The Great Movie Ride was an iconic attraction at Walt Disney World’s MGM Studios, later Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park, located in Orlando, Florida. The ride, which opened in 1989 and closed in 2017, took guests on a journey through some of the greatest films of all time. It was a unique and immersive experience that left a lasting impression on all who rode it.
The Great Movie ride was housed inside a massive replica of the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. Guests entered the theater and were treated to a pre-show film featuring some of Hollywood's most famous movies and actors. This video set the tone for the attraction and got guests excited for what was in store!
Once the pre-show was over, guests boarded a ride vehicle in a loading area that resembled a movie set. Once loaded, the ride then took guests through a series of scenes from some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, including Singin’ in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, Alien, Footlight Parade (one of our personal favorites) and Raiders of the Lost Ark. The scenes were incredibly detailed and included audio-animatronic figures of famous characters, elaborate sets, and special effects. Even the cast members were part of the show! Most famously during the Raiders of the Lost Arc scene!
One of the highlights of the Great Movie Ride was the gangster scene, which featured audio-animatronic figures of famous movie gangsters like James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson. The scene was incredibly detailed and included a shootout between rival gangs that culminated in a spectacular explosion. Or perhaps you traveled to an old western movie where a shootout lead to a giant explosion and fire. Anything is possible in the movies after all!
Another memorable scene was the Wizard of Oz section, which took guests through Munchkinland and then, face to face with the Wicked Witch of the West herself.The audio-animatronic figures were incredibly life like, in fact, in 1989 when the ride opened, the A-100 figure of the Wicked Witch was the most advanced animatronic Walt Disney Imagineering had designed to date. Fun Fact! The Fantasia scene was supposed to recreate the tornado from the Wizard of Oz, leaving guests in Oz with the Munchkins in the next scene, however contract issues only allowed Disney to portray 2 scenes from the iconic film. Therefore, the tornado scene was scrapped and the Fantasia scene was added in its place!
The Great Movie Ride was not only a great way to experience some of Hollywood's most famous and iconic films but was also an example of Disney's commitment to cutting edge technology and special effects to create immersive experiences for their guests.
The ride closed in 2017 to make way for a new attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first attraction to feature the big cheese himself, Mickey Mouse. While the Great Movie Ride may be gone, it is not forgotten. The ride will always hold a special place in the hearts of Disney fans and will be remembered as one of the greatest attractions in Walt Disney World history.
Celebrate The Great Movie Ride and its incredible history with a Great Movie Ride FastPass Pin or a Footlight Parade Sticker! And of course drop your suggestions for new Great Movie Ride designs HERE!