Same Park — Different NameWalt Disney World Welcomes Guests to new
“Disney's Hollywood Studios”by Marilyn Loeser When I attended Disney-MGM Studios official opening May 1, 1989, it was a celebration paying homage to the golden age of movies.
Rubbing shoulders with celebrities like Lauren Bacall, Audrey Hepburn and Kevin Costner and television legends Art Linkletter, Buffalo Bob and Howdy Doody, and Imogene Cocoa, this once-in-a-lifetime gala was one only Walt Disney World could pull together.  The centerpiece at the end of Hollywood Boulevard was Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Attractions focused on helping guests understand behind-the-scenes of movie and television production as well as animation, sound and special effects.
 Framed by classic Hollywood architecture, the park began to take on a different look and focus.
A giant 122-foot-tall Sorcerer Mickey hat completely blocks the view of Grahams Chinese Theater as you walk down Hollywood Boulevard, rides like Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and attractions like "Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt  Show" made the renaming a logical step. After nearly two decades, the park has been renamed to reflect its evolution and is now known as Disney's Hollywood Studios. What’s in Store?Scheduled to open this summer is Toy Story Mania! Guests become part of a new, interactive Toy Story competition, hosted by the movies’ characters. With 3-D glasses, guests board a fanciful ride vehicle and zip into a world of midway-style games hosted by Woody, Hamm, Rex and other Toy Story stars.  Once inside "Andy's Toy Box," the competition heats up. Using spring-action shooters, guests launch darts at balloons, rings at aliens and eggs at whimsical barnyard targets. Who can rack up the most points?
 And there’s a new parade planned just in time for spring break. Block Party Bash is an interactive parade inviting guests to join in the fun as more than 20 partying Disney-Pixar Film Pals fill the theme park streets. The parade features stars from The Incredibles, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc. and A Bug's Life.
 A whole new cast of friends are performing at Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage! including stars from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins, Handy Manny and more.
 "High School Musical 2: School's Out!" is another entertainment extravaganza direct from the movie "High School Musical 2. The interactive, high-energy performance replaces High School Musical Pep Rally.
 And, additional stars will be on hand to meet and greet guests including Handy Manny, JoJo and Goliath and the Little Einsteins in the Animation Courtyard next to Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!
If you go:For additional information: disneyworld.com As with all-that-is-Disney, there are lots of other new attractions and entertainment options. The website offers lots of options whether you’re visiting on your honeymoon, with your children or to celebrate your wedding anniversary. | 