It’s certainly no secret that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is on the verge of a major overhaul, and we’ve already heard several times from Bob Iger that a Star Wars land is on the way, but does that mean we will be losing two more Studios establishments to the construction zone soon?
Rumors are swirling that the Echo Lake area may close to be demolished by March 2015. This would include the actual lake, Gertie the Dinosaur, and Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, all opening day features of the Disney-MGM Studios.
The obvious thought would be that this would become part of the Star Wars themed land planned for the park, but it is unclear at this time. Similar rumblings have also claimed the adjacent Superstar Television Theater and ABC Sound Studio could be the next items to go come Summer 2015. Conflicting rumors have stated the Star Wars area would expand north and replace the Muppet-Vision area, but the removal of Echo Lake may save the Jim Henson creations from extinction.
Much is still unclear, but as we have been stating for several months now, it is clear that something BIG is up. We will provide any more information as it becomes available.
Are they going to relocate Min & Bill’s? I live for their sausage, peppers, and onions!
So is this park just going to become one big Star Wars park?? Seems like they are closing everything.
I cannot wait for the announcement to hit. As a former Studios CM I can say that I would be sad to see Gertie and the lake go but definitely but would be happy to see ABC Sound Stage gone. That area really does need more.
And as a Star Wars fan all I can say is that I am THRILLED to see that franchise take it’s rightful place on Mickey’s side. It won’t be one big Star Wars park either, tons of Pixar rumors swirling around for additions to Pixar Place. I would love to see them embrace old hollywood with sunset blvd and their two biggest earning acquisitions in the other areas. Why not?!?! I had so many guests come to me back in 07 asking what there was to do after 5pm and the shows were over. I’m so excited to see what comes next!
I’d rather see Echo Lake gone before the Muppets.
How many attractions show are closing or are closed for this year, will there be a admissions reduction??
Two restaurants are located on Echo lake, no attractions, and there will be no price decrease.
Although I’m excited to see a Star Wars land incorporated into the park, I don’t want to see star wars represented in the “hub” of DHS… keep Gertie!
Will indiana jones be gone?
It would be a shame to get rid of the lake. Every park needs a body of water, otherwise it’s just an endless expanse of concrete.
The lake is a useless waste of space that could (and should) feature a new attraction that would bring people to the park. DHS has become tired and with it’s main attractions dating to or near opening day it needs a major change.
I’m guessing the lake will not be “demolished,” but would more likely be overhauled to have a Disneyland’s Wonderful World of Color kind of show there. If that’s true, Fantasmic’s days are probably numbered…much as I hope that wouldn’t be true. I love Fantasmic.
I find it hard to even fathom the thought they would kill Fantasmic as it night after night is standing room only, and they added it to Disneyland and Tokyo Sea. If they did in fact turn Echo into a Wonder World of Color Spin Off I could see them using that to allow them to update Fantasmic at HS to be more like Dinseyland and add the Jolly Roger Ship scene.
actually the Disneyland version of Fantasmic came first
I don’t care for Star Wars at all! It seems that WDW is going too far in pushing Star Wars down our throats! Go for more Toy Story or Cars!
I think expanding that area into StarWars Land would work in the advantage of Pixar fans Jim. Think, then essentially they could take Pixar Animation Courtyard and expand it all the way past Backlot Tour, Honey We Shrunk the Kids Playground, Lights Motors Action and the Streets of America, and hook onto Mama Melrose/Pizza Planet. I mean am I wrong or would that be enough room for a Toy Story Playland (like in Asia), some form of Cars Land, and a Monsters Ride?!?! HELLO JACK POT!
I’m not to excited about StarWars Land but if they can do it in the front of the park and leave more room for Pixar Attractions I’m game!
I agree the lake is a waste of space. I always wondered how the whole area was supposed to fit into the ‘movie’ theme (though I guess, really, anything could. I highly doubt they will do any type of World of Color here since they are already developing that at Animal Kingdom which is much more sorely in need of a nighttime draw. I personally have been a Star Wars addict since 1977 and i’m totally psyched for more Star Wars themed areas. I can only imagine strolling through a Star Wars landscape themed as deeply as Hogsmeade/Diagon Alley. I can’t wait for new additions to HS…Don’t take years, Disney!!!!
@Missy M, Echo Lake is a replica of Echo Park Lake in L.A. Many sections of Disney Studios are replicas of L.A. landmarks which is part of the movie theme.
Getting rid of The Muppet Vision area would be an outrage.
I was just there last week and overheard some official looking Disney employees talking about how to put scaffolding around Gertie…wondering if they could put it in the water???