Five Things to Know About Sunset Boulevard in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sunset Boulevard is the Disney-fied version of old Hollywood’s theater district. One of nine lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s designed to evoke the era of the late 1930s to mid-1940s. And while it’s home to theatres, thrill rides, shopping, and eateries, the deco architecture alone makes merely strolling up and down the boulevard worth your while.

1. You’re surrounded by glamour.

When the park opened in 1989 (as Disney-MGM Studios) Sunset Boulevard didn’t exist. It was the first major expansion for the park, opening five years later in 1994. But it was worth the wait! You take the first right turn off Hollywood Boulevard and enter an incredible, immersive environment created by the Imagineers.

 

Lined with tall palm trees, everywhere you look is designed to conjure up the feeling of Hollywood in its heyday. Each building takes its inspiration from a real building in Hollywood (some still exist, some don’t). Art Deco details are abundant, and the whole street is a tribute to the amazing work of the Imagineers.

Even the music in the air is straight out of the WWII era. You may recognize Begin the Beguine, On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe, or It’s Been a Long, Long Time (most recently heard as Captain America and Peggy Carter dance together at the end of Avengers Endgame). Strolling down the boulevard, you’ll feel transported back in time to an era when the world was in transition, palm trees swayed in the breeze, the skies were blue, and anything was possible.

2. Every street must have its wienie – and thrills all its own.

Walt believed that a guest’s sightlines played a significant role in their enjoyment, anticipation, and participation in the park’s offerings. So, he wanted what he called a “wienie” to be placed at the end of any avenue. On Sunset Boulevard, the wienie is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, or The Hollywood Tower Hotel as the large neon sign makes clear. It’s such a tall building, the back of it can be seen from the Morocco Pavilion in EPCOT’s World Showcase.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the two major thrill rides on Sunset Boulevard. Both inside and out, the Hotel draws its inspiration from the late 1930’s.

The other major thrill attraction is Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Tucked away at the end of Sunset Boulevard, you won’t see it until you near the Hollywood Tower, turning left to pass under a deco-inspired arch. While the building for the ride stays mostly true to the era’s designs, the huge electric guitar signals that you’re in a different sort of space.

Rounding out the attractions on Sunset Boulevard is Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Housed in the Sunset Showcase and trimmed with gleaming chrome, you’ll find it down a dead end beyond Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster — and yes, you pretty much need to know it’s there to find it. But even hidden away as it is, the Imagineers were careful not to abandon the deco-inspired theme of the boulevard.

3. It’s showtime on the Boulevard!

You might think that a street based on Hollywood – the entertainment capital of the world – would have some entertainment of its own. And you would be right. There are two amphitheaters located here: Theater of the Stars and the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater.

Theater of the Stars is off to the right as you approach the end of the street, and is home to live daily performances of Beauty and the Beast. Taking its inspiration from the Hollywood Bowl, it was originally located on Hollywood Boulevard from 1989- 1993. When the park was expanded in 1994, the theater was moved to its current home.

A little farther along and also on the right is the huge Hollywood Hills Amphitheatre, home to Fantasmic! Capable of seating 7,900 people (with room for another 2000 standing), it’s by far the largest theater Disney has ever created. Weather permitting, this remarkable 29-minute show is presented twice each evening.

4. You can shop and eat all the way down the street.

Sunset Boulevard is home to quite a few Quick Service spots. The Sunshine Day Bar offers adult beverages to quench your thirst. Then you can stop by the Sunset Ranch Market area and have your pick of places! This shaded, open-air “market” is a block-long “food court” of quick serves.

• Rosie’s All-American Café nods to the WWII era and Rosie the Riveter. You’ll find (you guessed it) all-American favorites like hamburgers, fries, and beer.
• Grab a Mickey pretzel and cheese sauce at Anaheim Produce – yes, they have fruit there, too.
• But the far and away favorite is Hollywood Scoops, which serves a mean waffle breakfast before switching over to ice cream for the rest of the day

If shopping is your thing, you can start on either side of the boulevard as you enter. Peruse a wide variety of Disney-themed merch, clothing, and tchotchkes in the Legends of Hollywood, the Majestic Theatre, Reel Vogue (get it?), and more. And don’t forget the thrill ride gift shops at Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. It may not be an exhaustive lineup, but I think shopping can be exhausting no matter where you are.

5. Sunset Secrets and Easter Eggs galore.

No land at Disney World would be complete without secrets, Easter Eggs, and hidden Mickeys. And Sunset Boulevard doesn’t disappoint!

⭐ When you enter the boulevard, look closely at the sidewalk as you stroll. Keen eyes may spot the imprint reading, “Mortimer & Co. Contractors, 1928.” Mortimer was Walt’s first thought for naming Mickey, and 1928 was the year Mickey made his debut in “Steamboat Willie.”

⭐ The Once Upon a Time Shop is located in a building bearing the name Carthay Circle. The Carthay Circle Theatre in Hollywood was where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered in 1937, opening a new era for Walt and his company.

⭐ Over the side door of the Legends of Hollywood shop is a large address: Ninety-Four. 1994 was the year Sunset Boulevard opened.

⭐ Another nod to that date: you may see the red trolley caricature cart with the number 694 on the side as you approach the Tower of Terror. June 1994 marked the opening of Sunset Boulevard.

⭐ The Tower of Terror is located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street. Gower Street in Los Angeles marks the eastern end of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and its intersection with the real Sunset Boulevard was home to several movie studios.

⭐ Look up, too! Painted on the windows above Reel Vogue, you’ll see the names of fictional offices on the second floor. My favorite is the International Brotherhood of Second Assistant Directors. Their motto: “We’re Standing Behind You!” – legend has it that second directors were often not-so-talented family members hired to stand around and hold the director’s coffee for them. Meanwhile, outside Reel Vogue is a road sign for Route 66, which ran across the real Sunset Boulevard back in the day.

As for hidden Mickeys, there’s one upside down in the ornate scrollwork on the Sunset Club Couture building. Outside Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the KRNR snack stand with a Mickey in the “R” of the word “rock.” There are others, but you’re on your own to spot them. (Let us know what you find in the comments.)

The Bottom Line.

In this day of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, I think Sunset Boulevard is often overlooked. But I love it! Everything along Sunset Boulevard contributes to conjuring up the feeling of Hollywood’s bygone days. From the architecture to the signage to the music, each element helps immerse you in the era. Please don’t think of Sunset Boulevard as merely the walkway to Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. Take time to notice the attention to detail, soak up the atmosphere, and allow yourself to be transported back in time to this glorious era of make-believe that never was.

What do you think about Sunset Boulevard? Love it or leave it? Let us know in the comments.