Nearly three years ago I wrote this article about the rumored demise of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, which so far has remained unscathed. The newest Studios scuttlebutt predicts the replacement of The Great Movie Ride with something completely different. I’ve got mixed feelings about this one. Let’s discuss!
If The Great Movie Ride Has to Go
Like much of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in recent years, The Great Movie Ride hasn’t received a whole lot of love. New intro, change in narration, and nothing else. The scenes are stale, some of the animatronics don’t work, and the scripts on the two versions are exactly the same…every. single. time.
The premise of this attraction makes it perpetually ready for awesome updates and theme/action changes at regular intervals. So much Hollywood greatness to be showcased, incredible potential for an infinite number of scene changes and movie genres to explore. None of that has happened and I still ride it on nearly every visit. Why? Nostalgia mostly. I have a love/hate relationship with many of the scenes. I love the Casablanca scene, hate Tarzan, love John Wayne and Mary Poppins, hate The Public Enemy. The Wizard of Oz is my absolute favorite and so well done! If other fans are like me, nostalgia alone probably isn’t enough to keep this ride alive.
If the Rumors are True…
According to speculation from August, 2016, The Great Movie Ride may be replaced by The Great Mickey Ride. Think about the possibilities! Trackless vehicles moving guests through the history of Mickey in all his lovable forms. He’s recognized world-wide and has yet to have his very own attraction! The original spirit of the Studios would live on and new generations of Mickey fans would learn the story of the world’s most famous Mouse. Makes sense as Mickey will celebrate his 100th birthday in 2028. With so much to showcase, this could easily be one of those attractions guests would ride again and again to see what they might have missed on previous visits.
With money and resources currently allocated for Star Wars and Toy Story lands, it seems doubtful that anything will happen in the near future. Goodness knows, the Studios can’t handle anymore closures without new attractions to fill in the gaping holes. I can see how the long-term survival of The Great Movie Ride in its current form is unlikely though, and I’m prepared for it to go away. In the meantime, I intend to ride it a few more times and enjoy one of the last vestiges of what Disney’s MGM Studios originally used to be.
How about you? Are you a fan of The Great Movie Ride? Are you ready to see it replaced?
lisa like you I must ride the great movie ride. this is Hollywood studios after all . just update the ride , fix what is broken & bam you have a showcase attraction . I would think that it would not cost much money. problem is does the powers that be see the simple solution . this attraction does sit center in your park . act like you care at least until star wars comes on line.
If the rumor is true that the park will once again be renamed and if Disney continues to focus strictly on franchises it owns for attractions & associated merchandise, then The Great Movie Ride’s location is prime real estate being underutilized. I think it’s doomed.