COURTESY OF Walt Disney World Orlando

You can't help but notice the magic at Disney-MGM Studios. A dazzling blue, 122-foot-tall sorcerer's hat takes center stage. The 156-ton hat represents the magic of show business and the entertainment wizardry of Disney that is captured throughout shows and attractions at MGM Studios.

Beyond Mickey's centerpiece lays a world of glitz, glamour and the excitement of show business.
You enter the turnstiles on to the main street, Hollywood Boulevard. A walk along this "Golden Age" boulevard blurs the line between audience and performer. Visitors find themselves surrounded by the sights and sounds of Tinseltown from the 1930s.
This giant movie set, straight out of the fabulous '30s and '40s, is a crazy quilt of flashy neon, chromed art deco and streamlined modern architecture. "Detectives", "starlets", "cabbies" and "public works employees" can be found wandering the streets.
Just around the corner, Sunset Boulevard pays tribute to the glamorous theater district in all its glory. It also includes a shopping area with gifts themed to classic films and Disney characters.

Majestically standing at the end of Sunset Boulevard, like an ominous beacon straight out of a television thriller, is Hollywood Tower Hotel. It beckons the less fearsome guest to experience The Twilight Zonetm Tower of Terror. Recently, more terror was added to the tower with shakes, drops and special effects. Random drop sequences await daring guests that are willing to plummet from the 13th floor and enter "The Twilight Zone."
For the less adventurous, Disney-MGM Studios' Backlot Tour tram, located at the end of Mickey Avenue, departs for a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a staged movie production in Catastrophe Canyon.
Innovative design allows visitors to peek in at the shooting on state-of-the-art soundstages and sprawling backlot sets. Feature films such as "Instinct", "Marvin's Room" and "Honey I Blew Up the Kid" have all used the theme park's sound stages or back lots for shooting.
Television shows that have been taped at Disney-MGM Studios include "ER", "Full House", "Thunder in Paradise" and "Wheel of Fortune."
Make sure to keep your eyes open for celebrities who make surprise appearances in motorcades along Hollywood Boulevard. The courtyard of Chinese Theater features handprints of numerous show business stars who have visited the studios, including Alan Alda, Lauren Bacall, Robin Williams and Tom Cruise. Even Kermit the Frog has an imprint.

"Must See" Major Attractions
• "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!" - The excitement of the hit ABC-TV game show plays out every day where all guests get to play for points. Visitors have the opportunity to win exclusive merchandise and a vacation aboard Disney Cruise Line.
• "Fantasmic!" - Another dream comes true at Walt Disney World Resort, only this time it's Mickey Mouse's dream that comes to life in a brilliant display of lights, lasers, fireworks and water animation.
• Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith - A "super-stretch" limo catapults ride goers through a series of unexpected twists and turns.
• The Twilight Zonetm Tower of Terror - Guests take a journey through eerie corridors and plummet 13 stories again and again, faster than free-fall, in a breathtaking finale.
• "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show" spotlights the bombastic best of the movie industry's stunt masters several times daily. Filled with energy and thrills, the live show sends cars, motorcycles and watercraft careening across a recreated European village, giving 5,000 guests in a custom-built grandstand a behind-the-scenes look at movie mayhem.
• New to Disney-MGM Studios is "The Magic of Disney Animation." From storyboards to the silver screen, Disney's animated magic is explored through interactive presentations, colorful kiosks and hands-on activities. Also new is a themed meet-and-greet area where guests of all ages can meet larger-than-life cartoon stars.

Tips and fun facts
• Bring your autograph book to Mickey Avenue where you can find your favorite characters.
• The shops on Hollywood Boulevard are open a half-hour past park closing.
• Check the Studio's "Tip Board" on the corner of Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards for daily show times and updated wait times.
• The Backlot Tour features flash floods, fire and behind-the-scenes movie magic. Younger children may find this frightening.
• Many exciting shows and special events are held at the park, including Star Wars Weekends, ABC Super Soap Weekend and ESPN the weekend.
FYI
The park is open 365 days a year and is part of the 30,500-acre Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando. Park times vary daily. For information and individual theme park tickets call (407-W-DISNEY) or visit www.disneyworld.com.

Note: Florida Travel & Lifestyles Magazine's Nov./Dec. 2005 issue will feature EPCOT - A first-timer's guide. -