On May 1, 1989, Disney's Hollywood Studios, which at the time was called MGM, became the third theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The park recently celebrated 30 years of Hollywood glamour and movie-making magic with a parade featuring Mickey, Minnie and the gang, a new logo and a plethora of new interactive experiences.
The 30th Anniversary Celebration
It was a day full of the park's signature Hollywood glitz and glamour. The party kicked off with a parade down Hollywood Boulevard and the revelation of the brand new Hollywood Studios logo. Disney released limited edition merchandise available for purchase around the park, including t-shirts, tumblers, pins and Magic Bands. Annual Passholders can also get their hands on even more exclusive merchandise to commemorate the park's anniversary while supplies last.
What's a celebration without food? Hollywood Studios isn't skimping on the sweets and treats to ring in their 30thyear. A plethora of goodies became available on May 1, recognizing the park's past, present and future. The lemon sponge cake Sorcerer's Hat at ABC Commissary and Fantasmic! Food Carts showcases the former Hollywood Studios logo, while the Mickey Mouse's Celebration Cake found at Backlot Express looks forward to the very first ride featuring Mickey Mouse himself at Disney World.
Other delicacies like Kylo Ren Cupcakes, Incredibles Macarons, Light Saber Churros and various sweet verrines with flavors like Key Lime and Tres Leches are available around the park.
Hollywood Studios also used its 30th anniversary to debut the Wonderful World of Animation light show. The new nighttime event lights up the Chinese theater with beloved moments from your favorite Disney films like The Incredibles and Coco.
Hollywood Studios is Engaging Guests like Never Before
Park guests may have noticed that the year leading up to Hollywood Studio's 30thAnniversary has been full of new ways to immerse guests in their favorite Disney movies.
Toy Story Land opened in June of 2018, and the response has been overwhelming. Since the film franchise spans decades, members of every generation have enjoyed walking through Andy's backyard and feeling like one of the toys. Whether you grew up watching the movies or are just introducing your kids to them now, it's a world the whole family can enjoy together.
Fans of The Incredibles movies are loving Municiberg, the Pixar Place alley that Hollywood Studios has transformed into a superhero paradise. Kids and adults alike are jumping at the chance to pose like their favorite Incredible in front of the many photo spots, eating Jack Jack's Num-Num Cookies, meeting Edna Mode and partying with the Supers.
Another recent addition to Hollywood Studios is Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, the energetic show featuring the Cars cast of characters. After experiencing the show, kids can meet a life-size Cruz Ramirez and DJ before posing in front of multiple photo walls. Parents of Cars-obsessed kids everywhere are rejoicing!
Exciting New Attractions Coming in 2019
With so much momentum coming into the 30thAnniversary celebration, Hollywood Studios isn't slowing down anytime soon. There are several new attractions to look forward to as this park continues to become a can't-miss spot at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Die-hard Star Wars fans are on the edge of their seats waiting for the grand opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, a new land coming in August of 2019. Guests will truly feel like they've stepped onto another planet as they explore the world of Batuu. There will be 2 rides, Smugglers Run and Rise of the Resistance, along with themed merchandise and dining experiences.
Another first-of-its-kind addition to Hollywood Studios will be Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, the very first ride featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse in Walt Disney World history. The full-family attraction will put riders in the middle of a zany Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short. Runaway Railway will feature original music along with stunning visuals, and will even use the original whistle from Steamboat Willie for the train whistle. The ride seeks to honor the past while moving toward an impressive new future.
Finally, Hollywood Studios is excited to announce that Toy Story Land will be getting an immersive table-service barbecue restaurant. Toys and game pieces will surround diners in keeping with the immersive Toy Story Land experience. There will also be a new pop-up shop located at the Toy Story Mania! exit that will feature merchandise from the new Toy Story 4 film.
Changes Around Disney World
Hollywood Studios isn't the only park making big changes. Magic Kingdom will be introducing Disney Villains After Hours on 10 select nights throughout the summer with deliciously evil snacks like the Not-So-Poison Apple Cupcake.
In Epcot, Illuminations will run for the very last time in September, bringing together generations who have enjoyed this nighttime show since 1999. The Flower and Garden Festival continues to run until June 3, then there will be a short break before the Food and Wine Festival kicks off on August 29 for its longest run ever.
Animal Kingdom will be celebrating the 25thanniversary of the Lion King in style with the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party, a new Tree of Life story following Simba's journey and a fresh nighttime lights show called "Rivers of Light: We Are One" which weaves together the stories of humanity and nature.
The parks aren't the only spots around Disney getting some updates. Disney Springs will debut an NBA experience on August 12 with lots of hands-on activities set in a modern-day basketball arena. The Coronado Springs Resort is adding a new tower, the Gran Destino Tower, complete with more guest rooms and a tapas restaurant on top of the 15-story tower.
Finally, the parks will see a new transportation system this fall called the Skyliner. It's a gondola that will transport groups of 10 people at a time in individual cabins. It will connect Epcot, Hollywood Studios and 4 Disney resorts.
Honoring Past, Present and Future
With so many new and exciting changes on the horizon, Disney continues to honor the past with their signature magical touch while remaining innovative and fresh. Both Hollywood Studios and Walt Disney World Resort as a whole seek to bring generations of families together to engage with the movies they love in new and imaginative ways.
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