Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park is jammed packed! This park has the most amount of thrill rides and attractions. Oddly, it’s also the smallest of the 4 Disney World Theme Parks. So how can you tackle the excitement and score your best day ever at Hollywood Studios? Read on to find out how that’s possible!
Photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
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First, what’s on the agenda?
This park is built to be immersive with lands like Toy Story Land and Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. In addition, there are BIG plans to add more attractions and entertainment in the near future.
Currently, construction is underway for Monstropolis (Monsters Inc), home to the first ever suspended indoor roller coaster on property.
Bottom line: this park is full of very popular attractions and it’s a good idea to have a strategy!
You Can Feel the Force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney opened Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios in 2019. The crowds of Star Wars enthusiasts, me included, were super excited! The land added 2 attractions- Smuggler’s Run and Rise of the Resistance. And this park already offers heavy hitting thrill rides!
photo: @bizzyrunninganddizn
However, it isn’t just the attractions. The whole land itself is an experience! Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge includes:
- Oga’s Cantina– a space bar! Enjoy unique cocktails and a droid DJ. (Requires advanced dining reservations and has a 45-minute limit for guests)
- Droid Depot– Build your own Droid (requires ADR)
- Savi’s Workshop– Here you can build your own lightsaber (requires ADR)
But I haven’t mentioned food service locations! At Ronto Roasters, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo and Black Spires Outpost, guests enjoy shopping and eating with interplanetary flair!
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You’ve got a few friends at Hollywood Studios
Disney opened Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios in 2018. Toy Story Mania was a staple already, and Andy’s Backyard was created in amazing detail.
You are meant to feel like a toy in Andy’s Backyard in Toy Story Land. It is imaginative, colorful, fun, nostalgic, and heavily detailed. It also brought 3 new attractions:
- Slinky Dog Dash– A family friendly rollercoaster that gets very long lines quickly.
- Toy Story Mania– Compete against family and friends in this shooter style ride
- Alien Swirling Saucers– a Spinning “teacup” like attraction with a twist
Additionally, Toy Story Land also has a quick service location, Woody’s Lunch Box and Round Up Rodeo Barbecue, a table service restaurant.
It is the House of The Mouse Afterall!
Hollywood Studios opened Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This attraction took the place of the beloved Old Movie Ride inside the Chinese Theatre in 2020. What’s amazing about this new attraction though? It is the first ride in all the parks to feature Mickey, Minnie and all his pals. Kind of crazy, huh?
Moreover, what’s even more impressive is the ride system! Guests join the the cartoon world on a trackless system as part of the animation. While I loved the Great Movie Ride, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Let’s not forget the originals
So, all that and the original thrill rides- Rockin’ Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror!
Heavy hitting rides means a bonanza of people trying to do it all at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! That means CROWDS, long lines, and limited lightning lane availability.
How do you get it all done at Hollywood Studios?
First, it’s almost essential to purchase the Lightning Lane service.
Pro-Tip at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Purchase Lightning Lane Multipass for this park and Single Pass for Rise of the Resistance.
- Make your first lightning lane reservation for Slinky Dog Dash if you want to ride this attraction. Lightning Lanes sell out quick!
- Get to the park for Rope Drop. If you are staying at a Disney resort, you have early park entry of half an hour before official park opening.
- Use early park entry to knock out some must do attractions without the lightning lane. You may get 1 or 2 done before the crowds.
- Use a combination of lightning lane reservations and stand-by lines to enjoy your day
Always, always refresh your app while you are in the park. Lightning lane availability will open on occasion. You can modify times and attractions after you purchase.
No Lightning Lane Required
Fill your gaps with “filler attractions” That means those experiences (including entertainment) that don’t statistically see long wait times. Some of the best include:
- Beauty and The Beast Stage Show
- For The First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-along
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
Food and Drink options at Hollywood Studios
Next, maybe grab a bite to eat, a drink or wander around the merchant shop areas. Some of your options include:
- Brown Derby Lounge: enjoy of flight of martinis and small bites
- Mobile order a Wookie Cookie from Backlot Express (soooo, good and shareable)
- Baseline Tap House: Get a charcuterie board, a giant pretzel, or a flight of craft beers
- Join the walk-up waitlist for 50’s Primetime Café at get a home cooked meal while having fun with your servers.
- ABC Commissary: You can have a decent quick service meal in the AC with a lot of seating
Last but not least, you can meet and greet some special characters for a meal at Hollywood and Vine Restaurant. It is recommended that you secure an advanced dining reservation 60 days before you arrive.
Final Thoughts on a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Although Hollywood Studios is the smallest of the Disney Theme Parks, it is FULL of the most wanted attractions. As a result, you’ll experience high crowd volumes and long lines for those rides! It is possible accomplish your “must do” list if you have the tools and know the tricks to that.
Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Now that you’ve learned more about Disney’s Hollywood Studios, continue exploring our Walt Disney World resources to plan every part of your vacation.
You may also enjoy:
- Explore Walt Disney World – Your complete destination hub for planning resources, news, and travel inspiration.
- Disney Resort Guides – Compare Disney Resort hotels to find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.
- Park Guides – Discover attractions, entertainment, and tips for each Walt Disney World theme park.
- Dining Guides – Find character dining, quick-service favorites, signature restaurants, and must-try Disney snacks.
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