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We’re taking some time to celebrate the “Hollywood that never was — and always will be.” Because TODAY is the 31st Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort!

Can you believe it’s been 31 years since Hollywood Studios opened as Disney-MGM Studios on May 1st, 1989? (We can’t either!!) True, 31 years is not exactly a milestone, like the park’s big party for its 30th last year. (And it’s also true that, for now, we can’t celebrate in the park itself.)

Even so, we believe that — when it comes to Disney Parks — there’s ALWAYS something to celebrate.

So, we hope you’ll join us on a tour complete with some of our favorite pics and videos from the park through the years as we say, “HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD!”

After all, with so many new and exciting additions to Hollywood Studios in just the past year…

… there’s really no better time to remind ourselves just how much we love the park than now!

And we’ll be bringing a few friends with us along the way!

When Hollywood Studios first opened, it was called Disney-MGM Studios. The park took us right back to that old Golden Age  of Hollywood (ooh la la!).

(It reminds us of how things may have been right around the time Walt Disney started making a name for himself and a certain Mouse…)

However, Disney switched things up in 2008 when the park changed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. 

Those first steps onto Hollywood Boulevard truly transport you to another time.

And they also deliver the reveal of that glorious Chinese Theatre, looming up ahead!

Before you decided which way you’re going to go in the parks, you can bet yer Disney buttons that there’s plenty of great food to try while you’re visiting!

Or just pull up a chair and stay riiiiight here...

And your adventure has only begun!

Sunset Boulevard

While you’re strolling down the palm tree-lined Sunset Boulevard, you can pop in different themed shops.

(Anybody else want a new pair of Minnie Ears??)

That’s all before heading to some of our FAVORITE rides in the park! Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, you’re timeless to us!

But, believe it or not, you’re not the only BIG THRILL this side of the Boulevard. Why don’t you “Walk This Way” to Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith?!

Not exactly a thrill seeker? Then maybe you’d rather “Be Our Guest” and enjoy a tale as old as time… 

… OR grab a snack to start your day off the right way! Check out all the must-haves in our Hollywood Studios Food Tour!

Let’s keep going! Because we’ve got some truly classic friends to see…

Echo Lake

Who doesn’t love saying “Hello!” to Gertie the Dinosaur every time you pass Echo Lake?

This is especially true when ol’ Gertie gets all dolled up for Christmas.

But while the original Gertie is a classic from 1914, Echo Lake delivers some big nods to newer film favorites (including one your kiddo may just love watching over, and over, and over… and, hey, so do we!).

Echo Lake also happens to be home to one of our absolute favorite places to dine in the parks: 50’s Prime Time Café! (But, as you can tell below, it’s got some pretty tough competition from Sci-Fi Dine-In!)

Of course, we also LOVE seeing some of our pals next door at Hollywood & Vine!

Commissary Lane

Wondering where to meet some of your favorite friends for a warm hug?

Or maybe you need to grab a bite to eat? Then Commissary Lane is it! You can grab Chicken and Donuts (!!!) at ABC Commissary or watch old films while you sip on milkshakes from your car at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Restaurant!

No matter what you pick, there’s so many goodies in store for ya in Hollywood Studios!

Where to next? How about…

Grand Avenue

When Grand Avenue hit the scene in 2017, it brought along the super chill BaseLine Tap House with it.

CHEERS!!

You can take it in before or after participating in “A Salute to All Nations (But Mostly America)” at Muppet Vision 3D!

There’s still more, folks!

Animation Courtyard

We’re visiting all sorts of friends in Animation Courtyard!

But we absolutely can’t forget to stop by One Man’s Dream to spend some time thinking and learning about the friend who started it all for us: Walt Disney.

Thank you, Walt.

Time for another snack yet? I think so! And I know just the place.

Pixar Place

Have you heard of the Neighborhood Bakery on Pixar Place? Well, even if the name doesn’t ring a bell, we think this will: it’s time for a NUM NUM COOKIE!

In fact, as far as cookies go, it only has one rival at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

But seeing as that rival is the famous CARROT CAKE COOKIE, it’s a DOOZY!!!

And now that we’ve had our fill of cookies (HA! AS IF...), it’s off to Andy’s backyard!

Toy Story Land

The opening of Toy Story Land in the summer of 2018 truly began to usher in Hollywood Studios as we know it today.

Don’t forget that “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” — and Woody! And Jessie! And Buzz! — when you’re here!

And the fun’s not over yet!!

Nope, not by a long shot!

Let’s see now. Hmm…. what are we forgetting? It feels like there’s one more land we haven’t toured yet.

Wait — scratch that. Because I remember now ;-D. It’s actually one more galaxy far, far away… 

Galaxy’s Edge

August 29, 2019 was THE DAY: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at long last opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!!

Where else can you visit a true Star Wars Cantina?

Or sip on your choice of Blue or Green Milk?

Don’t forget to grab some RONTO MEAT, while you’re at it!

Because you’re going to need some fuel for all there is to explore.

And that includes taking control of the Millennium Falcon on Smugglers Run!

And — ever since December 5, 2019 — taking part in The Rise of the Resistance.

Truly, Disney’s Hollywood Studios have never been the same since!

More Memories and Magic 

Of course, with all the new additions in Hollywood Studios, there have also been some goodbyes to beloved favorites.

And we’d be remiss if we didn’t take a moment to share at least a few of those memories here…

I even kinda miss this kid in the window on the Streets of America…

It’s always a little tough to say goodbye, isn’t it? 

But even more, we can’t wait to say “HELLO!” to it all again!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS!

Thank you for 31 years of fun, movies, adventure, and MAGIC!

And — as we love to say — we’ll see ya REAL SOON!

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What is your favorite thing about Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below!