As promised, this week’s What in the World? centers around you and your experiences at the Disney-MGM Studios.  Last week, I asked for submissions about (1) what makes the Studios your favorite park in Walt Disney World; or (2) describing a memorable moment at the Studios. 

Missy B. reminisced about an encounter (and a counseling session) her son had with the infamous Dark Lord of the Sith:

Taking my son to Star Wars Weekends at the Disney-MGM Studios was amazing.  When he “met” Darth Vader, he was in awe.  He just stood their staring at the guy in the costume and talked to him about how he should try and be a nicer person.  I love the Disney-MGM Studios for giving him that chance.

Snuggie's Pal had this to say about why he likes the Disney-MGM Studios:

I've always enjoyed the entertainment that Walt Disney World provided for guests.  The totality of this can be found at the Disney-MGM Studios.  While their Disney Character count is somewhat disappointing, it makes up for it in the Citizens of Hollywood improv troupe.  These zany characters create enough energy to draw you into their world and convince you that you are actually in Hollywood of the 1940's.  I've had the fortune of coming across one Francis Floot from Bucksnort, AL, and his character is very appealing to passersby.

I also have a personal favorite: the Animation Studio.  While I'm not too fond of them closing the Animators' pen, they did make up for it with the Animation Academy where you get to draw a Disney character.  For some reason, I always wind up drawing Donald Duck.  Go figure.

But yes, if you're looking for great entertainment, the Disney-MGM Studios is the place.

And last, but not least, Robert M. was kind enough to share his first ever experience at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:

My most memorable moment at the Studios was my first ride on the Tower of Terror. I’ve been so scared about going on it for years and years because I thought it was too scary.  Now I’m like a thrill seeker, I went on drop rides before but nothing like this.  So in 2005 I started planning a trip in 2006. I told myself that I have to go on it this year.  So I did research on the ride and viewed videos of the ride. I knew the whole ride before I even got on it.  Finally, the day came and I walked proudly to the ride and wished my dad and aunt goodbye. 

Basically through the whole pre-show I was freaking out & holding on to my mom’s hand like a little kid.  My mom and I got on the ride and it started to go. We finally got to the drop and I recognize the ride. All I was saying at that time was “Oh my God!!!” Finally, we dropped.  I screamed like a little girl, crushed my mom’s hand and pierced her eardrum. We finally got to the end and I was in shock.  My mom said “Did you like it?” and I just shook my head. “You want to do it again?” she said and I just shook my head again. We walked up to the photo area to see my picture and we were cracking up. The picture is now a prized photo and Tower is now my favorite ride.

Here is that infamous picture. I think you can tell who I am. Yes that is my mom, laughing and smiling her head off.

Thanks to everyone who wrote in with your favorite moments and experiences at the Disney-MGM Studios.  I also would like to congratulate Robert M. for sharing what seems to have been one incredible adventure at the Tower of Terror.  It read eerily like my first experience at the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – where I must have screamed louder than the ride music itself.  Anyway, I will be contacting Robert M. shortly about his new copy of the two-disc Platinum Edition of Peter Pan on DVD.  Congrats again Robert! 

If you would still like to share some of your experiences or opinions about the Disney-MGM Studios, please leave a comment below! 

Well, that concludes the first ever What in the World? contest giveaway.  If you’d like to see more in the future, have suggestions on future contests, or have ideas for future columns email me at: glenn@studioscentral.com.  Thanks again to everyone who submitted entries.  Until next time!

Agree with what I said? Disagree? Have a story to share sparked by this column? Share your own idea by posting a comment below.