May 1, 2013: Lights, camera, action!

May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios officially opened to the public. Originally intended to focus on the process of movie making, the park is heavier on entertainment and lighter on ride type attractions. Attractions when the park opened included: The Great Movie Ride, SuperStar Television and The Monster Sound Show. Annette Funicello was present on the first day as well as George Burns and Bob Hope who help but a filmstrip style ribbon to open the studios. Although MGM has departed and the park is now renamed Disney Hollywood Studios, it is a favorite with us. We especially like the late evening street party feel that we still get, especially during evening extra magic hours.

On this date in 1940, Walter Elias Disney received patent #2,201,689 for his multiplane camera. The camera allowed for depth and movement on different layers in the animated feature. The device uses up to seven layers of artwork that move at different speeds with the closest moving fastest and the layer at the greatest depth moving slowest. We love Hollywood Studios and since this is the anniversary of the opening of Hollywood Studios, head over to One Man’s Dream and check out the exhibit on the multiplane camera.

Let’s move over to Downtown Disney (soon to be Disney Springs) or the Lake Buena Vista Shopping Village, as it was known in 1977. The “Empress Lilly”, its namesake, Lillian Disney, christens the replica of a triple-decked Mississippi River boat. The boat features three restaurants and the first character meal at Walt Disney World. Today the boat is Fulton’s Crab House, so let’s go eat.

Quickies:

1947: The University of Oregon gains permission to use Donald Duck as its official mascot and insignia. In 1973, a formal, written contract was signed between the University and Walt Disney Productions. In 1984, Donald Duck was made an honorary alumnus of the university but in 2010 the school and Disney began to separate and distance the relationship. Go Ducks!

1844: Samuel Morse sends the first telegraph message. You can experience a version of this in Spaceship Earth at EPCOT.

1939: Batman comics hit the street. Even though he is DC, he is worthy of mention here and Batman and Superman are my favorite superheroes of all time. Go ride the Iron-Man-orail and imagine you are a superhero soaring high above Walt Disney World.

Today is Amtrak Day. Go ride the train at The Magic Kingdom.

Today is Lei Day. Go get a Dole Whip, like you need an excuse!

Remember, your best excuse is always: waiting for your dreams to come true.