A Full Ride-Through Tribute to The Great Movie Ride
The Great Movie Ride was more than just a theme park attraction—it celebrated cinema’s golden age. Opening with Disney-MGM Studios in 1989, the attraction lived inside a full-scale recreation of the iconic Chinese Theater, becoming the park’s crown jewel.
A Cinematic Journey Like No Other
This 22-minute dark ride blended animatronics, projection, live acting, and pyrotechnics, pulling guests into scenes from classic films like Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, and Raiders of the Lost Ark. It was the perfect tribute to the movies and to the art of movie-making.
Origins from EPCOT to Hollywood Studios
Did you know The Great Movie Ride was originally designed as a pavilion for Epcot’s Future World? The concept was titled “Great Moments at the Movies” and aimed to explore the history of cinema. However, after seeing the idea, Michael Eisner pushed for something bigger—a full movie-themed park.
That idea evolved into Disney-MGM Studios, and The Great Movie Ride became its signature attraction.
A Living, Breathing Attraction
Unlike many rides, The Great Movie Ride featured live Cast Member tour guides who actively participated in the experience. Each ride-through was slightly different, thanks to the live performances of the gangsters and cowboys who “took over” the vehicles midway through the journey.
Over the years, some elements changed. A partnership with Turner Classic Movies brought updates, but the soul of the attraction—the love of film—remained unchanged.
Our Full Ride-Through Experience
This episode of SamsDisneyDiary features a complete ride-through of The Great Movie Ride, recorded before the attraction closed in 2017. It includes:
- The full pre-show queue experience inside the Chinese Theater
- The live Cast Members’ performance during the gangster scene
- Every animatronic scene, set detail, and show element
- A final look at the tribute film montage at the ride’s conclusion
The video opens with a special Walt Disney clip from Disneyland Goes to the World’s Fair, giving context to the ride’s origin. We included that as a tribute to Walt’s vision of fusing technology and storytelling.
Farewell to a Disney Classic
When the ride closed, it marked the end of Disney’s last opening-day attraction at the Studios park. Its replacement, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, continues the legacy of immersive storytelling—but longtime fans will always remember stepping “into the movies” on this unforgettable ride.
Enjoy the ride—and as always: “Ready, CB!”
For more from the original Disney MGM Studios. The Opening Day Celebration. The Making of Disney MGM Studios. Walt Disney World MGM Studios The Dream Comes True. 1995 Day at Studios. 2004 Disney Studios.
