Hollywood Studios Overview
Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, opened its doors on May 1, 1989. Initially designed to provide a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood filmmaking, the park has evolved into a dynamic destination offering immersive experiences based on popular movies and television shows.
With its blend of thrilling rides, interactive attractions, and live entertainment, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports guests into the heart of beloved franchises such as Star Wars, Toy Story, and more. From the high-speed excitement of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to the whimsical adventures in Toy Story Land and the galaxy far, far away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the park offers something for visitors of all ages.
Hollywood Studios Attractions
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Guests can pilot the Millennium Falcon on a thrilling interactive smuggling mission.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: This groundbreaking attraction puts guests in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
Toy Story Land
- Slinky Dog Dash: A family-friendly roller coaster that twists and turns through Andy’s backyard.
- Alien Swirling Saucers: A fun, spinning ride where guests can join the Toy Story aliens in their flying saucers.
- Toy Story Mania!: An interactive 4D shooting game where guests compete in carnival-themed games.
Sunset Boulevard
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A thrilling drop tower ride that takes guests on a spooky journey through a haunted hotel.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: A high-speed indoor roller coaster with inversions, themed around an Aerosmith concert.
Hollywood Boulevard
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: A whimsical dark ride where guests embark on a madcap adventure inside a cartoon with Mickey and Minnie.
Echo Lake
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: A 3D motion simulator ride that takes guests on an exciting journey through the Star Wars universe.
Hollywood Studios Entertainment
Echo Lake
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: A live-action show featuring thrilling stunts and special effects, reenacting scenes from the Indiana Jones films.
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: A fun, interactive sing-along show where guests join Anna, Elsa, and friends to sing songs from Disney’s “Frozen.”
Grand Avenue
- Muppet*Vision 3D: A 3D film experience with the Muppets, featuring lively antics, special effects, and plenty of laughs.
Sunset Boulevard
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage: A Broadway-style musical that brings the beloved characters and songs from “Beauty and the Beast” to life.
Animation Courtyard
- Disney Junior Dance Party!: An energetic, interactive show where young guests can dance and sing with their favorite Disney Junior characters.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid: A live performance combining puppetry, special effects, and songs from “The Little Mermaid.” *Returning Soon
Commissary Lane
- Mickey Shorts Theater: A theater experience featuring Mickey Mouse cartoons and fun, interactive elements.
Dining at Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste, from quick-service snacks to full-service dining experiences. Here’s a comprehensive list of the park’s dining options:
Quick-Service Restaurants
- Backlot Express: Classic American fare such as burgers, chicken nuggets, and salads in a movie-set-themed setting.
- Catalina Eddie’s: Pizza, Caesar salads, and seasonal treats.
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: Unique Star Wars-themed dishes like smoked ribs, fried chicken, and plant-based meatloaf.
- Fairfax Fare: Hot dogs, empanadas, and loaded baked potatoes with various toppings.
- PizzeRizzo: New York-style pizza and Italian-inspired dishes in a Muppet-themed pizzeria.
- Ronto Roasters: Grilled sausage and pork wraps in the heart of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Rosie’s All-American Café: Burgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets in a WWII-era setting.
- Woody’s Lunch Box: Classic American comfort food with a Toy Story twist, including sandwiches, tater tots, and specialty drinks.
Table-Service Restaurants
- 50’s Prime Time Café: Home-style comfort food in a retro 1950s kitchen, with servers who treat you like family.
- Hollywood & Vine: Character dining with seasonal buffet offerings, featuring Disney Junior characters at breakfast and Minnie Mouse and friends for lunch and dinner.
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: Italian-American cuisine in a cozy, Italian restaurant setting.
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: Enjoy burgers, sandwiches, and milkshakes in a classic car while watching sci-fi movie clips at a drive-in theater.
- The Hollywood Brown Derby: Signature dining with gourmet American dishes in a replica of the famous Hollywood restaurant.
Snack and Specialty Locations
- Anaheim Produce: Fresh fruit, pretzels, churros, and beverages.
- Baseline Tap House: California craft beers, wines, and small bites like pretzels and charcuterie boards.
- Epic Eats: Funnel cakes, soft-serve ice cream, and beverages.
- KRNR The Rock Station: Soft-serve ice cream, nachos, and beverages.
- Milk Stand: Blue and green milk beverages inspired by Star Wars.
- Oasis Canteen: Ice cream sundaes and specialty beverages.
- The Trolley Car Café: Starbucks coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
Bars and Lounges
- Oga’s Cantina: Themed cocktails, mocktails, and snacks in a lively Star Wars-themed cantina.
- Tune-In Lounge: Classic cocktails and small bites in a retro 1950s living room setting.
- Baseline Tap House: Craft beers, wines, and small bites with a California theme.
Hollywood Studios Fireworks, Parades, and Night Shows
Hollywood Studios no longer has any parades, but they do have nighttime entertainment. Fantasmic is a must-see show, which takes place in an outdoor stadium off of Sunset Boulevard.
It can take a little while to walk to the amphitheater, so be sure to arrive early. The show is extremely popular, so it will be at capacity for many nights. I recommend catching the second show if there are two.
In addition to Fantasmic, Hollywood Studios often has a projection and fireworks show on the Chinese Theater. Check the times guide for the day of your visit to see specifics, but Wonderful World of Animation is showing most nights at 9.
Star Wars Galaxy Edge at Hollywood Studios
Galaxy’s Edge is by far the most popular land at Hollywood Studios. The land offers an immersive Star Wars experience, which includes two rides. Smuggler’s Run lets you pilot the Millenium Falcon on a quest, while Rise of the Resistance sees you get captured by the First Order and make a daring escape.
The rides and the theming are excellent, but probably not what most Star Wars fans first expect. There are also unique dining and shopping locations in the land. I recommend checking out the lightsaber and droid building if your budget allows for it.
Hollywood Studios Transportation
The most common way to get to Hollywood Studios is to drive or take a bus. However, Hollywood Studios also has a Skyliner station that services Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Riviera, and EPCOT. Additionally, there is a boat dock at the park’s entrance with stops at the Boardwalk Inn; Swan and Dolphin; Yacht and Beach; and EPCOT.
Hollywood Studios to EPCOT Skyliner
My favorite way to get between EPCOT and Hollywood Studios is the Skyliner. Once you board, you will go to Caribbean Beach. At Caribbean Beach, you will get off and transfer to the EPCOT line; on the way, you will pass through the Riviera station before proceeding to the International Gateway.
Hollywood Studios Strategies
Because wait times escalate so fast at Hollywood Studios, it is vital to have a good plan. Here are a few to try out:
Hollywood Studios for Toddlers
Planning your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with toddlers can be a fun and stress-free experience with a good strategy. Unfortunately, there aren’t many attractions for them to enjoy, but here are some tips to help you minimize wait times and maximize enjoyment:
Before You Go
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before opening to take advantage of lower wait times in the morning.
- Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes: Consider purchasing Genie+ to access shorter wait times for certain attractions. For high-demand attractions not included in Genie+, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, consider purchasing Individual Lightning Lane access.
Morning
- Rope Drop:
- Head straight to Toy Story Land. Start with Toy Story Mania!, which usually has shorter wait times early in the day.
- Follow up with Alien Swirling Saucers, another toddler-friendly ride with usually shorter lines in the morning.
- If your toddler is adventurous and meets the height requirement, ride Slinky Dog Dash.
- Character Meet-and-Greets:
- Visit characters early in the day when lines are shorter. Characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear are popular with toddlers.
Mid-Morning
- Animation Courtyard:
- Head to Disney Junior Dance Party! for an interactive show that toddlers will love.
- After the show, meet Disney Junior characters like Vampirina and Doc McStuffins.
- Echo Lake:
- Enjoy For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. It’s a great way for toddlers to sing along to their favorite Frozen songs and take a break in an air-conditioned theater.
Lunch
- Quick-Service Lunch:
- Consider eating an early lunch at Woody’s Lunch Box or Backlot Express to avoid the midday rush.
Afternoon
- Nap Time and Relaxation:
- Use this time for a leisurely stroll or let your toddler nap in the stroller. Explore quieter areas like the pathways around Echo Lake or take a break in a shaded area.
- Muppet*Vision 3D:
- Head to Muppet*Vision 3D for a fun and entertaining show that toddlers will enjoy.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid:
- Experience the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a live-action and puppetry show that captivates young children.
Late Afternoon
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
- If your toddler loves Star Wars, take a leisurely stroll through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. While many rides may not be suitable, the area itself is immersive and fun to explore.
- Snack Break:
- Grab a snack from a nearby quick-service stand, like Anaheim Produce or Epic Eats.
Evening
- Dinner:
- Have an early dinner at a family-friendly restaurant like Hollywood & Vine where you can enjoy character dining.
- Fantasmic!:
- If your toddler can stay up a bit later, watch the early showing of Fantasmic!. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good seat.
Hollywood Studios for Kids
If you’re visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios with bigger kids who aren’t quite tall enough for the major thrill rides, you can still have a fantastic day with plenty of exciting and engaging attractions. Here’s a strategy to help you minimize wait times and maximize fun:
Before You Go
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before opening to take advantage of shorter wait times in the morning.
- Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes: Consider purchasing Genie+ to access shorter wait times for select attractions. For high-demand attractions not included in Genie+, consider purchasing Individual Lightning Lane access.
Morning
- Rope Drop:
- Head straight to Toy Story Land. Begin with Toy Story Mania!, a 4D shooting game that’s fun for all ages.
- Next, ride Alien Swirling Saucers, a spinning ride that’s perfect for bigger kids.
- Hollywood Boulevard:
- Make your way to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a whimsical dark ride featuring Mickey and friends on a zany adventure.
- Character Meet-and-Greets:
- Visit characters early in the day when lines are shorter. Look for characters from Toy Story, Mickey and Minnie, or Star Wars.
Mid-Morning
- Animation Courtyard:
- Visit Disney Junior Dance Party! if your kids enjoy dancing and singing with their favorite Disney Junior characters.
- Experience Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a captivating show with live performers, puppetry, and special effects.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
- Take a walk through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. While some rides may have height restrictions, kids can still explore the immersive environment, build a droid at Droid Depot, or grab a snack at one of the themed eateries.
Lunch
- Quick-Service Lunch:
- Consider dining at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo or Backlot Express for a variety of kid-friendly meals.
Afternoon
- Echo Lake:
- Head to Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, a 3D motion simulator ride with multiple Star Wars adventures. Check the height requirement to ensure it’s suitable for your kids.
- Catch For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, where kids can join in singing their favorite Frozen songs.
- Muppet*Vision 3D:
- Enjoy the entertaining and humorous Muppet*Vision 3D show.
Late Afternoon
- Animation Courtyard:
- Check out Walt Disney Presents, a walk-through exhibit showcasing the life and legacy of Walt Disney, which includes a short film.
- Snacks and Relaxation:
- Take a break with a snack from Anaheim Produce or Epic Eats.
Evening
- Dinner:
- Have an early dinner at 50’s Prime Time Café or Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant for a fun and themed dining experience.
- Fantasmic!:
- If your kids can stay up a bit later, watch the early showing of Fantasmic!. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to get good seats and enjoy the nighttime spectacular.
Hollywood Studios for Adults
Adults visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios can enjoy a blend of thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, and unique dining options. Here’s a strategy to help you minimize wait times and maximize enjoyment:
Before You Go
- Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before opening to take advantage of lower wait times in the morning.
- Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes: Consider purchasing Genie+ to access shorter wait times for select attractions. For high-demand attractions not included in Genie+, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, consider purchasing Individual Lightning Lane access.
Morning
- Rope Drop:
- Head straight to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to experience this groundbreaking attraction before the lines get too long.
- Follow up with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you can pilot the iconic ship on an exciting mission.
- Toy Story Land:
- Next, make your way to Slinky Dog Dash for a fun and thrilling coaster experience.
- Ride Toy Story Mania! for a competitive and interactive 4D shooting game.
Mid-Morning
- Hollywood Boulevard:
- Experience Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, a whimsical dark ride featuring Mickey and Minnie on a cartoon adventure.
- Sunset Boulevard:
- Ride The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a thrilling drop tower ride with spooky theming.
- Follow up with Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith for a high-speed, indoor roller coaster ride.
Lunch
- Table-Service Lunch:
- Enjoy a relaxing lunch at The Hollywood Brown Derby, known for its upscale American cuisine and classic Hollywood ambiance.
- Alternatively, try 50’s Prime Time Café for home-style comfort food in a nostalgic 1950s kitchen setting.
Afternoon
- Muppet*Vision 3D:
- Head to Muppet*Vision 3D for a humorous and entertaining 3D show featuring the beloved Muppets.
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue:
- Ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue for a thrilling 3D motion simulator experience set in the Star Wars universe.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
- Spend some time exploring Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Visit Oga’s Cantina for themed cocktails and small bites in an immersive environment.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!:
- Catch the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! show for thrilling live-action stunts and special effects.
Late Afternoon
- Animation Courtyard:
- Visit Walt Disney Presents for a walk-through exhibit showcasing the history and legacy of Walt Disney, and watch a short film about his life.
- Snack and Relaxation:
- Grab a snack at Baseline Tap House, which offers California craft beers, wines, and small bites in a relaxed atmosphere.
Evening
- Dinner:
- Dine at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant for a unique experience where you enjoy your meal in a classic car while watching sci-fi movie clips at a drive-in theater.
- Nighttime Entertainment:
- End your day with Fantasmic!, a spectacular show featuring fireworks, water projections, and live characters. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good seat.
- If you prefer a more relaxed evening, find a spot to enjoy the park’s ambiance and nighttime lighting.
Hollywood Studios for Seniors
For seniors visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, focusing on leisurely experiences, entertaining shows, and moderate attractions can make for a delightful day. Here’s a strategy to help you minimize wait times and maximize enjoyment:
Before You Go
- Arrive Early: Arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before opening to take advantage of lower wait times in the morning.
- Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes: Consider purchasing Genie+ to access shorter wait times for select attractions. This can help make your day more relaxed and enjoyable.
Morning
- Rope Drop:
- Head to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway for a whimsical and gentle dark ride featuring Mickey and friends.
- Next, make your way to Toy Story Land and ride Toy Story Mania!, an interactive and fun 4D shooting game suitable for all ages.
- Echo Lake:
- Visit Star Tours – The Adventures Continue for a thrilling yet moderate 3D motion simulator experience set in the Star Wars universe.
Mid-Morning
- Animation Courtyard:
- Watch Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a captivating live show with puppetry and special effects.
- Head to Walt Disney Presents for a walk-through exhibit showcasing the life and legacy of Walt Disney, and enjoy a short film about his life.
- Grand Avenue:
- Enjoy Muppet*Vision 3D, a humorous and entertaining 3D show with the beloved Muppets.
Lunch
- Table-Service Lunch:
- Relax and enjoy a meal at 50’s Prime Time Café for home-style comfort food in a nostalgic setting.
- Alternatively, try The Hollywood Brown Derby for an upscale dining experience with classic American cuisine.
Afternoon
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge:
- Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at a leisurely pace. Visit the various shops and enjoy the detailed theming of the land.
- If interested, visit Oga’s Cantina for themed non-alcoholic drinks and light bites in an immersive environment.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!:
- Catch the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! show for thrilling live-action stunts and special effects.
- Echo Lake:
- Enjoy For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, an interactive and entertaining show where you can sing along to your favorite Frozen songs.
Late Afternoon
- Relaxation and Snacks:
- Take a break and grab a snack at Baseline Tap House, which offers California craft beers, wines, and small bites in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Stroll around Echo Lake or find a shaded spot to relax and people-watch.
- Animation Courtyard:
- Visit Disney Junior Dance Party! if you’re interested in seeing younger guests enjoy an energetic and interactive show.
Evening
- Dinner:
- Have an early dinner at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant for a unique experience where you dine in a classic car while watching sci-fi movie clips.
- Alternatively, dine at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano for Italian-American cuisine in a cozy setting.
- Nighttime Entertainment:
- End your day with Fantasmic!, a spectacular show featuring fireworks, water projections, and live characters. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good seat.
- If you prefer a more relaxed evening, find a spot to enjoy the park’s ambiance and nighttime lighting.
Hollywood Studios Rope Drop
There are several strategies for rope drop at Hollywood Studios. You can either turn right on Sunset Boulevard and hit the two thrill rides or head toward the back of the park.
I usually go straight for Rise of the Resistance, but it is a gamble since the ride sometimes isn’t running at park opening. However, on mornings that it does work, the ride usually opens earlier than any other attraction in the park.
Alternatively, I recommend heading for Toy Story Land and getting on Slinky Dog Dash since the line gets very long and the queue is miserable during the day.
Hollywood Studios Genie Plus
Genie Plus can be helpful on some days, but return times for the popular rides are usually gone by lunchtime. Therefore, it isn’t as valuable as many assume. I do not get Genie Plus for Hollywood Studios because return times are taken up quickly, but it may be worth it if you want to avoid some of the ridiculously long lines.
Hollywood Studios and EPCOT in One Day
It is possible to visit Hollywood Studios and EPCOT in one day, but you won’t be able to see everything. I recommend going to Hollywood Studios in the morning and prioritizing the most important rides. Then, hop over to EPCOT for the afternoon to experience the World Showcase and Luminous.
Hollywood Studios Tickets
When planning your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there are several ticket options to consider. Here’s a brief overview to help you choose the best option for your visit:
Standard Theme Park Ticket
- Single-Day Ticket: Grants entry to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for one day. Pricing varies based on the date, with higher prices during peak seasons.
- Multi-Day Tickets: Available for 2 to 10 days, offering admission to one theme park per day. The per-day cost decreases with the purchase of multi-day tickets.
Park Hopper Option
Allows you to visit multiple Disney parks in a single day. You can start your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and then hop to another park after 2 PM. This option is ideal if you want to experience more than one park in a single day.
Park Hopper Plus Option
Includes the benefits of the Park Hopper ticket plus access to additional experiences, such as Disney’s water parks, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, and Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course. This option is perfect for guests who want to enjoy a variety of Disney experiences beyond the theme parks.
Annual Passes
- Disney Incredi-Pass: Offers unlimited access to all four Disney theme parks with no blockout dates, plus additional benefits like complimentary parking, discounts on dining, merchandise, and special events.
- Disney Sorcerer Pass (Florida Residents and DVC Members only): Includes access to all four theme parks with some blockout dates during peak times.
- Disney Pirate Pass (Florida Residents only): Includes access to all four theme parks with more blockout dates compared to the Sorcerer Pass.
- Disney Pixie Dust Pass (Florida Residents only): The most affordable annual pass option with the most blockout dates, suitable for those with flexible schedules.
Special Event Tickets
- After Hours Events: Separate ticketed events held on select nights, allowing access to the park after regular operating hours with lower crowd levels and shorter wait times for attractions.
- Holiday Parties: Special events such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ Christmas celebrations, which often include exclusive entertainment, parades, and fireworks.
Purchasing Tips
- Advance Purchase: Buy tickets in advance through the official Disney website or authorized sellers to secure the best prices and availability.
- Check for Discounts: Look for available discounts for Florida residents, military personnel, and annual passholders.
Hollywood Studios Map
We are working to get park maps added soon. In the meantime, you can check the interactive map on the official Disney World website: Here
FAQs
Can Hollywood Studios Be Done in One Day?
I recommend planning a full day at Hollywood Studios. While the park doesn’t have a ton of rides, the ones it does have get very long lines. Additionally, there are quite a few shows which take up a lot of time.
Can I Buy Hollywood Studios Tickets at the Gate?
Tickets are available at the gate but are subject to availability based on park capacity. I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance to ensure you can enter the park on the intended day. Buying in advance will also save a considerable amount of money compared to the gate price.
Is it Worth Going to Hollywood Studios Without Rides?
Hollywood Studios is the one Walt Disney World park that it doesn’t make sense to visit if you don’t like rides. While the shows are nice, the park heavily focuses on thrill rides. I would consider getting a park hopper and spending half a day at Hollywood Studios and the other half at Animal Kingdom.
Does Disney Make Movies at Hollywood Studios?
When Hollywood Studios opened in 1989, it was heavily advertised as a working movie studio, and several films were made there. However, the animation and live-action studios were all shut down over the years as production moved to other locations and the park needed room to grow.
Where Is Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios?
Unlike Disneyland, Fantasmic at Hollywood Studios is in an amphitheater down Sunset Boulevard. There is a turn on the right, near Beauty and the Beast. Within an hour of showtime, you will see a stream of people heading down Sunset to the amphitheater.
Hollywood Studios or Universal Studios?
Hollywood Studios is a part of the Walt Disney World Resort and includes the popular Star Wars land, Galaxy’s Edge. Universal Studios is a different theme park located in Orlando and part of the larger Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Studios is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
