Twenty One Years Of Faking Movie Magic...

Just think, as of today she can legally drink...

Michael Eisner's first attempt at a theme park emerged from the swamplands of the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The Disney-MGM Studios debuted in Walt Disney World on this day. Now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios, the park was designed as an answer to Universal Studios successful theme park back in California(and opening ahead of Universal Studios Orlando). Conceived of originally as an attraction at another park it blossomed into a full park under Eisner's plans. Both for a park and as a way of upstaging Universal and giving guests less of an incentive to leave the resort.

While the park has gotten muddled in theming over the past two decades it's still a fun park. I personally love the Great Movie Ride, the Art-Deco theming and various attractions. It's far from perfect and WDI knows this. I believe the Suits know this as well and there have been numerous plans laid out as to what to do about this. I'm not really a fan of the Pixar Place area but any plans that were going forward were put on hold with the current economic situation. Should things turn around in the next year or so we may see those plans come off the back burner.

So even as much work lies ahead, hat, cough, hat, cough. I want to wish Disney-MGM St- errr, Disney's Hollywood Studios a happy Twenty-first birthday! And if you happen to be in the park today, buy her a drink.

Continuing...

And if you'd like to see some fantastic artwork from Disney-MGM Studios then go over to Alain's great (albeit now closed) website, Disney and More and wallow in the details. The lovely, lovely details...

Part One HERE. Part Two HERE.

Twenty Years Ago Today...

Michael Eisner's first attempt at a theme park emerged from the swamplands of the Reedy Creek Improvement District...

The Disney-MGM Studios debuted in Walt Disney World on this day. Now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios, the park was designed as an answer to Universal Studios successful theme park back in California(and opening ahead of Universal Studios Orlando). Conceived of originally as an attraction at another park it blossomed into a full park under Eisner's plans. Both for a park and as a way of upstaging Universal and giving guests less of an incentive to leave the resort.

While the park has gotten muddled in theming over the past two decades it's still a fun park. I personally love the Great Movie Ride, the Art-Deco theming and various attractions. It's far from perfect and WDI knows this. I believe the Suits know this as well and there have been numerous plans laid out as to what to do about this. I'm not really a fan of the Pixar Place area but any plans that were going forward were put on hold with the current economic situation. Should things turn around in the next year or so we may see those plans come off the back burner.

So even as much work lies ahead, hat, cough, hat, cough. I want to wish Disney-MGM St- errr, Disney's Hollywood Studios a happy Twentieth birthday!

Continuing...

And if you'd like to see some fantastic artwork from Disney-MGM Studios then go over to Disney and More and wallow in the details. The lovely, lovely details...

Part One HERE. Part Two HERE.

What Sign Are You? Not A Leo, Apparently...

The Walt Disney Company released the artwork for the new logo of "Disney's Hollywood Studios" Park in Florida today. Notice that it says "Studios" not "Studio". Personally, I think it's rather understated and filled with a styling that is reminiscent of Hollywood's past... so I guess you could say I like it. It will go well with the upcoming changes to the park. 2008 will be a transitional year and 2009... well, hopefully those Imagineers get their projects approved soon. 2009 could be a kicker of a year.

The new logo is a good start...