Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary…So, What’s the Big Deal?

I think I know. So, today marks one week of my taking on the role of blogger. Today, I found myself shoulder to shoulder, with tourists and bloggers, trying to get the best shot of Mickey and Minnie as they road down Sunset Blvd, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Its not like I have never waited on the side of a street for a parade at a Disney Park before, but today was different. I was the blogger. My husband, has for year, documented the Disney Company all over the world, but today it was me. I found myself asking the question, “What’s the Big Deal?”

I suppose I’m not the best Disney blogger if I am standing around asking “What’s the big deal?” but the question did cause me to reflect on my own motivations. I think the answer is found in the following video:

For me, this video answers the question. That little girl in her father’s arms is me. When I was a child, my Disney World was called Yellowstone National Park. We didn’t go often, but when we did it was a BIG DEAL. The bears were not animatronic, although from the looks of the park visitors who are standing so close to a wild bear, you would think they were. Yellowstone wasn’t really in my backyard, it was a good day’s drive, but when we got there it was all about family. So, what does Yellowstone National Park have to do with a 30th Anniversary of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. That would be explained in the next photo:

The man pushing the stroller is my dad, 30 years later, at a place not too far from where I stood today, taking photos of a parade that was celebrating 30 years. Why does it matter? My kid’s Yellowstone was Walt Disney World and when my parents came to visit we always made a trip to the park. What’s the big deal? The opening of a park is only important because family’s make memories there! That is particularly important because the man in both of those pictures passed away in January. For me those photos are priceless. And so is this one:

As I stood on the street taking pictures a few hours ago, I pondered where I was 30 years ago when the Studios opened. Then I laughed and realized I was home caring for a baby who had been born weeks earlier. The little boy in the red shirt turned 30 years old a few weeks ago. Thirty years of growing old together is something to celebrate! Thank you Disney’s Hollywood Studios for being the backdrop for family memories. I hope we continue to grow old together!!