On May Day (that’s May 1 — tomorrow!) Disney’s Hollywood Studios turns 25. It’s hard to believe my “baby park” (it was the newest part when I began my regular visits as an adult) will be so old. Like many others, I still tend to think of it as Disney-MGM Studios. I hear there will be a big hoopla to celebrate the milestone anniversary, including a rededication ceremony at 10:00 am, a motorcade at 7:00 pm called “Stars of the Studios” with famous characters, a dance party in from of the Sorcerer Hat stage, and fireworks at 9:30 pm.
As I was thinking about the Studios, I remembered a very cool parade that began there 13 years ago — it was called the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade. I went back into the PassPorter Archives and found photos, and was delighted by the various stars’ motor cars … and I thought you might enjoy a peek, too! Here are 25 of my favorite photos from the parade — all were all taken on October 6, 2001, just a few days after it debuted! (Larger versions of all photos are available in our gigantic Photo Archive — click on a photo to go there.)
It began with a Grand Marshall, in traditional Disney style!
First came Jessie and the Toy Soldiers, leading the way for the first motor car of the parade.
In the Toy Story motor car were Sheriff Woody, Buzz, and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. Note the car is Andy’s bed!
The second motor car was the Mary Poppins float with Mary and Bert … the Penguins were nearby, too. Yes, Mary and Bert are RIDING carousel horses while riding a car. Now that takes talent, folks.
The third motor car were The Muppets, with Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Sweetums. I had no idea Kermit and Miss Piggy were so, well, HUGE!
R2D2 came along next, making way for …
Princess Leia in her awesome land speeder-esque motor car.
We can’t forget old wheezy himself, Darth Vader! <insert Darth’s theme here>
Next we have the Huns … Mulan must be nearby!
Mulan’s Motor Car in the old Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade — LOVE the lanterns!
Next up … harem girl dancers! Is she doing “The Swim” here? Hmm.
Aladdin and Jasmine in a giant Genie car!
Hercules and Megera wave to the crowds.
We can’t overlook Phil, who is preceded by his pleasantly plump belly!
Cue the villains! The Evil Queen is looking particularly feisty here.
Jafar and Frollo glare everyone down.
Hades gets his own hot rod, of course.
Anyone remember these guys? Yes, it’s a quiz! Reply to this post — let’s see who gets it first.
Dancers wearing the latest in … seaweed?
Ariel and Flounder … it’s a clammobile!
Ooh, another less familiar character. Anyone remember this guy?
The Playhouse Disney moto car with Bear and Stanley.
The Fairest Of Them All … Snow White! Dopey is riding shot gun, I see.
The grand finale … Mickey and Minnie, with Goofy as the chauffeur. Now THIS is a classy motor car.
And we cannot forget the motorcycle escort at the end.
Facts about the Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade
- Run Dates: October 1, 2001 to March 8, 2008
- Motor Cars: 15-18
- Length: 25 minutes
My favorite parade ever !!!
they should bring this back!!!! love it!!!
Wow, what a neat looking parade! Had to think hard to remember that Disney’s Atlantis came out that year and the one car with less than memorable characters is Kida and Milo Thatch from that movie. The other character not around at Disney anymore is Rollie Pollie Ollie from Playhouse Disney. I definitey remember my teens watching him on TV.