American Film Institute Showcase permanently closing at the end of this week

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Thursday August 14, 2014 11:00am eDT · "American Film Institute Showcase"

The American Film Institute Showcase will be permanently closing on Sunday August 17 2014.

The exhibit, located at the end of the Studio Backlot Lot, features props, costumes and memorabilia from current and past movies. The collectibles gift shop at the exit will also close.

The Studio Backlot Tour will continue to operate, but guests will no longer exit through that building.

Disney has not yet announced any plans for the space.

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But where will I stand when it's raining now?
Mark it as one more thing that is mysteriously going away with no current announced replacement.

Anyone done a Wikimapia showing all of the current empty or closed attractions? I know I could likely do something similar just using a guidemap, but it would be an interesting exercise to really see all the available space.
Hopefully they spend the money to change the ride audio to exclude this part!
One by one rides on that side of the park start to shut down....how long until something becomes official.....
From a GR acquaintance.

Answer they are to give guests.

"We regularly evaluate our offerings and made the decision to close the American Film Institute Showcase on August 17. At this time, we are finalizing a new concept for the next experience at that venue and look forward to sharing more soon."
↩ replying to Fievel
Good question.
Maybe Michael Keaton complained that having his costume next to Russell Crowe's made it too obvious how short he is.
Its the one relevant portion of the backlot tour.
↩ replying to Nick Pappagiorgio
Which is another point in favor of the Backlot Tour Is Closing rumor
So will people still be routed through the gift shop? Will the shop close as well? Curious as to the end game of all this.
↩ replying to tjjwelch
Answers to your question are in the post. :)
↩ replying to wogwog
I smell a New M&G area......It's big enough for one.....
Good lord. At least keep it open till you're gonna actually use it for something else.
So, no exiting through the gift shop then.
↩ replying to TubaGeek
Now why would Disney do something like that? :)