Retro vibes, iconic rides and the sense that you are sunning it up in California, we absolutely love the theming and atmosphere at Hollywood Studios. The designs, the variety of rides and shows, and the retro signage and buildings are incredible and it is such a fun place to spend time. It was one of our boys’ favourite days on our holiday. If we go again we will definitely devote more time to it and aim for 2 days there. There are some really big rides here so the queues did get long. It is definitely a park to consider rope dropping or Genie+ to get on everything you want to, if that suits your group. We didn’t pay for any of those extras this time and managed to get on most rides that we wanted to, with the exception of Rise of the Resistance and Tower of Terror (which the children were’nt keen on!).
With so many big rides on offer here it would be easy to argue about what goes in to the ‘Top 10’ list! Ours is very much a mixture that suited all the family. So some of the bigger rides aren’t on our list (but are well worth doing!)
Here are our Top 10 experiences at Hollywood Studios:
1. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
This new ride is absolutely amazing!! It is a must for all the family (we went on it twice we loved it so much). Full of colour and using the most amazing technology I would have it at the top of my list. You get to climb aboard a runaway railway and embark on a whirlwind ride through a world where the rules of physics don’t apply. Absolutely bonkers and the most fun!
2. Fantasmic (evening show)
The Fantasmic Show is incredible! Set outdoors as an evening musical, the forces of evil and good battle it out in Mickey’s dream. The show features stunning effects, thrilling stunts, dazzling pyrotechnics and great music. It also uses water and light to create amazing effects. It was honestly one of the best things we say in Walt Disney World.
3. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Show
We loved the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. So entertaining for all the family (and a brilliant opportunity to sit down and rest for a bit!!). Really well put together and so clever. We totally recommend it as it is really interactive and great for children too.
4. Toy Story Land
Who wouldn’t love Toy Story Land?! This is such a great place to spend time. There are a number of brilliant rides which would definitely be ‘must dos’ for us including Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania, There is also an opportunity to meet characters, watch the Green Army Drum Corps and grab some lunch at Woody’s Lunch Box.
5. Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run
This was by far our longest queue of the entire trip, but it was so worth it and the children absolutely loved it. You get to fly the legendary millennium falcon on an interactive smuggling mission, with your group playing the roles of pilot, gunner and engineer. Lots of fun!
6. Eat food on Sunset Boulevard
The far end of Sunset Boulevard has a great area for sitting and enjoying some food and was definitely one of our favourites. There are a number of quick service restaurants here offering a really good variety of cuisine from pizza and burgers, to ice cream, fresh fruit and vegetable produce and amazing waffle bowls filled with meats and vegetables at Fairfax Fare.
7. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
This is a classic 3D ride in which you get to jump in to hyperspace. Because the many story twists are random, you never know where you’ll go or who you may encounter along the way! A good one for all the family.
8. Mickey waffles from Hollywood Scoops
Mickey waffles are so so good. Hard to resist, silly to even try! Great treat for all the family. You can also get amazing ice creams and sundaes here.
9. Sit back and enjoy some Star Wars themed food and drink!
The theming of the Star Wars area is incredible, and even for people who aren’t fans, I would say it has to be seen. We loved the food and drinks here; so quirky and unique and totally on theme. You can try blue and green milk just like Luke Skywalker in the movies, and head to Aga’s Cantina for exotic galactic food and drink!
10. Hit the shops
We loved just wandering around at Hollywood Studios and soaking up the atmosphere. The main boulevards are beautiful and so nice to spend time in. There are a really good range of shops, including themed ones selling Star Wars and Avengers goodies, restaurants and bars, and it is a great place to just spend some time taking it all in. Sitting by the lake with an ice cream or a Mickey pretzel and watching the world go by for 20 minutes is pretty awesome.
For more tips on Disney trips click here. Happy Disney-ing x
