Disney’s Hollywood Studios is turning 30 and massive changes are on the way. We’re in the middle of a two day press event designed to show off the reinvention of the park and have a lot to share with you today. But check back later for even more as this article is a work in progress.
Ready when you are C.B.! Lights, Camera… Action!
First, a bit of backstory – 30 years ago, Walt Disney World opened it’s third Orlando theme park: Disney-MGM Studios. Today, the littlest of Disney’s parks is about to transform into what could be one of the biggest theme park draws in the world. Join us as we take you into the future of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
What was to be a singular movie-themed pavilion at Epcot Center, “Great Moments through the Movies,” was later expanded. Then-CEO Michael Eisner and WDI president Marty Sklar decided the conceptual idea was strong enough to combat Universal Studios own ideas for a theme park in Orlando.
The movie pavilion became a whole park and the Disney-MGM Studios plans went into official development, dedicated to the imagined worlds of film, television, theatre and music!
After the end of Disney’s licensing agreement with MGM in 2008, the park has since been known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With its name change, ever-changing park icons, closing and updating attractions, exciting new lands and saying farewell to the park’s most iconic attraction – RIP Great Movie Ride! – the biggest changes are just around the corner.
Now, with the 30th Anniversary, there’s an exciting new lineup of new additions that will truly transform the park as you know it . . .
New Park Logo Revealed May 1st, 2019
Emphasis on the “Hollywood.” A logo focused on Star Wars, Mickey and Toy Story.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Step inside a Mickey cartoon. That’s exactly what Disney is doing with this attraction, putting you in the middle of a madcap adventure.
Imagineers are calling this a zany and groundbreaking attraction. Starring the true originals, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Runaway Railway will transport guests into a Mickey Mouse cartoon. With that in mind, Imagineers are completely devoted to fulfilling this storytelling – cartoon logic and physics will apply to the attraction.
Here’s a look at the new marquee for the Chinese Theatre – the animated neon will reel you in from the park’s entrance.
Imagineers had to stay within the rules of the cartoon – you won’t find any shiny or reflective surfaces! Down to the smallest details, everything will be hand-painted, reminiscent of hand-drawn animation.
Runaway Railway Loctomotive Protoype (below) with regular lighting (left) and black light (right):
The entire attraction will sound like a musical, with a new theme song and original music from composer Chris Willis.
Speaking of sound… the original tri-tone whistle used in 1928’s Steamboat Willie is the same whistle used for Runaway Railway’s locomotive whistle! What a charming detail.
Imagineers are truly excited for this attraction. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is planned to open in Spring 2020.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Just announced: A new table-service restaurant is on the way for Toy Story Land! This will be a nice addition for the new land, offering a much needed air-conditioned dining option in the area. No opening date has been announced, we’ll be sure to share once we know!
Sneak Peek into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
As you no doubt already know, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens VERY soon – August 29th at WDW . . . and the end of May for Disneyland.
The 14-acre land is the largest single-land expansion ever for the Disney Parks! Galaxy’s Edge will transport guests to live their own Star Wars adventures in Black Spire Outpost, a village on the remote planet of Batuu, full of unique sights, sounds, smells and tastes. Guests can become part of the story as they sample galactic food and beverages, explore an intriguing collection of merchant shops and take the controls of the most famous ship in the galaxy aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Then the second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, will open later this year!
I had the opportunity to step into Galaxy’s Edge today! I wish photos were allowed for your sake, but they weren’t. From the few minutes spent near the Grand Avenue entrance of the land, I can really tell the Imagineers put their heart and soul into it. From each visible detail, caves and nooks to explore, spacious walkways and the immersive theming/sight-lines… I cannot wait to see it all done and ready for guests. Only a few more months!
Galaxy’s Edge will really transform the park – I’m excited to see what the future holds! But I have a feeling that future will be filled with lots of extra guests.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
In case you missed it… Lightning has made his way back into Walt Disney World. A first-of-its-kind show that puts you in the middle of the Disney•Pixar Cars universe – open now!
Lightning demonstrates what he’s learned over the years by using his brand-new, state-of-the-art racing simulator and its wraparound screen. The attraction features Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs.
Wonderful World of Animation
Debuting on May 1st, Wonderful World of Animation displays a stirring tribute to 90+ years of Disney and Pixar animation, all projected onto the Chinese Theatre. The scenes are so colorful and vibrant, the music and characters will tug at your heartstrings – the show’s spectacular sequences celebrate themes like magic, family, adventure, romance and friendship.
I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
We don’t want to give away all of the surprises, but here’s a teaser version of the show we took last night:
30th Anniversary – Special Merchandise and Offerings
Here’s a look at some of the merchandise available at Hollywood Studios, starting today (Wednesday, May 1st).
Ooo sugar, sugar… the 30th Anniversary dessert selections look divine!
With these dessert offerings (and new attractions), the three pillars of Disney’s Hollywood Studios are clear: Mickey & Minnie, Star Wars, and Pixar.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Celebration
On the morning of May 1st, Cast Members welcomed you into the park with commemorative buttons and maps!
From there, I walked down Hollywood Boulevard to a front viewing area for the Anniversary Celebration program.
Just after 10am, the presentation and Character Calvacade began – including your Toy Story favorites, Ariel & Eric, Belle & Beast and more!
During the morning presentation, highlights included Galaxy’s Edge excitment (concept photos and opening date were discussed), the recently-opened Toy Story Land overview, as well as the park’s ongoing transformation for the next year. With the transformation in mind, something new was announced…
A new logo! What do you think?
As you can see, this park is really changing. I feel like the new logo reflects the changes imagineers are going for – Pixar, Star Wars and the Mouse himself.
As we celebrate the park’s 30th anniversary, Michael Eisner’s opening day speech still holds true today:
“The world you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood — not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was — and always will be.”
It’s still hard for us to believe that it’s been 30 years since this park opened. Will you be making a point to visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios soon? Which of the new attractions are you most excited for?
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