Hollywood Studios: Ultimate Tips For The Most Perfect Day

Our holiday to Orlando in August 2017 wasn’t just about one theme park. We hit up as many as we could and Disney’s Hollywood Studios was a must-visit. If you’re planning a trip to Orlando and wondering whether Hollywood Studios is worth the hype, let me tell you – it absolutely is. Packed with thrilling rides, immersive movie sets and that classic Disney magic, it’s a park that has something for everyone.

In this post, I’ll share all the highlights from our day, including the best rides, my top tips for getting around and some behind-the-scenes moments you can’t miss. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the vlog we filmed of our adventure, where you’ll see us conquering the rides, meeting some favourite characters and just soaking up the atmosphere.

The Best Rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

There’s no way to start this without talking about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. As soon as we walked in, it felt like we’d stepped into another world (well, galaxy). The detail in the set design is just incredible, and even if you’re not a die-hard Star Wars fan (like my kids, who basically live in that universe), it’s still a total must-see. We made a beeline for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and let me tell you, the excitement was real.

On this ride, you and your crew take control of the Millennium Falcon, and depending on your role (pilot, gunner, or engineer), you’ll have a different experience. I won’t spoil too much, but let’s just say I wasn’t the best pilot. Sukh was all serious about his role as a gunner, and the kids were in full control as engineers. By the end, we were all in hysterics – and I may have accidentally crashed us a few times. But that’s part of the fun, right?

Next up was Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Now, this ride is an absolute showstopper. It’s not just a ride – it’s like you’re part of a Star Wars movie, with stormtroopers, battles, and a whole lot of action. If you’re going to ride anything at Hollywood Studios, make it this one. It’s next-level Disney storytelling with a mix of a simulator, trackless ride vehicles, and walk-throughs. My only tip? Get a Lightning Lane reservation if you can, because the lines for this one are long.

Toy Story Land: A Playground for All Ages

From one galaxy far, far away, we hopped over to Toy Story Land. Now, if you grew up with Toy Story, or you’ve got kids who love the movies, this area of the park is just magical. It’s like you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy and dropped into Andy’s backyard.

We started with Slinky Dog Dash, the family-friendly rollercoaster that had us all laughing from start to finish. It’s fast, smooth, and the perfect mix of thrilling without being too scary for the little ones. The kids loved it so much we went on twice.

Then there’s Toy Story Mania! – a 3D shooting game where you’re competing for the highest score. Spoiler alert: Sukh beat me by a mile, but I swear my shooter was broken. Still, it’s loads of fun, and one of those rides you’ll want to go on again to improve your score (or at least that’s what I told myself).

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Face Your Fears

If there’s one ride that’s infamous at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it’s the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Now, let me preface this by saying I love rollercoasters and fast rides, but there’s something about the freefall of Tower of Terror that always gets me. But we’re here for the full experience, right? So I buckled in, Sukh beside me looking surprisingly calm.

As you probably know, the ride starts out fairly innocently – you’re taking a tour of the creepy old Hollywood Tower Hotel, with that eerie Twilight Zone vibe creeping in. Then the drops hit. And let me tell you, no matter how many times you’ve ridden this, it never gets easier. I was screaming my head off, and the kids were just laughing at me. By the time we got off, my heart was racing, but it was 100% worth it. If you love that stomach-flipping feeling, this one’s a must.

Top Tips for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Planning a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be a bit overwhelming, especially with so many rides, shows, and areas to explore. Here are my top tips to make the most of your visit:

Use Genie+ or Lightning Lane

If you want to avoid spending most of your day in queues, Genie+ and Lightning Lane are lifesavers. It allows you to book certain rides in advance, meaning less waiting and more time enjoying the park.

Get there early

Just like all the theme parks in Orlando, the earlier you arrive, the better. Hollywood Studios can get packed, especially in the summer, so aim to be there when the park opens to make the most of those first couple of hours when the lines are shorter.

Have a strategy

The park is split into different areas – Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and the main Hollywood Boulevard. It’s worth planning your route so you can hit your favourite rides without crisscrossing the park all day. We started with Galaxy’s Edge, then moved onto Toy Story Land before finishing with the classic Hollywood rides.

Don’t skip the shows

Hollywood Studios has some amazing shows that are well worth taking a break from the rides for. We loved Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, which is like watching an action movie come to life, and Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage was perfect for the kids. Plus, it gives you a bit of time to sit down and rest!

Stay hydrated

Orlando is hot, especially in August, and walking around all day takes its toll. Bring a refillable water bottle and take advantage of the water fountains around the park.

Character meet-and-greets

If you’ve got little ones (or big ones) who want to meet their favourite Disney characters, plan these into your day. We met Woody and Buzz in Toy Story Land, and let’s just say the kids were starstruck. Keep an eye on the My Disney Experience app for character locations and timings.

A Magical Day Wrapped Up

By the time we were heading out of the park, we were exhausted, sun-kissed, and full of memories that would last a lifetime. Disney’s Hollywood Studios really does have something for everyone, whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a Disney fanatic, or just looking to enjoy a bit of movie magic.

It’s one of those parks that I’d go back to again and again, and if you’re visiting Orlando, it’s definitely worth a full day in your itinerary.

So, what’s the verdict? Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-do for any Orlando trip, and with a bit of planning, you can make the most of the magic without the stress. Still need more advice? Find out my insider tips to help you enjoy Orlando theme parks.

Want to know more about Orlando? Head over to our adventure in Seaworld.

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6 Comments

  1. August 1, 2018 / 4:43 pm

    Oh wow this looks like so much fun! You guys did so much – the rides and shows all look fab. Love your sunnies by the way! Thanks for sharing with us at #BloggerClubUK xx

    • Rosie
      Author
      August 1, 2018 / 6:24 pm

      Thanks Becky. Yeah I can’t believe we crammed so much into the whole trip x

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