Hollywood Studios

All the rides, but not all the magic. Hollywood Studios is really fun. But something is missing. The layout isn’t great and it doesn’t always have that Disney feel. All of the Star Wars additions are awesome, but they don’t feel like Disney. The nightly spectacular, Fantasmic, is the best. Dining options are also more limited than some of the other parks.

Tower of Terror

Hollywood Studios Layout

There is no easily discernible layout to Hollywood Studios. If it was a street map, it would be a main road with several dead end lanes branching off. The entrance onto Hollywood Boulevard continues into the center of the park. Sunset Boulevard, and Animation Courtyard are off to the right as guests enter. To the left lies Echo Lake and Commissary Lane which leads to Grand Avenue. Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge encircle what would be the back of the park.

Hollywood Boulevard

The Hollywood Studios version of Main Street USA trades small town nostalgia for movie star glitz and glamour. The entrance is lined with shops opening up to the center of the park. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is found there. This is a fun ride for the whole family and a wonderful adventure with Mickey and friends.

Dining

  • Table Service
    • The Hollywood Brown Derby

Sunset Boulevard

Attractions

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a classic and one of Disney’s Best. The ride itself is pure joy and the entrance, queue and theme perfectly build some healthy anxiety. A popular ride height minimum of 40 inches allows the whole family to ride together. This is my (Dad’s Pick). It may be forgotten with all the updates to the park, but it is a must ride. In contrast, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith requires guests to be 48 inches to ride. That makes it difficult for everyone to enjoy it. Families can utilize the Rider Switch. This allows the group to separate into 2 groups and only the first group has to wait while the second group stays with non riders. It saves time, but then you can’t all ride together. The coaster is pretty fun and somewhat intense. Lightning McQueens’s Racing Academy is a must for fans of the Cars movies. It is an indoor show that the kids enjoy. I’m not sure it would be great though for families that aren’t fans of Cars. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage has continuous showtimes throughout the day. It is often forgotten but I certainly recommend Disney Dads make sure to get their family there. Finally, there is Fantasmic. It is hands down the best nightly show in Disney World. It is a must see.

Dining

Animation Courtyard

The main draw for this area is the Disney Junior crowd. There are characters from Disney Junior shows and then there is Disney Junior Dance Party. The kids absolutely love this. They get to dance and sing while Disney Junior characters rotate on the stage. It is a really cute show and Disney Dads can capture some wonderful videos. Star Wars Launch Bay is constantly in flux. It includes a theater, a museum and character meetings. Voyage of the Little Mermaid is an indoor show that includes theatrics and live action.

Echo Lake, Commissary Lane and Grand Avenue

attractions

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (what a title) is even better than you think it will be. Live action, singing, video, special effects and wonderful cast members make this show unforgettable. Vacation Fun – An Original Animated short with Mickey and Minnie is a funny presentation for kids of all ages. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is not for everyone. It is mostly enjoyable and something to do, but it is not as entertaining as it could be. It is slow moving and a skip for families with only young children. Muppet Vision 3D is nostalgic and wonderful for Disney Dads, but also entertaining for all. Star Tours – The Adventure Continues is a motion simulator for those 40 inches and up. It is a unique attraction as in there are multiple different versions of the ride so it is not the same every time. Guests can also meet Mickey, Minnie and Olaf.

Muppet Vision 3D

Dining

  • Quick Service
    • Dockside Diner
    • ABC Commissary
    • Epic Eats
    • Backlot Express
    • PizzeRizzo
  • Table Service
    • Baseline Tap House
    • Hollywood & Vine
    • 50’s Prime Time Cafe
    • Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Toy Story Land

Alien Swirling Saucers

Toy Story Land is magnificent. It is wonderfully built to transform guests into toys. There are 3 rides and usually some Toy Story characters to meet. Alien Swirling Saucers is actually really fun and much less nauseating than it looks. Toy Story Mania is an interactive 3D “shooting” game. It is modern and appropriate for all ages. It is not violent at all. Slinky Dog Dash is one of my favorites. Kids as small as 38 inches can ride. It is super fun, provides amazing views of Toy Story Land and somehow is a just as thrilling for children as it is for adults.

Dining

  • Quick Service
    • Woody’s Lunch Box

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

There is so much to do in the Galaxy. For serious Star Wars fans, the trading outpost of Batuu is a dream come true. For everyone else, it is still worth the trip. I’m a casual Star Wars fan and I enjoy it immensely. When you are in Galaxy’s Edge, it feels like being in Star Wars. The shops and snacks are unique. Rise of the Resistance is one of the greatest attractions anywhere. From the Millenium Falcon to storm troopers and Kylo Ren, nothing gets left behind. There seems to be some confusion on the matter, but Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge does not require separate admission.

Attractions

Savi’s Workshop allows guests to build lightsabers and at Droid Depot guests can build a droid. Both of these experiences are expensive and busy and require advanced reservations. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run puts groups of 4 into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. 2 pilots, a gunner and an engineer work together to complete the mission. This is super fun even if you don’t know anything about Star Wars. Rise of the Resistance is incredible. It is a ride, an experience, an adventure and so much more. Without spoilers, I will only say there is no disappointment after this one.

dining

  • Quick Service
    • Ronto Roasters
    • Oga’s Cantina
    • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
    • Milk Stand