Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Go Behind the Scenes of the Magic of Disney
Known for its glitz and glamour, behind-the-scenes shows, and thrilling attractions, Disney's Hollywood Studios is a park guests of all ages will love. One of the four Disney theme parks, Disney's Hollywood Studios opened on May 1, 1989. Much has changed over the years, such as the name (formally known as Disney MGM Studios) and adding many new attractions, but Hollywood Studios is a park you won’t want to miss on your vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort.
Hollywood Studios has many areas or “Lands” throughout the park. There are 9 lands in Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Grand Avenue (Formerly Muppets Courtyard), Commissary Lane, Pixar Place, Animation Courtyard, Sunset Boulevard, Toy Story Land, and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Let's walk through the different areas in Hollywood Studios and some of the best attractions, dining, and shows you won't want to miss on your magical day at Disney.
Hollywood Boulevard
You'll be brought right onto Hollywood Boulevard when you enter the gates of Disney's Hollywood Studios. This long street is lined with shops and restaurants, and it looks like you're walking down Hollywood Boulevard in the 1930s. Many of the different lands break off from Hollywood Boulevard and it ends at the Chinese Theatre.
In the past, the Chinese Theater was the home to The Great Movie Ride. In 2017 it was closed, and in 2020 it was reopened as Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. A unique ride that will have you become part of the animation with your favorite Disney characters.
Sunset Boulevard
If you're looking for thrilling rides, Sunset Boulevard is where you want to be. Sunset Boulevard has rides, shows, shopping, and dining options.
Sunset Boulevard has two fun shows for guests to enjoy. Sing along with Belle and the Beast at the Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage show. Want to see Lightning McQueen? Stop by Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, where you can see Lightning McQueen and some of his automotive friends.
One of the most recognizable attractions at Hollywood Studios is The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. One of the best thrill rides at Disney World, you'll learn the history of the The Tower of Terror and you'll even become part of the story. The Tower of Terror will take you up and drop you 13 stories, a ride not for the faint of heart.
Looking for a thrill ride for the music lovers in your family? Stop by the Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. This exhilarating roller coaster goes from 0 to 57 mph in less than three seconds all while riding in a super stretch limousine listening to your favorite Aerosmith tunes!
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land officially opened in the summer of 2018 with fun attractions and larger-than-life theming. Let your imagination run wild as you see Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the gang. You will be transformed into the size of one of Andy’s toys as you walk through Andy's backyard. Don't forget to look down while you're walking, because you'll notice some really big footprints along the way.
Slinky Dog Dash is a roller coaster that will have you riding on Andy’s Slinky Dog. This is not an intense roller coaster as compared to others in the park, but it does have it's twists and turns. The entire ride is outside, so you'll be able to check it out before taking your younger ones on it.
The Alien Swirling Saucers will whip you around and around in spaceships! The Alien Swirling Saucer ride is typically the shortest line in Toy Story Land, perfect for a busy day.
One of the most entertaining rides at Hollywood Studios is Toy Story Mania. This ride is similar to the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin ride at Magic Kingdom. You'll travel through this 3-D attraction competing to win carnival-like interactive shooting games with a pull-string cannon. It is fun to see who in your party scores the most points and wins the game!
Pixar Place
Pixar Place is a small land in Hollywood Studios, just in front of Toy Story Land. There are no rides in Pixar Place, but it is a great place to see your favorite Pixar characters.
Echo Lake
In the center of the park, you will find Echo Lake, a little lake known for its giant dinosaur. This small area has many great rides but is truly known for Hollywood Studios' iconic show Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Don't forget to checkout "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Celebration" also located in Echo Lake. Hosted by the Royal Historians of Arendelle, they'll take you through the story of Frozen and you'll hear some familiar tunes. Even some of your favorite characters from Frozen will stop by this indoor theater and one will even make it snow (Disney's version of snow) from the ceiling.
Animation Courtyard
Found just north of the Chinese Theater, Animation Courtyard is perfect for the little ones in your family. You can find many meet and greets with Disney Junior characters and the Disney Junior Dance Party the kids will love.
You'll also find Star Wars Launch Bay where you can meet characters like Chewbacca, Rey, BB-8, and Kylo Ren. It's a great indoor photo opportunity for the ultimate Star Wars fan while getting a break from the Florida heat.
Walt Disney Presents Gallery and Exhibits is one of the most overlooked exhibits. You'll get to see many items from the Walt Disney archives and his journey into creating Mickey Mouse. It's a great way to get out of the Florida weather and you'll even get to sit down for a short movie at the end of the exhibit.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is the perfect spot for any Star Wars fans in your group. The newest expansion to Hollywood Studios, this fun park area opened in 2019. There are two rides here, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a fantastic new ride, unique from any other ride at Disney World. This ride typically has a long line, so it is best to ride this first thing in the morning. Genie Lightning Lane is currently not available for this ride, so you must purchase an Individual Lightning Lane for each rider.
Walking through Galaxy's Edge, you will feel like you're walking on the planet of Batuu from Star Wars. For the Star Wars lovers in your family, there are a few things you will want to make a reservation for before heading to the park. You can make reservations at Savi’s Workshop to make your own lightsaber and you can build your own robot at the Droid Depot. You can book your reservations 60 days in advance, but they do book up quickly, so make your reservations as soon as possible.
For the adults in the group, plan a trip to Olgas Cantina for a relaxing cocktail and snack. They offer many themed cocktails after your favorite Star Wars characters. They also book up quickly, so make your reservations before heading to the park.
Commissary Lane
Travel down to the end of Hollywood Boulevard and find Commissary Lane. This area has great dining options. Be sure to sit outside to watch the character cavalcades come through. Commissary Lane features a meet and greet with Disney's most famous couple called "Mickey and Minnie Staring in Red Carpet Dreams".
Grand Avenue
Grand Avenue is a reimagined land in Hollywood Studios that was formerly the Streets of America and the Muppets Courtyard. They're currently making changes to the area, including a new dining area. Even the outside of the Muppet Vision 3D show is getting a face lift, but don't worry it's still the same show.
Hollywood Studios Dining Options
Disney's Hollywood Studios has many dining options for those times you spend the entire day in the park. Whether you're looking for quick service or fine dining, you're sure to find what you're looking for.
ABC Commissary is a great little quick service restaurant if you're looking for a quick place to cool off and eat. They serve salad, sandwiches, seafood, burgers, kid's meals, desserts, and drinks. They have a large indoor sitting area perfect for cooling off on a hot Florida day.
One of the most unique places to dine on Disney Property is at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Located in Commissary Lane, this restaurant will take you back to a 50s drive-in movie theater. The tables are all vintage cars you sit in and a large screen plays old movies. This is definitely a unique experience the whole family will love.
If you plan to eat at any table service dining while spending the day at Hollywood Studios, make sure to book reservations well before your trip. If you head to the park last minute and don't have reservations, that's okay. On the My Disney Experience app, when you click on the Dining Reservations, you can click the Join Now button, and it will show you restaurants in the park you can join the "walk-up" line and make a reservation this way. This is one of the best ways to grab great reservations at the last minute.
Hollywood Studios Wonderful World of Animation
Hollywood Studios may not the overwhelming amount of fireworks as seen at the Magic Kingdom or Epcot, but it does have an amazing nighttime spectacular you won't want to miss. The Wonderful World of Animation takes place on most nights in front of the iconic Chinese Theatre. The show includes movie clips, music, and lights all projected onto the Chinese Theatre and surrounding buildings. This exciting show even ends with fireworks! The perfect way to end your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic is one show you don't want to miss! You'll be transported into Mickey's dreams through the use of live actors, special effects, pyrotechnics, stunts, fireworks, and your favorite Disney characters all taking place on a huge outdoor stage. Even the Disney villains get into the action by turning Mickey's dream into a nightmare. Everyone in your family is sure to enjoy this masterpiece of Disney story telling. You've never seen anything like it.
Fantasmic is a large amphitheater that can seat a lot of guests, but it does fill up quickly. You'll want to arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts (up to 60 minutes during peak season). Don't worry if you're running behind schedule and see there's a long line already forming to get into Fantasmic. Every seat has great views of the show. If you happen to be at Walt Disney World during peak season and Fantasmic is running twice a night, check out the later show which tends to be less busy. You'll even experience shorter wait times at major attractions while most guests are watching the first Fantasmic showing.
Disney Hollywood Studios is a Must See Theme Park
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a fun theme park that will take you behind the scenes of your favorite movies. With exciting thrill rides, shows to sing along to, great entertainment, and characters that are larger than life, your family will surely have a magical time at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Updated: August 8, 2022
