Disney’s Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary Treats

Happy 35^th anniversary to Disney’s Hollywood Studios — which opened on May 1, 1989! We’re celebrating a few days early by sharing two fan-favorite recipes so you can join in on the festivities at home. I selected an entrée and dessert recipe from two restaurants that were open in 1989 to share with you.

In addition to these recipes, we also have some vintage photos from the early days of these restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to take a look at!

Mom’s Traditional Meatloaf from 50’s Prime Time Café 

For our first course, we’re heading over to 50’s Prime Time Café for Mom’s Traditional Meatloaf. 50’s Prime Time Café began serving guests classic American comfort food while enjoying 50’s kitsch when Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened back in 1989. Throughout the years, there have been a few different meatloaf recipes on the menu, but this one from the Disney Recipe Vault combines ground beef, ground pork and the perfect blend of seasonings. Serve it with your favorite mashed potatoes, gravy and, of course, green beans to make sure you’re eating your vegetables.

MOM’S TRADITIONAL MEATLOAF

50’s Primetime Cafe

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Serves 8

INGREDIENTS 

2 pounds ground beef

1 pound ground pork

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

½ cup finely chopped onion

¼ cup finely chopped green bell pepper

¼ cup finely chopped red bell pepper

2 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, divided

½ teaspoon coarsely cracked black peppercorns, or to taste

½ teaspoon coarse salt, or to taste

½ cup ketchup

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

DIRECTIONS: 

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Lightly oil two 8½-inch by 4½-inch loaf pans.

2. In a large bowl, combine the beef, pork, eggs, breadcrumbs, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, cracked peppercorns, and salt just until well blended; do not overmix.

3. Divide the meat mix in half, shape into 2 loaves, and place in the prepared loaf pans.  Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the internal temperature taken with an instant-read thermometer is 155°F.

4. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and the remaining ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.  Brush the meat loaves with the ketchup mixture and bake for 10 minutes longer.

5. Remove the meat loaves from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Cook’s Note: Meatloaf can be garnished with extra sauce. Double ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce recipe and reserve half for drizzling on meatloaf slices. 

Grapefruit Cake with Cream Cheese Icing from The Hollywood Brown Derby

Now that we’ve enjoyed our main course, it’s time for dessert. The Grapefruit Cake with Cream Cheese Icing from The Hollywood Brown Derby is the perfect sweet treat to celebrate 35 years of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The plating of the cake has changed over the years, but it has remained on the menu since the restaurant opened in 1989.

GRAPEFRUIT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING

The Hollywood Brown Derby

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Serves 8

GRAPEFRUIT CAKE

1 1/2 cups sifted cake flour

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3 large eggs, separated

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup water

3 tablespoons grapefruit juice

1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

1 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar

TOPPING

1 can (16 ounces) grapefruit sections, drained well

Grapefruit syrup

FOR GRAPEFRUIT CAKE:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 X 2-inch round cake pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and lightly butter the paper and sides.

2. Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.

3. Whisk egg yolks, oil, water, grapefruit juice, and lemon zest until smooth in a medium bowl. Whisk in the flour mixture.

4. Beat the egg whites and the cream of tartar just to stiff peaks with an electric or stand mixture. Gently fold the egg whites into the yolk mixture with a rubber spatula until just blended. Pour into prepared pan.

5. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cake springs back when touched lightly in the center. Invert the cake, still in the pan, and cool on a wire rack.

6. Run a spatula or a table knife around the edge of the cake and carefully remove from the pan.

FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

1. Beat cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on high speed until light and fluffy.

2. Add the lemon juice and the lemon zest. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and beat until well blended. Keep covered until ready to frost cake.

TO SERVE: 

1. Halve cake horizontally with a serrated knife.

2. Spread 1/3 to 1/2 cup frosting over top of first layer to with about 1/4 inch of edge. Top with several grapefruit sections.

3. Place second cake layer, rounded side up, on frosted first layer. Frost top and sides with remaining icing.

4. To serve, garnish with remaining grapefruit sections and desired amount of grapefruit syrup.

Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents.   

Please supervise children who are helping or nearby.

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens.  

The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.