Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TV. Show all posts

Meeting Some Real (and rare) Characters


Continuing our series of vintage Disney Parks photos this week, today we take a different perspective and look at some shots of characters rarely seen in the parks these days. DisneyShawn blog reader Katherine Sanders from Saskatchewan, Canada, contributed this series taken on her first visit to Disneyland in 1994. That's her with Roger Rabbit, near the Carnation Plaza Gardens. Following the 1988 release of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, Roger became a regular fixture in the Disney Parks, nearly as ubiquitous as Mickey Mouse.


I find this next shot interesting for a couple of reasons. Goofy's son, Max, can still occasionally be seen in the parks, but this is a rare instance of Goofy himself in his "Dad" outfit as seen on the "Goof Troop" TV series and in A Goofy Movie (released in 1995). He's much more commonly spotted wearing his traditional yellow vest and green hat. Click on the photo for a closer look, and you're sure to also get a kick out of the enormous video camera and fanny pack the fella in the red shirt is sporting!


These next pictures were taken in Mickey's Toontown, a fairly new addition to Disneyland at the time, having just opened in 1993. During that period, the Disney Afternoon TV programming block was very popular. In fact, this back corner of Disneyland had hosted Disney Afternoon Avenue a couple years earlier, so it's no surprise that on her visit young Katherine was able to meet stars like Launchpad McQuack from "DuckTales" and "Tale Spin" or Gadget (the inspiration for Gadget's Go-Coaster in Toontown) from "Chip 'n' Dale's Rescue Rangers."


Katherine's rarest find of all that day, though, was probably this guy: Bonkers D. Bobcat. Bonkers, of the Hollywood Police Department - Toon Division, was introduced in segments of the short-lived 1992 Saturday morning series "Raw Toonage." In 1993, Bonkers was spun off into his own, self-titled series on Disney Channel and in syndication, but he made very few appearances in the parks.


So what about you? Anyone else out there have some great vintage photos from your early Disney Parks vacations? If so, I'd love to feature them here on the blog. Maybe you captured something long gone or forgotten. Maybe you have a picture you just can't place or don't know anything about. Send them my way, and I'll do my best to help shed some light.

Weekend Trivia: Disney Channel


This weekend on Twitter, the trivia questions covered the various eras of Disney Channel. Here's the list of questions. How did you do? To check your answers, click into the Comments section below.

1) When did Disney Channel make its broadcast debut?

2) What was the name of the exercise program for kids which aired on Disney Channel in the mid-80s?

3) What were some of the adult program offerings featured in the evenings during Disney Channel's early years?

4) Who portrayed Anne of Green Gables in the Disney Channel film series?

5) Who were the adult hosts of the New Mickey Mouse Club that aired on Disney Channel starting in 1989?

6) Who played Louis on the series Even Stevens?

7) What other Even Stevens star provided the voice of animated heroine Kim Possible?

8) What was the name associated with the teen-oriented programming block Disney Channel ran in the afternoons starting in the late 90s?

9) What Disney Channel series featured an animated version of the main character, expressing her inner thoughts?

10) What was the name of the animated clay ball that once hosted interstitial moments during Playhouse Disney?

11) High School Musical co-star Corbin Bleu played the lead role in what other DC Original Movie?

12) What are the titles of the two shows on which the characters of Sonny with a Chance star?

13) What Playhouse Disney series follows the adventures of characters like Elly Van and Taxi Crab?

14) As originally announced, the series JONAS was to feature the Jonas Brothers in what fictional roles, as opposed to the role of high school-aged musicians they ended up playing in the show?

15) Bella Thorne stars in what new Disney Channel original series?

Chip-Chip-Chip Chip & Dale


Today, we continue our look at characters rarely seen in the Disney Parks these days. Chip and Dale, of course, are fairly ubiquitous, but one might be hard pressed to find them as their alter egos, the Rescue Rangers. These outfits, inspired by the "Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers" TV series of the early '90s, were a staple of the chipmunks' appearances back in the time of Mickey's Starland. This photo, taken in early 2005, captured the duo in a rare appearance trekking through the jungles of Adventureland at the Magic Kingdom Park.

Alternative themed costumes, known as overlays, are commonly made for some of Disney's classic characters. Personalities like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Chip & Dale, Goofy and Pluto can easily appear in a variety of settings throughout the Parks, simply by changing what they wear.

Into the Wild Frontier


Disney Legend Fess Parker passed away yesterday at the age of 85, but he will live forever through his portrayal of Davy Crockett (above image ©Disney, from a terrific article on Parker at the D23 site). A generation grew up wearing coonskin caps as they watched the adventures of Crockett and Russell (Buddy Ebsen) on television. This weekend, I'll be breaking out my Walt Disney Treasures DVD collection of Davy Crockett episodes to share with my children.


The Davy Crockett Explorer Canoes plied the Rivers of America at Walt Disney World from 1971 to 1994 (the attraction still operates seasonally at Disneyland). The canoes boarded from a low dock near Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Frontierland, taking their twenty Guests on a scenic trip around Tom Sawyer Island. This was no free ride, though. Aside from the "C" ticket required in the early years, the canoes also made their passengers work for the trip, paddling the whole way. The Cast Member at the front of the canoe coached the Guests in their efforts and narrated a bit of the journey, while the fella in back was responsible for steering the craft in the right direction.

The photo above offers a glimpse not only of a former attraction, but also the original Frontierland shoreline. In the 1990s, to help alleviate congestion during parade times, the Frontierland Riverwalk was established. Today, a peaceful stroll along this series of docks and piers at the water's edge makes it difficult to imagine Frontierland without it.


In the coming week, we'll be exploring Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom, looking at the many stories and details to be found out on the wild frontier. To prepare, maybe you too will put on an episode of Davy Crockett. When you do, send a fond "Thank You" to our lost friend Fess Parker, a true King and Legend.

Library of the Weird


The Library at the Hollywood Tower Hotel was at one time a popular spot to relax with a good book or engage in an intellectual conversation. Today, like the rest of the hotel, the Library is abandoned. Anyone who may have visited the Library in the 1930s, though, would perhaps notice some differences were they to return today.

Amongst the original collection, mysterious new objects have appeared, as if from another dimension. A dimension of sight. A dimension of sound. A dimension of mind. These objects have crossed over from... The Twilight Zone.

All around the room are props (reproductions actually) from iconic episodes of "The Twilight Zone" television series which formed the inspiration for the Tower of Terror attraction. For example, atop one shelf is the Mystic Seer fortune telling machine from the episode "Nick of Time," starring William Shatner:


Laying down on the edge of the bookcase between these chairs is the alien tome from "To Serve Man," which turned out not to be a guide to benevolent behavior, but rather a cookbook.


The final out-of-place object in the Library is this television. While television sets were commercially available as early at the late-30s (the 1936 Olympics in Berlin were broadcast on TV), they most certainly would not have had screens this large. This set is more representative of the period in which "The Twilight Zone" series aired (1959-1964), but it works for the purpose of allowing our host Rod Serling to address everyone in the room.


"Tonight's story on The Twilight Zone is somewhat unique and calls for a different kind of introduction. This, as you may recognize, is a maintenance service elevator, still in operation, waiting for you. We invite you if you dare to step aboard, because in tonight's episode you are the star, and this elevator travels directly to... The Twilight Zone."

Crockett & Russel Hat Co.


The second-story windows on Main Street, U.S.A. bear the names of many of the people who have contributed to the success of Disneyland over the years. But while Main Street is home to the majority of these tributes, a few can be found in other locations throughout the park.

When Disneyland opened, interest in Westerns in movies and on TV was at an all-time high. It's no wonder that Frontierland took up a full third of the entire park. Walt knew that's what his audience would respond to, especially considering that one of the most popular Western stories of the 1950s was a Disney production - Davy Crockett.

Davy Crockett was a nationwide phenomenon. "The Ballad of Davy Crockett" became the number 1 song in the country, and there was a run on coonskin caps, so little boys and girls could dress up just like their hero.

Actors Fess Parker (Davy Crockett himself) and Buddy Ebsen (Davy's pal George Russel) appeared at the park on opening day, in the parade down Main Street and in a rollicking musical number on the streets of Frontierland. Fess Parker also popped up a number of other times in the park, for various special events.

He became a fixture at Disneyland in the 1950s, so it's only fitting there be a window dedicated in his honor. Where else, but in Frontierland?

Swiss Family Referenced on...


Downstream from the Swiss Family Treehouse is the loading dock for the steamers of the Jungle Navigation Company. Apparently, the Robinsons have been employing their services, shipping items to acquaintances far and wide. Pay close attention to these crates on the right as you exit the Jungle Cruise. You'll discover another bit of Hidden Disney:


Thomas Kirk, Esq. - Actor Tommy Kirk appeared as middle son Ernst Robinson in Swiss Family Robinson. He was a Disney regular, also starring in such films as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, and The Misadventures of Merlin Jones (M. Jones Cartographers).

Island of Bora Danno - This is a reference to the eldest Robinson boy, Fritz, played by James MacArthur. MacArthur starred in the Disney movies Kidnapped, The Light in the Forest, and Third Man on the Mountain (inspiration for the Matterhorn at Disneyland). But it was his role as Danny Williams on the TV series "Hawaii Five-O" that brought him his greatest fame. As costar Jack Lord's Detective Steve McGarrett would say, "Book 'em, Danno."


Kenneth Annakin Director of Imports - Ken Annakin directed Swiss Family Robinson, as well as the Disney films The Sword and the Rose and Third Man on the Mountain.

Wyss Supply Company - This line refers to Johann Wyss, author of the 1812 book Swiss Family Robinson, upon which the film was based.

Colony of New Guinea - New Guinea, an island colony north of Australia, was the original destination of the Robinson family and their ill-fated ship, Swallow.

Call Him Bwana


Just inside the entrance to Adventureland is another outpost on the edge of civilization. While the British colonial structures on one side of the path bring civility to the jungle, Bwana Bob's on the other side aims to bring a bit of the jungle to the village. Bob trades all sorts of goods, from apparel to make tropic expeditions more comfortable to jewelry "hand crafted by natives."


Of course, if you question the authenticity of some of Bob's wares, you might be right. This Adventureland merchandise location takes its name from the 1963 film Call Me Bwana and the movie's star, Bob Hope. In the film, Bob plays Matthew Merriwether, an author who purports to be an expert on all things African, but has never actually visited the continent.


Why Bob Hope? Hope, long an admirer of Walt Disney, had been one of the biggest Hollywood stars to come out for the opening ceremonies of Walt Disney World. In his appearance on the "Walt Disney World Grand Opening Special" on NBC, his praise for Walt Disney the man and Walt Disney World the place was profound. Naming a location in the park as a tribute to Bob Hope was a way of saying, "Thank you."

Historical note: Bwana Bob's has not always been in Adventureland or in the same location where it's found today. The shop actually made its debut in 1983 in what had been an Adventureland ticket booth (attraction tickets were discontinued in 1982 with the introduction of the World Passport ticket). That booth, and the original Bwana Bob's, was between the Liki Tikis and the path leading down to the Jungle Cruise dock. It was removed in 2002 to allow for smoother traffic flow around the newly installed Magic Carpets of Aladdin. The present cart structure was added at about the same time and later rechristened Bwana Bob's.

Extinct Hollywood


Over the past 20 years, many attractions have come and gone at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Here's a mostly (I think) complete list of what has been:

Pacific Electric Pictures Screen Test - The current L.A. Cinema Storage shop on Hollywood Boulevard once housed this attraction/merchandise location in which Guests were pulled off the street and invited to "audition" before the cameras. They could then purchase a video cassette of their performance as a souvenir.

Sights & Sounds - Now part of Keystone Clothiers, this was another attraction/merchandise setup where Guests could record their very own music videos.

Discover the Stories Behind the Magic - These interactive kiosks were located in a small room beneath the giant Sorcerer's Hat during the year-long 100 Years of Magic celebration. The kiosks provided a look at some of the milestones in Walt Disney's entertainment career. Similar kiosks covering different aspects of Walt Disney's life and work were located in the other three parks at Walt Disney World.

SuperStar Television - The American Idol Experience now occupies the theater originally home to this attraction, where Guests were inserted into scenes from classic television shows. Later, this same location was home to Disney's DOUG Live! and Get Happy with ABC, a short-lived "attraction" which was really just a promotion for ABC's upcoming fall season.

Monster Sound Show - This attraction, located in the theater which now hosts Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey, gave Guests the opportunity to step onto a Foley Stage and produce sound effects for a short film featuring Martin Short and Chevy Chase. Prior to Sounds Dangerous, the Sound Studio also hosted One Saturday Morning in which Guests applied sound effects to a segment of the 101 Dalmatians animated series.

Bear in the Big Blue House - Stage 5 in the Animation Courtyard was first converted from a restaurant (the old Soundstage Restaurant) to a theater for this live show based on the TV series. After a couple years, the show became Playhouse Disney - LIVE on Stage!, but still included Bear and his pals. The show was similar in structure, but actually quite different from the Playhouse Disney - LIVE show that plays today.

Here Come the Muppets - In 1989, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid theater was the spot where previews of coming attractions were screened at the end of the Backstage Studio Tour. By the next year, another theater had been built for that purpose (currently part of One Man's Dream), and this location hosted a live show with Jim Henson's Muppets. Highlights included Lily Tomlin as a Walt Disney World telephone operator and Animal crashing through the theater wall with a monorail.

Muppets on Location: The Days of Swine and Roses - This live Muppet show replaced Here Come the Muppets, but in a different location (roughly where Luigi's Casa della Tires and Premiere Theater are today). Kermit played the director, riding high on a camera boom, and Miss Piggy made a grand entrance in a pink convertible.

The Magic of Disney Animation - While an attraction with this title exists today, it is completely different from what was there from 1989-1996. The original attraction started with an exhibit gallery and the film "Back to Neverland" with Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite. Guests then toured the various departments of the Animation Studio, watching actual production take place. A couple of Roger Rabbit shorts were made here, as were segments of Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King. As the Studio expanded, they were able to produce entire films on their own, including Lilo & Stitch, Mulan, and Brother Bear. In 2004, the decision was made to close the Florida Animation Studio and consolidate production efforts at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. The area of this attraction which now houses the Character greetings and interactive stations used to be part of the working floor of the Studio.

Backstage Studio Tour - The original tour started in what is now called the Animation Courtyard and lasted nearly two hours, incorporating the Shuttle ride and Walking Tour of the Production Center. Please see my earlier post for more details on this attraction. As the attraction was split in two, the walking portion morphed into a couple different iterations. First was Inside the Magic: Special Effects and Production Tour. This started where today's Studio Backlot Tour begins, but then went through the Special Effects areas, Soundstages, and Post-Production facilities. In 1996, Backstage Pass to 101 Dalmatians made its debut. This attraction started under the marquee in front of Soundstage 1 and heavily promoted the new Glen Close live-action film. This version also replaced the Bette Midler short film "The Lottery" on Stage 4 (now home to Journey Into Narnia) with more clips, sets, and props from 101 Dalmatians. A couple years later, portions of Backstage Pass were updated to feature items from Home Improvement.

Let's Make a Deal - From the beginning, Studios Guests were invited to be part of the live audience for shows taping on the Soundstages. With NBC's early-90s remake of the classic game show Let's Make a Deal, the set was also used for an attraction version of the show on days when no tapings were scheduled. Guests in the pre-show were selected to be contestants, then taken backstage to get dressed in outlandish costumes so they could play for real prizes.

Disney Channel TV Tryouts - Another short-lived attraction, TV Tryouts occupied Soundstage 3 and gave Guests the opportunity to strut their stuff for a live studio audience. Clips of Guests performing in the attraction were then aired on Disney Channel in an attempt to promote the park, although I don't believe anyone was ever discovered this way. Most interesting was the pre-show, a video which told the fictional story of how Mickey Mouse got his start in show business. In the video, Gary Marshall played the director, and there were cameos by Michael Eisner, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Roy E. Disney (portraying his uncle Walt). This video was later shown for a short time in the Main Street Cinema at the Magic Kingdom under the title "Mickey's Debut."

Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Play It! - In 2001, Soundstages 2 and 3 became home to the theme park version of the hit TV game show. This time, the set was built purely as an attraction (unlike Deal), but was occasionally used by the production crew when they decided to take Regis (and later Meredith) on the road. Guests played for points, pins, and prizes... up to a top prize of a trip to New York City (later changed to a Disney Cruise). Special editions of Millionaire were also created for the Star Wars, Super Soap, and ESPN Weekend events.


The Making Of... - At various times, portions of the buildings stretching from Soundstage 4 to the One Man's Dream theater were all used for promotional attractions designed to give Guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the production of the latest Disney films. The first was The Making of The Lion King in 1994, which was nothing more than Guests entering the back doors of the theater (near the Animation Courtyard restrooms) to watch a Disney Channel-produced special about the film. Later versions got more sophisticated for The Making of... Pocahontas, Toy Story, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Evita, and Armageddon. The most spectacular was probably The Making of The Haunted Mansion, which reproduced the interior set from that Eddie Murphy film on Soundstage 4. Stage 4 was next used for Journey Into Narnia: Creating the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, essentially a super-elaborate Making Of that included a live appearance by Jadis, the White Witch. Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian occupies this space today.

Theater of the Stars - The theater, now on Sunset Boulevard, was originally located on Hollywood Blvd. in the area where the Tips & Information Board is today. While there, the theater played host to several shows including "Hollywood! Hollywood!", "Dick Tracy in Diamond Double Cross," "Hollywood's Pretty Woman," and the Star Conversation series. During the Grand Opening week of the Studios, LIVE with Regis and Kathy Lee broadcast from this stage.

Backlot Entertainment - Once the New York Street sets were opened to pedestrian traffic in August 1989, efforts were made to put something out there for Guests to experience. Among the attempts were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (a brief show and Character greeting), Al's Toy Barn (Character greeting, where Luigi's is today), Ace Ventura Pet Detective (show and autograph session), Toon Park (photo ops with Characters, a trolley, and the Dip Mobile from Who Framed Roger Rabbit), and Goosebumps Horrorland Funhouse (show and walk-through attraction).

Rocketeer Gallery - The space that is now home to the Toy Story Pizza Planet Arcade was originally intended to be a Muppet restaurant. When that didn't work out, the location opened as a make-shift exhibit space with props and costumes from Disney's 1991 summer release, The Rocketeer. The next year, the gallery was rechristened Studio Showcase, and the mix of props was expanded to feature items from Honey I Blew Up the Kid, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and other films. Studio Showcase was a precursor to the AFI Showcase being added to the end of the Studios Backlot Tour. Once AFI was opened, this space became the Studio Arcade for a short time before finally becoming associated with the Toy Story films.

The Loony Bin - While officially listed as a shop, this spot included loads of fun photo ops from Who Framed Roger Rabbit, as well as a collection of boxes which produced silly sound effects when opened.

The Backlot Theater - Today's Premiere Theater started out as a temporary outdoor venue, built to house "Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage" during the construction of Sunset Blvd. The theater was enhanced with shade trees for its next production, "The Spirit of Pocahontas," and finally received a roof for "The Hunchback of Notre Dame - A Musical Spectacular."

Star Today


At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Great Movie Ride takes place inside a replica of the entrance to Graumann's Chinese Theater. While the exterior of the building is a faithful imitation of that Hollywood Boulevard landmark, the celebrity handprints in the courtyard are not duplicates. Each handprint and signature was produced by that celebrity in a personal appearance at the Florida theme park, either to promote their latest project or as part of a program once known as "Star Today."

The idea behind "Star Today" was that Studios Guests would be guaranteed to run into a celebrity during their visit, adding to the glamour and allure of the Hollywood experience. Every day, a celebrity was scheduled to make appearances in the park. Typically, these would include a Star Motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, a Handprint Ceremony in front of the Chinese Theater, and a Star Conversation at the Theater of the Stars where Guests could actually ask questions of their favorite celebrity. Throughout the day, the stars would also make surprise appearances at the start of Studios attractions like Superstar Television or the Monster Sound Show.

In order to fill the program, stars were often booked for several days in a row, although some came for just the one day. The very first "Star Today" on May 1, 1989, was none other than original Mouseketeer Annette Funicello. Here she is at her Handprint Ceremony on that day, with Mickey Mouse, Roger Rabbit (one of Disney's biggest new stars at the time), and Studios Host Don Lampkin (who these days can be seen at Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show).



In August 1989, Jim Henson made a special appearance to announce his pending partnership with the Walt Disney Company. He and Kermit left their imprints in the courtyard, one of the few that was actually done in place (most were cast in a separate tray, then placed into the courtyard later). By the way, the Kermit handprints are those of the actual Muppet, not the Character you see riding with Jim Henson in his Celebrity Motorcade below.



During the main run of the "Star Today" program, the celebrity Guests who came to "join the Disney family of stars" ran the gamut from old to young, movies to music, A-list to D-list. Some of the biggest stars appeared as part of the opening ceremonies for the park, leaving their mark but not necessarily participating in the full program. Among these were Hollywood legends George Burns and Bob Hope (who helped cut the filmstrip ribbon dedicating the Studios):


The lovely Audrey Hepburn took part in advance press previews for the park, explaining why the date on her handprint is earlier than May 1. Actually, there are several handprints in the courtyard dating back to 1988. They were captured from celebrities visiting or working at the Studio during its year of operation prior to the opening of the theme park. Some even wrote Happy Birthday wishes to Mickey Mouse, who was celebrating his 60th that year.


Some other notable handprints from stars of the day:
Maureen O'Sullivan, who portrayed Jane in the Tarzan films and makes an appearance inside the Great Movie Ride.


Daryl Hannah, who played Madison the mermaid in Splash (1984), the first film released through Disney's Touchstone label.


Hulk Hogan, who at the time was starring in a syndicated television series from the producers of Baywatch, called Thunder in Paradise. The series was shot entirely at Disney-MGM Studios and locations around Walt Disney World.


Here's Danny DeVito, who came with his entire family. Nearby are imprints of R2-D2 and C-3PO made to commemorate the soft opening of the Star Tours attraction, and George Lucas, who made his appearance in August of 89 for the dedication of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (from opening day, Guests had been invited to watch rehearsals at the Indy stage, but the full show wasn't ready until more than three months later).


Another one-timer: Harrison Ford. Ford has actually visited Walt Disney World several times since, but prefers to enjoy the parks privately with his family. As the top tourism destination in the world, Walt Disney World hosts many celebrity Guests throughout the year, most of whom choose to avoid the limelight and just blend in. To help them get around as easily as possible (and to avoid potential disruption to normal operations), Disney typically provides VIP Guides to help escort stars during their stay.


Sylvester Stallone was at the Studio for work in late 1990, filming the Touchstone Pictures comedy Oscar. Interiors for the movie were shot on Stages 2 and 3 (now home to Toy Story Midway Mania!). Guests on the Backstage Studio Tour could glimpse the sets from the tour catwalk and sometimes even see production taking place. Whenever Stallone was on the stage, however, the curtains were drawn to eliminate the distraction of peeping tourists.


Of course, mixed among the real celebrity handprints in the courtyard are a few which were fabricated for show value or pure promotion: Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz (once on display inside the Chinese Theater). Toward the left side of the courtyard can be found the boots and "blast marks" of The Rocketeer. As part of the summer promotion of that Disney adventure film, the Rocketeer himself flew by jet pack, out and above the theater courtyard during each evening's presentation of Sorcery in the Sky fireworks.


Of course, there are many more celebrity handprints featured in the courtyard. There are probably even more celebrities who participated in "Star Today" whose handprints never made it there, either because they were damaged in some way or simply deemed "not big enough." A few additional handprints can be found at the entrance of Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard. The participation of still others is commemorated in the series of portrait postcards on display inside the lobby of Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano.

The "Star Today" program was officially discontinued in the late 1990s, as it became more costly and difficult to gain the participation of recognizable celebrities. That wasn't the end of star appearances at the Studios, however. Today, celebrity Guests still pop up on occasion for publicity shots, special events, or just to hang out on vacation. So the next time you're at Disney's Hollywood Studios, keep your eyes peeled. You might just see a star today!

The Hollywood That Was


It's hard to believe, but just one week from today, we'll be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Disney's Hollywood Studios. In honor of the occasion, I'll have a series of posts for you about the Grand Opening of the park, its history, and many of the storytelling details found throughout. But let's begin at the beginning...

The idea for a tour of the Disney Studios actually originated with Walt Disney and predates Disneyland. As early as the 1930s, Walt was receiving letters from fans wanting a peek behind-the-scenes at the place where Mickey Mouse and Snow White were born. Walt maintained that the actual day-to-day activities of production would be boring to the average outsider, but he ultimately couldn't resist the demands of the public. With the 1941 release of The Reluctant Dragon, Walt gave the people what they wanted... sort of. The film follows comedian Robert Benchley as he stumbles through all the various Studio departments on his way to a meeting with the Big Cheese.

Although The Reluctant Dragon was, in essence, a filmed tour of Disney's new Burbank Studio, people still couldn't visit, so Walt started dreaming up ideas for something that could be open to the public. His initial plans for a Mickey Mouse Park on Riverside Drive, across the street from the Studio lot, eventually grew into Disneyland. Meanwhile, Walt Disney continued to give his audience the occasional peek behind the curtain via the Disneyland and Wonderful World of Color anthology series on TV.

Many years later, when Disney's Imagineers were tasked with developing potential expansion ideas for EPCOT Center, one of the concepts which took hold was for an Entertainment Pavilion, to be located between The Land and Journey Into Imagination (concept art below ©Disney). Guests would have passed through a theater marquee facade to experience several attractions, including a trip through great movie moments, a show placing Guests into scenes from classic TV shows, and an interactive exhibit showcasing Disney animation.


When Michael Eisner and Frank Wells joined the Company in 1984, one of their primary goals was to increase the Studio's output of movie and television production. On an early visit to Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, they were presented with the Entertainment Pavilion concept. The Imagineers were asked to expand upon the initial idea to create what would become the third theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida: a working film and TV studio and Studio Tour attraction.

For the attraction side of things, Disney wanted to present an homage to the Golden Age of movies, fleshing out the idea by striking a licensing deal with classic movie studio Metro Goldwyn Mayer. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park would bring together the classic glitz and glamour of old Hollywood with a look at a modern production facility, where Guests could see actual movies, TV shows, and Disney animated shorts created right before their eyes.

The working studio started operations in Summer 1988, with the production of the Touchstone Pictures comedy Ernest Saves Christmas. The theme park made its debut the following year, on May 1, 1989. At opening, the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was intended to be a half-day experience. In fact, there were only five attractions: The Backstage Studio Tour, The Magic of Disney Animation, The Great Movie Ride, Superstar Television (current home of The American Idol Experience), and Monster Sound Show (now Sounds Dangerous - Starring Drew Carey).


Everything in purple on the map above was part of The Backstage Studio Tour. The tour began at the Shuttle load station (what is now the entrance to the Disney Animation attraction). In addition to areas still included on the Studios Backlot Tour, the Backstage Studio Tour Shuttles also visited the Greens Department, Residential Street, and New York Street. Along the way, Guests were treated to views of exterior sets from Golden Girls and Empty Nest (and later Honey I Blew Up the Kid, George of the Jungle, The Rocketeer, and Dick Tracy), and encounters with Herbie the Love Bug and the Dip-Mobile from Who Framed Roger Rabbit. At the conclusion of the Shuttle experience, Guests could take a break at the Studio Catering Company, then continue with Part II of the tour, a guided walk through the Special Effects Warehouse and Shooting Stage, Soundstages, and post-production facilities. Videos featuring Warren Beatty, the cast of The Cosby Show, George Lucas, Mel Gibson, and Pee-Wee Herman attempted to explain how everything was done, and a short film produced at Disney-MGM Studios (The Lottery, starring Bette Midler) showed how it all came together. The final stop on this two-hour tour was the Walt Disney Theater (now home to Voyage of the Little Mermaid), where previews of coming attractions were introduced by a humorous interaction between Michael Eisner (wearing a Mickey Mouse watch) and Mickey Mouse (wearing a Michael Eisner watch).

The Studios park was an immediate hit with Walt Disney World Guests, and work began on ways to expand the park and its offerings. Over the past 20 years, the Studios has grown by leaps and bounds. Today, it brings to life experiences from movies, TV, animation, live theater and music. The name Disney's Hollywood Studios, adopted officially in January 2008, reflects this growth and the park's mission to represent all aspects of Hollywood, both classic and modern.

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