From the Disney Parks Blog and written by: Lianna Riley
From 1989 to today, every day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been an adventure. As we roll out the red carpet and prepare to celebrate 35 years of action at this ever-evolving theme park, I asked my fellow cast members to walk down memory lane with me. Here are some of their favorite Disney Cast Life moments from the last few decades.
Since the dazzling debut of Disney-MGM Studios May 1, 1989 every moment has been filled with endless magic and adventure. Envisioned as a tribute to the golden age of Hollywood, we welcomed guests to step into the spotlight and experience the thrills of show business. Cast members on the opening team look back fondly on memories from the early years of the park!
“I loved witnessing celebrities place their hands in the cement in front of The Chinese Theatre, especially Dick VanDyke! There’s nothing that compares to working here, my heart has belonged to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for 35 years!” – Ricardo, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In the 90s, Disney-MGM Studios was home to the creation of hit Walt Disney Feature Pictures like “Aladdin,” “Mulan” and more while continuing to expand with all new attractions and experiences.
By the new millennium three new thrills became the stars of Sunset Boulevard, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and my personal favorite, Fantasmic!
“One of my earliest memories of the Studios was meeting Chip and Dale in front of the Chinese Theatre. It’s super special because now I get to hang out with the chipmunks in Fantasmic! 26 years later!” – Alyssa, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Over the years, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has undergone several transformations, each one adding new layers of excitement and adventure and the 2000s were no different, from stunt shows to block parties and everything in between.
“Since my first visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios was in 2006, I’ve been hooked on the magic of the park and now I get to share that same magic with guests. I couldn’t be happier to live my dream at Disney’s Hollywood Studios every day!” – Rachel, Disney’s Hollywood Studios
From Batuu to Andy’s backyard, the 2010s gave us the chance to live all new adventures. Walking into these new lands for the first time before opening them to guests is an experience I’ll truly never forget! Disney’s Hollywood Studios has made it possible to get swept away to a galaxy far, far away and shrink down to toy size all in the same day!
“Watching my daughters play with the stories and characters at the Studios has been so fun- with unique meet and greets with everyone from Olaf to Green Army Men to BB-8. We can’t wait to see what’s next!” – Lori, Public Affairs
Nothing can stop us now! From 1989 to today we are still celebrating countless adventures and the cast members that help bring them to life at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and beyond.
“A huge highlight for me was working with a team at Hollywood Studios that was supportive of my career development while I was working toward my master’s degree with Disney Aspire. I look back knowing that Studios made my dreams a reality and led me to where I am today.” – Rachel, Organizational Management
These stories are the reasons I love Disney’s Hollywood Studios. From the very beginning, we’ve been bringing pop culture, trends and thrills to life. And we’re not done yet! With exciting things ahead, including new experiences recently added to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, an upcoming limited-time summer activation with “Inside Out 2,” and the all-new Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure coming this fall, the magic is full-speed ahead.
As we celebrate 35 years of magic and adventure, join us on May 1 for Disney’s Hollywood Studios 35th anniversary celebration at 11 a.m. at Theater of the Stars for a special moment.
And starting May 1, you can rock the new exclusive Disney’s Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary merchandise collection, available for a limited time at Stage 1 Company Store. This collection includes t-shirts, a Loungefly backpack, an exclusive pin and more!
Looking to purchase merchandise from this collection? An opportunity to do so will take place on May 1st at Stage 1 Company Store in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. A virtual queue* will be in place. You can request to join beginning at 7AM ET on May 1st. To learn more about this virtual queue, please visit Disneyworld.com/virtualqueue. Plus, you can also enjoy the convenient features of merchandise mobile checkout while shopping!
Happy anniversary, Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Here’s to the next 35 years of adventure, excitement and endless possibilities!
Stay tuned for more stories, more memories and more magic as we continue to celebrate the legacy of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
*Merchandise is subject to availability and inventory may sell out. Joining the virtual queue does not guarantee access to this event. Purchasing limits apply. To enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios, valid admission and theme park reservation (if applicable) required.
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