STUDIOS BACK LOT TOUR

Located at the end of Mickey Avenue and throughout the New York section of the studios, the Backlot Tour is a perfect way to either start or end the day. The whole premise of this attraction is that you’re touring a "real" set and learning a little about how the movie industry pulls off some of its special effects. The ride is an hour long, so plan accordingly. Also, the attraction shuts down shortly after the sun begins to set, so don’t wait too long.

First destination: a big water tank used in Hollywood stunts. The audience gets involved in the action as one lucky visitor gets to play the role of a ship’s captain, and another a submarine skipper. Both end up getting absolutely drenched with about nine million gallons of water, which is great fun to watch, as you can point and giggle and be glad it’s not you there in the tank.

Now that the stage is set, you hop aboard the tour vehicle and get set for action. Lines take you past intricate sets that were actually used in productions, so look around and see if you can identify the movie in which they appeared.

Next, the track rolls into Catastrophe Canyon. The cover story here is that this is actually a movie set, and production has been halted due to inclement conditions. It’s not really important, because you know something startling is going to happen soon. All of a sudden, the place goes bonkers, with fake earthquakes and things crashing to the ground, seemingly inches from your vehicle. Parents take note: this can be extremely rough on younger children, so you may want to exercise discretion if you’re thinking about toting them along.

After the Canyon, you move serenely through the New York set again, marveling that everything that looked so real to you is actually Styrofoam and two-dimensional, just in case you hadn’t figured that out already. A quick stop in a memorabilia museum and you’re off to Goosebumps Gifts and Photos, a place inhabited by ghosts. You might not be able to pick them out, though, as everyone under the age of five looks like a member of the undead by this point.

And then, unfortunately, it’s all over. This is a must-see attraction and a great way to start your Studios vacation. Catastrophe Canyon is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen, and you’ll be lining up to go again. The fire and water involved are very, very real, by the way, so pack a parka or wear somebody else’s clothes. Definitely a featured attraction; if you miss it, you’re insane.