How to Visit Disney's Hollywood Studios

When you plan on taking an essential Walt Disney World trip, do you tend to overlook Disney's Hollywood Studios just because it hasn't suited your (and/or your kids') taste in the past? But now that the kids are grown, would you like to take a few hours out and explore this park now? This article will give you a rundown of all of the lands and the attractions.

Part 1
Part 1 of 12:

Entering the Park

  1. Discuss some of your other options for the other nearby Walt Disney World parks or local attractions in the area. With other possibilities being the Magic Kingdom , Epcot , and Disney's Animal Kingdom and the mess of water parks and other activities that Disney sponsors, decide if Disney's Hollywood Studios is your best choice.
    • Realize that Disney's Hollywood Studios mostly tries to give people the "lowdown" on how certain things in the movie industry are produced for use on the big screen. They do have a few thrill rides, but the thrill ride sector is still in its infancy.
  2. Disney's Hollywood Studios doesn't have a monorail station to this park, so you'll either have to take a car or Disney's Magical Express bus to this park. The address to the Disney Hollywood Studios is located at 351 South Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. [1] . The cost to park your car at Disney's Hollywood Studios will run you about $25 for cars and upwards from there (depending on the complexity of vehicle). [2] . Depending on how far into the lots it took you to get to the park, you could be located in either the Minnie & Mickey (closest to the parks, though often VIP for an additional cost), Olaf, Buzz, and Jessie. [3]
    • You may also find it easy to get to this park by using Disney's Skyliner gondola system or by walking from Epcot or the paths leading from the resorts to this park.
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  4. Realize that Disney's Hollywood Studios is spread into several "lands" placed sporadically throughout the park including Hollywood and Sunset Boulevards , Echo Lake , Commissary Lane , Grand Avenue , Animation Courtyard , and Toy Story Land . Take a map and review your options in each area.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 12:

Hollywood Boulevard

  1. This land only gives you options for dining and shopping choices - there are no rides or attractions in this area.
  2. 2
    Decide where to eat. There are two restaurants in this area to choose from.
    • You can choose to eat at The Trolley Car Café , which has Starbucks espresso and pastries.
    • You can also choose to eat at The Hollywood Brown Derby , which is more of a sit-down restaurant and serves things like salad, steak, and seafood. The Hollywood Brown Derby also contains a lounge where you can get adult beverages.
      • Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.
  3. 3
    Decide where to shop. Hollywood Boulevard has quite a few stores.
    • You can shop at Mickey's of Hollywood , which has souvenirs, Celebrity 5 & 10 , a pin trading destination that sells home decor, or you can shop at Keystone Clothiers , which sells clothes.
    • You can also stop by Oscar's Super Service to rent strollers, and wheelchairs and to pick up your pickup-requested merchandise.
  4. 4
    Go on through the rest of the park. Pass through and to the right at the first corner, as the park's hub will be slightly straight ahead after this section has come and gone.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 12:

Sunset Boulevard

  1. Sunset Boulevard has two major "wild" thrill rides.
  2. Brave it and entice yourself into riding.
    • The minimum height requirement for this ride is 48in (122cm) [4] .
  3. 3
    Watch Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy show. For those fans of Pixar's Cars movies, this informative-turned-Disney production will have even those few who don't like these movies giggling and learning.
  4. Both of these two buildings are at the farthest edge of this section of the park.
    • The minimum height requirement for this ride is 40in (102cm) [5] .
  5. It's just passed the shops on Sunset Boulevard down another short walkway on the opposite side of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster .
  6. 6
    Decide where to eat. There are quite a few locations on Sunset Boulevard that offer food and drinks.
    • You can eat at Sunshine Day Café (open seasonally), which has snacks to enjoy.
    • You can also try Sunset Ranch Market , which contains multiple food stands listed below.
      • Anaheim Produce , which sells fresh fruit and lemonade
      • Rosie's All-American Café , which sells hamburgers and chicken nuggets
      • Catalina Eddie's (open seasonally), which sells pizza and Caesar salad
      • Fairfax Fare , which sells Tex-Mex food
      • Hollywood Scoops , which sells ice cream.
    • If you want a quick bite, then you can go to KRNR The Rock Station , which sells hot dogs, ice cream, and drinks.
  7. 7
    Go shopping. Many shops are lining Sunset Boulevard .
    • There's Rock Around the Shop , which is located by Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and sells rock and roll merchandise.
    • You can also shop at Tower Hotel Gifts , which is located by the Tower of Terror and sells Tower of Terror themed merchandise.
    • You can also go to Once Upon a Time , which sells Disney-themed apparel, or you can visit Beverly Sunset , which sells Pixar-themed gifts.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 12:

Pixar Place

  1. 1
    Don't worry about rides here. Except for the one meet and greet with Sulley, you will only find one show and two dining locations in this land.
  2. 2
    Watch the Walt Disney Presents show.
  3. 3
    Dine at the Market. The Market has American food, and most of the food once served at the Neighborhood Bakery - including the Num Num Cookie, fresh fruit - and many more drink choices including non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, beer, and soda.
  4. 4
    Dine at Neighborhood Bakery. This location is temporarily closed but had American food when it was last open. It had various Pixar sweets to satisfy your sweet teeth. Inspired by the Incredibles - try the Num Num Cookie or the Frozone Slush - among their menu items.
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Part 5
Part 5 of 12:

Echo Lake

  1. Near the Hub, you will find this area called "Echo Lake." It has a marsh-like lake with a green dinosaur named Gertie, which houses an ice cream shop. It was added here as a tribute to a lesser-known animation but was one of Walt Disney's primary influencing sketches. [6]
  2. 2
    Take in a showing of the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration if you have fans of Frozen at your party. You'll hear and get to sing along with a few favorites from the Frozen movie. [7] It’s also a great place to cool off in air conditioning for a while if you’re in the park on a hot day.
  3. 3
    Visit Olaf at "Celebrity Spotlight" following a showing of "Frozen Sing-Along Celebration." This building is located near the "Frozen Sing-Along Celebration," walk past "Frozen" Fractal Gifts . After the show, you will usually hear an announcement inviting you to meet the snowman.
  4. Be sure not to pass up a showing of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular if you'd like to know how some stunts on movies and TV shows are performed.
  5. 5
    Check out Star Wars: Path of the Jedi. This attraction is a film experience that contains footage from the recent Star Wars movies.
  6. 6
    Go to Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple. This is an absolute must for any young Star Wars fan in your group. Be sure to sign them up for a time slot as soon as you arrive in the park.
    • It can also be a cool show to watch, too.
  7. 7
    Ride Star Tours - The Adventure Continues . This ride is a 3-D motion simulator where you travel through a space battle in Star Wars.
    • The minimum height requirement for this ride is 40in (102cm) [8] .
  8. 8
    Decide where to eat. Echo Lake has many places where you can eat.
    • You can eat at Hollywood & Vine , a buffet restaurant where you can eat with characters from Disney Junior or with Minnie Mouse.
      • Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.
    • You can get alcoholic beverages at Tune-In Lounge .
    • You can eat pot roast, meatloaf, and fried chicken at 50s Prime Time Café . In the 50s Prime Time Café , you also get waitresses that put on a show as if you are in a kitchen of the 1950s with the waitresses becoming your parents (mother or father). But heads up: Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.
    • Dockside Dinner , located in the lake on the lake, offers burgers, salads, and beverages.
    • You can get dessert at Oasis Canteen , which sells funnel cakes and ice cream.
    • You can also try Backlot Express , which offers your normal fare like burgers, salad, chicken nuggets, and drinks.
  9. 9
    Decide where to shop. There are a few stores around Echo Lake which offer merchandise.
    • You can shop at Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost , which sells Indiana Jones-related souvenirs.
    • You can also visit "Frozen" Fractal Gits , which sells Frozen-related goods.
    • You might also want to stop by Tatooine Traders , which sells Star Wars-themed merchandise.
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Part 6
Part 6 of 12:

Commissary Lane

  1. You'll see a limited number of attractions here.
  2. 2
    See Mickey and Minnie at Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams .
  3. 3
    Watch Vacation Fun - An Original Animated Short with Mickey and Minnie.
  4. 4
    Decide where to eat. Commissary Lane has several options you can try.
    • Eat at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant . Here you can get burgers, sandwiches, steak, and other food. You will sit at tables shaped like cars at a drive-in movie theatre with a gigantic movie screen on the establishment's biggest wall.
      • Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.
    • Try the ABC Commissary . This restaurant has standard fare such as burgers, ribs, and chicken.
  5. 5
    Shop on Commissary Lane. Although shopping on Commissary Lane is a little light with just one bookstore labeled The Writer's Stop, this shop keeps the books more than ample to fill your book collection.
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Part 7
Part 7 of 12:

Grand Avenue

  2. Muppet Vision 3D was inspired by the antics of The Muppets from The Muppet Show . It is hilarious and well-liked by all who come for a visit.
    • On the attraction's right, construction for "Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge" is currently underway and is off-limits to normal guests.
  3. 3
    Check out cool places to eat. There are three restaurants in this area to choose from.
    • Go to PizzeRizzo . PizzeRizzo is a pizzeria where you can also get desserts.
    • Check out Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano . This restaurant offers food like pasta, chicken, and seafood.
      • Reservations are recommended for this restaurant.
    • Get drinks and snacks at BaseLine Tap House . This sells California craft beers and wine.
  4. 4
    Go shopping at Stage 1 Company Store . This store sells various Disney-themed products.
  5. 5
    Try "It's a Wonderful Shop for arts and collectibles and gifts and housewares.
  6. This will take you to the hub.
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Part 8
Part 8 of 12:

Animation Courtyard

  1. You'll come across Animation Courtyard .
  2. 2
    See Walt Disney Presents . This show tells the story of Walt Disney and how he managed to build the Disney empire.
  3. 3
    Watch Voyage of The Little Mermaid . This is a live musical featuring characters from The Little Mermaid .
  4. 4
    Check out Star Wars Launch Bay . You can see the movie props and screen videos here. You can also shop for Star Wars merchandise and meet with Star Wars characters.
  5. 5
    Watch Disney Junior - Live on Stage . This is a stage show featuring characters from shows on Disney Junior .
  6. 6
    Ride Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway . This whimsical ride will take you on a zoom on Mickey and Minnie's railway.
  7. 7
    Eat within the Animation Courtyard. This area has too few restaurants. It has a snack stand called "Coffee Espresso and Pastries," which Joffrey's Coffee and Tea Co owns, but there are a few small ice cream carts within this area that make for a small number of choices.
  8. 8
    Shop at the Disney Studio Store . This store contains Disney Junior -themed items.
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Part 9
Part 9 of 12:

Toy Story Land

  1. 1
    Explore Toy Story Land . The newest addition to Disney's Hollywood Studios is Toy Story Land . This land's theme is the Toy Story series of movies and shorts produced by Pixar . There are some exciting rides in this land, but there are currently no merchandise shops onsite.
  2. 2
    Ride Slinky Dog Dash . This is a roller coaster that has curves, hills, and drops.
    • The minimum height requirement for this ride is 38in (97cm) [9] .
  3. 3
    Check out Alien Swirling Saucers . This ride is similar to the spinning teacups ride, but it is different enough to feel like a different ride, and if you're lucky enough, you might get picked by "the claw."
    • The minimum height requirement for this ride is 32in (81cm) [10] .
  4. 4
    Play games on Toy Story Mania . This ride is a 4-D ride where you play multiple mini-games and rack up points. Try to beat your other family members to be the ultimate champion.
  5. 5
    Eat at Woody's Lunch Box . This place offers sandwiches and desserts.
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Part 10
Part 10 of 12:

Star Wars Land:Galaxy's Edge

  1. 1
    Ride Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. This ride allows you and your ride mates to soar through the galaxy fighting against smugglers in a flight mission. Here, you can choose between several portions of the mission - between pilot, engineer, or gunner.
  2. 2
    Ride Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This ride moves you between rooms in an exciting thrill ride.
  3. 3
    Play the games of the Disney Parks mobile games for Rise of the Resistance or Smugglers Run. Scan your mobile phone at codes placed in a variety of locations and play the games that come up based on the instructions you are given within the app.
  4. 4
    Shop in this section of the park.
    • First Order Cargo sells lots of Star Wars branded merchandise from apparel & accessories to plushies to gifts and housewares to arts and collectibles.
    • Droid Depot sells lots of the same merchandise geared to Galaxy's Edge brands.
    • Savi's Workshop - Handbuilt Lightsabers sells lightsabers (as its name entails).
    • Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities sells apparel and accessories, arts and collectibles, gifts and housewares, and toys and plushies.
    • Creature Stall sells primarily toys and plushies.
    • Toydarian Toymakers sell arts and collectibles and toys and plushies.
    • Resistance Supply sells apparel and accessories, arts and collectibles, gifts and housewares, pins, toys, and plushies.
  5. 5
    Dine within this section of the park.
    • Milk Stand sells cold beverages (shakes and similar).
    • Oga Cantina sells drinks - including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. However, you will need to present your Identification if purchasing alcoholic drinks here.
      • Listen to some entertainment music coming from Droid DJ R-3X nearby.
    • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo sells American food.
    • Ronto Roasters sells American food based on the Star Wars theme.
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Part 11
Part 11 of 12:

Nighttime Spectaculars

  1. 1
    Take in the nightly nighttime spectaculars. Two projection shows are shown nightly on the north side of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway on the outside. The first Disney Movie Magic will show some of the Disney movies that have aired with an ode to Walt Disney himself, followed by an intermission between shows, then followed by the Wonderful World of Animation - a longer look at Disney's animated short movies projected on the Railway building.
  2. Fantasmic , the Disney Hollywood Studios nighttime spectacular showdown along another long stretch of walkway in the northeasternmost corner of Sunset Boulevard past the Tower of Terror can be seen on most nights.
    • This has been closed since the pandemic, but there's talk of it returning in 2022 - so stay tuned.
  3. 3
    Forget about the Beacon's of Magic show - if shown on the night of your visit. It's only a minute or so long and projects lights on the outside of the Hollywood Tower Hotel (Twilight Zone Tower of Terror).
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Part 12
Part 12 of 12:

Exiting the Park

  1. Then walk down Hollywood Boulevard and out the exit gate.
    • Remember to stop at Oscar's Super Service and pick up any items you had sent to the park's front.
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Expert Q&A

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      Tips

      • Disney's Hollywood Studios first opened under the name Disney-MGM Studios on May 1, 1989. [11] Its name has been through several other variations but has finally settled on the current name since 2011.
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      • Disney's Hollywood Studios is rarely closed. [12] However, watch for closing times when critically bad weather strikes (hurricanes). During some powerful hurricanes, to keep its guests safe, the parks will close and announce their intentions the day before the hurricane is supposed to make landfall.
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      • Disney's Hollywood Studios , among many of the other Disney Parks , has several unnoticed cooling stations placed sporadically around the park. You won't see them because they are camouflaged so well, but cooling stations exist inside the park. While some are dressed as rocks and other weird things, others are dressed in normal cooling attire.
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      Warnings

      • If you have heart disease or other medical conditions, check with your doctor to see what rides you should avoid and what rides are safe.
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      • Heed all warning signs. If you are an expectant mother, then you should check the signs in front of the ride to see if they warn you against riding.
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      • Always ride the ride with safety in mind. Use all safety devices the ride operator asks you to use.
        • Disney takes safety to an extreme during thunderstorms. Any guest waiting outside is pushed towards the closest pavilion (even if that means having to walk to another attraction nearby that has the capacity needed to hold these few extra guests).
        • Rain will most likely impact a quick stay at Disney's Hollywood Studios , so be prepared if a sudden rainstorm impacts the area. Although your best bet is to run/walk into the nearest attraction and seek shelter, those left outside may be left to fend off the elements that come with it.
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      • Rides occasionally close and change at Disney's Hollywood Studios . Don't be disappointed if your favorite ride has changed or has become defunct. Something will be there to replace it over time.
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      References

      1. ↑ http://www.mickeytown.com/gps-address-for-walt-disney-world-other-central-florida-attractions/
      2. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/parking/
      3. ↑ MyDisneyExperience app → map button → Options drop-down → Transportation → Filter button → select Disney's Hollywood Studios and "Parking" → Apply → click each "P" button
      4. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/rock-and-roller-coaster-starring-aerosmith/
      5. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/twilight-zone-tower-of-terror/
      6. ↑ http://www.wdwforgrownups.com/articles/story-dinosaur-gertie%E2%80%99s-ice-cream-extinction-disney%E2%80%99s-hollywood-studios
      7. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/entertainment/hollywood-studios/frozen-sing-along-celebration/
      8. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/star-tours/
      9. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/slinky-dog-dash/
      1. ↑ https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/attractions/hollywood-studios/alien-swirling-saucers/
      2. ↑ http://www.bing.com/search?q=when+did+the+Disney+MGM+studios+open%3F&src=IE-SearchBox&FORM=IE11SR
      3. ↑ http://yourfirstvisit.net/2010/11/30/park-closings-at-walt-disney-world/

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