Disney
Feature:
15
Years of MGM -- A Shining Star
by Cheryl
Pendry
PassPorter Message Board Guide
Disney-MGM Studios recently celebrated its 15th anniversary
by announcing further new attractions for visitors. As Cheryl Pendry explains,
the park’s already undergone considerable change since it opened and there’s
still more to come…
“A star is born” -- how Disney describes May 1 1989,
when Walt Disney World opened its third theme park, the Disney MGM Studios.
But for all the fanfare of its official opening,
many visitors, used to the numerous attractions of Epcot and the Magic
Kingdom, were probably disappointed by what was originally offered at park
number three.
Many of the Studios’ attractions that we know and
love today were not open for the world premiere, attended by such legendary
names as Bob Hope, Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn, Kevin Costner, George
Lucas and Bette Midler.
The first year of operation saw the arrival of Star
Tours, the perennial children’s favorite, the ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids
Movie Adventure Set’ and Muppet-Vision 4D. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant
also began to serve up meals “under the stars” and there were displays
of a different kind under the stars with the Sorcery in the Sky fireworks
display.
The park’s fifth birthday saw the arrival of one
of Disney’s most popular attractions, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™
and in the last 10 years, it has become steadily more terrifying, with
the latest version introducing random drop sequences.
For the 10th anniversary, the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster®
starring Aerosmith, powered into the park, blasting guests from 0 - 60
mph in just 2.8 seconds, similar to the feeling of sitting on a supersonic
jet as it blasts off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Disney’s first
American coaster to feature inversions, the half mile long track includes
two roll over loops and one corkscrew.
But more was still to come. By 2001, the Studios
were the centerpiece for the “100 Years of Magic” celebration, which commemorated
the 100th anniversary of Walt Disney’s birth. The 12-story high Sorcerer’s
Hat at the end of Hollywood Boulevard became the park’s new icon and Walt
Disney: One Man’s Dream, an interactive exhibit, took visitors on a fascinating
journey through Walt’s life, recounting the story of how his dreams first
led to animated films and then the development of theme parks, which could
be enjoyed by the whole family. Originally planned as a temporary attraction,
its popularity with guests meant it become a permanent celebration of Walt’s
life and his achievements.
2001 also saw the arrival of two new shows at the
Studios, both with very different audiences. For many children, Playhouse
Disney -- Live on Stage! is a “must-do,” while quiz lovers make a beeline
for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire -- Play It!
Even now, the Imagineers are busy in the park, creating
the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, which is scheduled to open
in spring 2005. Drawing its inspiration from its French cousin in the Walt
Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, it will show visitors how stunts
are created for the big screen, with motorbike and car chases which both
amaze and delight audiences. With a car ballet that has to be seen to be
believed, motorbike chase and a grand finale, the 45 minute show is already
one of the most popular attractions at the Paris studios and is likely
to become another e-ticket attraction at the MGM Studios.
Prior to the spring opening of the Stunt Show, there
are plenty of other special events, designed to attract visitors to the
Studios.
Already home to the successful Star Wars weekend,
which each year draw in thousands of sci-fi fans, a new family festival
is being planned over the weekend of July 31 - August 1 to celebrate the
25th anniversary of sports network ESPN. A must for any sports fan, events
over the two days will include special appearances from athletes and sports
celebrities, live ESPN broadcasts, interactive fan events and a special
sports version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire -- Play It!
From a new event to an old favorite as November sees
the ninth ABC Super Soap Weekend, the largest annual soap fan event in
the world. Dates for this year’s event are November 13 - 14.
Younger guests can meet the stars of JoJo’s Circus,
as JoJo and Goliath join the Disney-MGM family. The six year old clown
girl and her pet lion Goliath already appear daily in the Stars and Motor
Cars Parade and this summer, the pair will also be meeting and greeting
their young fans.
There’s a treat in store for all ages during the
festive season, with the return of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights
from November 24 until January 2. Disney promise this year’s sparkling
spectacular will be bigger and better than ever, with over five million
lights reaching three stories high, making an already breathtaking display
even more amazing. Teams will begin work on putting the lights up at the
end of July and four months later, the results will be on display for everyone
to see.
From humble beginnings 15 years ago, there’s now
certainly something for everyone at the Disney-MGM Studios, with high thrill
rides, spectacular shows and entertainment specifically for youngsters.
Over the next year, Disney promises more of the same for the park, which
is already gaining a reputation for having some of the best attractions
on Disney property.
In the recent Readers Choice Awards in the Disney
Magazine, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™, Rock ’n’ Roller® Coaster
Starring Aerosmith and Fantasmic! were all voted into the top five of favorite
attractions at Disney World. By next year, the new Stunt Show could be
up there with the old MGM favorites.
One thing’s for sure. There’s plenty more showbiz
magic to come at the Disney-MGM Studios. If a star was born in 1989 when
the park opened, then that star is now shining brighter than ever. |