No More MGM?????

[MNSusan]

Just got back from WDW last night and sat next to a cast member on the plane. She said that August 31 marks the end of MGM's affiliation with Disney. She said that the name would be changed to Disney Studios and speculated that without MGM, the Great Movie Ride would be drastically changed.

I hadn't heard about any of this. What changes do you think would occur as a result of not being affiliated with MGM? I suppose any merchandise with the MGM name on it would change. What else?

 

[meeko_33785]

This rumor tends to pop up a few times a year. Supposedly, the date when the name change would occour was supose to be in June or July, but it didn't happen. It could happen after August 31 or could not. Only time will tell.

 

[Bellefan66]

I too have seen this pop up several times. I think it's just a rumor,or at least I HOPE so, as MGM,is my 2nd favorite park! :

 

[umaangel00]

Is that the only thing that is going to change? I am bummed now!

 

[MickeyMantleMouse]

Wow, I saw the title of this thread and thought MGM was closing or something.

Anyway, the great movie ride, while cool and nostalgic, can definitely use a face-lift. And so can Star Tours.

 

[joe1946]

Well, I'll be there that week, so I'll be able to report on the name change if it occurs.

-- Joe

 

[oogieboogie]

If you watch the planning videos/dvds, they've always referred to it as just Disney Studios and the MGM logos are erased in them. All their promotional materials have always just been Disney Studios.

If all they're doing is changing the name, then what's the big deal?

 

[curiouser]

From what I've read, the contract is up with MGM soon and with Sony now owning MGM its unlikely that they'll allow another aliance with Disney.

As far as Star Tours getting a face lift, Lucas mentioned starting work on giving Star Tours a new theme and feel. But it isn't the first time Lucas has mentioned doing that, so who knows... last rumors point towards a "pod racing" theme.

 

[Kim In NC]

I remember this rumor popping up back in 2000.....MGM had pulled out at that point supposedly! We'll be there starting 9/3 so we'll find out shortly!

 

[WDW1st-timers]

Only time will tell!

 

[eeyore0062]

Oh, that old rumor?... it gets circulated at least once a year. Nothing official has ever been announced, so the name continues to be Disney-MGM Studios!

 

[SueM in MN]

I remember this rumor popping up back in 2000.....MGM had pulled out at that point supposedly! We'll be there starting 9/3 so we'll find out shortly!

I remember reading that in 2000 also. According to those rumors at the time, the Great Movie Ride was going to close any time (in 2000) because the movies in it were mostly MGM movies.
Here's an
article about the subject from earlier this year. Interestingly, the date to remove the MGM references in the story was June 27, 2005.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Well, I guess I will need to change my acromyns from MGM to WDS!

 

[Melwood23]

that is when I noticed even some of the merchandise had changed. Had Disney Studios, and not MGM on it. I even have a pin. But then went back in 2002, and nothing, then in 2004...again, nothing. All the merchandise was back to MGM Disney Studios. It would be a shame to have to change the GMR, as that is one of my fav rides at MGM. Love the WofOz section.

 

[homer424]

that is when I noticed even some of the merchandise had changed. Had Disney Studios, and not MGM on it. I even have a pin. But then went back in 2002, and nothing, then in 2004...again, nothing. All the merchandise was back to MGM Disney Studios. It would be a shame to have to change the GMR, as that is one of my fav rides at MGM. Love the WofOz section.

I have the drinking glasses that McDonalds sold in 2000 for the millenium celebration and for the MGM one it has the Earful Tower with "Disney Studios" on it. We also saw lots of merchandise that said "Disney Studios" alone but when we went in 2003 (we skipped MGM and AK this trip) everything was back to Disney -MGM. I even bought a pin thinking it was a rarity to have it say "Disney -MGM Studios". lol

 

[grinningghost]

The Great Movie Ride rumor has been spinning around for several years now - as much as I like the ride now, I wouldn't mind an update, but I shudder to think how sad it would be if they took the whole attraction out - which has been a rumor as well.

But to those of us who are fanatics - it will always be "MGM" no matter what the real name is.

 

[jann1033]

don't really think that would be a Bad thing..that ride needs some overhauling...as long as they keep TOT RNr and muppets....( B&B and Little mermaid too and haven't done playhouse or what ever it's called but looks like GBwill like that so they can keep that also

 

[Tiffa]

Hi, we just got back and we were putting our smashed pennies into books and I notice they said "Walt Disney Studios" I thought that was strange, but I did remember that MGM was no more. No more MGM name but I dont think it will change the GMR