“The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood–not a place on the map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was–and always will be”
– May 1, 1989 – Michael D. Eisner
On this day in 1989 Michael D. Eisner spoke those not-so-immortal words and opened Disney MGM-Studios, a place dedicated to an idea more so than an ideal. The idea of a Hollywood that never was–and always will be is so amorphous it can mean anything, or nothing. And like two black holes circling themselves, neither one can ever really escape the gravity of the other.
It is customary in some parts of the globe to offer a birthday wish. So on this silver anniversary of Walt Disney World’s third gate, I wish for it a new vision with a single consistent backstory that can serve to unify the many amazing stories told throughout the history of The Walt Disney Company and its many parts (home grown and acquired). A story strong enough to woo weary guests to its doors and flexible enough to adapt as times and the company changes. It should celebrate the screen (big, small, and portable), the stage, and the page. It should be a place of creation, innovation, dreams, illusion, and wonder. Where Magic is made by the company that started it all and homage paid to the brothers whose dreams, hard work, and know-how made it all possible. Doesn’t matter what it’s called (although I have a few ideas), but the story must be clear from the place and the setting.
What are your birthday wishes for the park now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Photo credits:
Images modified by The Disney Blog, Original cc 2.0 license via Flickr. Star Tours – Lou Oms, Walt’s Plane, Scifi Diner – Rickpilot_2000, Entrance – Matt Wade, Great Movie Ride – David.