When MGM first opened?

[DisneyWorld30th]

Help me sovle an argument...

When MGM Studios first opened, was there a stage show in the location of where the entrance to Sunset Builvard is now?

I remember standing infront of the Great Movie Ride and watching a show across the way!

Also, Did the tram tour take you down New York Street? I remember when it opened that the street was closed to the trams!

 

[lifeguard1020]

You are correct...

You are correct on both accounts...
The stage (The theater of the Stars I think it was called) was located right where teh entrance to sunset blvd is now...the only show i really remember from there was the D..K Tracy show...a musical about a diamond heist I think...
You are right abotu the tram tour as well...Originally you could not walk on New York street at all...that entire side fo the park was "tram tour only." Incidentally, the tram tour was much longer back then too...
Now that I think about it...one of the streets was all painted up like it was in D..K Tracy and a little scene was acted out as you drove past...

Ahhh...memories of the old MGM...

Dan

 

[sniggle74]

Good memories, indeed, Dan. If only we could still have some of what was there then. A longer Backstage Tour (with interaction), a working studio, and a glimps of Hollywood magic. *sigh*

 

[Mateo1721]

I used to love the giant bee that you would ride on and they would put you into "Honey I shrunk the kids". I rarely even go on the backlot tour anymore because of all the changes they have made. You can only see catastrophe canyon so many times before it gets repetetive (like earthquake at Universal).

 

[marksniles]

Yes that theatre used to hold the Beauty and the Beast Show.

 

[agdbeanie]

If you go here:
http://www.wdwmagic.com/old_park_maps.htm
You can read the descriptions etc. and remember exactly how the park used to be.

 

[s25843]

I always thought it was funny for how the first few months they hired actors to keep acting like they were shooting a music video, to keep the tour interesting

 

[Mateo1721]

The backstage studio tour was 2 hours long?!! wow!

I remember it being long, but not that long.

How long does the one today take.

(btw- those maps are awesome)

 

[sniggle74]

Originally posted by Mateo1721
The backstage studio tour was 2 hours long?!! wow!

I remember it being long, but not that long.

How long does the one today take.

(btw- those maps are awesome)

How long does it take now.....hmmm....five minutes *giggle*

Actually, I think it's only about 15-20 minutes

 

[imagineersrock]

wow.. looking at those maps, and reading the text.. brings back some great memories.. I'd forgotten how truly awesome this all was way back when.. it was neat how strong of a 'working studios' feel the place had.... so sad to see it all go...

and for Mateo1721 , the current tour is like 15 or so minutes..

 

[DisneyWorld30th]

Thanks!

Thanks for everyone's input...

In case you were wandering...I won the bet!!!


I sure do miss the Vintage Disney World! There aren't many vintage pictures out there! I checked on disneypix and didn't see old pics!


Just to confirm, the old Theature of the Stars was demolished. A new one built (current location - Sunset Bulivard).

 

[barnum42]

Before Richard Tracy, the original show was a "Hooray for Hollywood" type thing with the Characters acting out various famous film roles and ending with them all in white tails, top hats and canes. I have some of it tucked away on video!

They also carried out interviews there with the "Star of the Day". Most of them were American TV celebs that I did not know, but I went to one where I met Gary Burghof (Radar from M*A*S*H). He also did a solo on a drum kit used in the show.

 

[HMGhost13]

that's ok.

my dad remembers (and has photos) of the Muppet Stage show from long lost time ago. the Disney board he posts on doesn't believe him.

 

[marni1971]

I`ve got some home video of `Gere Come the Muppets` ,circa 1990. How things have changed!

 

[BigNorm]

Okay, I've got one now...for some reason I remember Herbie the Love Bug at the Studios when it first opened. Was Herbie apart of the Backlot Tour? It seems like he would smoke his tires and charge the tram. Am I dreaming this or was it for real?

 

[Coasterbp]

Yep. Herbie was on Residential Street. He would drive on the driveway of the house that was later used for Ernest Saves Christmas.

 

[marni1971]

And if I remember the driveway was full of tyre marks and you could see the rail under him... ah the days of Disney-MGM STUDIOS!!!

 

[sniggle74]

and if I remember correctly, Herbie was near the Golden Girls' House...which was across the street from the Empty Nest House. Boo Hoo

Ah....the days of yore!

 

[Palofmickey]

Bette Midler

Wasn't there a movie with Bette Midler about a lottery ticket and the making of the movie with props?

 

[DisneyWorld30th]

Re: Bette Midler

Originally posted by Palofmickey
Wasn't there a movie with Bette Midler about a lottery ticket and the making of the movie with props?

There was...I believe the short movie was called "The Ticket". It was the first (and possibly the only) movie filmed at the MGM Studios.