If there ’ s one Disney World ride that evokes a strong emotional reaction , it ’ s the Great Movie Ride . This nowclosed attraction not only captured the hearts of guests and Cast Members , but it was also the inspiration for Disney ’ s Hollywood Studios — and the heart of the original Disney-MGM Studios theme park .
HISTORY OF THE RIDE The Great Movie Ride made its debut in May 1989 . Originally , the dark ride was planned for EPCOT ’ s Future World but expanded to become the backbone of a new movie-themed park . According to Disney lore , then-CEO Michael Eisner saw the plans for the ride and decided that it was worthy of its very own movie-themed park . Around this time , the new Universal Studios was under construction nearby , which likely spurred Eisner to create a competing park .
There are lots of fun details to spot in the pavement outside the ride entrance . PHOTO BY LAURIE SAPP
The Great Movie Ride facade is a replica of Mann ’ s ( now Grauman ’ s or , for branding , TCL ) Chinese Theatre in Hollywood , complete with a Chinese red pagoda and guardian lions . Imagineers designed the grandeur of the building to draw guests further into the park . Like its namesake theater in Los Angeles , the building ’ s concrete entryway included hand , foot , and paw prints of famous movie stars . Prints included Jim Henson , Michael Jackson , Leonard Nimoy , Donald Duck , and , of course , Mickey and Minnie Mouse .
The prints are still in front of the Chinese Theatre to this day ( which was a smart decision , as removing them would surely cause outrage from GMR fans ).
ABOVE : The magnificent marquee as your ride begins . PHOTO BY CLIFF WANG