When the Disney-MGM Studios opened in 1989, CEO Michael Eisner’s opening speech dedicated the park “to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine.” He memorably welcomed guests to “a Hollywood that never was – but always will be.”
What he meant is that Disney’s version of Hollywood is dreamlike; passed through a lens of nostalgia and optimism. As usual, Imagineers took the reality of Hollywood and made it romantic and timeless. It’s idealized and blurred, with all the skill of storytelling and placemaking Disney can muster. it’s the Hollywood we collectively imagine and dream of, even if it never truly existed to begin with. And yet, it’s not fiction.
Today, we’re going to investigate the real histories of six iconic structures at Disney Parks that sprung not from the minds of Imagineers, but from real landmarks of Tinseltown. It’s all in hopes that, next time we step into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, California Adventure, or Walt Disney Studios Park, we can see things differently… Let’s take a look.
This article and hundreds more are available for Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Members who help support this ad-free, clickbait-free, quality-over-quantity collection with a monthly membership. Park Lore Members can access more than a hundred Member-exclusive articles, unlock rare concept art and construction photos in every story, stream audio across the site, tune into podcast exclusives, and receive an annual member card and merch in the mail!
If you choose to join Park Lore’s community of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Members, you’ll instantly unlock this story (and of course, a lot more). You can learn more about joining and supporting Park Lore (and browse all the available Extras and Special Features) in the “Memberships & Perks” menu above. If you can’t afford a Pass, please contact us; we’ll make some magic happen.
Log In or Join Now