IN MEMORIUM- THE GREAT MOVIE RIDE

It is no secret that I have been an unashamed lover of film since I was just a kid. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that The Great Movie Ride has always been one of my favorite attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In the ride, you get to take a magical journey INTO some of the greatest films in history. The facade was the historic Mann's Chinese Theater, which you got to walk into and briefly explore the lobby before boarding a tram (complete with your own guide) to travel INTO the movies. My favorite scenes were the loading scene (complete with recorded cries of "Places everybody, this is a take! Quiet on the set! Lights! Camera! Aaaandd...Action!" followed by a memorable version of 'Horray For Hollywood'), Mary Poppins, Gangster Alley, and Alien. Today (Aug. 13, 2017) is the final day of operation for the classic attraction, and I sincerely regret not getting a chance to say a final farewell. It is set to be replaced by a hi-tech new Mickey Mouse ride (the first ride to ever be based off Mickey and crew at any of the Disney Parks). While it does feel right to finally get a ride centered around the mouse that started it all, it still hurts a ton to be losing such an unforgettable (if not dated) attraction. Like Universal Studios Orlando's Jaws before it, this will leave an ache that will fade, but never quite go away. R.I.P Great Movie Ride, and thanks for the edu-tainment, thrills, and fun. You really were a great ride ( and so much more).