Disney’s Hollywood Studios 20th Anniversary TwitPic Report

Yesterday, May 1st, was of course the 20th anniversary of the Disney-MGM Studios, now known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Our own Tom Corless, as well as other members of the staff were (and still are) at Walt Disney World for the festivities. As soon as they return from the Resort they’ll be providing great high quality photos with us, but for the time being, thanks to our very own WDWNT Twitter, we have a few photos of the official Disney events, festivities, and merchandise for Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s 20th anniversary:

These banners were hung up at the turnstiles

The 20th anniversary times guide, featurings times and the location for the special “A Look Back at the Creation of Our Park” presentation with Tom Fitzgerald, Eric Jacobson, and Bob Weiss from Walt Disney Imagineering

A special rope drop was held for the anniversary with vice president of the park, Rilous Carter, welcoming guests to the park on this special ocassion

The 20 Years of Magic T-shirt

Inside the Premiere Theatre for the “A Look Back at the Creation of Our Park” presentation

The 20th anniversary cupcakes for sale just on May 1st at Starring Roles

The 20th anniversary cell for sale featuring a 20th birthday cake over the original map of the Disney-MGM Studios

For many more photos from his trip to WDW, please visit Tom Corless’ Twitter, the official Twitter for WDW News Today. And as I said, stay tuned for when our staff members return in the week for many photo reports!

‘Ears to You Hollywood Studios

The first picture of any merchandise that will be released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, 2009 has finally appeared. Of course, it’s an open edition pin that will be sold beginning April 28:

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A very cool logo to say the least. The only thing I find a little strange is that the “20th anniversary” appears to be in the Tomorrowland logo font. No matter what, the logo looks great and I look forward to buying plenty of merchandise featuring it. Stay tuned to WDW News Today as we continue to gather information on the historic 20th anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 1, 2009.

A WDWNT Weekend Update

I thought I would take this time to address a few short subjects in one post just to make sure everyone is caught up on what’s going on with WDW and WDWNT right now:

-We have opened our fantastic poll allowing you to choose what you think are the 20 biggest moments in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just go HERE, pick 20 moments, and hit submit. The 20 biggest moments as voted by you will then be counted down every week on the WDW News Today Podcast until the anniversary on May 1, 2009. Voting closes on December 4 at midnight, so don’t miss out!!!

-Disney has released a picture of the completed facade of the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (we should have our own pictures of the completed building very soon, until then check out THIS photo report on the WDW News Today Community Forums):

THE AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE AT DISNEY'S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

IT’S SHOWTIME!: Disney’s Hollywood Studios raises the curtain on the newest showbiz-themed attraction, “The American Idol Experience.” All the excitement of the popular “American Idol” TV show comes to life in a first-of-its-kind attraction where Walt Disney World guests can vote on their favorite performance, or audition with the chance to perform on stage. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four theme parks at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (David Roark, photographer)

-Ellen’s Energy Adventure at Epcot will be closed for a lengthy refurbishment from January 5 through March 22, 2009. During this time, some general maintenance will occur. It is also rumored that Imagineering will use this a a time to look around the attraction for possible changes.

-Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums:

Beginning December 1st, anyone booked for lunch at Tusker House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom) between 1:00pm and 1:40pm will receive a ticket for reserved seating at the Finding Nemo (The Musical) 3:15pm show. If you are already booked during that time frame you will qualify for the reserved seating ticket. Only reservations between 1:00pm and 1:40pm qualify. One ticker per person dining.

-Also Reported on the WDW News Today Community Forums, Disney launching an online check-in service for resort guests:

Disney’s Online Check-In service enables Guests to simplify their arrival by allowing them to go online and provide information related to their upcoming stay. On a Guest’s scheduled arrival date, since check-in information will have been provided previously online by the Guest, they may experience a streamlined check-in at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels or Disney Vacation Club resorts. A welcome folder with their Key to the World Card will be waiting at a designated Disney’s Online Check-In area in the resort hotel lobby. Guests will need to present valid photo ID to pick up the folder and complete check-in. Guests may check-in online beginning 10 days prior to their arrival date. Web site addresses for Disney’s Online Check-In service will vary based on the original method of booking. As Guests are completing Disney’s Online Check-In service, select Guests will have an opportunity to apply for the Disney Rewards® Visa Card® that could be used during their stay. This service launches in January, 2009.

A lot to process, but hopefully we have everyone caught up on current Walt Disney World and WDW News Today events before the big holiday week begins.