Echo Lake | Disney's Hollywood Studios
Once guests have entered Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World and made their way through Hollywood Boulevard, they come upon Echo Lake, an oval-shaped lagoon. Interesting factoid about Echo Lake—it was originally designed to form one of Mickey Mouse’s ears in the “hidden Mickey” that was part of the park’s early layout. For those not in the know, it’s a passion/hobby of some Disney aficionados to find “hidden Mickeys” throughout all of the Disney parks in the world (from carpet patterns to geographical features).
Echo Lake is surrounded by several major attractions, shows, and services. Three of the attractions are based on films produced by creative genius George Lucas and include Star Tours: The Adventures continue, a 3-D motion-simulator ride; the Jedi Training Academy, a live-action, interactive stage show; and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, a movie-stunt show re-enacting scenes from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
The American Idol Experience is a wildly popular show at Echo Lake. Park guests can actually audition for live audiences and win a “front of the line” pass for a real tryout on the “American Idol” TV show. Comedian Drew Carey is the star of a 3-D audio presentation called “Sounds Dangerous!” at Echo Lake, and at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame Plaza in this area, guests can see busts of past and present TV icons such as Oprah and Walt Disney himself. The 50s Prime Time Café at Echo lake serves up meals and snacks all day long.
