15 Years Of MGM - A Shining Star
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**PassPorter News** · 07-10-2004, 08:59 AM

MGM Studios recently celebrated its 15th anniversary by announcing further new attractions for visitors. As Cheryl Pendry explains, the park’s already undergone considerable change since it opened and there’s still more to come…

**PassPorter News** · 07-10-2004, 09:01 AM

A shining star

“A star is born” – how Disney describes May 1 1989, when Walt Disney World opened its third theme park, the Disney MGM Studios.

But for all the fanfare of its official opening, many visitors, used to the numerous attractions of Epcot and the Magic Kingdom, were probably disappointed by what was originally offered at park number three.

Many of the Studios’ attractions that we know and love today were not open for the world premiere, attended by such legendary names as Bob Hope, Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn, Kevin Costner, George Lucas and Bette Midler.

The first year of operation saw the arrival of Star Tours, the perennial children’s favorite, the ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Adventure Set’ and Muppet-Vision 4D. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant also began to serve up meals “under the stars” and there were displays of a different kind under the stars with the Sorcery in the Sky fireworks display.

The park’s fifth birthday saw the arrival of one of Disney’s most popular attractions, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ and in the last 10 years, it has become steadily more terrifying, with the latest version introducing random drop sequences.

For the 10th anniversary, the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster® starring Aerosmith, powered into the park, blasting guests from 0 – 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, similar to the feeling of sitting on a supersonic jet as it blasts off from the deck of an aircraft carrier. Disney’s first American coaster to feature inversions, the half mile long track includes two roll over loops and one corkscrew.

But more was still to come. By 2001, the Studios were the centerpiece for the “100 Years of Magic” celebration, which commemorated the 100th anniversary of Walt’s birth. The 12 story high Sorcerer’s Hat at the end of Hollywood Boulevard became the park’s new icon and Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, an interactive exhibit, took visitors on a fascinating journey through Walt’s life, recounting the story of how his dreams first led to animated films and then the development of theme parks, which could be enjoyed by the whole family. Originally planned as a temporary attraction, its popularity with guests meant it become a permanent celebration of Walt’s life and his achievements.

2001 also saw the arrival of two new shows at the Studios, both with very different audiences. For many children, Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! is a “must-do”, while quiz lovers make a beeline for Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It!

Even now, the Imagineers are busy in the park, creating the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, which is scheduled to open in spring 2005. Drawing its inspiration from its French cousin in the Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris, it will show visitors how stunts are created for the big screen, with motorbike and car chases which both amaze and delight audiences. With a car ballet that has to be seen to be believed, motorbike chase and a grand finale, the 45 minute show is already one of the most popular attractions at the Paris studios and is likely to become another e-ticket attraction at the MGM Studios.

Prior to the spring opening of the Stunt Show, there are plenty of other special events, designed to attract visitors to the Studios.

Already home to the successful Star Wars weekend, which each year draw in thousands of sci-fi fans, a new family festival is being planned over the weekend of 31 July – 1 August to celebrate the 25th anniversary of sports network ESPN. A must for any sports fan, events over the two days will include special appearances from athletes and sports celebrities, live ESPN broadcasts, interactive fan events and a special sports version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire – Play It!

From a new event to an old favourite, as November sees the ninth ABC Super Soap Weekend, the largest annual soap fan event in the world. Dates for this year’s event are 13 – 14 November.

Younger guests can meet the stars of JoJo’s Circus, as JoJo and Goliath join the Disney-MGM family. The six year old clown girl and her pet lion Goliath already appear daily in the Stars and Motor Cars Parade and this summer, the pair will also be meeting and greeting their young fans.

JoJo and Goliath greet their fans

There’s a treat in store for all ages during the festive season, with the return of the Osborne lights from 24 November until 2 January. Disney promise this year’s sparkling spectacular will be bigger and better than ever, with over five million lights reaching three storeys high, making an already breathtaking display even more amazing. Teams will begin work on putting the lights up at the end of July and four months later, the results will be on display for everyone to see.

From humble beginnings 15 years ago, there’s now certainly something for everyone at the Disney-MGM Studios, with high thrill rides, spectacular shows and entertainment specifically for youngsters. Over the next year, Disney promise more of the same for the park, which is already gaining a reputation for having some of the best attractions on Disney property.

In the recent Readers Choice Awards in the Disney Magazine, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock’n’Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Fantasmic! were all voted into the top five of favourite attractions at Disney World. By next year, the new Stunt Show could be up there with the old MGM favourites.

One thing’s for sure. There’s plenty more showbiz magic to come at the Disney-MGM Studios. If a star was born in 1989 when the park opened, then that star is now shining brighter than ever.