My 8 Favorite Things About Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Although I freely admit that Hollywood Studios is not my favorite park, there are many things about the park that I really enjoy. I like the “feel” of the park, especially along Hollywood Boulevard where Old Hollywood reigns.

8. Crates

I love the details around the Studios like the shipping crates that you find along the streets. Take a closer look to see who they are addressed to: George Bailey in Bedford Falls, Scarlett O’Hara at Tara Plantation, Rick Blaine in Casablanca, and Charles Foster Kane in Gulf Coast, Florida.

7. Singing In the Rain Umbrella

Located on the Streets of America this fun, interactive prop is a must take photo location for my family. It is at the end of the street sort-of facing Lights, Motors, Action entrance. Stand in the right place to pose with the umbrella and it will rain around you!

6. Carrot Cake Cookie

I really don’t need to say anymore. The carrot cake cookie, scrumptious cream cheese icing sandwiched between two delicious rounds of moist carrot cake, is one of my favorite Disney desserts. The Writer’s Stop at Hollywood Studios is where you can find it . . . unless I got there first.

5. Mulch, Sweat & Shears (DISCONTINUED They will be missed)

This rockin’ band performs at Hollywood Studios under the guise of a landscaping crew. The energetic crew puts on a very entertaining show with some of your favorite songs that just make you want to sing along. I highly recommend catching at least one of their performances.

4. Table Service Dining Options

Hollywood Studios has some of my favorite Table Service Dining options in all of the World. Every trip we have two meals at the Studios—usually 50’s Prime Time and Sci Fi Dine In Theater. Both are so fun and kitschy and do a great job with their theming (plus they serve vanilla coke and delicious milk shakes). If we are looking for something fancier Hollywood Brown Derby doesn’t disappoint, fantastic service, a delicious menu and well prepared food.

3. Great Movie Ride and the Chinese Theater

Although I know many people think the ride is dated, I love it. I think it captures the spirit of Hollywood Studios by looking at the Golden Age of cinema and the various movie genres that have been popular all the way up through the time the attraction was created. I also think the presentation of the attraction—giving you a part inside a movie—is creative and entertaining (no matter how many times that gangster takes over my vehicle). The Wicked Witch Audio Animatronic is amazing, and the montage at the end is a great trip through the movies (though it definitely needs some updating, which should be easy to do). And the theater itself . . . well, I thought it made the perfect park centerpiece or “weenie” capturing that spirit of old Hollywood.

 

 

2. Streetmosphere Characters

Unfortunately these have dwindled in number over the years, but the Streetmosphere characters along Hollywood & Sunset Boulevards are so much fun. Their hilarious skits involve guests in scenarios from Hollywood’s heyday. Starlets, directors, policemen, and other Hollywood hopefuls entertain everyone around.

1. The Neon at Night

My favorite thing about the Studios is to walk along Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood Boulevard at night and look at all of the glowing neon. It fits the “scene” so well and really immerses you in Hollywoodland of the 1930s & 40s. I’m sure it is more beautiful than anything that ever existed in “real life” Hollywood, but it is very eye-catching.