Disney's Hollywood Studios opened its doors on May 1, 1989, as the third theme park at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. Originally named Disney-MGM Studios, it was renamed to Disney's Hollywood Studios on January 7, 2008, to more focus on Hollywood-inspired attractions, like the Tower of Terror. Spanning approximately 135 acres, it is packed with dining options, attractions and experiences.
If you're planning a trip to Hollywood Studios, then this guide is for you! We'll walk through the lands and help you plan your perfect day, meals and all, at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Planning Your Perfect Day at Hollywood Studios
Planning a day at Hollywood Studios is an extraordinary experience! There is so much to do and see, so many rides, and such great food, all crammed into one park. There's place for everyone here - if you like gothic horror stories, then the Hollywood Hotel is going to be your fav. As a massive Star Wars fan, sometimes I like to just spend my day wandering around Batuu at Galaxy's Edge, keeping an eye out for Empire strormtroopers on patrol, or even Kylo Ren himself. And Toy Story Land? You are transported to a doll-sized version of yourself while playing with Andy's Toys! There are also lot of shows, spectaculars, and stage plays to choose from. There is so much to do at Hollywood Studios... But let's start at the beginning, on Hollywood Boulevard, first thing in the morning.
Rope Drop and Early Entry
For the ultimate Hollywood Studios experience, you may want to start your day at "rope drop" – the moment when the park officially opens its gates. Guests staying at a Disney Resort can get a leg up with early entry (30 minutes before the park opens), being able to get a head start on iconic attractions like Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and the Tower of Terror (please don't run, you'll get asked by cast members to refrain from sprinting!) A lot of park goers swear by rope drop, getting a jump on the rides that often have the longest wait times of the day.
Hollywood Boulevard
As you enter Hollywood Studios, you arrive at Hollywood Boulevard, a street filled with shopping, food, coffee, and parks essentials. Every store here tells a story. From the latest Hollywood Studios-themed merchandise at Celebrity 5 & 10, to the must-have collectibles at Once Upon a Time, there's something for every taste and style. Whether you're looking to pick up some iconic Disney apparel or exclusive souvenirs, Hollywood Boulevard is a shopper's paradise. Grab a Joffrey’s coffee at Starbucks, and find the perfect item to capture your memory of Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Boulevard Shops
Oscar's Super Service: Stroller and wheelchair rentals, as well as package pick-up services for guests.
Celebrity 5 & 10: Offers a variety of Disney-themed merchandise, including apparel, accessories, and home décor items.
Cover Story: Specializes in personalized photo souvenirs, allowing guests to have their photos placed on mock magazine covers.
The Darkroom: Provides camera sales, film, camera accessories, and film processing services.
Keystone Clothiers: Features adult Disney fashions, including clothing and accessories inspired by various Disney characters and themes.
Mickey's of Hollywood: Offers a wide range of Disney merchandise, including toys, apparel, and park-exclusive items.
Movieland Memorabilia: Sells movie-themed souvenirs and collectibles, catering to film enthusiasts.
Sid Cahuenga's One-of-a-Kind: Specializes in unique and rare collectibles, including autographed memorabilia and vintage items.
Adrian and Edith's Head to Toe: Offers a selection of hats, accessories, and apparel, allowing guests to complete their Disney-themed outfits.
Guest Services: Customer Service provided, as well as help with Annual Passes and payments.
Welcome to Batuu
At Galaxy's Edge, the force lives on in Batuu. On Rise of the Resistance, you find yourself in the midst of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. And the First Order does not go easy on you! The Millennium Falcon rests just outside of Smuggler's Run, a riveting (and bumpy!) mission where every decision you make affects the outcome - and how many credits the infamous space pirate Honda Onaka will deduct from your earnings. There are also some really great PhotoPass and photo opportunities in this area!
For a different intergalactic adventure, Star Tours takes you on a 3D voyage through the Star Wars galaxy, and with 16 possible planets to visit and 54 viable adventures for you to go on, every trip with C-3P0 at the helm will be unique!
If you loves droids as much as I do, you can actually build your own custom R-Unit, C-10 unit, or BB-unit at Droid Depot. Choose from different colors, accessories, and personality chips to make your own special, unique droid to take home with you, and oftentimes there may be a unsanctioned droid battle near Chewbacca's body shop just outside the depot.
Or, if you are looking for a more "civilized, elegant" experience, you can reserve your spot at Saavi's Workshop to build your own custom lightsaber. Guided by a Jedi master, choose your kyber crystal and parts to create a one-of-a-kind lightsaber that you can take home and display. It's an unparalleled experience for any Star Wars fan, from Padawan to Jedi Master.
Playtime in Disney's Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is a brilliant rendering of what it feels like to be one of Andy's toys, with the world springing up giant all around you, making you feel like a doll-sized person on your own adventure through this land. The Woody and Jessie statues outside the Slinky Dog Dash are impressively large, designed to make guests feel as though they've been shrunk to the size of toys in Andy's backyard. Slinky Dog Dash is actually quite the thrill ride, hitting speeds up to 40 miles per hour! If you're looking for more of a challenge, Toy Story Mania combines 4D technology with classic carnival games, in which you compete with friends and family to hit targets and rack up points. This ride always brings out the competitiveness in me!
The ambiance of Toy Story Land is pure joy, with oversized toys and friends making every moment magical. You may even get to see the Toy Soldiers marching to the beat of their own drums!
Meet and Greet Magic
From the rootin'-tootin' Woody and Jesse in Toy Story Land to the always-entertaining Goofy, there are meet-and-greet opportunities for guests of all ages. Be sure to check the schedule for character appearances or use the My Disney Experience App for real-time updates, ensuring you capture those magical moments on camera. Some character meet and greets even have special promotions, like skipping the line to meet Darth Vader by showing your Disney Visa card to a cast member.
Fantasmic: The Grand Finale
A spectacular nighttime show that weaves Disney characters into a grandiose tapestry of light, music, and magic, it's the perfect grand finale to your Hollywood Studios day. Watch with wonder as Mickey conducts this homage to your favorite characters and songs.
Transportation to Disney's Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is lucky enough to be on the Skyliner System, so if you happen to be staying at a hotel that has Skyliner access, then your commute is going to be super easy! The Skyliner does have a tendency to be a little packed at park open and close, so make sure you give yourself enough time and avoid frustration or missing any early reservations you may have.
The buses are scheduled every 15-30 minutes, depending on the time of day. If you plan on driving, parking is typically $20-$50 depending on wether you elect for premium or standard parking, but for Annual Passholders, standard is free and premium starts at $15.
Please note that ride availability and offerings may change, so it's always a good idea to check the latest park maps, schedules, or use the My Disney Experience App for real-time updates during your visit.
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