As Disney's Hollywood Studios Celebrates 30 Years, Guests Get Ready to Let Their Adventures Begin
A new Historic transformation underway at Walt Disney World Resort theme park
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (April 30, 2019) – Disney’s Hollywood Studios has come a long way in its first three decades. As the Walt Disney World Resort theme park celebrates its 30th anniversary on May 1, 2019, now, more than ever is the time to bask in the glow of the historic transformation taking place.
On its opening day, the park gave guests a behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking, and many of the Tinseltown icons that debuted on May 1, 1989, remain, such as re-creations of the Chinese Theatre and The Hollywood Brown Derby. Today, the park is also evolving into a place that envelops guests in even more immersive experiences. From high-octane fun with Lightning McQueen to celebrating with the Incredibles, singing along with Anna and Elsa to playing like a toy with Woody and Buzz Lightyear, today’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios brings stories to life in whole new ways.
And there is still so much more excitement to come, with the Aug. 29, 2019, debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, and the planned opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in spring 2020. These additions mark a new generation of attractions that will cement the transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and propel the park into a bright future. “From the early days of making movies to today’s focus on engaging guests, putting them in the story, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has followed an amazing arc across three decades,” said Phil Holmes, vice president of the park. “I’m thrilled with its transformation and look forward to an exciting future. Given all the new and coming attractions, our message to guests is clear: let your adventures begin at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
”What’s New Around Disney’s Hollywood Studios During Its 30th Anniversary Year
•At Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, guests learn what it takes to be a champion racer.Lightning McQueen, star of Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars films, uses state-of-the-art technologyand a massive wraparound screen to teach the rules of the road as guests become rookie racers inthis new show experience. In the courtyard outside, the world of Cars comes to life for guests asDJ, the ultimate party on wheels, spins a music mix and trainer-turned-racer Cruz Ramirez takesphotos with her fans. "DJ's Ready! Set! Party Time!" also offers Cars-inspired dancing and games,and guests can pose with the Piston Cup.
•Woody, Jessie, Buzz and other fun-loving Toy Story characters welcome guests to Toy StoryLand, where they feel like “honorary toys” in the larger-than-life outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard.Amid giant-sized toys, guests can experience the family-friendly roller coaster Slinky Dog Dash,take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers and enjoy the 4D fun of Toy Story Mania! And starting thissummer, Bo Peep from Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” will make appearances in Toy Story Land.
• Guests can channel their inner Supers during An Incredible Celebration, as Pixar Place
transforms into Municiberg for a dance party inviting guests to celebrate the heroics of Mr. Incredible,
Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. Incredibles edibles and shelves of Incredibles merchandise tempt
guests, who can also meet designer Edna Mode and have a look around the wardrobe creations in
her impossibly “dahling” gallery. Guests may also spot signs of the youngest Incredible – the
mischief-minded and multi-powered Jack-Jack.
• With its pulsing lights and singalong-worthy songs, the new Disney Junior Dance Party! invites
kids to jump, twirl and move their feet with characters from Disney Junior television series live
onstage. Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Timon and Mickey Mouse lead the fun of this high-energy show.
• Mike and Sulley from Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” greet guests in Walt Disney Presents, a
walk-through gallery exploring Walt Disney’s creative legacy and showcasing concept art and models
of upcoming park additions.
Coming Attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
• On Aug. 29, 2019, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will mark a major milestone in its 30-year history
when the much-anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens to guests. This expansive and
immersive new land will transport guests to the distant planet of Batuu, where they can live out their
own Star Wars adventures (subject to capacity). They can take the controls of the most famous ship
in the galaxy in Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or explore Black Spire Outpost in search of rare
antiquities and exotic food and drinks. Opening later this year will be Star Wars: Rise of the
Resistance, putting guests in the middle of a climactic battle between the First Order and the
Resistance.
• Imagine being inside a Mickey Mouse cartoon short! Anything can happen aboard Mickey &
Minnie’s Runaway Railway, where guests will burst through the Chinese Theatre movie screen and
join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and pals on a wacky adventure. The first ride-through attraction
themed to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, it will feature dazzling visual effects, a lovable theme
song and surprising twists and turns that will be fun for the entire family.
To get to all this action, guests will be able to access Disney’s Hollywood Studios via Disney
Skyliner, a state-of-the-art gondola system opening later this year that will connect the park (and
Epcot) to four Disney resort hotels. Soaring above Walt Disney World Resort, guests will have views
never seen before as they prepare to let their adventures begin at the newly transformed Disney’s
Hollywood Studios.
