Jim Henson Studio Removal

[wiihoo888]

Man I’m sad that the Henson studio has been removed from future Backstage Magic tours. Still love the rest of the tour offerings, but that is a big loss for this bug Muppets/Henson fan. Wondering how the Motion Academy tour is going to be. I can’t imagine anything done with ABD being less than a bit magical. If anyone here is on an upcoming tour, can you let us know how this tour is? Not all of the details…just if hits on enough Disney stuff (I don’t even know what I mean by that). Thanks!

 

[OKW Lover]

Henson Studios was a fun part of these ABD trips. I especially enjoyed the history of the site. It was originally constructed by Charlie Chaplin. It was also used in the recording industry. The song "We are the world" was recorded there.

 

[wiihoo888]

Henson Studios was a fun part of these ABD trips. I especially enjoyed the history of the site. It was originally constructed by Charlie Chaplin. It was also used in the recording industry. The song "We are the world" was recorded there.

It really was a not so hidden gem for this tour. Hoping to see it if it moves and reopens someday, but so much history at that site

 

[jimmymc]

Man I’m sad that the Henson studio has been removed from future Backstage Magic tours. Still love the rest of the tour offerings, but that is a big loss for this bug Muppets/Henson fan. Wondering how the Motion Academy tour is going to be. I can’t imagine anything done with ABD being less than a bit magical. If anyone here is on an upcoming tour, can you let us know how this tour is? Not all of the details…just if hits on enough Disney stuff (I don’t even know what I mean by that). Thanks!

I did the Academy Museum two years ago because one of the other places on the tour was having construction done. It was an interesting place, but the tour we did with ABD was no different than if we went on our own and just bought tickets. They have an exhibit on animation with some old Disney artifacts and a lot of props from Star Wars, so there is some Disney connection. Henson studios were more interesting and exclusive, so I hope they figure out a better option at some point.

 

[Eastridge]

Echoing what @jimmymc said: The Academy Museum is nice, but easily done on your own. The Henson studio isn't something one can normally visit, and was a unique and exclusive activity.

The loss of Henson on this tour significantly reduces the value of the So Cal trip, unfortunately.

 

[wiihoo888]

Echoing what @jimmymc said: The Academy Museum is nice, but easily done on your own. The Henson studio isn't something one can normally visit, and was a unique and exclusive activity.

The loss of Henson on this tour significantly reduces the value of the So Cal trip, unfortunately.

Completely agree. They left a number to call to speak with them regarding questions. I’m going to give them a call next week. Don’t think it will move any needle, I don’t think there is much they can do about it, but I do want them to hear my feedback directly

 

[Pens Fan]

The Jim Henson studio was one of the highlights of our So CA ABD trip back in 2020. It was a fascinating peek behind the curtain. I wonder why they removed it? Between that and losing the stop at the carousel (understandably for that one though still sad) I have to agree with the previous poster that the value of this trip has been reduced. That's a shame. We absolutely loved our experience and would probably consider doing it again. I'm not so sure about that now.

 

[OKW Lover]

The Jim Henson studio was one of the highlights of our So CA ABD trip back in 2020. It was a fascinating peek behind the curtain. I wonder why they removed it?

The stated reason is that the Henson company is selling the property.

 

[Pens Fan]

The stated reason is that the Henson company is selling the property.

Thanks. I had no idea. Still a shame for this trip.

 

[sayhello]

Thanks. I had no idea. Still a shame for this trip.

They are relocating to Burbank.

ABD *could* try for a better substitution, though, since it looks to be, at the very least, a long-term substitution. Even if it's just something more exclusive at the Academy Museum.

Sayhello

 

[Eastridge]

Rather than the Academy Museum, how about the Carolwood Barn as a substitution?

The barn is open to the public but usually only once a month, so if ABD could arrange access as a private visit, that would provide some exclusivity.

 

[OKW Lover]

Rather than the Academy Museum, how about the Carolwood Barn as a substitution?

The barn is open to the public but usually only once a month, so if ABD could arrange access as a private visit, that would provide some exclusivity.

The barn is sometimes included in the adventure now.

 

[jimmymc]

They are relocating to Burbank.

ABD *could* try for a better substitution, though, since it looks to be, at the very least, a long-term substitution. Even if it's just something more exclusive at the Academy Museum.

Sayhello

I think they really need to. I feel like the selling point for this trip in particular is doing things you can't just book as a regular tourist, both in Hollywood and at the parks. If Disney doesn't have any other exclusive sites, then maybe some kind of filming location tour. Or you flip some other things around and make it over to Disneyland earlier the following day.

 

[wiihoo888]

I think they really need to. I feel like the selling point for this trip in particular is doing things you can't just book as a regular tourist, both in Hollywood and at the parks. If Disney doesn't have any other exclusive sites, then maybe some kind of filming location tour. Or you flip some other things around and make it over to Disneyland earlier the following day.

All of this….and thank you for the well worded talking points for when I call them

 

[Steven G]

I’ve taken the ABD Disneyland tour 3 times, and the Henson studios was always a highlight easily in the top 3 things each time. They need to come up with something just as exclusive.

Imagineering and the various BTS at Disneyland are the others.

Just dreaming here, but opening up Marvel Studios in Burbank to ABD…

 

[OKW Lover]

How about including a trip to the Griffith Observatory in place of Henson Studios?

 

[wiihoo888]

I’ve taken the ABD Disneyland tour 3 times, and the Henson studios was always a highlight easily in the top 3 things each time. They need to come up with something just as exclusive.

Imagineering and the various BTS at Disneyland are the others.

Just dreaming here, but opening up Marvel Studios in Burbank to ABD…

Agreed. If it was a change for only one or two tours, I could kinda see it. I won’t be there until April and got the notification of this change so it seems pretty permanent

 

[wiihoo888]

How about including a trip to the Griffith Observatory in place of Henson Studios?

I mean…it would be a cool place to visit, but it’s not terribly exclusive. The price point isn’t changing so that exclusivity is kinda an expectation.

I also totally admit that I really REALLY wanted to see the Henson studios. I get that they can't make the impossible happen. Just trying to feel better about the $$$ spent and the alternative being offered now

 

[OKW Lover]

I wonder where the Henson studios are looking to move to. If it's somewhere nearby maybe things can be worked out. But if it's back in NY then goodby.

 

[KyleD]

It was a nice tour, and the history video was hilarious, but it is not going to make me change my mind about my upcoming trip.