Streets of America

When the Disney-MGM Studios first opened to the public, this portion of the theme park was closed off and only accessible via the Backlot Tour. Disney subsequently decided to open it up to everyone and now you can walk down this made up street feature architecture from New York. From 2003-2004, this area was redone to show the skylines of Chicago and San Francisco although the New York portion is still retained (and largely the most represented city).

Mostly a diversion, and only good for the occasional photo or two, the Streets of America Backlot is something you can really just walk through and enjoy. The New York portion is definitely stuck in a 1980's look to it (if you ever see the movie Ghostbusters, this version of New York will match quite nicely). Streets of America's scope went from movie backlot set to character meet-n-greet area. Many characters use this area for meet-n-greets including the Power Rangers (yes, they're still around) and Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater from Cars.

The real highlight of this area is between Thanksgiving and Christmas when the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights are put up all over the area and turned on at night. Definitely not to be missed. The area is usually not crowded, unless a showing of Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show lets out in which case it will be flooded with up to 5,000 guests temporarily. In the first few hours that Hollywood Studios is open, this area is largely empty.  Your best bet is to save this area for touring once you've done many of the other attractions or perhaps after a meal to work off some of those calories.