Let's go to Hollywood Studios!


Disney's Hollywood Studios: The Ultimate Guide to Movie Magic
Disney's Hollywood Studios was originally opened in 1989 as Disney-MGM Studios, with the idea of immersing guests in the magic of filmmaking. Over time, the park evolved and expanded to include even more beloved franchises and thrilling attractions. Today, Hollywood Studios is a place where movie magic comes to life, and there's no shortage of fun to be had. 

Key Attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios

  1. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge If you've ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Star Wars, this is your chance. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is an immersive land that transports you to the planet Batuu. Explore the Black Spire Outpost, a bustling marketplace, and enjoy incredible attractions like Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, where you can pilot the Millennium Falcon on a daring mission, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, a thrilling ride that puts you right in the middle of the Resistance's fight against the First Order. The level of detail and immersive storytelling here makes it a must-see for any Star Wars fan. 
  2. Toy Story Land If you've ever wondered what it's like to shrink down to the size of a toy, Toy Story Land will show you. The vibrant land brings Andy's backyard to life, where you can explore attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly rollercoaster that zooms you around the yard, and Alien Swirling Saucers, a fun, spinning ride with the loveable aliens from Toy Story. Don't forget to grab a bite at Roundup Rodeo BBQ, where you can enjoy delicious comfort food with a fun twist. 
  3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror For thrill-seekers, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a must-ride. Step into the spooky world of the Twilight Zone as you embark on a terrifying elevator ride that takes you up and down through the eerie Tower of Terror. With its intense drops, creepy atmosphere, and fantastic theming, this ride is a classic Disney experience that is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat. 
  4. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith ( soon to be redone to Muppets!) Get ready to rock out with Aerosmith in this high-speed indoor rollercoaster that takes you through the streets of Los Angeles at the speed of sound. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is a thrilling ride that blasts you through twists, turns, and loop-de-loops all while jamming to Aerosmith's greatest hits. It's one of the park's most intense and exhilarating experiences. 
  5. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway This newer attraction offers a completely unique experience. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is the first-ever Mickey Mouse-themed ride-through attraction at Disney parks. You'll board a train and follow Mickey and Minnie through a zany cartoon world full of surprises. The ride utilizes groundbreaking trackless technology, making it a completely different experience each time you ride. 
Iconic Shows and Entertainment. 
Hollywood Studios is not only known for its rides but also for its incredible live entertainment. 
  • Fantasmic!: This nighttime spectacular is a must-see. Watch as Mickey Mouse's dreams come to life in a show filled with fireworks, water effects, dancing, and Disney characters. It's an unforgettable experience that captures the heart of Disney storytelling. 
  • Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage: This Broadway-style musical performance brings that beloved Beauty and the Beast story to life. With stunning costumes, beautiful music, and fantastic choreography, it's an absolute treat for Disney fans. 
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Indiana Jones stunts in this action-packed show. Watch as performers demonstrate how Hollywood stunt work is done, and witness thrilling sequences with explosions and daring moves.
Dining Options at Hollywood Studios
From quick bites to full-service meals, Hollywood Studios has plenty of dining options to satisfy any craving. 
  • The Hollywood Brown Derby: This signature dining experience offers delicious American cuisine with a touch of glamour. Its iconic Cobb Salad is a crowd favourite. 
  • 50's Prime Time Café: Step into a retro dining room where you'll be treated like a member of the family! The servers here are part of the fun, scolding you to keep your elbows off the table and finish your veggies. 
  • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: Located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, this quick-service location serves up unique meals inspired by the Star Wars universe. From savory bowls to out-of-this-world desserts, it's perfect for fueling up between adventures. 
Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Attractions 
While Hollywood Studios is packed with famous attractions, there are also hidden gems that often go unnoticed but are worth the time to explore. 
The Trolley Car Café
Located on Hollywood Boulevard, this charming Starbucks location offers a great spot to relax and enjoy a coffee or pastry. While it might seem like just another coffee stop, it has a vintage feel with a delightful theme and is a perfect resting spot before heading out for more adventures. Plus, it offers a cozy atmosphere that's a bit quieter compared to other spots in the park. 
Animation Courtyard
Hidden near the back of the park, the Animation Courtyard features a small but important collection of attractions dedicated to the artistry behind Disney animation. you can explore various exhibits and shows that highlight Disney's animators and the process behind their magic. Plus, you may find some rare character meet-and-greets here, including Disney Junior characters like Sofia the First and Doc McStuffins, making it ideal for younger guests. 
The Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
For families and fans of Frozen, the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is an absolute treat. This live show features and entertaining mix of songs from Frozen (you'll definitely hear "Let It Go") along with hilarious narrators and animated moments that bring the movie to life. It's a fun and lighthearted experience that's perfect for both little ones and adults who can't help but sing along. 

Seasonal Events and Special Experiences
Hollywood Studios comes alive with special events during certain times of the year, providing even more reasons to visit. 
Holiday Decorations and Events
During the holiday season, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with stunning decorations, special holiday-themed shows, and even festive character meet-and-greets. The highlight of this time of year is the Sunset Seasons Greetings, where the Hollywood Tower Hotel becomes a canvas for projections featuring Christmas stories, which features a mix of Disney holiday classics and festive fireworks. 
Star Wars Day- May the 4th Be With You 
For hardcore Star Wars fans, Disney's Hollywood Studios is the place to be on May the 4th (also known as Star Wars Day). The park hosts special events and character appearances, and you can often see exclusive offerings and themed merchandise. If you're visiting around this time, make sure to check out the unique celebrations.

Character Meet-and-Greets
One of the best parts of any Disney park is meeting your favourite characters, and Hollywood Studios has a great lineup of beloved characters for photo ops and interactions. 
Classic Characters: Be on the lookout for Mickey, Minnie, and friends throughout the park, especially in areas like the Red Carpet Dreams spot. Mickey and Minnie often appear in their glamorous Hollywood outfits, ready for a photo session that gives guests the chance to live their own red carpet moments. 
Star Wars Characters: Star Wars fans will be delighted to encounter characters from the galaxy far, far away. Form Chewbacca to Rey and Kylo Ren, there are plenty of characters to meet, especially in Galaxy's Edge. Don't be surprised if you run into a Stormtrooper patrol or have a brief interaction with a member of the Resistance or the First Order. 
Toy Story Characters: In Toy Story Land, you can meet characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and even the adorable Alien. These larger-than-life figures make for some great photo opportunities, especially for fans of the Toy Story franchise. 

 
Tips for Visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios
  1. Arrive Early: Hollywood Studios can get crowded, especially with popular attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. Arriving early will help you enjoy some of the top rides before the lines get long. 
  2. Use Lightning Lane: Disney's Lightning Lane is a paid skip-the-line system that allows you to bypass the lines of certain attractions. This helps you save time on the popular rides. 
  3. Plan for Breaks: Hollywood Studios can be a very active park with a lot of walking. Take breaks to recharge, especially if you're visiting with young children or if the weather is hot. There are plenty of shaded areas to relax. 
  4. Check Showtimes: Be sure to check the schedule for shows and character meet-and-greets. Disney's Hollywood Studios offers some incredible performances, and you won't want to miss out on the entertainment.  
Final Thoughts
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park that balances thrills, nostalgia, and incredible storytelling. Form the immersive worlds of Star Wars and Toy Story to the classic appeal of Mickey & Minnie, it offers something for everyone. Whether you're into high-speed rollercoasters, live entertainment, or meeting Disney characters, Hollywood Studios will captivate you from start to finish. So, grab your tickets, plan your visit, and get ready to create magical memories in this cinematic wonderland.

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