On Wednesday, May 1, 2019 Walt Disney World’s third theme park turned 30! Growing up Disney-MGM Studios was always my favorite park, so the reality that this park is officially been around for three decades is sometimes mind blowing to me. 

It’s always been a dream of mine to attend a Walt Disney World anniversary — specifically Walt Disney World’s 50th in 2021! (And it’s happening, y’all. Just wait!) When I realized that Disney’s Hollywood Studios was turning 30 and I could make a quick trip work, I knew I couldn’t miss out.

After just being there 3 days earlier for Dapper Day, a lot of friends and family were scratching their heads that I was heading back so soon for just one day…but sometimes you’ve just got to make it happen!

My day started with waiting in a long line for 30th anniversary merchandise! There were t-shirts, hats, MagicBands, pins, and more. I grabbed a hat and a 30th anniversary gift card for myself! I thought both would make perfect lasting souvenirs of such a special day.

I also made a point to grab a Kermit plush. Muppet Courtyard has always been one of my favorite areas of Disney-MGM Studios/Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As the area continues to change in time, I truly wonder what the fate of this Muppet-themed area is. Kermit will stand as a reminder of what once was if Muppet Courtyard doesn’t stick around forever.

Josie and I made our way around the entire park! We experienced some of my favorite attractions and others that I hadn’t done in over a decade. We even saw a sneak peek for the new Aladdin live-action film! 

And then there were the treats! Disney’s Hollywood Studios was offering a full menu of treats to try around the park including churros, cupcakes, mousse, and this cute Sorcerer Hat! I have to say not many were delicious, but most were creative and picture perfect.

In addition to treats, there was a parade, announcements for the future of the park, and even a new logo design. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens in just a few months and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will open in Spring of 2020.

There is almost nothing left of the opening day park of Disney-MGM Studios. Both opening day attractions have since closed, but the Chinese Theatre still remains.  This park was once home to the animation studio that produced Mulan, Brother Bear, and Lilo and Stitch. There is so much history  within these park walls even if most of it is now only remnants of the past.

My final souvenir of the day was this Starbucks mug from the “Been There” series. It features aspects of Disney’s Hollywood Studios both past and present! I’m excited to have this mug to look back on as a reminder of my very first Walt Disney World park anniversary.

None of us truly know what the future holds for this movie-themed park, but I have high hopes for the fourth decade of Disney’s Hollywood Studios! As for now I’ll continue to love this park through its growing pains and hold my memories of the past close to my heart. Happy 30th Anniversary Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

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What’s Your Favorite Disney’s Hollywood Studios Memory?