On Thursday, Disney officials confirmed what many were saying (although, I didn't hear anything!)...Disney's-MGM Studio's Theme Park in the Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando, FL) will be renamed in January 2008 to....are you ready?  ..... drum-roll please!

Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Disney is saying the change is due to the changes in the entertainment industry.  It's also said that Disney's licensing agreement with MGM studios expired on June 27th.  Rights to the name and the 'lion' logo expire with that agreement.

It always puzzled me when the park first opened.  MGM wasn't owned by Disney...so why marry the two?  When the park opened years ago, it was a hit.  It's the smallest park of the 4, but I actually like it.  You can see the whole park in a day easily.  The park also has the best rides for big 'kids' and adults (Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Aerosmith Rockin Roller Coaster to name a few).  The actual 'TV and Movie' productions from that property were slow to start...but things should be moving ahead.

When the park is renamed in January, there will be a new 'Toy Story' attraction opening as well.  I get the feeling they are going to start to 'shy' away from the movie classics and start to gear the park to more 'current' Hollywood hits.  There are a few rides that need updating.  There is also going to be a new 'Block Party' parade, new 'High School Musical 2' stage production and a few more surprises next year.

So keep this in mind..and if you visit this year, be sure to pick up something with the Disney MGM name...it might be worth something on E-bay one day!