Disney Dining Disney Dining Tips, News, and Reviews
Welcome back to our last installment of “How to Have the Worst Day” at Walt Disney World’s four Parks. To this point, we’ve covered Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom. Now, it’s time to tackle MGM-ahem-we mean Hollywood Studios. If you love movies, chances are you love Hollywood Studios, specifically if you’re a Star Wars fan. Although Hollywood Studios has been coined as a celebration of Hollywood and filmmaking, it’s become heavily based in a “galaxy far far away.”
That’s perfectly fine with us, however. It’s not like Disney could ruin Star Wars or anything like that. Sorry Rey, maybe they can. At least they have the Millennium Falcon. Droids and lightsabers aside (you’ll want to skip all of those things), we’re here to tell you how to have the WORST possible day at Hollywood Studios.
Instead of Breakfast Ronto Wraps, Have a Pop-Tart
Credit: Wookiepedia
The dining at Hollywood Studios is coming along nicely. With the addition of Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge, the Park has more options than before. Two relatively new options that Guests really enjoy are Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 at Hollywood Studios. Here Guests can devour the best that Batuu has to offer. Although the typical ronto-wrap is pretty good, the breakfast edition is well worth the early alarm.
As good as it is, you won’t be having one on your WORST day possible at Hollywood Studios. Instead, enjoy a cold Pop-Tart from the comfort of your hotel room. Better yet, skip breakfast altogether. It isn’t like it’s the most important meal of the day. Ronto-wraps, in all their eggy goodness, are meant for BEST day advice. Honestly, we’re doing you a bit of a favor. Instead of waking up early to face rope-dropping crowds for Rise of the Resistance, you can skip the meal and get a bit of extra shut-eye.
Pro-tip: If you’re going to get a ronto-wrap at lunch, try to find a table at 12 p.m on the dot.
Plan Your Toy Story Land Adventure in the Middle of the Day
Credit: Disney
Back in 2018, times were much more straightforward. The economy hadn’t been turned on its side by a pandemic yet, Hollywood Studios hadn’t become an all-out tribute to Star Wars, and Cinderella Castle was still its original paint scheme. Although Hollywood Studios fans were still reeling over the loss of The Great Movie Ride, they had a consolation prize to look forward to.
Hollywood Studios would open its first significant expansion (before Galaxy’s Edge) by opening Toy Story Land. This new Park area features impressive detail that shrinks Guests to the size of toys hanging around Andy’s backyard. Complete with two new rides, Slinky Dog Dash, a moderate coaster themed after the famous slinky toy from the movie, and Alien Swirling Saucers joined Woody’s Lunchbox as the Parks newest attractions. Guests were pleasantly surprised with the extremely well-done theming of the land. However, they quickly pointed out one thing Disney surprisingly did not think through.
There is very little shade to be had in Toy Story Land. By very little, we mean almost none. This area of Hollywood Studios can become quite the scorcher rather quickly, especially after rain. So, as part of your WORST Hollywood Studios day, you must plan all of your Slinky Dog Dash fun anytime after 1 p.m. This will ensure maximum discomfort. Sounds like the WORST day to me.
Pro-tip: Make sure you leave your parka on after it rains, in case it rains again.
Randomly Select Your Lightening Lanes, Don’t Plan
Credit: Disney Parks
With many thrills to be had, Hollywood Studios is often viewed as a more mature Park. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith and Tower of Terror are not for the faint of heart. Although these two rides call Sunset Boulevard their home, numerous other rides and shows are found throughout the Park. Unlike other Disney World Parks, there is not a clear “best way” to tackle all Hollywood Studios has to offer. Instead, do it randomly.
If you’re using Genie+ or purchasing individual lightning lanes, book Smuggler’s Run and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway back to back. After that, follow up with Star Tours and Beauty and the Beast. When you’re done, check out the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular, followed by a trip to Toy Story Land. Really focus on getting your steps in. Resist the urge to use any logic in your planning. Remember, WORST day!
Pro-tip: Do a lap around the entire Park once everyone in your travel party starts to complain. That’ll liven things up a bit.
Let Everyone Know You Miss The Great Movie Ride
Credit: Disney
I know. I share your well-placed nostalgia for The Great Movie Ride. I miss it too. This well-loved attraction that once called the Chinese Theatre home at Hollywood Studios was laid to rest in 2017 in favor of Disney World’s first ride featuring Mickey Mouse. Guests were not thrilled with the change, and many still hold the ride in high regard. Right up there with the Osborne Lights. Again, I completely get it. The ride was amazing and was everything the original idea for MGM Studios stood for. A little bit of me died alongside the Great Movie Ride.
Instead of enjoying Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, cry into your blue milk the entire time you’re at Hollywood Studios. Make sure everyone knows how loyal you are to the original ride. Even though the attraction is long gone, lobby to anyone who will listen. Tell them how amazing it was and how nothing else at Walt Disney World retains the same magic and wistful following as The Great Movie Ride. Make their lives miserable until they change it back! Not only are you having the WORST Hollywood Studios day, but so is everyone else! #teamplayer
Pro-tip: When you’ve finished reminiscing about the good ole days, do the same at what used to be Splash Mountain.
Fantasmic! Is Back, Skip the Crowd and Head Home Early At Hollywood Studios
Credit: Disney
After a long hiatus, the ever-fabulous Fantasmic! nighttime spectacular has returned to Hollywood Studios. Since it’s back, I’m going to let you in on a little secret. This is the most incredible nighttime show in any Disney Park. There’s really nothing like it. It is everything you love about Disney and a perfect way to wrap up your Disney vacation. However, we aim to have the WORST day possible at Hollywood Studios, so you probably guessed it. We’re going to skip it!
Although there are two showing for Fantasmic!, don’t worry about seeing either one. In fact, skip hanging out in the Park once the sun goes down. It’s a long walk back to the car, after all, or to the bus, boats, or Disney Skyliner. Fantasmic! draws a huge crowd. The amphitheater holds around 7,000 people. You’ll have to fight that crowd to exit the Park once the show concludes. Is it really worth watching Mickey Mouse battle his own imagination? Any other day, yes, Fantasmic! is a must-do, but on the WORST day at Hollywood Studios, absolutely not.
Pro-tip: If you must see Fantasmic! Don’t worry about the exclusive seating offered alongside special dining packages.
So, there you have it. It’s been a long journey, but we finally have highlighted how to have the WORST day at all four Walt Disney World Parks. We’d be amiss if we didn’t include a few honorable mentions here, so be sure to pass on the Ceasar salad at The Hollywood Brown Derby; remember that Indiana Jones doesn’t really get run over by the boulder, and pass on the different exhibits spotlighting Walt Disney Animation! If you follow our advice, you’re sure to have the WORST Hollywood Studios day ever!
