Disney closing Studio Backlot Tour permanently Sept. 27

[HostDave]

One of Disney's Hollywood Studios' first attractions is closing permanently next week.

Disney confirms the Studio Backlot Tour will close Saturday, Sept. 27 to make way for new development. Among the "new development" is to move "Wandering Oaken's Trading Post" out from its current place and expand it. The trading post is part of Frozen Summer Fun, which will run through the holidays at least.

Beyond that, a Disney spokesperson could provide no details on what expansions might be coming.

The Studio Backlot Tour was originally called the Backstage Studio Tour when the park opened in 1989. The original tour was a more elaborate two-part attraction that took guests on a tram tour of the backlot area, plus a walking tour that included numerous special effects demonstrations. Over the years the tour has gradually shrunk to its present size.

In 2008 live tour guides were replaced with automated narration.

Studio Backlot Tour is not the only attraction to close at Walt Disney World that day. The Maelstrom at Epcot's Norway Pavilion will also close to make way for a Frozen attraction.