The Ultimate Hollywood Studios Guide
As they say in the movies, Lights, Camera, Action! Welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guide, the park where the magic of the movies isn’t just on the big screen, it’s all around you from the glitz to the stars. This park takes you on a tour through some of the best loved movie stories, from Star Wars to Toy Story, and even old Hollywood glamour. Whether you’re seeking thrills, live entertainment, delicious dining, or immersive lands, Hollywood Studios delivers a blockbuster experience like no other.
A look at some old clips
Hollywood Studios rolled onto the scene on May 1st 1989, originally known as Disney-MGM Studios, it was a park dedicated to the magic of moviemaking, it had real working soundstages and a backlot tour. Disney’s answer to Universal’s plans for an Orlando studio park, and for sometime, it actually functioned as a production studio. But as time went on, things change and focus shifted from the behind the scenes movie magic to fully immersive storytelling.
From its early days of clapperboards and soundstages to creating fully immersive lands, Hollywood Studios has gone from a tribute to the golden age of cinema to a place where guests can step inside their favourite films. With new additions and expansions on the way (goodbye Grand Avenue, hello Monstropolis!), this blockbuster hit is still in production.
The Ultimate Hollywood Studios Guide
As they say in the movies, Lights, Camera, Action! Welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the park where the magic of the movies isn’t just on the big screen, it’s all around you from the glitz to the stars. This park takes you on a tour through some of the best loved movie stories, from Star Wars to Toy Story, and even old Hollywood glamour. Whether you’re seeking thrills, live entertainment, delicious dining, or immersive lands, Hollywood Studios delivers a blockbuster experience like no other.
Why does Hollywood Studios, deserve a movie stub
Well to start Hollywoods Studios is my personal favourite Disney park, and this park is full of what is known as E-ticket attractions and these are also widely considered to also be the best rides in Walt Disney World.
Your map to the stars
Hollywood Studios is divided into multiple themed areas, each bringing different aspects of movie magic to life.
Hollywood Boulevard
The grand entrance, to the park lined with architecture of classic Hollywood glam complete with neon lights that come to life after dark. With its brightly colours shops and dining options leading to the park’s most famous attractions.
And at the end of Hollywood Boulevard the landing spot for a replica of Mann’s Chinese Theater, now home to Mickey and Minnies Runaway Railway, (but this will always be home to The Great Movie Ride in my heart). And like its real life counterpart guests will find the floor is decorated with various names and handprints of celebrities which include Jim Henson & Kermit the Frog, Robin Williams and Dick Van Dyke.
Echo Lake
Home to the unmissable Dinosaur Gertie, some of you may know that in 1914 Gertie was the first instance of an animated character having personality and movement. And is now home to a Ice Cream and snack quick service. This is also the areas of popular dining locations, such as 50’s Prime Time Cafe and Hollywood and Vine a character dining restaurant with seasonal theming. From here you are also able to see some of the park’s best live shows like Frozen First time In Forever Sing Along and the Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular.
Grand Avenue
This LA themed area with its downtown culture feel, stop by have a refreshing drink at Baseline Tap house with offering of beer and wine from around California and bar bites (our favourite spot to just relax and people watch).
Across the way is MuppetVision 3D and everybody’s (love to hate) theme park Pizza spot PizzaRizzo. This area will be coming to a end on June 7th 2025 to make room for the parks newest expansion, bringing us Monster Inc Monstropolis.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Its time to step into galaxy a not too far away from Grand Avenue. Batuu, a fully immersive Star Wars planet with jaw dropping attractions and interactive experiences.
Here you will get to explore Batuu a bustling planet filled with visitors from across the stars. Visit the market stalls with a wealth of galactic goods from clothing, trinkets and even a creature stall.
Maybe you are here looking for droids, but can’t find the ones you are looking for, not to worry pop int o the Droid Depot and build your own droid, this is a fun experience and often around Batuu a droid race can be found for your newly built droid to take part in and see what its made of.
Or maybe you are here to complete you Jedi training, find Savi’s workshop and complete your journey to becoming a Jedi (or Sith) master. This is an interactive experience where you get to build and customise your own lightsaber. This is a paid for experience and not included in the price of admission.
The fun doesn’t stop there either, with fun and immersive dining throughout Galaxy’s Edge offering quick snacks or dining along with its very own watering hole at Oga’s Cantina.
Plus two of the most immersive and newest rides in the park, get your chance to take control of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, or play your part in the resistance against the First Order in Star Wars Rise of The Resistance.
Disney has brought a real life Star Wars experience to life bringing the franchise from the screen to real life.
Pixar Plaza
A Pixar lovers dream meet and greet spot just outside of Toy Story land, meet several of Pixar’s popular characters along with costume designer to the Superhero’s Edna Mode.
Toy Story Land
Shrink to the size of a toy and step right into Andy’s backyard a larger than life playground bursting with adventure, energy, and pure Toy Story nostalgia. Surrounded by giant blocks, towering toys, and familiar board game pieces, you’ll feel like you’ve jumped straight into the movie. Only this time, you’re the toy!
Kick things off with a ride on Slinky Dog Dash, a family friendly coaster that zips, zooms, and bunny hops across a track Andy built himself. It’s the perfect mix of thrills and giggles, with just enough twists and turns to make your belly do loop the loops.
Over at Alien Swirling Saucers, take a wild spin through space as those little green aliens whirl you around under the ever powerful Claw. It’s a cosmic dance party and you’re invited to hang on tight!
Then it’s time to test your aim with Toy Story Mania!. Pop on some 3D glasses and join Buzz, Woody, and the gang in a series of carnival style mini games. From tossing virtual rings to popping balloons, it’s a fun, fast paced challenge to see who can rack up the highest score.
Keep exploring, and you’ll spot some clever details around every corner. Giant footprints in the pavement show Andy’s been nearby, while you might just hear Rex and Jessie chatting above your head. Don’t miss the chance to meet Woody, Buzz, and Jessie for photos and a quick howdy!
When your tummy starts to rumble, swing by Woody’s Lunch Box for grilled cheese, Totchos, and sweet Lunch Box Tarts. Want a full meal? Roundup Rodeo BBQ is your go to, with hearty helpings and cardboard cutouts of all your favourite Toy Story pals.
Disney has truly brought Andy’s imagination to life so grab your pals, get ready to play big, and create your own toy sized adventure!
Sunset Boulevard
Right (quite literally off Hollywood Boulevard), the home to towering and icon of the park The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a hotel for the Hollywood elite with a horrifying past, this attraction takes you on a thill that is right out of the Twilight Zone, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith (for now), this music thumping. Rollercoaster will be re-theme to the new home of the Muppets now that they have been served there eviction notice from there old home (Disney must have got fed up of those Cheap 3D tricks).
Sunset is also littered with shops and food stands (which often have some unique seasonal treats during events). This also is the home to Beauty and The Beast stage show, a live action Broadway style recreation of the classic animated movie.
And most importantly this is the entrance to Hollywoods Studios nighttime spectacular.
Animation Courtyard
A great area full of meet and greets for all ages, for younger guest here you get to meet your favourite Disney Junior characters and then follow them into Disney Jr. Play and Dance and join along to some of there favourite songs.
This courtyard also offers those strong in the force a chance to get up close to some of cinemas most famous characters at Star Wars Launch Bay, say hello to BB8, get a great big hug from a Wookie or maybe pledge your allegiance to the Dark Side and Lord Vader.
For the eager to learn or those looking for some shelter from the sun (or the rain) is Walt Disney Presents, a collection of Disney history and a short documentary of the life of the Man with a Dream, Walt Disney.
And coming back later in 2025 an all new musical stage show of The Little Mermaid. A musical show with live actors, puppets and lighting effects.
Must-Do Attractions
Hollywood Studios is packed to bursting with some of Disney’s most thrilling, immersive, and innovative rides. Here’s a quick guide to the must experience attractions.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: A groundbreaking attraction, part ride, part cinematic experience, and fully unmissable. Become part of the Resistance, as you escape the clutches of the First Order.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Take the controls of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, do you have what it takes to pull off this daring mission. Whether at the helm as a pilot, blasting away as a gunner, or keeping the ship in one piece as an engineer. No pressure… but maybe don’t crash.
- Slinky Dog Dash: A family-friendly roller coaster with twists and turns and bounces through Andy’s backyard.
- Toy Story Mania!: A 3D carnival-style game, testing your skills and compete for the highest score.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Step inside the eerie Hollywood Tower Hotel for a supernatural freefall drop like no other. No reservations needed.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: Launching you from 0 to 57 mph in seconds in a high-speed, rollercoaster with an epic Aerosmith soundtrack. This attraction will soon be rocking to the beats of the Muppets and I will be sad not to get the chance to be back in the saddle again (Aerosmith Classic).
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: A Goofy, colourful, and completely unpredictable ride through Mickey and Minnie’s cartoon world. (Ok so I know this is a deep cut and is controversial, I miss the Great Movie Ride, but the Main Mouse needed a headline attraction).
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: This will always be a must do attraction for any Star Wars fan. Take journey through the Star Wars galaxy, with multiple different destinations.
Live Entertainment and Shows
Hollywood Studios isn’t just about the rides it’s also home to some of the best stage shows and live entertainment in all of Walt Disney World.
- Fantasmic!: A journey in the imagination of Mickey, where he battles Disney villains in this stunning nighttime spectacular with fireworks, water projections, and classic characters. Hands down the best (and my top must see shows in any park). If you want a good view especially during peak season it is recommended to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to show time, there are food stalls inside offering over a small selection of food and drink options, but there is no rule saying you cant grab something from Sunset Ranch Market (right across the street from the entrance).
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: A behind-the-scenes look at stunt work, featuring explosive action, featuring some of the classic Indy moments from the first movie.
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage: A mini Broadway musical adaptation of the Disney classic with all the classic songs from the film. A Tale as Old As Time and a show that is sure to get you singing along.
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Join Anna, Elsa, and the Royal Historians for a fun, interactive sing-along. Fun for everyone this show is full of wit and laughs, plus who doesn’t know the words to Let It Go.
- Disney Junior Play and Dance! – A perfect experience for younger guests, featuring music and characters from Disney Junior shows.
Dining at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has a great mix of dining options from immersive experiences, quick-service meals, and iconic snacks to fuel your adventure. Hollywood Studios is sure to offer something even for the most picky eater, it is also possibly my favourite park to eat at. Here is are few of my personal highlights.
- Hollywood and Vine – One of my favourite character dining experiences, this diner offers two different options, a breakfast with meeting characters rom Disney Jr. and lunch/dinner with the chance to meet Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Pluto, this experience also sees these characters rotate there outfits for the seasons.
- 50’s Prime Time Café: Taking you back into the 1950s, offering the chance to enjoy comfort food while your “family” reminds you to eat your veggies! Yes this sees your servers (aka extended family members) interact with you while you eat, be warned this experience is not for everyone, but if you like interactive comedy this is gold.
- The Hollywood Brown Derby: This is a signature dining experience with a classic Old Hollywood feel. The theme is a nod to the famous landmark right down to it’s menu, I can only personally recommend one dish as its the only one I have had, the Cob Salad, its also the only Cob Salad I have had, but it is very good.
- Baseline Taphouse: As above this is a great spot to grab a relaxing break and light snack while watching the world go by, the Bavarian Pretzel is a great sharer,
- Oga’s Cantina:A must-visit Star Wars-themed bar, featuring intergalactic cocktails and lively atmosphere. This is a fun experience and offers some unique twists on the selected cocktails, definitely one to try if you can get a reservation.
- Woody’s Lunch Box: This little quick service calls itself home to the famous Totchos (tater tot nachos) and delicious grilled cheese. Along with a above average Grilled Cheese Sandwich (which goes very nicely with the Tomato Soup), as well as the Box tarts (basically a Pop Tart). In fact for a quick service all the food here is good, a good spot to stop and refuel.
- Ronto Roasters: Another Star Wars delicacy a Ronto Wrap these are a must-try for any Star Wars fan! And a great go to bite if you are not in the mood for a full meal or about to join the line for Star Wars Rise of the Resistance.
Special Events & Extras
Disney’s Hollywood Studios also hosts exclusive events and unique extras throughout the year.
- After Hours Events: Get access to the park with low crowds and exclusive snacks.
- Disney Jollywood Nights: A holiday celebration filled with festive entertainment and exclusive treats.
Is Hollywood Studios Worth It?
No question about it. Whether you’re fighting alongside the Resistance, feel the need for speed, or singing your heart out, Disney Hollywood Studios has it all.
And let’s not forget Toy Story Land, where you’ll feel like a tiny action figure, or the thrilling Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which is sure to give you chills in the best way possible. The line-up of entertainment makes it feel like you’re not just visiting a theme park you’re starring in your very own blockbuster!
Hollywood Studios really is where the Lights, Camera, and Action shine brightest.
