Source: All Ears
October 2020 – March 2022
LOCATION
Hollywood Land – The Backlot Premiere shop had two different entrances during its run. When it opened during the park’s COVID-19 closure, guests entered through a guided path, winding around the backstage area and directly into the shop. Once the park reopened, the entrance moved to the opposite side of the building, next to Monsters, Inc.
EXPERIENCE
Details:
- Merchandise – seasonal merchandise (clothing, accessories, home decor, etc.)
- Unique Features – had the temporary distinction of being the only shop open inside Disneyland or California Adventure during the pandemic closure
When the Disneyland Resort closed temporarily in 2020, the Downtown Disney district was first to reopen. While state regulations prohibited the parks from joining suit at first, Disney got creative and decided to use the empty soundstage in Hollywood Land as a large and open shopping space. The Backlot Premiere Shop opened in October, allowing guests a very limited chance to technically be inside California Adventure.
CLOSURE
Once the parks formally reopened to the public, the Backlot Premiere Shop wasn’t much of a draw anymore. But since the space was otherwise sitting empty, Disney kept it operation, just with an entrance now inside the park. In March 2022, the shop went through a minimal re-theming to focus on Avengers merchandise.
TRIVIA
This soundstage was originally created to house Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! Since then, many temporary attractions and shopping experiences have used the space.
The space’s official name is Stage 17. I don’t know if it’s related or a coincidence, but 1917 was the year Walt Disney began drawing for his school newspaper and started studying cartoon illustration.