Disney's Hollywood Studios celebrates 30th anniversary

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - Disney's Hollywood Studios is celebrating on Wednesday, as they have officially been a theme park for 30 years.

On May 1st, 1989, Hollywood Studios, which was originally named MGM Studios, opened up at the Walt Disney World Resort. The park gave guests a behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking and recreated iconic Hollywood locations, like the Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Brown Derby.

Today, the park has evolved and now places guests in an even more immersive experience. For example, guests can come face-to-face with characters from popular Disney movies like Lightning McQueen from Cars, Elsa from Frozen, and Buzz Lightyear from Toy Story.

For their 30th anniversary, Hollywood Studios celebrated with a parade and a special look ahead at some of the new experiences coming to the park, including a new logo. They will also debut their new nighttime projection show, the 'Wonderful World of Animation,' which uses projection-mapping technology to take guests on a journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation.

At night, there will be a Disney After Hours celebration. It will feature smaller wait times, an encore performance of the Wonderful World of Animation, and special 30th anniversary merchandise, food items, and beverages.

“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.”

Hollywood Studios has an exciting future planned, as several new attractions are expected to debut at the park in the next few years. For example, 'Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge' is expected to open on August 29th, 2019. 'Mickey's & Minnie's Runaway Railway' will follow, debuting in the spring of 2020.

This story was written in Orlando, Florida.