On this date, May 1st 1989 Disney’s-MGM Studios opened its gates to the public. Today, we celebrate 25 years of the Studios.
At that time, Michael Eisner was recently appointed CEO and saw the plans for the pavilions. He requested instead of placing the Great Movie Ride in an existing park, a new park should be created themed Hollywood, entertainment, and show business. MGM Studios was born. In 1985, Disney and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer entered into a licensing contract that gave Disney worldwide rights to use the MGM name and logo for what would become Disney-MGM Studios, which included working production facilities for movies and television shows and a satellite animation studio, which began operation prior to the park’s debut. It would go back and forth filing suits against one another but eventually on August 9, 2007, Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton announced that Disney-MGM Studios would be re-branded as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, effective January 7, 2008, saying, “the new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today’s Hollywood has to offer—in music, television, movies and theater.”
As all Disney Parks have a central icon, the Studios is no different. Now represented by The Sorcerer Hat, the original icon was the Earful Tower. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is divided into 6 different areas, but unlike other Disney theme parks there was no defined layout. This made the studios more like a real movie studio lot. The areas are:
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Echo Lake
- Streets of America
- Animation Courtyard
- Pixar Place
- Sunset Boulevard
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed so much over the years. The Studio’s have some of the best attractions in all of WDW including:
- Toy Story Midway Mania
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Star Tours
One of the biggest yearly events in Walt Disney World, takes place for some select weekends in May and June, Star Wars Weekends. The festival features appearances by cast and crew members from Disney’s Star Wars franchise created by George Lucas. Many original Disney characters also appear dressed as Star Wars characters, such as Jedi Mickey, Minnie as Leia, Donald as a Stormtrooper, Goofy as Darth Vader and R2-MK Here is the park map from the opening weekend and also a current map to show the changes over the years. 
Happy Anniversary to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
As co-owner and co-creator of The Main Street Mouse.Working in a technical support position for 18 years, it was time for a change.As the Webmaster and Project Planner, I spend most of my time researching everything from the latest Disney News, technology advances and of course keeping up on all the Marvel news that comes out.I never considered myself a writer but I’ve come to like blogging and sharing news with all.I feel blessed everyday that I get to spend my days working with my best friend and love of my life while we continue to grow and expand what started as a hobby all those years ago.
- SEA LIFE® Announces Grand Opening Date at LEGOLAND® - February 20, 2025
- SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Fest Expands with New Performers - February 18, 2025
- Rock Out with Molly Hatchet Tonight at SeaWorld Orlando - February 15, 2025
Our Official Travel Partner of The Main Street Mouse is MEI-Travel & Mouse Fan Travel
Mouse Fan Travel® an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, has been planning and creating magical Disney vacations since 2005. Their mission is to provide premium service and expert advice to help you get the most for your vacation time and dollar. Their Disney Travel Agents operate with the highest degree of integrity and will handle your family vacation, reunion, honeymoon, corporate incentive trip or getaway, as if it were their own. They pride themselves on expertly representing and advocating for you – their client.
The next time you and your family are planning a Disney vacation, visit Mouse Fan Travel for your no obligation quote or to answer any Disney vacation questions you may have. Are you looking for a beach vacation, tour or cruise to destinations across the globe? Visit MEI-Travel for exceptional expertise with ZERO agency fees.