Walk down Sunset Boulevard where palm trees are lined up along the street flourished with stores designed to look like they came straight from the classic Hollywood days. Spend a day at action-packed Hollywood Studios, built to introduce life behind the scenes of their subsidiary animation companies like Pixar and Lucas Films, with the lands in the park focusing on the prime work of these animation companies, namely Toy Story and Star Wars. This guide shows you the best rides and must-eat snacks for a complete Hollywood Studios experience!
Must-Try Rides
For the thrill-seekers
Adrenaline junkies are sure to love the best ride in Hollywood Studios, the Rock ‘n Roller Coaster. Blast into darkness on the second-fastest ride at Disney World, a coaster that moves at such an incredible speed that guests feel like they are taking off on a spaceship from the sheer amount of gravitational force produced.
Lingering spirits of the haunted hotel tease guests with a “faulty” elevator as they shoot up to the sky and free-fall at Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, an indoor freefall ride that will have your adrenaline pumping from both the thrill and the scares.
One might not dare to ride the elevator alone anymore. Caution: This ride is not for the faint-hearted and the claustrophobic!
For the Jedi in training
The next best ride worth queueing for is Star Wars Rise of the Resistance. Join the resistance and avoid getting caught by Stormtroopers as you glide across a trackless arena on board a battleship.
While you are in the land of Star Wars, operate and take control of the franchise’s most famous icons, the Millennium Falcon. Guests must work together to pass the smuggling mission at the thrilling Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.
For the Toy Story fans
Come back to Earth and shrink to the same level of fellow toys from the beloved Toy Story. Start with Slinky Dog Dash, an easy coaster which sees you riding on Slinky’s back.
For something a little more intense, hang on tight and try not to let the Little Green Men spin little guests out of this world at the Alien Swirling Saucer.
Head over to Toy Story Mania, an interactive 3D attraction where guests can compete with fellow companions for the highest score as you shoot at various targets on a moving ride.
Must-Eats
After all those exhilarating and hair-raising rides, here are some goodies for you to refuel your mind and body.
A quick sugar fix at the Neighbourhood Bakery is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Why not try Jack Jack’s favorite, a warm and gooey Num Num chocolate chip cookie ($5.79).
If Jack Jack has already polished them off the racks, head to Trolley Car Treats at the park’s Starbucks and hopefully, the popular Carrot Cake Cookie ($3.99) is still available by noon.
While you’re at Toy Story Land, order the BBQ Brisket Melt ($12.99) at Woody’s Lunch Box, and wash it down nicely with a refreshing cup of alcoholic Grown-Ups’ Lemonade ($12).
Make reservations at the 50s Prime Time Café for a unique dining experience, with a space that is decorated to look like a 1950s family living room and all cast members acting like they just jumped straight out of the 50s.
The cafe specialises in American comfort food such as the classic Peanut Butter and Jelly Milkshakes ($9) and Grandma’s Chicken Pot Pie ($24), filling dishes that are sure to leave you full and satisfied.
For a much more unique meal, have dinner at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre (Entrees from $16), which offers an exciting and classic experience where you are seated inside a car-like booth table for your meals, much like an old school American drive-in theatre.
Go for desserts at Hollywood Scoops and try the Ice Cream Sandwich ($6.49), which consists of large scoops of ice cream slapped between two freshly baked cookies.
Shows and Dance Parties
Other than thrilling rides, guests can meet and greet their favorite Disney princesses in person and watch them perform live Broadway-style musicals such as at the Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage and Frozen Sing-A-Long Celebration
Travelling with younger family members or just young at heart? Bop to the top at a Disney Junior Dance Party and Green Army Drum Corps.
Continue the series of live entertainment with the nail-biting Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, where stuntmen go through an epic series of battling bad guys and escaping from nasty booby traps on set!
Even when the sun has started to set, Hollywood Studios is still full of wonderful activities. Get ready for the nighttime spectacular performance Fantasmic, where you’ll watch as Mickey Mouse puts together an extravagant musical performance, with a combination of light projections on water fountains, a series of firework explosions, and character parades by the waters.
Another nighttime show, Wonderful World of Animation takes you through years of Disney and Pixar animation using a collection of new and classic films projected on the walls of the Chinese Theatre, a show that is regarded as equally as remarkable as the evening fireworks at the Magic Kingdom!
Overall, Hollywood Studios is a great park to visit for fans of the popular Hollywood movies, as well as for those who want to experience the glitz and glamour of it all, with rides of varying levels of thrills suitable for all ages. However, we feel that the park is themed mostly to an action-packed genre that may not resonate with everyone. Consider coming here if it is your first time to Disney World or if there are free days in your itinerary to dedicate at least half a day here.
Getting to Hollywood Studios
If you’re staying at any of the hotels in the resort or the partner hotels, you can just grab a ride on the free two-way shuttle services provided for guests. Alternatively, you may choose to drive and park outside Hollywood studios or book a private hire like Uber or Lyft.
Tips
- Cast members would love to celebrate a special moment with you! Stop by Guest Relations or an indoor merchandise location and ask for a complimentary celebratory button.
- Plan your time efficiently at the theme park with fast passes available to all guests on the Disney World App. Download the handy app and refer to it for information like parade timings and attractions’ waiting times.
- Consider staying at the Disney Resort as hotel guests are entitled to ‘Extra Magic Hours’. Enjoy fewer crowds and shorter waiting times at rides during these special hours.
