San Francisco, CA, USA (March 12, 2015) — Marc Graser reports in Variety from the Walt Disney Company’s annual shareholders meeting:
“Disney plans to give its Hollywood Studios theme park a new name — which would become the park’s third since it opened in 1989.
“Walt Disney Co. chairman and CEO Bob Iger revealed the planned rebranding while taking questions during the company’s annual shareholders meeting, held Thursday in San Francisco.
“When asked by a young guest if Hollywood Studios would be renamed, Iger inadvertently said it would, but tried to backtrack when realizing the plans had yet to be announced. He provided no other details other than to say that the Orlando park is currently getting a significant overhaul, which would be followed by a rebranding when the updates are complete.
“A number of attractions have been shuttered, including its backlot studio tour, to make way for new ones. Those could include additional ‘Star Wars’ themed rides and attractions. Mickey Mouse’s sorcerers hat from ‘Fantasia’ is also being removed, which blocked the facade of a replica of Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theater, which houses ‘The Great Movie Ride.’ That attraction is getting an upgrade as part of a partnership with Turner Classic Movies.”