The Great Movie Ride

The Great Movie Ride was an attraction inside a replica of Grauman's Chinese Theatre, where visitors rode through recreated film sets in vehicles. The journey combined audio-animatronic figures with live performers who interacted with guests during the tour.

The attraction opened in May 1989 as part of the initial phase of Disney's Hollywood Studios and remained operational for nearly three decades. It ceased operation in August 2017 to make way for a new attraction.

The ride guided guests through recreated moments from different film styles, ranging from Westerns to science fiction and musicals. Visitors experienced scenes drawn from productions spanning several decades of American cinema.

The ride lasted roughly 22 minutes and moved through climate-controlled indoor spaces with changing light levels and occasional loud effects. Wheelchair users could board the vehicles directly from their wheelchairs, as loading ramps were level with the platforms.

Disney partnered with Turner Classic Movies to include films outside their own catalog, allowing a broader representation of American filmmaking. The ride was one of the few attractions where live actors remained part of the show throughout the entire journey.

Official opening: May 1, 1989

GPS coordinates: 28.35650,-81.56050

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:06