Dates: 1984 – 1990
Riding the anticipation for the long-awaited sequel to the classic ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ (1984), the World of Cinemagic was rethemed to cover the special effects used in space movies.
Landmark Entertainment started work on the project in 1983, and it opened in 1984 (month unknown).
At this point, the lower lot didn’t exist as a separate part of the theme park, so the Studio Tour tram was the only way to get to Stages 30 and 32.
Both former soundstages ran the same show back-to-back until in 1991 the World of Cinemagic returned, and the Starway and theme park expansion brought guests on foot for the first time.
The 2010 Special Effects stage in 1988 (photo courtesy Cathie O’Dea, London UK)