If you're going to Disney World with your family, Disney's Hollywood Studios can't be missed. If you have any movie fans in your group, this could definitely turn out to be the highlight of your trip. Before you go, though, you should probably learn a little bit about the park.
Major Attractions
If you have a Muppet-loving preschooler, Muppet Vision 3D is the place to be. They will be able to see all of their favorite characters, and there are even some 4D effects. Toy Story Midway Mania is a mix between a video game and a shooting game that you'd find at the midway, perfect for kids. Movie buffs will want to head straight for the The Great Movie Ride, and Star Wars fanatics will love touring the universe on a Starspeeder 1000 with Star Tours - The Adventures Continue. The thrill-seekers won't want to do anything until they get to ride the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith or The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
When to Visit
All Disney parks are less crowded during the early morning and late at night, but if you're going to explore in the middle of the day, Hollywood Studios is the best place to do it. Because there are many indoor, air-conditioned attractions, you'll be able to relax a bit during the heat of the day. Start with the major attractions in the above paragraph if you can get to the park fairly early; those are the ones that will have the longest lines once the park fills up. After the park is at capacity, head to the minor attractions.
Tricks of the Trade
If you want to save time while in the park, take a look at these tricks:
- If you're going to be in Hollywood's Studios all day, eat at odd times to have shorter wait times for rides.
- Use the single rider line at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster; your group may be split up to fill single empty seats, but it's much quicker than using the regular line.
- Eat at Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner or the Studio Catering Company to enjoy a quick meal while avoiding having to eat yet another hamburger.
How to Prepare
Any Disney park can be pretty exhausting, but Hollywood Studios has a lot of shows, and it's about three times smaller than Animal Kingdom. Because of this, you can probably leave your children's strollers in your hotel room if they are at the age where it's not absolutely necessary. Since shows tend to take longer than rides, plan for a long stay and pack enough snacks, drinks, and diapers for a full day.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is a great park to head to when it's rainy, hot, or humid outside. No matter which attractions you see or how long you stay, your family will love Hollywood Studios.
