10 Do’s And Don’ts For Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

If you have paid any attention at all to news about Walt Disney World, you know that there are a lot of changes going on at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are two new lands in the works, and even the name of the park is supposed to eventually change. While it’s easy to wonder about what the park will look like in the future, it is a great destination now as well. Here are ten do’s and don’ts for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

10. Don’t: Assume There’s Nothing to Do

While it’s true that there have been some closures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is still plenty to do. The park is still home to two incredible thrill rides, a chance to blast into the Star Wars universe, a fun ride for the whole family, and more. There is still plenty of live entertainment, and there are lots of characters. There are some fabulous restaurants as well. Don’t skip the park, assuming that there is nothing to do. You couldn’t be more wrong.

9. Do: Plan to Spend a Whole Day

A common assumption right now is that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has become a half-day park. Don’t fall into that line of thinking, you could spend a whole day there and still not do everything. Arrive at rope drop and hit a ride that you couldn’t get a Tier One FastPass+ for. After that, get some character pictures while waiting for a show. Enjoy the unique restaurants, catch more shows, and get more character pictures. Don’t forget to watch both Fantasmic! and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. Spend an entire day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and at the end of the day you’ll wonder where the time went.

8. Don’t: Forget to Read the Menus Ahead of Time

The Restaurants at Disney’s Hollywood Studios have very diverse and creative menus. If you read the menus ahead of time, either on the Walt Disney World website or the My Disney Experience App, you will have a better idea of where you will want to eat and what you should order. This will save you precious time during the day.

7. Do: Make Dining Reservations

The full service restaurants include two very unique themed experiences, a recreation of a famous restaurant, and a delicious Italian option. Character dining is also unique. Breakfast at Hollywood & Vine features Disney Junior characters while lunch and dinner is Minnie’s Seasonal Dining. If the park is busy, you could have a hard time walking up to any of these, so do make reservations in advance.

6. Don’t: Try to Wing It

You need to have a plan when you head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the park is small, you will still want to know where everything is. Study the map, read up on the rides, learn the show times, and grab an early spot for Fantasmic!. If you don’t have a plan, you will waste a lot of time.

5. Do: Use FastPass+

There are two tiers for FastPass+ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can only make one Tier One selection, and that is where you will find both Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and Toy Story Mania!. Make a reservation for one, and hit the other as soon as the park opens. Don’t forget to make Tier Two FastPass+ selections as well. After you’ve used all three you can add another, and then after you’ve used that you can do it again, etc. FastPass+ will save you a lot of time, no one likes to wait in long lines.

4. Don’t: Miss the Shows or Characters

Some people assume that after they’ve hit The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, and Toy Story Mania that they might as well leave. That would be a huge mistake! Some of the best live shows at Walt Disney World take place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They will also give you a chance to sit down and relax for a little while. At the park you can also meet characters who are hard to find elsewhere. You might end up with some of the best pictures from your trip.

3. Do: Enjoy Everything

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a lot to see and do, so take it all in. Watch Disney Junior – Live on Stage, even if you don’t have a child with you. Get a picture with Sorcerer Mickey. Laugh at the bad jokes in Muppet*Vision 3D. See how many different scenarios you can hit on Star Tours. Walk through Walt Disney Presents and learn something about the man who started it all and see models of what’s to come. Make a reservation for Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party and literally end your day with a bang. There could be more changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so savor the park and enjoy everything that is there now.

2. Don’t: Think It’s All Star Wars

If you’re not a huge Star Wars fan, you might be tempted to skip Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While it’s true that there are plenty of Star Wars options, there is more to the park. You can still turn upside down in a limo or drop 13 floors over and over again. There are several different movies that you can watch unfold before you that have nothing to do with the Skywalker family. You can meet classic characters or warm hug a snowman. There is much more to Disney’s Hollywood Studios these days than just Star Wars.

1. Do: Get Excited for the Future

While you are at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, it is impossible to not notice the construction walls. Instead of complaining about how much is blocked off, think about the future. The Star Wars themed land (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge) is scheduled to open in 2019. Even sooner, Toy Story land has been progressing along and is expected to open in mid to late 2018. There are new rides, restaurants, shops, and characters on the way that will be here before you know it!