On April 30, 1989, the world was introduced to a brand-new Disney theme park. In a 90-minute special hosted by John Ritter, viewers got a first look at the Disney-MGM Studios—a fully functioning television and film production studio designed to bring the magic of moviemaking to guests.
Disney MGM Studios 1989
Originally considered a half-day park and a side trip from Epcot, the studio offered behind-the-scenes experiences that gave visitors the chance to become part of the action. Today, 30 years later, that once-small park is now Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to some of Walt Disney World’s most immersive lands and experiences.
30th Anniversary Festivities
On May 1, 2019, Disney marked the 30th anniversary of the park with a special character cavalcade down Hollywood Boulevard led by Mickey and Minnie Mouse. During the event, the new Disney’s Hollywood Studios logo was officially revealed.
On its 30th anniversary, May 1, 2019, Disney’s Hollywood Studios revealed a new logo for the theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
Guests enjoyed limited-time merchandise, exclusive food and beverage items, and pop-up Toy Story 4 merchandise locations. The Mickey Burger and celebratory treats were a hit throughout the park.
Disney also announced the addition of Roundup Rodeo BBQ, a new table-service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land, continuing the expansion of immersive storytelling and themed dining.
Merchandise inspired by the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available at the Studio 1 Company Store in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., starting May 1, 2019. Guests will find unique offerings for the entire family, from stylish 30th anniversary apparel and accessories to keepsakes and collectibles such as commemorative pins, special MagicBands, decorative ornaments and more. (Steven Miller, photographer)
The evening wrapped up with the premiere of The Wonderful World of Animation, a dazzling new projection show. Projected onto the Chinese Theater, the show takes guests on a journey through 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation. It replaced the previous “Movie Magic” show and serves as a perfect lead-in to the nightly Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks display.
“Wonderful World of Animation” is a new nighttime projection show debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., May 1, 2019. This new cinematic experience uses state-of-the-art, projection-mapping technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation. (David Roark, photographer)
The Sorcerer’s Hat, a lemon sponge cake with vanilla swiss buttercream, lemon curd, and white chocolate glaze is offered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting May 1. The 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates new attractions, entertainment, and merchandise, plus an incredible menu of limited-time offerings as well as legacy menu items that have been offered since the park opened.
Raspberry Mousse Verrine is offered at the ABC Commissary at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting May 1. The 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates new attractions, entertainment, and merchandise, plus an incredible menu of limited-time offerings as well as legacy menu items that have been offered since the park opened.
Disney MGM Studios 1989
Merchandise inspired by the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available at the Studio 1 Company Store in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., starting May 1, 2019. Guests will find unique offerings for the entire family, from stylish 30th anniversary apparel and accessories to keepsakes and collectibles such as commemorative pins, special MagicBands, decorative ornaments and more. (Steven Miller, photographer)
“Wonderful World of Animation” is a new nighttime projection show debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Catch the whole show on Sams Disney Dairy
“Wonderful World of Animation” is a new nighttime projection show debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Catch the whole show on Sams Disney Dairy
“Wonderful World of Animation” is a new nighttime projection show debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Catch the whole show on Sams Disney Dairy
“Wonderful World of Animation” is a new nighttime projection show debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Catch the whole show on Sams Disney Dairy
“Wonderful World of Animation” is a new nighttime projection show debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Catch the whole show on Sams Disney Dairy
“Wonderful World of Animation” is a new nighttime projection show debuting at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Catch the whole show on Sams Disney Dairy
Merchandise inspired by the 30th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be available at the Studio 1 Company Store in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., starting May 1, 2019. Guests will find unique offerings for the entire family, from stylish 30th anniversary apparel and accessories to keepsakes and collectibles such as commemorative pins, special MagicBands, decorative ornaments and more. (Steven Miller, photographer)
Walt Disney World Resort guests will step through the movie screen and join Mickey and pals on a wacky adventure set to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida in 2019. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first-ever ride through attraction themed to Mickey and Minnie Mouse, will feature dazzling visual effects, a lovable theme song, and twists and turns ideal for the whole family.
On its 30th anniversary, May 1, 2019, Disney’s Hollywood Studios revealed a new logo for the theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
KA-CHOW! Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy debuts March 31, 2019, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. This new show experience invites guests into the world of Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars films as they become rookie racers and learn the rules of the road from Piston Cup Champion Lightning McQueen. (Steven Diaz, Photographer)
