Disney’s Hollywood Studios 25th Anniversary Celebration in Photos and Video

May 2, 2014 Denise

Hi everyone!

We celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios yesterday. Both Jeff and I visited in the first year the park was open, but we were surprised how many guests attended yesterday who had been there the first day!

The sightline is different than it was 25 years ago, with a Sorcerer Hat instead of the Chinese Theater.

The Citizens of Hollywood warmed up the crowd before the morning event.

25-year Cast Members from Disney’s Hollywood Studios were brought to the stage.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios Vice President Dan Cockerell hosted the proceedings, which included a handprint ceremony with a guest from 25 years ago, a 25-year Cast Member, as well as himself and Mickey Mouse.

Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald wore their finest!

We were told that the handprints would be backstage.

Here is the full ceremony!

Disney Ambassador Tye Arnold was on hand.

There wasn’t anything planned between the ceremony and motorcade, we went and purchased a 25th Anniversary cupcake with Nutella.

The family of a friend was standing in line for merchandise, and picked up a pin for us in case we couldn’t get inside (the line was up to 2+ hours early). It didn’t stay long all day.

Disney handed out souvenir buttons and guide maps.

I was in a wheelchair (and in a cast), and was told here that I should have used a stunt double!

This was the first ride I’ve been on since I was injured, The Great Movie Ride. It is also an opening day attraction.

Mary Poppins and Bert.

The Wizard of Oz.

Chip and Dale in their Hollywood outfits.

There are a number of handprints from opening day, including Mickey Mouse, Annette Funicello and Roger Rabbit.

Remember that merchandise line earlier? By mid-afternoon, it was gone.

Jeff picked up a few things here, including the 25th Anniversary shirt.

Duffy the Disney Bear also had a 25th outfit.

We posed in front of the 25th backdrop.

D.J. Elliot was just about to play some music for the crowd! It looked like we were going to get some rain, but all we ended up with was a few drops.

The dedication plaque and a statue of a cameraman.

A guest wears a Disney-MGM jacket.

A motorcade with the stars of Disney’s Hollywood Studios proceeded down Hollywood Blvd. There were no vintage characters here, just current ones. Chip and Dale kicked it off!

Here is our video of the motorcade:

Sofia the First first arrived at Disney’s Hollywood Studios last year, and she was up next. Disney Junior has made quite a splash at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the past couple of years!

Doc McStuffins is even newer to the park, meeting at Hollywood & Vine for breakfast and lunch.

Phineas and Ferb were a popular addition a few years back.

Several princesses have a home at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including Belle from The Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage show.

Ariel from Voyage of the Mermaid.

Indiana Jones from Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

Jack Sparrow from The Legend of Jack Sparrow.

Mr. Incredible and Frozone.

Darth Vader with Stormtroopers represented Star Wars.

Woody and Jessie from Toy Story.

And last but not least, Mickey and Minnie in their formal wear.

With my wheelchair, I couldn’t see too much of the action on stage – but all of the characters made their way to the hat, along with a few extra characters that included Buzz Lightyear and Wreck-It Ralph.

It was almost time for the 25th Anniversary fireworks! My favorite spot started getting busy early, so we grabbed some chairs about 2 hours before the fireworks started. Star Wars Weekends will also include fireworks this year (in place of the former Hyperspace Hoopla).