On this day 37 years ago, the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park officially opened to the public at Walt Disney World. This massive project marked the third gate for the Florida resort and was a tribute to the golden age of cinema. Despite rain throughout the opening day, thousands of guests flooded the park to witness the start of a “Hollywood that never was.” It remain the largest opening day press event in the history of the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Grand Hollywood Dedication
The dedication ceremony featured a star-studded lineup that reflected the park’s glamorous theme. Hollywood legends George Burns and Bob Hope joined Michael Eisner on stage for the official ribbon cutting. Eisner’s famous speech welcomed the world to a place that celebrated the magic of movies and television. The ceremony successfully set the tone for a park designed to be both a destination and a production facility.
A Working Studio Experience
Unlike traditional theme parks, the Studios functioned as a legitimate production space for many years. The Animation Studios allowed guests to watch real animators through glass walls as they worked on future classics. A highlight of this experience was the film Back to Neverland starring Walter Cronkite and Robin Williams. This humorous short film explained the complex process of animation to guests before they toured the actual workspaces.
Original Opening Day Attractions
The park debuted with an impressive lineup of attractions that focused on the “behind-the-scenes” magic of Hollywood. The Great Movie Ride served as the anchor attraction, taking guests through iconic film scenes inside a replica of the Chinese Theatre. Other original offerings included The Monster Sound Show and the massive Studio Backlot Tour. These experiences gave guests an interactive look at how movies and television shows were physically constructed.
The Star Today Tradition
Disney launched the “Star Today” program to ensure a constant celebrity presence at the new park. Famous actors and Disney legends would visit to leave their handprints in the cement courtyard of the Chinese Theatre. Original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello had the honor of being the very first “Star Today.” This tradition created a physical link between the modern park and the historical legends of the entertainment industry.
Legacy of the Third Gate
While the park has since been renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios, its opening day remains a pivotal moment for the resort. It proved that guests were hungry for more than just fairy tales and futuristic cities. The focus on intellectual property and production paved the way for the immersive lands we see today. Fans still look back fondly at the 1989 debut as the beginning of a brand-new era for Disney entertainment.
If you want to book your magical trip to Walt Disney World, be sure to contact Enchanted Kingdom Vacations and to keep up to date on all the latest Disney news and more, be sure to follow Disney Dorks on Facebook!