Cast Members Reflect on 35 Years of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney loves celebrating an anniversary! We’ve seen huge celebrations like for its 100th anniversary last year as well as smaller celebrations, like when a Disney movie hits a major milestone.
And pretty soon, we’ll be celebrating another anniversary — 35 years of Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Hollywood Studios 35th Anniversary
In honor of Hollywood Studios’ 35th Anniversary, Disney is sharing some stories of Cast Members from opening day through now! The park opened on May 1st, 1989, (when it was called Disney-MGM Studios) so let’s see what some of these Cast Members got to experience.
“I loved witnessing celebrities place their hands in the cement in front of The Chinese Theatre, especially Dick Van Dyke! 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
Photo: Disney
Some classic Disney movies were made at the park, like Aladdin and Mulan, as more and more attractions were added to the park. By the year 2000, some thrilling attractions had become a part of the park including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and shows like 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
Photo: Disney
The park has undergone a lot of different transformations over the years, like exciting stunt shows and block parties in the 2000s.
“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
Photo: Disney
The 2010s brought even more excitement, like the addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
“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
Photo: Disney
“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
Photo: Disney
From the beginning, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has brought pop culture, trends, and some movies to life. And there are exciting things ahead, like the 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.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Disney will also be celebrating the 35th anniversary of the park on May 1st! You can head over to the Theater of the Stars at 11AM that day to witness a special moment.
Photo: Disney
There is also some fun new merchandise you can grab on May 1st at Stage 1 Company Store, but you have to use a virtual queue to access it (read more about it right here!). The new merchandise collection includes T-shirts, a Loungefly backpack, an exclusive pin, and more!
Photo: Disney
Stay tuned for more Disney World news and updates!
