Disney's Hollywood Studios

A trip to see the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights in December included the day's admission to Disney's Hollywood Studios.

This Disney theme park has an interesting history and began in 1985 when Disney and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) entered into a contract that gave Disney the rights to use the MGM name and logo for a back lot studio. Disney planned the theme park around a working production facilities for movies and television, as well as, a satellite animation studio. However, MGM filed a lawsuit in 1988 against Disney stating that it violated the original agreement. Thus, when the theme park opened adjacent to the production facilities as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989, the only connection to MGM was the original licensing agreement that allowed Disney to use the MGM brand name, lion logo and specific MGM content in The Great Movie Ride attraction. Disney later filed a counter suit and won the right to continue using the Disney-MGM Studios name on film product produced at the facility, but was prohibited from using the Disney-MGM Studios name in marketing pieces promoting it as part of the Walt Disney World Resorts.

 

The theme park was re-branded as Disney's Hollywood Studios in January 2008, while keeping the glamor of the 1930s and 1940s Hollywood, including The Great Movie Ride, as part of its persona. Hollywood history buffs will also enjoy The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame, The American Film Institute Showcase and Walt Disney: One Man's Dream.

Like all Disney parks, this one offers something for everyone and is focused on Disney magic and entertainment. Live action and stunt shows, thrill rides, backstage tours and parades are all based on familiar movies and television shows in this unique park designed to look like a giant movie set.