There are certain things I’m unapologetically firm about as a Disney Parks fan. Disney bus air conditioning is unmatched, Horizons deserved a proper rebuild, Citrus Swirl reigns supreme over Dole Whip, Cinderella Castle should never have been painted pink, and nighttime parades are superior in every conceivable way. One more thing I’m absolutely resolute on? Disney should never have gutted The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Instead, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway should have been built in Animation Courtyard.
Picture this: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway taking over the space currently occupied by Star Wars Launch Bay, with room to expand into the small parking lot behind it. Not only would this have preserved a classic piece of Hollywood Studios history, but it would have also reinvigorated Animation Courtyard—a land that now feels like the theme park equivalent of an abandoned mall.
Preserving the Legacy of The Great Movie Ride
The Great Movie Ride was more than just an attraction; it was the beating heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Sure, it was dated, and it certainly could have benefited from some modern upgrades, but its removal fundamentally altered the essence of the park. Hollywood Boulevard still sets the stage with its Golden Age charm, but without The Great Movie Ride anchoring the experience, that cinematic magic feels disjointed. It’s like EPCOT without Spaceship Earth or Animal Kingdom without Kilimanjaro Safaris. You can still walk the streets and feel that Hollywood glitz, but the soul—the celebration of film history—is noticeably absent.
Even as the park transitioned away from its original concept as a working studio, The Great Movie Ride remained a vital link to its past. It was a living, breathing celebration of cinema that kept the park’s theme grounded in its original vision. With its departure, Hollywood Studios became more fragmented, a collection of lands tied together by geography rather than storytelling.
Why Animation Courtyard Was the Perfect Fit
Relocating Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway to Animation Courtyard would have been an inspired choice for several reasons. First, it fits the theme of the courtyard perfectly. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a tribute to classic Disney animation, and Animation Courtyard is—at least in name and spirit—meant to celebrate the art of Disney animation. Star Wars Launch Bay, on the other hand, is a relic of a time before Galaxy’s Edge existed. Its purpose has been obsolete for almost six years now, making it a prime candidate for replacement.
Imagine walking through Animation Courtyard and entering a beautifully reimagined space, designed to transport guests into the wacky, whimsical world of Mickey and Minnie. The transition would feel seamless, breathing new life into a part of the park that desperately needs it.
An Opportunity for a Superior Experience
Building Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway in Animation Courtyard could have also allowed Disney to bring the Disneyland queue experience to Florida. For those unfamiliar, the Disneyland version of the ride features a fully immersive queue that deepens the storytelling experience from the moment you step inside. It’s a journey through the history of Mickey Mouse, full of Easter eggs, vintage animation nods, and thoughtful details that set the stage for the main attraction. Hollywood Studios missed that opportunity by shoehorning the ride into the Chinese Theater, where space constraints limit the experience.
Revitalizing Animation Courtyard
Let’s be honest: Animation Courtyard has long felt like the forgotten corner of Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is more museum than experience, and the courtyard itself is a shadow of its former self. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway could have been the perfect revitalization project, transforming the area into a lively celebration of Disney’s animated legacy, complete with interactive elements, character meet-and-greets, and enhanced theming.
The decision to dismantle such an iconic attraction feels like a missed opportunity—one that could have been elegantly solved by giving Mickey and Minnie their own space in Animation Courtyard, where their animated antics truly belong.
