There are numerous rides and attractions designed to immerse guests in the thrilling worlds of their favorite films. However, there was only one ride that uniquely transported you into iconic scenes from a variety of beloved movies, all within a single experience, and that was The Great Movie Ride. This remarkable opening-day attraction debuted at the Disney-MGM Studios in 1989 and operated for an impressive 28 years, leaving a lasting impact on guests.
My expertise in classic films from the 20th century is quite limited, yet The Great Movie Ride managed to become one of the highlights of my visits to Walt Disney World. This fact may seem surprising given the lack of interest in cinema, as I rarely watch movies or awards shows. However, my affection for The Great Movie Ride traces back to the movie music and immersive atmosphere that the Disney-MGM Studios created.
The charm of The Great Movie Ride was not just in its elaborate set designs but also in the captivating narration and lively performances that brought the scenes to life. Many guests would hop aboard the ride and instantly recognize famous sequences from films they loved, such as The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, or Indiana Jones.
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For me, instead of seeing the movies first, I experienced The Great Movie Ride and became enchanted by the cinematic references within it. Later, as I encountered segments of these classic films on television, they would immediately evoke memories of this classic ride, with each television clip serving as a reminder of the joy and excitement I felt while experiencing The Great Movie Ride. This deep connection transformed the way I viewed classic cinema, allowing me to appreciate the films not just for their own merits but also through the lens of that beloved attraction.
While I do not typically watch many movies, I have developed a deep appreciation for movie scores, particularly those from classic films of the past. Composers and conductors such as John Williams, Erich Kunzel, Alan Menken, and Charles Gerhardt represent just a fraction of the incredible talent that has crafted music capable of evoking the enchanting spirit of the Disney-MGM Studios.
Although MGM, as I call it, has evolved into Disney’s Hollywood Studios, I often find myself reminiscing about the magical days before the closure of the world’s greatest movie ride in 2017. During that remarkable era, the park was alive with the vibrant sounds of iconic movie themes, emanating from the main entrance and resonating throughout various locations, including Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, and Mickey Avenue. The joyful melodies invited visitors to relive cherished cinematic moments, creating an immersive experience like no other.
In contrast, the music around the park today has largely transitioned to a more big band-style sound. While I do enjoy this lively genre, I sometimes struggle to see how it aligns with the overall theme of the front half of the park. The movie themes broadcast throughout the park created that unique soundtrack, while the updated park music seems to stray from the rich musical heritage that once defined the experience.
Nonetheless, for those who share my interest in classic movie music, there is still a gem at the park. If you have a good ear for music, you can hear some of those beloved movie themes playing in the shops located on the right-hand side of Hollywood Boulevard, as you face Grauman’s Chinese Theater. You have to really listen, because the volume is likely set to the lowest possible setting. It’s a delightful reminder of the park’s storied past and a nostalgic nod to the illustrious history of cinema.
Source: Disney
The Great Movie Ride holds a special place in my heart, as it created countless cherished memories. This iconic attraction was for guests of all ages, making it perfect for families. Unlike many thrill rides that feature steep drops, upside-down maneuvers, or fast acceleration, The Great Movie Ride offered a more relaxed experience, allowing us to appreciate the magic of classic cinema in a comfortable, immersive setting.
As we traveled through the beautifully recreated scenes from beloved films, we relished the opportunity to bond over shared experiences and stories sparked by The Great Movie Ride. Those moments spent together are ingrained in our memories and will stay with us forever, a reminder of the joy and wonder we felt on this classic attraction.
The charm of The Great Movie Ride was timeless; it rarely required significant updates, needing only occasional adjustments to ensure the audio-animatronics operated smoothly. For an impressive 28 years, The Great Movie Ride operated within Walt Disney World’s third park, captivating audiences with its nostalgia and imaginative storytelling.
Upon the decision to close the ride, I felt a wave of disappointment, while also understanding the justification behind it. Many loyal fans like myself had foreseen this change, especially considering that Disney did not own the rights to several of the classic films showcased in The Great Movie Ride. Despite the disappointment surrounding its closure, I will always treasure the experiences I shared with my family on The Great Movie Ride, a testament to the magic of storytelling and the bonds formed through shared adventures. In so many ways, this attraction was the greatest movie ride ever created.
In 2020, the highly anticipated Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway attraction officially opened its doors in Grauman’s Chinese Theater, marking the end of an era as it replaced The Great Movie Ride. For many Disney enthusiasts, the closure of The Great Movie Ride was a poignant moment, as it represented a cherished piece of Walt Disney World history that had entertained guests for decades. The nostalgia surrounding the ride was profound, leaving fans feeling a mix of sadness and disappointment at its permanent closing.
While I recognized the excitement surrounding the new Mickey and Minnie attraction, I cannot help but think that it might have been even more appreciated had it been introduced earlier. The whimsical concept of a runaway railway adventure with beloved characters has undeniable charm, and I believe it will create lasting memories for both current Disney fans and future generations to come. At the same time, the legacy of The Great Movie Ride will forever hold a special place in the hearts and minds of those who had the opportunity to experience its magic. Its iconic scenes and tributes to classic films make it an unforgettable part of Disney history.
The Great Movie Ride History
Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios are not only in proximity to each other, but they also share a significant historical connection within the Walt Disney World Resort. In the 1980s, the Disney team began developing a concept for a movie-themed attraction intended for Epcot Center. This attraction, called Great Moments at the Movies, was envisioned to be located in the Future World West section of the park, in between Journey Into Imagination and The Land pavilions.
Source: Theme Parks and Entertainment
The enthusiasm surrounding Great Moments at the Movies was so palpable that it inspired Disney executives to expand this idea further by creating an entirely new theme park dedicated to the art of film making and cinema. This decision came at a pivotal moment when Disney recognized that their competitor, Universal Studios, was also planning to launch a theme park centered around movie experiences. In light of this competition, Disney aimed to act swiftly to establish their own movie-themed park.
In 1985, Disney entered into a significant contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/United Artists (MGM/UA) that allowed the company to incorporate up to 250 classic films from MGM/UA’s extensive movie library into The Great Movie Ride. In 1986, both MGM and UA began to operate as separate film making units. Due to the iconic status and immense popularity of certain films, additional negotiations between Disney and MGM were necessary for the rights to specific scenes. Notably, scenes from timeless classics like The Wizard of Oz and Singin’ in the Rain were particularly valuable and required meticulous discussion to secure their use in the ride.
The licensing fees imposed by MGM were calculated based on how long each film clip would be featured during the ride experience. To effectively manage costs and adhere to budget constraints, Disney made strategic modifications to some of the original content. For example, the planned tornado scene from The Wizard of Oz was replaced with visuals inspired by Fantasia, allowing them to incorporate a Disney-owned element to minimize licensing fees. This thoughtful approach ensured that The Great Movie Ride celebrated the legacy of classic cinema while remaining financially viable for the company.
During the planning and development of The Great Movie Ride, there were plans to feature live celebrity impersonators throughout the entire ride. However, Disney decided to use mostly audio-animatronics to reduce costs and produce a more consistent show.
Source: Disney Avenue
On May 1, 1989, the Disney-MGM Studios theme park officially opened its gates to the public, debuting with its flagship attraction, The Great Movie Ride. The opening of the Disney-MGM Studios marked a significant milestone in Disney’s theme park evolution, solidifying its commitment to storytelling and the magic of movies.
In the iconic Singin’ In The Rain scene featuring Gene Kelly, the production team made a notable adjustment to the use of the umbrella. Originally, the plan was an open umbrella. However, to minimize the amount of water splashing onto guests, they decided to close the umbrella during the scene. This change not only helped keep the set and guests dry but also allowed the audio-animatronic Gene Kelly to maintain the charm and energy of the performance without any distractions from excess water.
James Cagney’s family contributed to the creation of the audio-animatronic character by giving the Imagineers one of his authentic tuxedos, as they expressed disapproval of the initial costume design. In that same gangster scene, the Imagineers thoughtfully scattered copies of the Orlando Sentinel on the floor outside Patrick J. Ryan’s bar. This detail not only adds authenticity to the setting but also pays homage to the local newspaper’s significance in Central Florida.
Liza Minnelli, the daughter of the legendary actress Judy Garland, provided the voice of Dorothy in the scene from The Wizard of Oz. This role is particularly noteworthy because Judy Garland famously portrayed Dorothy in the classic 1939 live-action film. Liza’s vocal performance added a unique dimension to the beloved character, connecting her to the legacy of her mother’s iconic portrayal.
Chad Everett lent his voice to the audio-animatronic figure of John Wayne in The Great Movie Ride. The figure was adorned with the genuine belt buckle that Wayne famously wore in the classic film Red River, which added a touch of authenticity to the representation. However, this original belt buckle ultimately went missing due to theft and was subsequently replaced with a replica to preserve the figure’s visual details.
In addition to this notable accessory, John Wayne had an impactful experience during his trip to Vietnam, where he was presented with a special wristband intended to bring him good luck. This wristband carried sentimental value, and in a gesture that connected his legacy to the ride, it was later entrusted to the audio-animatronic figure, further enhancing the storytelling and authenticity behind the attraction.
We recently sat down with former Walt Disney Imagineer, Mark Eades, who discussed his role in hiring Chad Everett for the voice of John Wayne in The Great Movie Ride. Throughout his career at Imagineering, Mark Eades played a major role in producing some of the most memorable shows we remember from the early days at Epcot Center, Disney-MGM Studios, and Disneyland. If you’re a fan of Star Tours, Magic Journeys, Muppet Vision 3D, and American Adventure, I think you’re going to love this conversation!
Continuing with the ride’s western scene, Clint Eastwood’s audio-animatronic figure was introduced as a last-minute replacement for the originally planned character, Lee Marvin. Marvin’s family did not grant permission for the use of his likeness in the ride, prompting the sudden change.
In June 2015, Turner Classic Movies, a well-known cable channel dedicated to showcasing classic films and celebrating cinematic history, officially assumed sponsorship of The Great Movie Ride.
As we embark on new journeys, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the joy and excitement that our previous experiences have given us. The memories we created at Walt Disney World are invaluable treasures that bring smiles to our faces, filled with laughter, adventure, and magic. While it might be tempting to dwell on what we’ve lost, let’s choose to celebrate those unforgettable moments instead.
Let’s remember the thrill of meeting beloved characters, the joy of sharing exciting and immersive ride experiences, and the wonder of spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky. All these experiences are cherished memories. These moments have shaped us and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Instead of feeling sad about the past and attractions that are no longer with us, let’s celebrate the magic and memories that are part of who we are. At the same time, let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and look forward to creating more memories that will continue this magical journey.
Both the Universe of Energy and The Great Movie Ride officially closed their doors for the final time on the night of August 13, 2017. These two attractions were truly special, each offering unique experiences that were unlike anything else in the theme park. The Universe of Energy took guests on an educational journey through the history of energy, featuring both impressive dinosaur audio-animatronics and a captivating story. Meanwhile, The Great Movie Ride celebrated the magic of cinema, transporting visitors through iconic scenes from classic films with the help of a live guide and memorable set pieces.
Both attractions incorporated the innovative traveling theater concept, which had become a hallmark of Walt Disney World. I will always remember the joy and wonder they provided. As the saying goes, don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened. Those unforgettable experiences will remain in our hearts as cherished memories forever.
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