight into behind-the-scenes at a place that produces and films commercials and movies. The tour started with a short movie explaining how the special effects for the movie Pearl Harbor were created. The movie talked about how the director, producers, and special effects artists were able to make ships "blow up" and fires happen.
Then the tour started. The first part of the tour was a presentation at a special effects tank. The presenters used water and pyrotechnics to create a scene similar to what was shown in the movie (not to same scale, of course). It was fun watching the special effects presentation. We got a little wet, too (and the people chosen to help with the demonstration got even more wet)!
After five or ten minutes at the special effects tank, the tour continued with a ride on a red tram. After walking through a replica of a prop storage area (it was REALLY cool) you board the extra-long tram to take the rest of the tour around the "backlot". As the tour continues the tram passes by movie memorabilia displayed, some of the different soundstages at MGM Studios, and even the office where the Disney Imagineers work.The tram comes to a spot called "Catastrophe Canyon". I won't tell you all about it because you should really experience it for yourself. I will tell you one thing, however: BEWARE.... you never know what might happen... and yes, you might just get wet. Also featured on the tour are the costume and scene shops, and if you go at the right time of day (during work hours) you can see people actually working!
The tour ends by passing the stunt show theatre. It was fun going by there because the drivers and the cars were practicing and warming up for a show later that day. We got to wave at them as they went screaming around corners into backstage parts of the stage. After getting off the tram you walk though an awesome showcase of movie costumes, props, and set pieces. I liked the Barbossa costume from the first Pirates movie. They had a Darth Vader costume as well (Zack liked that one) and some other fun things to look at.
This was a fun attraction. The wait wasn't very long, either. Since it can accommodate many people at one time, we only waited maybe fifteen or twenty minutes to get on a tour. It was well worth the wait as well.
