ABANDONED - Catastrophe Canyon at Walt Disney World

www.AdamTheWoo.com - PLEASE SUBSCRIBE - I always wonder what happened to Catastrophe Canyon from the backlot tour at MGM / Hollywood Studios in Florida. Upon research I heard it still existed and was able to be seen from a great birds eye view perching spot. What will happen to this relic of my childhood happiness once the DHS expansions happen ? For now I'm happy to know it still exists in some form. Enjoy !
Check out 2nd channel Vlog Channel
/ thedailywoo
Check out CoolDuder's vintage footage
• Florida Trip 2000 - Di...

[@vjrei]

I remember that attraction, you could feel the heat from the train.

[@VLOGNOSIS]

That sounds AWESOME on a cool day. In summer heat it was probably not very welcome :P

[@HHGFHJGFHJGFJTYFJDGY]

And if you still want to ride through it, visit Walt Disney Studios Park in Paris where it still exists! Although, it will be closed for a period early 2016 for a big refurbishment!

[@BFagan]

+Ryan Simmons Wow, cool! Glad that they are fixing it up rather than trashing it.

[@cameroneley3414]

+Ryan Simmons i was about to say this

[@FreshSalad645]

+Ryan Simmons I was going to say the same thing ^-^

[@AliceShinya]

+Ryan Simmons wow thats cool they gonna refurbish that finally!

[@lukehb]

+Ryan Simmons It's closed from August 2016 until April 2017. For a refurb that long, don't assume Catastrophe Canyon will necessarily survive as was, so if you want one last ride through the classic catastrophe canyon, get in there soon. Rumours I'm hearing are that catastrophe canyon is going to be given a Cars themed makeover, though this is far from confirmed, but at least, expect it to be significantly re-worked, assuming it survives at all.

[@Tai1291]

Adam, it is always a joy to see these videos. Thank you so much for visiting and preserving the memory of these near-forgotten attractions.

[@adamthewoo]

+Tai1291 thank you ! I appreciate it

[@Anonymoose]

A DC-3? Boy, that goes back. You continue to amaze me with facets of Disney World thatg I didn't know existed. I have to wonder how many hundreds of acres are devoted to old attractions like this, just abandoned as no longer relevant.

[@doyleslagter9381]

I loved going to MGM Studios and going on the back lot tour, I can't count how many times I have risen that tram in the past. Great video Adam!

[@ResortTV1]

This is really cool! I definitely miss the Backlot Tour and Catastrophe Canyon! I didn't know you could see it from the Lights, Motors, Action Bleachers. Thanks for sharing.

[@MrFlix1983]

Adam! I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am to see you paying tribute to Catastrophe Canyon! I too felt such excitement about Disney's MGM Studios, now Hollywood Studios when I first saw it in the Summer of 1990. Dick Tracy mania was just taking off as the studio was doing everything they could to promote it! The Backlot Tour was a huge thrill for me as a 6 year old kid because it was the very first time that I got to see Herbie, the Love Bug in person! Yes! The old residential street which once had facades from TV shows like The Golden Girls and Empty Nest once also had the facade for 'Vern's House' in Ernest Saves Christmas and for a while an actual original Herbie, the Love Bug parade car from the Magic Kingdom sat parked in the driveway! The pure excitement over seeing Herbie OFF the screen was just absolutely incredible. Catastrophe Canyon was a staple of this experience and I am very glad to see it still standing. One of my biggest disappointments is knowing that so many of these classic pieces of nostalgia are just going to be removed and destroyed due to Disney's logic that nobody remembers them anymore. One of the things I have heard coming to that entire backlot area is going to be a Pixar-Themed amusement park area. This really saddens me to see just how Disney can be when it comes to classic items. Like with Herbie, they just don't care anymore about him, really they don't care about anything that doesn't make them money anymore. Take Frozen for example, it took in over 400 BILLION dollars at the box office in 2013. The Love Bug however was the HIGHEST GROSSING FILM OF 1969 and the Disney Studios' biggest blockbuster film since Mary Poppins....but do kids of today really care? Sadly they don't, and because of that, Disney will be doing all that they can to remove relics of the past that are no longer relevant in today's world. My fiancee and I are going to Disney World next year for our honeymoon but after seeing how much has gone and changed at The Hollywood Studios, I doubt we'll be going there, it's just changed so much and I am grateful that my all time favorite ride, The Great Movie Ride is still there, I feel like even that at some point will be taken out because a lot of people have said that it's a ride for "older people" and not kids. Glad to hear that you like me found MGM Studios in Orlando, Florida to be the ultimate dream world when it came to the magic behind the movies. Never forget. Always remember!

[@adamthewoo]

+MrFlix1983 loved this comment, glad to hear from other huge old school mgm studios fans

[@BenLaurence]

YES!!! AdamTheWoo with another amazing Walt Disney World video! Can't believe they closed and I can't believe it's still there. I always loved the Backlot Tour, especially the prop warehouse that you got to walk through. Really gonna miss it when it's gone for good

[@adamthewoo]

+Ben Lawrence loved all of it also

[@BenLaurence]

The Backlot/New York Street is one of my favorite areas

[@ThemeParkWorldwide]

Brilliant video, thanks for posting!

[@charger19691]

I've always been fascinated in how places like Disney and Universal Studios operate. Extremely interesting stuff! Thanks Adam!

[@jordanliles]

You do these videos so well, and give proper credit to other content creators like the one who provided the vintage video. Good job!

[@JeffFrmJoisey]

Adam - Thanks for the Memories! I got to experience Catastrophe Canyon about a dozen times over the years. It was as good in 2012, last time I experienced CC, as it was in 1993, on my first visit. Part of my excitement was to also see how the rest of the Backlot and Special Effects Tours changed from visit to visit. Unfortunately, with the Incredible Shrinking Tour it was only a matter of time before this beloved attraction faded into the Studios history.

[@briscollama2521]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing this with us Adam!

[@DailyGizmosis]

fond memories from 1994 1995..thank you for capturing it before its gone

[@adamthewoo]

+Daily Gizmosis no problem , thanks for watching

[@trafficoan1811]

Didn't even know that the back lot tour was gone :( loved it so much! Loved the video Adam. I also love the new style of videos you've been doing, not just exploring and seeing abandoned sites, but making them informative. It's great being able to learn something and not even realize I'm learning

[@kingofrapture]

Jesus Christ, I can't stop crying as I watch this-my childhood's about to be demolished. Whatever happened to creativity like that? Disney really likes to destroy the good/interesting things they made, huh? Waste of time, effort and money, why build it at all if you plan to destroy it later?

[@losangeleskingsfan15]

+Waylon Park It's sad to see something demolished. But the sad truth is that nothing last forever. Walt himself said his parks would never be finished. Interest for some attractions eventually dwindles and they have to be replaced to keep interest.

[@sharkheadism]

+Waylon Park That is the nature of theme parks. If you don't change, people stop going.

[@ddahl146]

+Waylon Park At the end of the day, theme parks are businesses too and they need money to stay alive. If you don't change with the times and the demand, then you are only sentencing yourself to a slow financial death. Unfortunately for Disney, Universal has been stealing the show lately with Harry Potter expansions and Disney has to fight back to keep up with competition. Unfortunately, it comes at the cost of removing older, less popular attractions like the Backlot Tour. I'm just as sad to see it go, but that's the way it goes. I guess you can say "it's business as usual".

[@mj6962]

ReddRaeReviews Well if you used the name of Jesus in a different way, instead of as an expletive, maybe you'd be happier-

[@darrylbernard8885]

Walt never wanted the Disney parks to go stagnate. Rides were being changed or replaced while he was alive. And the only ride that he considered untouchable was the train ride around Disneyland. He actually had a contract written that if Disneyland was ever torn down the train would be left alone.

[@lynnmoore2664]

Great nostalgic information Adam! I really enjoy watching all the past places & things you share about all of the Disney greatness! Thanks !

[@gregburt]

That ride was one of the highlights of my Disney World vacations with my family when I was younger... even when I was an adult, too. I'm going back to Disney World for the first time in 8 years this Christmas and I'll miss that ride, but it's nice to know I can catch a glimpse of the memories while I'm there.

[@notaverygoodguitarplayer]

Wonderful wonderful video! I share the same sentiment as you in regard to Disney MGM Studios being my favorite park for years; and for Catastrophe Canyon being partly responsible. It was one of those attractions I would go home and tell--surely in boring detail--to everyone I could. The "movie magic" stuff has always fascinated me. Watching this video brought a proverbial tear to my eye--knowing what the studios used to be; knowing that C.C. is still there, but not in use; and knowing that in the not-too-distant future, it will be gone. :'( Thanks for the memories, Adam!

[@fointnikfraudulant]

Bruh, your videos are just pure happiness man. Abandoned stuff, theme parks, it's all feel good stuff bruh.

[@BertieFett]

Great video Adam. I've not been to Florida since the 90s but have many happy memories of MGM studios. Thank you for reminding me of some very happy times from my childhood

[@xaquaneesebbyxx4473]

That's so freakin' awesome dude!!! And it's great that you had some old footage of the attraction from when you were a kid! Just awesome brah!!!!

[@iwasthere1390]

Memories...The best part of life....For all of you that have seen Catastrophe Canyon, you now have your memories of your time there. Mine are the many times being there with my children as they were growing up ...now all grown to adults and my Mom and Dad being there as well, now both passed away BUT I thank God and Disney for the chance to have been there and form all the memories I have now. Also thanks Adam for bringing back those memories to me again.

[@MikeKarschti]

Catastrophe Canyon was so cool. I will miss it. Thanks for documenting it's remains. Very neat to see it's still there. Nice video

[@ThePsychoRaven13]

Another great video. Always love your videos Adam. Keep up the great work.

[@TroubleLee20]

Very entertaining. Nice mixing of old footage and current views. Creative and no laws needed to be broken to accomplish this video. Well done, Adam.

[@lqzuli]

I remember this ride when I went to Disney in 2013

[@annelorraine9529]

Me too

[@el8578]

+rainbowTiger The Backlot Tour closed last year in september or november.

[@DaaDeeOhAdventures]

Adam, you took me back to my tween years!!! Thanks! Well done !

[@CarolinaMouse]

Oh Adam, thank you for putting this video up. I loved the Backlot Tour (and Catastrophe Canyon) but I REALLY loved seeing that plane on the tour and had started to wonder about it once it closed. Here's hoping they put it in a safe and prominent place upon removal. I also hope it will still be there in May cause I want to see it and see Lights Motors Action too (just now with more incentive than before this video lol)

[@andrewjohnson1646]

I remember riding that ride countless times because when I was little there was nothing else to do. I still remember feeling the heat from the fire and the coolness from the water, I cant believe its gone! Thanks adam for the great video bringing back memories!

[@srvfan42]

Aw I didn't know the whole backlot tour closed. That tour was really neat, especially the Catastrophe Canyon part.

[@SHZ4201]

+srvfan42 I didn't know either. It seems like yesterday when I rode that last.

[@cellomeister218]

i was a cast member during my Disney College Program and Lights, Motors, Action was my location. i was actually there just before Backlot Tour finally shut down (RIP). I'm gonna miss it! Thanks for sharing your memories, man!

[@MrSveddi]

That was awesome. Thank you Adam. I went on this ride in august 1989 when I was almost 9 years old. I still remember the heat from the fire, and how scared I was when the truck started to move. I also remember how interested I was to see the back statge, all the pipes.

[@FireboltQuaffle]

I loved the Backlot Tour & Catastrophe Canyon. Thank you for documenting this before it leaves :)

[@adamthewoo]

+FireboltQuaffle my pleasure, thanks for watching

[@PerformanceProjects]

Thanks for the memories. I too, still call DHS, MGM Studios. My favorite bit of that park will always be the original walking tour through the working studios (The New Mickey Mouse Club!) and then the tram tour through the back lot. Was such an amazing park when it first opened and am so sad to see what it is becoming.

[@krykey3189]

This was my clearest memory of my visit to Florida (must have been about 20 years ago now) the back lot tour was fascinating to me. I remember a tunnel type thing you went thru with all different props etc. This and earthquake were the ones that stuck in my memory. Thanks for refreshing everything!

[@krykey3189]

O and the toy boats thing! Used to demonstrate explosions in the water and how it was filmed. Great memories!!

[@jennyhensley9329]

I was just there March 2014 and it was still active. So sad that they are taking it away. Thanks for this video lots of memories. One of my favorites Adam. You R the Best. Love all that you do!!!

[@ericwilliams8038]

Excellent video and perfect timing. I'm going to the studios (I still call it MGM too) in 2 weeks and I will definitely go take a look at all this. I loved the backlot tour because seeing how movies were made was amazing to me back then and I was really bummed when they closed it. Thanks for the viewing tip.

[@Dragonrider1227]

oh wow, I totally remember that! I rode that in '90. I was six years old at the time. I can still remember the heat of that fire. Nice find!

[@fdaairsoft8346]

Dude! I saw the stunt show and went through the canyon as a kid in 2007, and forgot about both! Thanks for bringing back great memories Adam.

[@hishedale]

R.I.P. Backlot Tour. I loved going to MGM and doing the backlot tour, the old star tours, and the great movie ride at Christmas time with the lights that will also be leaving soon.

[@partsguru2000]

great vid Adam..I'm with you..catastrophe canyon was so exciting back in 88 when I went with my family. that tram tour, the flight of the navigator ship, the hart castle and McCormick coyote..the snow speeder...the golden girls house...remember it like yesterday..gotta go dig out my picture with Roger Rabbit now

[@torzewski1972]

I did not remember this until you did this video. this is so awesome. My girlfriends and I went there in 91 on senior girls trip. I remember the heat you felt from the fire on the semi and I remember we all screamed when the water came down. thanks for the memories. I totally forgot about it!

[@richgaudet7996]

+torzewski1972 Another class of '91er! haha, I had an annual pass back then, and went there multiple times during my senior year.

[@johnbacon1854]

When I visited Disney Land in 1988, MGM was being built, so I never got to see the place. However I do remember the adverts for it, and that attraction was often shown and it looked very good. Thanks for sharing this piece of nostalga............... your videos of abandoned places are always fun to watch, and I love the extra bits you add about the history of them when you can... its even better to hear that you visited this place all those years ago and are excited to see it again. Awesome to see Walt's plane there too, and apt, as I watched the Runway video you did only last night............. all the best Adam.

[@adamthewoo]

+John Bacon thank you John, appreciate it

[@curtisj555]

I didn't even know it wasn't operating anymore. Great memories thanks for the awesome video. Keep up the amazing work

[@d.redrobinphillips9959]

The Back Stage tour was always a must for me. So sad they are drifting away from the making of movies to the bombardment of commercialism. Also loved the Animation Department and Robin Williams movie there. Thank you so much for getting this on video before they disassemble it. You are quite clever.

[@BrendanTheGent]

adam this makes me wanna watch my home videos of the back lot tour and other old walt Disney world videos from the early 90's.

[@VanScott100]

Awesome! I remember that! That's so neat that it's still there! Thanks for sharing!

[@nearlybecky]

Thank you for sharing your memories and your enthusiasm. What a wonderful video.

[@DisneyMarkUK]

Cheers Adam, great memories, thanks for sharing it x

[@MrSuperzepp]

im waiting for another adam the woo video! love this vlog and the memories of the past thanks woo

[@lionheart1827]

Thanks for doing these videos Adam. I have a lot of Disney footage my Dad has taken from 91/94/98 and some of the early footage includes parts of the tram ride, with the "water gushing" part from the catastrophe canyon section. I'm actually going back to Disney in October and cant wait!

[@Pyridox]

Wow, gone but not forgotten! Thanks for the update ATW.

[@suelang3491]

Shall I? Yep! And did. Thanks, Adam, this was a really interesting video. I love the historical narrative with these kinds of videos. So many others don't have any historical information and it's a shame because all these abandoned place videos are, for some places, the only or rare footage before they are demolished or disappear. Thanks again and keep 'em coming!

[@MissHalcyonHolly]

Whoa! I went to WDW for the first time in February, and as I was in the Grandstand, i looked at (I didn't know its name at the time) Catastrophe Canyon, and was so confused because I couldn't find a way to get to it. Lights Motors Action was awesome but I couldn't stop thinking about what that abandoned part was! Super cool. Thanks for sharing this :)

[@MidniteLiquid]

I was there earlier this week and sadly, this has all been leveled... :( The only thing left are foundations and part of the huge water pump that sent the water over the top of the rocks.

[@philoween_thrills]

Thanks for sharing. I worked at Disney-MGM many years ago. Wasn't aware of the huge expansion that included Stunt Show...

[@gemmaaaxx]

I went on the tram tour first in Paris and then in Florida in 2006, Catastophe Canyon was one of the best parts. So many childhood memories :')

[@10191927]

I remember catastrophe canyon back in the day, it's amazing the set is just sitting there, it's amazing how much property Disney lets to just sit and rot for decades.

[@elwindewitte]

OMG I still remember that from the first and only time I went to the US. Thanks for sharing, that brought back so many great memories!

[@midwestgamingclassic]

I miss the backlot tour quite a bit. If you'd like to see a really fascinating view of Catastrophe Canyon, check out the video the Science of Disney Imagineering: Levers and Pulleys. I agree with absolutely being blown away by Catastrophe Canyon, and I am glad that my last visit was shortly before they closed the completely shrunk down Tram Tour so I was able to see that one last time. It was a highlight, even in it's extremely small way, in a park that felt like it needed to be redone from the ground up.

[@CT--lj9ck]

I remember that ride from when I was 8 about 5 or 6 years ago. That was a fun ride.

[@michaelhony4728]

The Back Lot Tour was an excellent attraction. I rode the tram at least 10 times over the years. I still have photos of the attraction. There are other things now gone: Malstrom in Norway at Epcot, The sky buckets at the Magic Kingdom, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and others.

[@ginamaria2579]

Awesome adventure as always :)

[@AtheistOrphan]

Hello from England. I have many happy memories of visiting Catastrophe Canyon in 1989. I still have the original guidebook and many photos I took on the backlot tour.

[@cpatangan]

Omg! Thank you. For years I have been trying to figure out the name of this ride. I only remember as a child the ride, but never knew the name. I tried to figure it out for so long and now you helped me put a name to the ride.

[@sophiemary-louise2321]

I'm from England and my family went on holiday to Florida in 2006 when i was 6 years old and that was my favourite ride and one of the only moments i can remember clearly as i was so young.

[@caucasiandebris9180]

Thanks for the memories! I too rounded that turn many a time back in the early 90s. Sad to see it will be gone.

[@nicomeurs7009]

Disneyland Paris still has this ride in working order on their studio tram tour. It's basically the highlight of the tour. So Adam if you're willing to travel this far, you can bring your childhood memories back to life!

[@DannyBoy-nz2mi]

Job well done Adam. Brings back memories. I was in my teens too and knew it was "fake" but well done and exciting, like the "Jaws" tram...knew it was fake and predictable, but really fun buddy! Where was the A-TEAM van you lifted at? And the "ChIPS" motorcycles that two kids were chosen to sit on at? Oh, and that desk you sat in and made it look like you were sitting on the wall! True wholesome memories, Wow. Top work!

[@adamthewoo]

+Danny Boy thanks for watching and commenting Danny

[@mcfrdmn]

Very interesting & informative video about the history of Catastrophe Canyon. I never even knew such a place existed !

[@CreedyHD]

About 5 years ago I went to Disney World for 7 days and I remember going on that ride and I remember the whole show! Subscribed

[@WALTDISNEYWORLD626]

Wow! Impressed this video is making me want to take a peak of it. Theirs also the queue that can be easily seen from the public. This is so much better then backstaging videos right? I'm so gonna miss this old ride.

[@CBRob600rr]

Wow this brings back great memories, haven't been to florida in years but i remember this ride

[@Perrythebighamster]

awesome video fella. I went to Disney last year and wondered why I hadn't seen this. shame I never got to go on it

[@sypsylocke]

Wow!!! I just love that place. Thanks for the good memories

[@JAmacela]

I remember when I was 5 I went on it the first time......that was the last time, I mean really it was freaking scary. In the VHS recording you could hear me and my brother who was 8 at the time, crying to get off the ride. AHH memories. I never knew it was still there right behind my favorite show !!! Thanks for the video Adam !

[@NinetayFour]

The Backlot tour was so amazing before lights motor's action came along

[@adamthewoo]

+AnderHerrera21 agreed!

[@DIDCOTTWIST]

My late Gramp really enjoyed going through catastrophe canyon.

[@TobyEpperson]

Very cool footage! I remember this!

[@originallyalice]

I remember that! When I was little it used to scare me a bit haha but I do remember it as a teenager also and it was a pretty awesome attraction

[@thisisyourcaptin]

I remember this. Wow. Sad to see it go. Thanks for sharing.

[@RichardNewell]

Dang man. Just got back from Disney World and I knew I was missing something. Now I know why I couldn't find the back-lot tour. Love seeing it one more time:)

[@londondisneyfan]

I love your enthusiasm :-)

[@marty6576]

I hope I'll get to see it when I go next year! Thanks for this awesome video!

[@kevopavo]

I used to ride the Back Lot Tour every time I went to MGM! I loved that attraction so much.

[@RubberChickenFilms]

I didn't know what you were talking about, until you showed it. That was a pretty cool ride/tour. I can see how burning a semi truck several times a day could get expensive...

[@ThePaulRyder34]

I was on my honeymoon the week before this video was made at Orlando!!! When my wife and I visited we also noted what you saw, and also saw the spaceship from flight of the navigator through the gap in the buildings of the stunt show!!!! awesome video.

[@TuneBoyOfficial]

I remember it now! I forgot that I went on that ride! This brings back memories.

[@MikeFarnhamGalaxysEdgeGroup]

WOW. Just finished this video and almost in tears that it will be torn down. I ride that thing every day for a year when I worked at Disney World back in 1989. I honestly didn't know that this is where Star Wars Land is going to be and that this ride is closed. This was an awesome ride.

[@Fearlessfranek]

I was there on that ride in 2003 thank you for bringing back the memories!

[@trainmanrobbie3360]

I rode on the backlot tour before but I didn't know it was closed until I saw this video! That ride was EPIC! The first time I went into catastrophe canyon, I was really afraid of what was going to happen, but when it was over, I was like 😱 that was AWESOMENESS!!! I loved it! The queue of the ride was cool too, where they had all of the movie props from past movies. They took a behind the scenes tour to a whole new level of awesome! I really wish it was still there

[@Rafaelipod]

nice video man, what changed my life was the Nickelodeon Studios in Orlando, you see i used to live in Florida and our school would take us on end of the year field trips and one of them which was Universal Studios and i would see Nick studios on tv and was like Orlando is really close and one day our teacher said we were gonna go on a field trip to Universal studios and when i saw the studios i was beside myself i loved it, its a shame they had to close it down but man our childhood memories will always be with us, i love your videos adamthewoo, keep up the good quality videos

[@DCMA247]

I rarely comment on videos anymore but you sir are a good person, it's funny when you have the same love for something (like horror movies and just the wonders of movies ect) you can really see the good in someone. It sounds crazy I know but I just wanted to say that, been a fan for a few years now. I hope I have a chance to catch up with you if I ever visit the states and find myself in the same one aha. Cheers from East Coast Canada.

[@adamthewoo]

+DCMA247 thanks for the kind words and for watching

[@ncc74656m]

Thanks Adam, I thought this was at Universal. I remember the truck! It was a great ride!

[@maggielawson9579]

I had no idea they closed it! But it's been a while since I have gone. So sad I won't be able to experience it again especially with my kiddos. thanks for the video. brings back awesome memories getting the crap scared out of me haha

[@JoeHudsonJHSF]

I went on that in 1995, and enjoyed it - but was even more thrilled at seeing the Golden Girls house! Very sad knowing it's no longer there (and the Empty Nest house was across the street!)...

[@AdmiralPreparedness]

Osborne Family Christmas lights.......Walking down the set homes all decorated was a real treat. Sorry when ti was torn down.

[@davidnielsen4235]

You are one hilarious individual !! I myself have been to Disney world and Disney land. Your channel is the one and only channel I subscribe to. I am also a musician. Are you currently in a band ?? Ive been drumming for many a day. Hope things are well for you !

[@Tyfreeman08]

Wow I remember catastrophe canyon from when I went to Disney world in 2002 it's sad to see that they no Longer use it. Loved the video!