Entertainment
“Wonderful World of Animation” to cap milestone day at the Walt Disney World Resort theme park, including special merchandise, food and beverage, and character appearances
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Wednesday, Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrated its 30th anniversary in a grand style befitting the glamorous Walt Disney World Resort theme park. The day began with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse leading a cavalcade of Disney characters down Hollywood Boulevard, followed by the introduction of a new logo for the park, and then will conclude tonight with the debut of a new projection show on the iconic Chinese Theatre.
On its 30th anniversary, May 1, 2019, Disney’s Hollywood Studios revealed a new logo for the theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (Disney)
In addition, the park unveiled a collection of merchandise, food and drinks commemorating the occasion, and guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on Wednesday receive a special 30th anniversary button, map and poster (while supplies last).
The park’s past, present and exciting future are recurring themes on this special day. It was May 1, 1989, when Hollywood celebrities walked the grand-opening red carpet. The park has evolved since those early days, when it was a fully functioning television and movie production studio providing a peek behind the scenes at moviemaking magic. Disney’s Hollywood Studios today brings more stories to life in new ways, inviting guests to let their own adventures begin in immersive new worlds.
A bevy of new and upcoming experiences anchor a park undergoing a historic transformation, including the recently opened Toy Story Land, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, An Incredible Celebration on Pixar Place, and Disney Junior Dance Party! On Aug. 29, 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will allow guests to live their own Star Wars adventures in a new, 14-acre immersive land, followed in spring 2020 by the planned opening of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, the first ride-through attraction in Disney Parks history to feature Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.
For the park’s 30th anniversary celebration, Disney lifted the curtain on an array of special experiences, merchandise, culinary delights and more:
- In a special ceremony Wednesday morning, “A 30th Anniversary Star-Studded Celebration” rolled down Hollywood Boulevard, fittingly led by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. In addition to those true originals, the parade featured beloved characters found throughout the park, including Indiana Jones, Belle and the Beast, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, and more.
- The star-studded cavalcade closed with a ceremony revealing the park’s new logo, which emphasizes the transformation Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undertaking.
- The evening of May 1 heralds the premiere of “Wonderful World of Animation,” a new show projected onto the Chinese Theatre. This journey through 90-plus years of Disney and Pixar animated films will include blasts from the past and rarely seen characters, as well as new favorites and classic stories. Each night, this delightful new show will lead into the popular “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular.”
- Milestone-minded guests can stock up on commemorative merchandise including trading pins, tumblers, apparel, ornaments and MagicBands (available while supplies last).
- In honor of the park’s 30th anniversary, guests for a limited time can indulge in specially themed cocktails as well as sweets including Incredibles Macarons, Kylo Ren Cupcakes and Lightsaber Churros.
- The park also announced enhancements coming to Toy Story Land. A new table-service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, will make guests feel like honorary toys in a Western-themed play set created from a colorful mash-up of fun, oversized toys and cardboard boxes. And in celebration of the June debut of Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story 4,” a pop-up merchandise location will be opening soon at the exit of Toy Story Mania!, featuring a variety of products commemorating the new film.
Central Florida News
Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando
Entertainment
USF Credit Union Named Presenting Sponsor of ‘Rainbow To Your Door’ With $5,000 Challenge Match Grant
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The production team behind Rainbow To Your Door announced that USF Credit Union has joined the upcoming theatrical production as its Presenting Sponsor, accompanied by a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant aimed at encouraging community support and helping fully fund the project.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to arts, education, and community engagement across Central Florida. Organizers say the challenge grant will match community contributions dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, helping expand public access and educational opportunities connected to the production.
Original Play Celebrates Florida’s Artistic Legacy
Rainbow To Your Door is an original stage production written by Los Angeles-based playwright Kenneth Brown. The play is inspired by the historic friendship and artistic exchange between acclaimed author and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston and artist Jules André Smith.
Set in 1938 at the historic Maitland Art Center, the production explores the challenges, triumphs, and purpose of artists navigating a rapidly changing world while preserving their creative voices.
“This partnership represents more than sponsorship. It is an investment in storytelling, culture, and preserving the legacy of artistic voices that helped shape Florida’s creative identity,” Brown said. “We are incredibly grateful to USF Credit Union for believing in this vision and helping us create meaningful community impact through the arts.”
Challenge Match Campaign Aims to Fully Fund Production
As part of the sponsorship, USF Credit Union will provide a $5,000 Challenge Match Grant to encourage community participation and charitable giving. Production organizers say that once the matching goal is reached, Rainbow To Your Door will be fully funded.
Donations generated through the campaign will support expanded accessibility initiatives, educational programming, community outreach, and audience engagement efforts associated with the production.
“USF Credit Union is proud to support initiatives that enrich the communities we serve,” said Rick Skaggs, CEO of USF Credit Union. “Rainbow To Your Door reflects the power of culture, education, and the arts to inspire meaningful conversations and strengthen community connections.”
Production Scheduled for October 2026
Media relations and promotional efforts for the production are being coordinated by Fierce Entertainment.
Rainbow To Your Door is scheduled for Oct. 10–11, 2026, at the Timucua Arts Foundation in Orlando.
Additional information regarding ticket sales, sponsorship opportunities, and the community challenge campaign will be announced in the coming weeks.
Media Contact:
Rob Henlon
Fierce Entertainment
rob@alwaysfierce.com
For sponsorship information and production updates, visit Rainbow To Your Door.
Central Florida News
FNN Honors Teen Reporter Isabella Schmitt as She Graduates and Pursues Communications Degree
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News proudly celebrates Isabella Schmitt as she marks an important milestone with her high school graduation and prepares to begin an exciting new chapter pursuing Communications in college.
Over the years, Isabella has represented the next generation of young voices with professionalism, creativity, determination, and passion.
Through reporting opportunities, community involvement, and media experiences, she has continued to shine both on and off camera while inspiring others through her dedication and work ethic.
Jenny Rosario, Vice President of Florida National News, praised Isabella’s accomplishments and bright future ahead.
“Watching Isabella grow both personally and professionally has been truly inspiring,” Rosario said. “She represents the future of journalism, communications, and storytelling. Her passion, confidence, and commitment to making a positive impact through media are remarkable, and we are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished.”
Rosario added that Isabella’s decision to pursue Communications in college is a natural next step for someone with such strong talent and determination.
“The world of media and communications needs more young voices like Isabella’s,” Rosario said. “We know this is only the beginning of many great accomplishments to come.”
Florida National News congratulates Isabella Schmitt and the entire Class of 2026 on this exciting achievement.
“Keep dreaming big and telling stories that matter,” Rosario added.
