Disney theme parks are full of nods to the past in the form of decorations, names, and everything in between. So when you’re walking through Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you should keep an eye out to anything that’s in the sightline of a guest, as everything installed has a purpose.
Just a quick note before we get into the list, but as the park goes through it’s construction and expansion phase, things may come and go. I’ll always do my best to keep this updated:)
THE KEY UNDER THE MAT
Stop into Muppet*Vision 3-D and you’ll see a sign that says “Back in 5 minutes, the key is under the mat.” It’s a simple piece, but the Muppet comedic style is all over it! And yes…lift up the mat…there is in fact a key.
ODE TO THE BEGINNING
In the patch of grass in front of Echo Lake is the dedication to the park. Back in 2008, when the park was rebranded as Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the original Disney MGM Studios, the plaque was unveiled with the new branding surrounding the initial plaque.
Pretty cool to step back in time with a hidden gem that’s in plain sight.
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DON’T PULL THE ROPE
It’s starring you in the eye, but if you see a sign that says that you shouldn’t do something, there are those of us who take that as a challenge!
This gem is outside the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and is just begging for you to disobey the sign. Besides, what could go wrong?
MAROON STUDIOS
When standing next to Min & Bill’s, turn around and look above the Peevy’s beverage location and you’ll see a billboard with Roger Rabbit, Jessica Rabbit and Baby Herman!
I still miss being able to meet Roger Rabbit in the parks…but this is still more than some other Disney movies get;) Like when’s the last time that you saw something with Tarzan, A Bug’s Life, Hercules, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Lion King 1.5, The Rescuers, Oliver and Company, The Great Mouse Detective, Fox and the Hound, The Black Cauldron, Pete’s Dragon, Robin Hood, The Aristocats, The Sword in the Stone, Lady and the Tramp, Bambi, Brother Bear, Doug, Home on the Range, Chicken Little, The Wild, Meet the Robinsons, Enchanted, Bolt, Planes, Big Hero 6, The Good Dinosaur, Onward, Elemental, Wish, Soul, Turning Red and Luca.
Hidden Minnie at Rock The Shop
This is a goldie oldie for theme park fans, as it’s a nod to when Rock n Rollercoaster Featuring Aerosmith didn’t have the competition from Galaxy’s Edge or Toy Story Land.
Back then, the attractions on Sunset Blvd were the pinnacle and had a ton of traffic, which meant that the details mattered for the crowds that descended on the thrill rides. One such detail was the hidden minnie made out of guitar picks on the cash wrap for the Rock the Shop store.
Details like this used to be everywhere, but as things get older, the easiest thing to do is to remove versus restore.
HANDPRINTS GALORE
In the courtyard of the Chinese Theatre is a plethora of famous folks and their handprints (similar to the original Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood), so spend some time wandering and try to go back to the late 80’s /early 90’s for some flashbacks on who was a hot celebrity back then!
PIZZERIZZO FUN DETAILS
When Pizza Planet closed to make way for a Muppets-themed quick service restaurant, the Imagineers added a number of fun details that are better to explore in person than write in this article.
Let’s just say that the neon sign has a hidden message AND there’s also a reference to the former tenant in the signage #BestPizzaOnThePlanet
REX’S MERCHANDISE BOX
Take a look at the price tag of the box that Rex was sold in while you’re walking through Toy Story Land and you’ll see the numbers 11/22 and price $19.95….aka the original release date for Toy Story.
Hope that you had fun with this introduction to the Hidden Gems of Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Remember that any Disney theme park around the world is filled with nods, hat tips and full-out homages to anything that the Imagineers want to include. It’s part of the reason why Disney fans have so much fun finding something new to share with their friends!
If there’s something I should add to this list, please let me know! I’m always adding things to articles:)