May 1, 2019
Just over 30 years ago, April 30th, 1989, John Ritter introduced us to the concept of the Disney MGM Studios, a new theme park that was a fully functioning television and movie production studio providing you a peek behind the scenes at moviemaking magic where you could even be part of the action. If you're into Disney history, the 90-minute special is a must watch – You can catch the full episode here
Walt Disney World celebrated the 30th anniversary of the opening for Disney Studios earlier this month. The festivities included a cavalcade of Disney characters on Hollywood Boulevard led by none other than Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Mickey and Minnie introduced us to the Disney Hollywood Studios new logo and limited time merchandise, food, and drinks commemorating the 30th Anniversary.
It’s hard to believe that when the studios opened, MGM Studios was a half day park, a side trip from Epcot where you could learn how movies were made. Fast forward 30 years and Disney Hollywood Studios is about to become the epicenter of Walt Disney World. With the opening of Star Wars Galaxy Edge this August, the 14 acre immersive land will be followed by Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad in early 2020 completing the park-wide transformation that includes Toy Story Land, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, An Incredible Celebration on Pixar Place, and Disney Junior Dance Party and open for summer 2019!
For the park’s 30th Anniversary celebration, Disney announced the addition of a table service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, in Toy Story Land and an array of Toy Story 4 pop-up merchandise locations.
The evening finished with the premiere of “Wonderful World of Animation”, the all-new projection show in Center Stage. Projected onto the Chinese Theater, the show chronicles the journey through 90 years of Disney and Pixar animations and includes blasts from the past and rarely seen characters as well as new favorites and classic stories. The show replaces the “Movie Magic” projection show, which you can find in SamsDisneydairy Episode #99 – The Wonderful World of Animation will lead to the always popular “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular”.