One Day Guide to Hollywood Studios at Disney World
Disney World is a fun and adventurous place to spend with family and friends! However, it can be an overwhelming, expensive, and stressful trip as well. You certainly want to maximize your time in the Disney parks as much as possible, so I’ve created a One Day Guide to Hollywood Studios at Disney World. This guide will walk you through things you need to know before visiting the park, what things to prioritize, and more!
A little about me – I’ve had an Annual Pass to Disney for over 25 years! I’ve been the the parks at least 100 times each (no exaggeration) so I’ve seen it all and I’ve tried it all! These tips will make your life much easier – learn from someone who has been there, done that!
Before Your Trip:
- Be sure to download the My Disney Experience App on your mobile device. This will link your park ticket, credit card, fast passes, photopass, and your room key (if you’re staying on Disney property). It syncs up to your Magic Band for easy access in the parks!
- Make your (3) FastPass+ Reservations. The top choices are Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Tower of Terror.
- If you’re staying on Disney property: Make your (3) Fastpass+ reservations 60 Days in Advance!
- If you’re staying off Disney property: Make your (3) Fastpass+ reservations 30 Days in Advance!
- Check the park hours to find out if there are Magic Hours available – take advantage of those extra perks!!
- Make your Dining Reservations in advance, especially for Sci-Fi Dining and 50s Prime Time!
- Check daily showtimes to ensure you plan to see Beauty and the Beast, Indiana Jones, and Fantasmic*
Hollywood Studios Guide:
Morning:
Get to the park early (at least 30 minutes) to experience the Star Wars Land before it is beyond crowded. It is a completely immersive experience that will feel as if you’ve stepped into a new planet! There are two rides in this land – one of which is a regular standby line and the other one requires a ticket in advance. Check Disney’s website for the most up to date info on this as they consistently change it.
Next up on your list should be Toy Story Land! This is a top attraction since it also recently opened and features 2 new rides! The most popular ride is Slinky Dog Dash Rollercoaster so head there first! It’s such a blast and you’ll quickly see why! While you’re in Toy Story Land, check out the other 2 rides – Alien Swirling Saucer and Toy Story Mania. I wouldn’t skip any of these rides as they’re all so fun and different in their own way.
Next, make your way to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster. Since Toy Story Land has opened, these two big attractions have shorter lines (sometimes under 30 minutes!!). Check times for both and head towards the one with a shorter wait. Keep in mind that Rockin Rollercoaster has a Single Rider option if the wait is too long.
Now that you’ve checked out all of Hollywood Studios top rides, it’s time to relax! While you’re on Sunset Blvd, check out Beauty and the Beast. It’s such a cute rendition of the famous movie. I advise getting there early for the time that fits best in your schedule, it can certainly fill up quick!
LUNCH:
- Quick Service: Woody’s Lunch Box (Sandwiches)
- Full Service (Reservation Required): Sci-Fi Dine In (American)
Afternoon:
After lunch, it’s time for a little rest. Make your way to the action packed Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular– again, I advise getting there early as it can fill up!
XXX Frozen Singalong XXX
For the final ride of the day, you can check out Star Tours. It’s a simulator that takes you to another galaxy with all of your favorite Star Wars friends. There are 9 different tracks so each time you ride, it’s a little different!
DINNER:
- Quick Service: Backlot Express (American) or Fairfax Fare (Mexican)
- Full Service (Reservation Required): 50s Prime Time Café (American)
After dinner, be sure to stick around for Fantasmic. You’ll get to see Mickey battle the villains with help from all of your favorite Disney characters. Don’t waste a FastPass+ on this… there are plenty of seats, just get there 30 minutes early.
- WLWL TIP: Sit on the right side of the theatre – it allows for quick exit at the end
- WLWL TIP: Sit close, but not too close! The first 10-20 rows will get wet, especially if it’s a windy night.
Not mentioned – Muphets Movie, Little Mermaid,
