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Tag Archives: Hollywood Studios

May 26

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May 26, 1990 – The Merchandise Spot Calling Dick Tracy Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

“Starring YOU…in your screen test debut.”

On May 26, the themed merchandise spot Calling Dick Tracy opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios park. Located on Hollywood Boulevard, the store was created to promote the live-action feature film Dick Tracy, which opened on June 15, 1990. The store gave guests a chance to star in their own Dick Tracy adventure and take home a video version. The store eventually closed on January 12, 1991, and was replaced with Legends of Hollywood.

April 30

April 30, 2008 – The Jonas Brothers Try the New Toy Story Mania Attraction

On April 30, 2008, Disney Channel stars and popular band The Jonas Brothers took a spin on the new Toy Story Mania attraction in Walt Disney World, which was set to open on May 31, 2008. The band was in the park filming Disney Channel Games, an Olympic-style event for Disney Channel stars to compete against each other. Along with the Jonas Brothers, stars Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and the Cheetah Girls were also on hand to film the show and check out the attractions in Hollywood Studios.

April 7

April 7, 2001 – The Interactive Attraction Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

“Where in the world can YOU get into the hot seat?”

On April 7, 2001, the interactive attraction Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It opened in Disney-MGM Studios in Walt Disney World. Based on the hit ABC game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, hosted by Disney Legend Regis Philbin, contestants could compete to win points that could be redeemed for special prizes, including the top prize of a Disney Cruise Line vacation. The attraction proved popular enough to be replicated in Disney’s California Adventure, opening on September 14, 2001. The original version of the attraction lasted longer than the DCA version, with the Disney-MGM attraction closing on August 19, 2006.

March 11

March 11, 2001 – The Mulan Parade Has its Last Run in Hollywood Studios

“Hey folks! Can I make things happen or what?”

On March 11, 2001, the final run of the Mulan Parade ran through Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios park. The parade, which had begun on June 19, 1998 to replace the Hercules Victory Parade, was originally created to promote the upcoming film; the parade would then go on to run for almost three years. The parade was then replaced by the Parade of the Stars. This was the longest of the three Mulan parades in three Disney Parks, with the Disneyland parade lasting almost a year, and Disneyland Paris’ version not even running for a year.

December 18

December 18, 2015 – The Fireworks Show Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular Premieres at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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“Conclude your day in a galaxy far, far away with an all-new nighttime spectacular bursting with memorable Star Wars moments.”

On December 18, 2015, the Star Wars­-themed fireworks show Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular premiered at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. This show accompanies many changes made to the park with adding more Star Wars offerings, including the new Launch Bay and the updated attraction Star Tours. The show itself features the iconic music by John Williams, alongside lasers, pyrotechnics, and projection effects.

December 4

December 4, 2015 – The Star Wars Launch Bay Opens in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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“Clear your mind and choose wisely, as one path may lead to Darth Vader while the other leads to Chewbacca.”

On December 4, 2015, new Star Wars-themed offerings were unveiled at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the Star Wars Launch Bay. The Launch Bay is the main area where guests can see different exhibits of Star Wars props and replicas of iconic ships. Guests are also given the opportunity to pick either to follow the Dark Side or the Rebels, with the chance to meet Darth Vader or Chewbacca. There is also a large merchandise section where guests can buy authentic costumes, artwork, and models.

November 24

November 24, 1995 – The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights Premieres in Disney-MGM Studios

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“There’s always something new at the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.”

On November 24, 1995, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights made its official premiere in Disney-MGM Studios of Walt Disney World. The show was acquired by Disney earlier that year from Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne. Osborne’s holiday light show had modest beginnings in the 1980s, but had reached epic proportions in 1993, as his house was lit up with over three million lights. Disney was alerted to the highly popular yet contentious light display after a court case to shut down the display reached the United States Supreme Court. Disney added the display to the “Streets of America” area of the park, and continued to bring it back year after year (save for 2003, when construction prevented the lights being put into place). The display had its last lighting on January 6, 2016.

November 22

November 22, 1991 – The Beauty and the Beast Live Show Opens in Disney-MGM Studios

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“Relive the romance and magic of the ‘tale as old as time’ in this lush stage performance.”

On November 22, 1991, the Beauty and the Beast live stage show opened in Disney-MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios). Based on, and used to promote, the animated feature film that would go on to critical acclaim, the 25 minute show features actors in elaborate costumes with intricate sets. The show was popular enough to have a version open in Disneyland’s Videopolis on April 11, 1992, and at Disneyland Paris on December 31, 1992; the show was also popular enough to warrant the creation of a Broadway musical. While the Disneyland and Disneyland Paris productions would eventually close, the Walt Disney World version is still running as of 2016.

May 25

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May 25, 1990 – The Stage Show Here Come the Muppets Premieres

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“The Muppets have arrived at the Disney-MGM Studios theme park!”

On May 25, 1990, the stage show Here Come the Muppets premiered in Disney-MGM Studios. This was the first show to feature the Muppets at the Disney Park, after purchasing negotiations had started between Disney and Jim Henson Associates (these negotiations would stall after Henson’s death, though Muppet*Vision 3D continued in the park). The show was performed until September 2, 1991, and was replaced by Voyage of the Little Mermaid.

The show begins with Kermit panicking when he can’t find anyone and the show is about to start. Mickey calls to find how well the show is going, but while Kermit manages to stall, he decides to call his friends to find out where they are. Kermit reaches Miss Piggy on the video phone, and she is alarmed when everyone can see her at home. Kermit then calls Fozzie, who is very lost. However, Kermit manages to guide Fozzie onto the stage, and Fozzie tells Kermit that the others are coming on the monorail. Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem crash into the building before Gonzo and Buster Bunny arrive to help Fozzie and Kermit sing a rendition of “Make ‘Em Laugh.” Miss Piggy performs next a rousing rendition of Lloyd Price’s “Personality.” To kill time between sets (and covering for Animal eating one of the amplifiers), Kermit sings  “It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green.” Finally, Electric Mayhem performs Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Heart of Rock & Roll,” followed by the finale number “Shout!”

January 16

January 16, 2011 – The Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! Parade Premieres in Hollywood Studios

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“Everyone countdown to fun now!”

On January 16, 2011, the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun! parade began its run in Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios park. The parade was a considerably shorter version of the previous Block Party Bash Parade, with the run time lasting only about ten minutes. It featured characters from The Incredibles, A Bug’s Life, Ratatouille, Monsters Inc., Up, and Toy Story.The parade was unable to keep guest interest, and was retired on April 6, 2013.