Hollywood Studios — then called Disney-MGM Studios , as you may recall — was built . It was initially conceptualized as a pavilion for EPCOT before the Imagineers involved realized they could build an entire theme park dedicated to the feats of imagination performed by TV and movies .
Given its decades-long history , chances are pretty good that you ’ ve had the opportunity to experience The Great Movie Ride firsthand . Featuring a variety of scenes from classic Hollywood films and genres , the ride was an epic and lengthy experience that literally guided guests through the history of
MICKEY AND MINNIE ’ S RUNAWAY RAILWAY RIDE THROUGH WDW MAGAZINE
cinema in a thrilling , dynamic way .
And that meant that when it was time for a change , the creators and designers responsible for the new ride were in a “ tough position ,” as former Imagineer Brian Collins put it . ( Among many other projects during his time with Disney , he had a hand in the script and set design that made The Great Movie Ride so memorable .)
“ It was such a beloved attraction ,” he said , and certainly one of the longestrunning . Collins admitted he had mixed feelings when he heard its time was up . But fortunately , Mickey & Minnie ’ s Runaway Railway serves as an incredible successor to its epic forebear — and even Collins agrees . “ They did a bang-up job ,” he said .
Like Star Wars : Rise of the Resistance ( another muchanticipated , recently opened Disney World attraction ), Mickey & Minnie ’ s Runaway Railway is a trackless dark ride . It uses what Disney designers call “ 2 1 / 2 D ” set design to add depth to the ride environments without requiring guests to don 3D glasses .