History of Disney's Hollywood Studios in Timeline
Disney's Hollywood Studios, a 135-acre theme park at Walt Disney World in Florida, opened on May 1, 1989. Formerly known as Disney-MGM Studios, the park is themed to an idealized Hollywood, celebrating film, television, music, and theatre from the Golden Age. It stands as the third of four theme parks at Walt Disney World, offering immersive experiences inspired by the imagined worlds of entertainment.
1985: Licensing Contract with MGM
In 1985, Disney and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) entered a licensing contract, granting Disney worldwide rights to use the MGM brand and logo for what would become Disney-MGM Studios.
1988: First season of Superboy was filmed at Walt Disney Studios Florida
From 1988 to 1989, the first season of Superboy was filmed at Walt Disney Studios Florida, highlighting the use of the facilities by third-party productions before and after the park's opening.
1988: MGM/UA Lawsuit
In 1988, MGM/UA filed a lawsuit claiming that Disney violated their agreement by operating a working movie and television studio at the resort.
1988: Early Film Production at Disney-MGM Studios
In 1988, prior to its completion and opening as a theme park, the Disney-MGM Studios facility was used to film feature-length movies, including Ernest Saves Christmas and Newsies.
May 1, 1989: Park Opening
On May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park opened at Walt Disney World as the third of four theme parks built at the resort. Based on a concept by Marty Sklar, Randy Bright, and Michael Eisner, the park was themed to an idealized version of Hollywood, California.
1989: Streetmosphere Performers Debut
In 1989, Streetmosphere performers, originally named Streetmosphere and later renamed to the Citizens of Hollywood, began performing at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This improv troupe is the only opening day attraction still present in the park, performing magic, skits, and interacting with guests on Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard.
1989: Park Opened with Studio Production Facilities
In 1989, upon opening, Disney's Hollywood Studios featured two major studio production components: Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, where Disney produced animated features and sequences and Walt Disney Studios Florida, consisting of sound stages used for Disney projects such as The Disney Channel's Mickey Mouse Club, and third party productions such as Superboy.
1990: Jim Henson's Death
In 1990, the deal for Disney to acquire the Jim Henson Company fell through after Henson's death.
1991: Muppet*Vision 3D Opens
In 1991, Muppet*Vision 3D opened in the park.
October 23, 1992: Court Ruling on MGM Name Usage
On October 23, 1992, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis B. Rappe ruled that Disney had the right to continue using the Disney-MGM Studios name and that MGM Grand could build a Las Vegas theme park using the MGM name and logo.
1993: Opening of MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park
In 1993, the 33-acre MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park opened in Las Vegas.
July 1994: Opening of Sunset Boulevard
In July 1994, Sunset Boulevard was opened as the first expansion of the park.
1994: Addition of Sunset Boulevard and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
In 1994, Sunset Boulevard and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror were added, marking the park's first expansion.
1998: Fantasmic! Debut
In 1998, Fantasmic!, a nighttime show, debuted at Disney-MGM Studios.
1999: Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Opening
In 1999, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster themed to Aerosmith officially opened to the public.
2000: Closure of MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park
In 2000, the MGM Grand Adventures Theme Park in Las Vegas permanently closed.
2001: Erection of the Sorcerer's Hat
In 2001, the Sorcerer's Hat was erected in front of the park's Chinese Theater, serving as the park's icon.
2004: Disney's Florida Animation Studio Downsized and Closed
In 2004, Disney management, including CEO Michael Eisner, downsized Disney's Florida operations by closing the animation studio, laying off personnel, and relocating the operations to the main animation studio in Burbank, California.
2004: Closure of Florida Animation Unit
In 2004, Disney shuttered the Florida animation unit.
2005: Opening of Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show
In 2005, Lights, Motors, Action!: Extreme Stunt Show opened, coinciding with the Happiest Celebration on Earth festival.
2007: Rebranding Announcement
In 2007, Disney announced that Disney-MGM Studios would be rebranded as Disney's Hollywood Studios.
January 7, 2008: Toy Story Mania! and Pixar Place
On January 7, 2008, the former Stage 1 soundstage became home to Toy Story Mania! and the surrounding area was rethemed as Pixar Place.
2008: Park Rebranding
In 2008, Disney-MGM Studios was rebranded as Disney's Hollywood Studios, marking the removal of MGM branding throughout the park.
May 2010: Power Rangers Franchise Reacquired by Saban
In May 2010, Saban reacquired the Power Rangers franchise from Disney, ending their regular appearances as members of the park's cast of characters.
2014: Closure of Studio-Like Attractions
In 2014, the park closed its Studio Backlot Tour, American Idol Experience, and the Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow attractions.
January 2015: Removal of the Sorcerer's Hat
In January 2015, the Sorcerer's Hat, which had served as the park's icon since 2001, was removed from the park's central hub.
March 2015: Possible Name Change Hint
In March 2015, Disney CEO Bob Iger hinted at another possible name change for the park.
April 2, 2016: Streets of America Closure
On April 2, 2016, the Streets of America area closed to accommodate the construction of Galaxy's Edge.
September 2017: Grand Avenue Completion
In September 2017, Grand Avenue was completed, replacing the Muppets Courtyard placeholder.
2017: Closure of The Great Movie Ride
In 2017, The Great Movie Ride, the final remaining opening-day attraction, closed.
February 2018: Name Change Rumors Denied
In February 2018, the company denied the rumors of a name change for the park.
June 30, 2018: Toy Story Land Opening
On June 30, 2018, Toy Story Land opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
July 15, 2020: Park Reopening after COVID-19 Closure
Disney's Hollywood Studios reopened on July 15, 2020, after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Florida.
2020: Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Opens
In 2020, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway replaced The Great Movie Ride.
2023: Attendance Ranking
In 2023, Disney's Hollywood Studios hosted 10.3 million guests, ranking it the tenth most-visited theme park in the world.
2023: Hollywood Studios Ranked Tenth in World Attendance
In 2023, Hollywood Studios ranked tenth in the world for attendance among theme parks.
September 25, 2025: Animation Courtyard Closure and Redevelopment
On September 25, 2025, Animation Courtyard will be permanently closed to be redeveloped and reopen as a new themed area, The Walt Disney Studios Lot.
2025: Muppet*Vision 3D Closure
In 2025, Muppet*Vision 3D and the surrounding Muppet-themed courtyard were closed to be re-themed to Pixar's Monsters, Inc.
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