Believe it or not, when Disney’s Hollywood Studios first opened back in 1989 it was called the Disney-MGM Studios and you could see the replica of the Mann’s Chinese Theater as you walked up Hollywood Blvd. I will have to scan in some old 4×6 prints someday to show you this view. By the time the digital camera age came around the view of the Great Movie Ride became history as the large Sorcerer Mickey Hat was built directly in front of it.

Many Disney fan photographers have used various techniques to photgraph the front of the GMR in one image from creating wide panoramics using multiple images, fisheye lenses and even a complete 360 degree interactive view using expensive and specialized equipment and software. Last year, I showed you how I used a crystal ball to make unique photographs of Spaceship Earth and Cinderella Castle. Below, I used the crystal ball again. This time to show you the entire front of the Great Movie Ride.

The front of the Great Movie Ride through a crystal ball.

I would still like the old view back someday. I know a lot of photographers who would agree with me.

I will be using the crystal ball for more Disney photographs this year. Stay tuned!