Now when my relatives came to visit us this summer, my brother-in-law wanted to see MGM because he loves all those shows I mentioned. We opened the park at 9:am and by 7:00pm, they saw all the major attractions and shows with time to spare! And of course, the best day-ending show of all, "Fantasmic" capped off what my Brother-in-law said was the best vacation he had in a long time. So, lets get started and remember, download your maps and make your plans!

Unlike the Magic Kingdom, there are no "themed" lands, but famous named "Hollywood" streets and terms will guide you. As before, I will name the attractions that will need fastpass and than we will explore all the "inbetweens" that don't offer or need fastpass. Now I believe that the Studios is the easiest to walk and navigate because it is compact and everything is close by. Here are the attractions that you should get fastpass and be assured of seeing them.

ANIMATION COURTYARD

1- Voyage of the Little Mermaid- Very popular among the younger set! Fastpass a must! 17 minute shows.

SUNSET BOULEVARD

1- Rock"n" Roller Coaster- Great roller coaster ride and always at least a 30 minute wait without fastpass. If you have back or neck problems, beware. This coaster really "Rocks"

2- Twilight Zone "Tower of Terror"- One of our favorite ride attractions. This attraction although mentioned as a fastpass candidate, we have found that most of the time it is not needed. Many times the standby line was just as short, and it does move quickly. When getting fastpasses for Rocking Roller Coaster, just check the lines, it's right next door.

ECHO LAKE

1- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular- This is not to be missed, if you have seen the movies (And who hasn't!) the stunts paralleling the movie acts are just amazing. I do not see why Disney needs fastpass for this attraction since the stage is huge, but get your passes anyway.

2- Star Tours- At times this can get lengthy, but the average times are about 20minuts, but this attraction does move quickly.

STREETS OF AMERICA

1- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show- Another high-energy stunt show that will amaze and thrill all of the family. Now as of this writing, Disney has not offered fastpass since last November. Actually none is really needed, just show up about a half hour before Showtime and you will get a seat no problem, the covered outdoor stadium is huge. I have included this in fastpass because Disney could change it's mind anytime. Hint for the show- Sit as high up as you can, the staging area is huge and you will get a better panoramic view the higher you are and the breezes are better up there! Ok, so we have the attractions you should get fastpass for. Now what I suggest is get to the Studios early, check the times and see Indiana Jones first. This is the biggie. Than plan on seeing the Extreme stunt show next. After these main shows, I'll explain the rest of the "Inbetweens". Lets start with the Shows, all which are shown continuously throughout the day.

1- BEAUTY AND THE BEAST- Sunset Boulevard- Better than a Broadway play, beautifully done! 30 minute show

2- MUPPEDVISION 3D- Streets of America. Crazy Muppet movie! 25 minute shows.

3-GREAT MOVIE RIDE- Hollywood Boulevard behind the sorcerers hat- This show is worth waiting for. If you enter and all the aisles are full, you will wait at least 30 to 40 minutes. But the last few months, I don't believe we waited more than 15 minutes, it does move quickly. 22 minute tour.

4-DISNEY'S MGM STUDIOS BACKLOT TOUR- Mickey Avenue- A great attraction that is about 40 minutes long. Here you will witness "Harbor Attack", a live show with guests picked out to play roles in the skit. You will see how special effects are created and how action movies are shot. Then you will take a tram ride through "Catastrophe Canyon" and witness more Hollywood magic. Usually no more than a 15-20 wait at its busiest.

5- WALT DISNEY:ONE MAN'S DREAM- Mickey Avenue- If there is any attraction in all four theme parks, this one should be a must on any Disney fans list! Here, you will see by pictures and exhibits, Walt's life and triumphs through the years,. His childhood and early years in the animation business. All ending with a 15 minute film on Walt's life, narrated by Walt Disney himself! Of course no short film could tell the whole story of this remarkable man, it will give the viewer an insight on how Walt created his "Magic Kingdoms!

6- JOURNEY INTO NARNIA:CREATING THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE- Mickey Avenue- 15 Minute tour on the making of this epic film.

7- SOUNDS DANGEROUS-STARRIING DREW CAREY- Echo lake- Crazy audio show with Drew Carey as a Detective. 12 minute shows.

8- THE MAGIC OF DISNEY ANIMATION- Animation Courtyard- Great attraction for animation lovers! See the short film, "Drawn to Animation", where you can see how a Disney character is developed, start to finish. Then take a short 9 minute drawing class and learn how to draw your favorite Disney character.

9- FANTASMIC- At the end of Sunset Boulevard. In my opinion, if you see anything at the Studios, this is the show to see. I will not even attempt to describe it here, my words will not do it justice. Sufficed to say, it is Disney's most popular and CROWDED performance. Seeing Mickey battle all of Disney's villains is worth the price of park admission. Hint: Get here at the least, 1 hour early! This show fills up quickly. Hint #2. When you arrive at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, sit as far back as you can, the images are best seen that way, and sit between the Mickey Mouse Sorcerer's banners, that is the center of the amphitheater.

So you see that the "Studios" park has a lot to offer and to see it all does not take much more than clever use of time between attractions. Since there are less fastpasses needed here, you will be surprised how much you can get in. Remember to download your maps before you come and get familiar with the attractions locations. Forearmed with the above descriptions, you can now plan a Magical Day at the Movies!