Decided to check out Disney’s Hollywood Studios, as a Disney fan its fun to see how new things are handled (click here for pictures on LP Lotion). In this case, a US theme park name change. We knew the transformation wouldn’t occur overnight but decided to see where the changes have taken place. It was fun to see where we could spot Disney-MGM Studios signs and where new signs had been placed. I was surprised that traffic signs leading to the Studios remained the same. I had suspected these would be among the first to change to assist guests in arriving at the correct destination but it is the only park with the word Studios so no real worries there. The busses however have the new name in their digital displays.

Walking up to the Studios, the flag flying by the boat dock and the sign over the ticket booths reflected the new logo but the attraction sign that features whatever special event or what not is happening at the park still read Disney-MGM Studios. I’d expected that to be different as I knew it would no longer be the Osborne Lights sign but forgot that sign was merely something stretched over top the current Lights Motors Action billboard. The sign posting hours & attractions refurbishment schedule at the park entrance has the new name as did the park maps and entertainment schedule. By the way is this the only theme that lists that inside the turnstiles. I can still remember reading over a similar time whenever we would visit Disneyland as mom would purchase our family tickets.

I was surprised to discover the dedication plaque was missing. I don’t know if this signals that they will put the new park logo on it but it prompted me to look up an old photo. I had forgotten its words and can better understand the park’s new moniker. The plaque reads: “The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood – not a place on the map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was – and always will be.”

Places where I didn’t expect to see the name change but found it included the signs along the Backlot Studios tour queue that identify select props and the little security booth outside of the Great Movie Ride. I was surprised that the new logo moniker was not yet positioned above the arch to the Animation Courtyard. Places where I expect to continue seeing Disney-MGM Studios for a long, long time include the mural above the cash registers at the ABC Commissary, the little sign in lower corner of the backdrop for Honey I Shrunk the Kids Playground and possibly the Brown Derby menus. I wonder what will happen to the various celebrity headshots that line the walls of Mama Melrose. The classic logo that appeared on the wall outside the Muppet gift shop was removed before the holidays, it'll look awfully bare without the wreath perhaps the new logo will be posted there.

The cast was great with the name transition we heard very few slips during our visit. I can’t imagine that after months and months if not years and years of saying Welcome to Disney-MGM Studios to overnight change that welcome but they succeeded in style.

I had hoped to find a t-shirt, pin or postcard with the new name but couldn’t find anything yet. I wonder how long it will take for new product to hit the shelves.

I must admit that I’m looking forward to this new easter egg hunt at Disney’s Hollywood Studios although I suspect that Disney would prefer that my fun with this particular activity end sooner rather than later.