May 10, 2019
Produced by Tampa's WTVT in 1989, now FOX 13 Tampa, “The Making of… The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park” was hosted by Fred Newman. He also hosted the “All New Mickey Mouse Club” from 1989-1994 which was filmed at the Studios. The behind the scenes special includes a storyline featuring Fred Newman going undercover to find out what this Hollywood in Florida is all about. The Storyline is a little corny in retrospect, but the interviews with Imagineers and construction images more than make up for the storyline. Also included are images as far back as April 1987 when only a hole where Echo Lake would be was identifiable. We get to watch the iconic Chinese Theater get its top and a look at how Hollywood influenced construction all over Hollywood Boulevard, from the Crossroads of America to California crazy architecture. The interviews with cast members during construction and Disney Executives including Michael Eisner and Jeffery Katzenberg echo what MGM Studios was all about at opening, a working movie and television studio where you could get a look at movie magic. The interview also gives us an early look at The Great Movie Ride and an up-close look at the Mickey Mouse sculpture that would be installed at the Crossroads of America.
Though not produced by Disney, this special is a great way of looking behind the scenes. The Making of The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.