It’s time to head to the land of the silver screen. That’s right, today we are talking about Disney’s Hollywood Studios. In recent years, this Park has grown exponentially in popularity, as it became home to Sheriff Woody and the Toy Story Gang. Of course, popularity continued to surge when the Park expanded into Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where you can step into the world of Star Wars and meet beloved characters like Chewbacca and Rey.
Even though these new and fun sections of the Park keep Guests flocking, the overarching theme of movie magic is still the spirit of this awesome Park. With classic attractions like Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, there is so much to see and do in Hollywood Studios. Stepping into the movie magic has long been a highlight of my Walt Disney World vacations, so I have a few tips and tricks to make your Hollywood Studios day the best experience on your vacation.
We all have our preferences when it comes to a Walt Disney World Resort vacation. Some prefer shows, while others fangirl out over thrill rides. Still, others love diving into dining and drink options in the Park between visits to storybook rides. Today I’m sharing some of my Hollywood Studios highlights in hopes you find them helpful in planning a Hollywood Studios itinerary. These are the things I always do in Hollywood Studios.
Rope Drop Dash a High Traffic Ride
By now, you know that arriving at Park opening, or “rope drop”, is always a must-do for my family. Arriving at rope drop allows you the chance to dash straight to a chosen ride with little or no wait right after Park opening, As you might imagine, heading to busier rides that usually have the longest wait times are the best idea. Among the things that I always do in Hollywood Studios is rope drop dash a ride in Toy Story Land or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Which way you head at rope drop is your preference. I have spent the early morning enjoying both of these fun and popular sections of the Park on different occasions. I generally head to Slinky Dog Dash to enjoy a near walk-on wait right after rope drop or power walk toward Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Tailor this tip to your crew, based on what you are most excited to see and what is an unmissable attraction on your list.
While ride times don’t always climb as high as the two aforementioned attractions, heading to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith are also good ideas, as wait times for these thrill rides also grow throughout the day.
Sip a Shakin’ Jamaican
We got an early start in the Park and have a long day ahead, so now it’s time for some caffeine. Head over to a Joffrey’s Coffee Stand to purchase one of my all-time favorite sips, the Shakin’ Jamaican. Joffrey’s Coffee is a Florida brand that delivers on all the robust and delicious coffee flavors you crave and is a staple of the Disney Parks. You’ll find Joffrey’s Coffee stands around the Walt Disney World Resort property in Parks, at the Transportation & Ticket Center, Disney Skyliner Stops, and even at Disney Springs. Do not pass up an opportunity to snag a Joffrey’s Coffee when the mood strikes.
As an iced coffee lover, I am a massive fan of the Shakin’ Jamaican Cold Brew Coffee. This beverage can only be described as the perfect balance of acidic and smooth, with a robust and unique flavor. When swirled with cream, this cold brew is the way to my heart. I love taking a break on a bench near the entrance to Toy Story Land or at the Joffrey’s stand near Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to sit down for a second and enjoy this coffee.
Related: Things I Always Do In Magic Kingdom
Scream Down Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
With all the awesome attraction expansions in the last decade in this Disney Park, I’m still a fan of the classics. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one shocking thrill ride that you should not miss. Do not be deterred by the fact that this is one of the older staples of the Park, it is terrifying and so much fun. Another one of my favorite ride queues in Disney World, the fun really does begin in line.
This story takes you through the stunning and spooky Hollywood Hotel in its glorious heyday. Enjoy the queue as it sets the stage for the ride to come. This ride is fun for so many reasons, but especially because the ride drop pattern changes to create a unique ride experience each time you board this ride. Screaming down the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is something I always do during a day in Hollywood Studios.
Explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Walking through the World of Star Wars at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a next-level immersive experience. Take the time to explore this newest section of the Park on your Disney vacation. Hop on Smuggler’s Run to take a look at the iconic Millennium Falcon. Snag a reservation to Oga’s Cantina and sip a Fuzzy Tauntaun.
Shop the market of Batuu or join the Resistance to fight for the galaxy on the awesome new attraction Rise of the Resistance. If you’ve never tried blue milk or tasted the yummy grilled meat at Ronto Roasters, add both of those to your must-try list. Even if you are not a die-hard Star Wars fan, I suggest you take the time to check out this awesome section of the Park.
Walk Through Toy Story Land
If you have ever wanted to walk into Disney Pixar’s Toy Story, you have come to the right place. Toy Story Land is truly one of the most magical theme park creations I have ever seen. Dine at Woody’s Lunch Box (we recommend the raspberry tart) then swirl and twirl with the little green men on Alien Swirling Saucer.
Slinky Dog Dash is one of the cutest coasters around, so take the time to ride it if you get a chance. Toy Story Mania! is a super fun carnival game-inspired 4D ride that brings you into Woody’s World. I always spend time in Toy Story Land during a day in Hollywood Studios.
Related: Things I Always Do In EPCOT
Watch A Stage Show
Stage shows have long been a staple of Hollywood Studios. Many shows have come and gone over the years at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Seeing a live stage show during a day in this Disney Park is something I always do. Take a look at the My Disney Experience App to take a look at show times and descriptions. We promise you will be excited to see the show quality when you take the time to watch a show in Hollywood Studios.
As a musical fan, I am a huge proponent of Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage, but choices like For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration sing-along are also a great idea. The action fans will love Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! Muppet* Vision 4D is another fun show and a great way to take a break from the heat. Even if you think of rides when you visit a theme park, take the time to watch a show during a day at Hollywood Studios.
Hopefully these tips will help you build your magical day in Hollywood Studios. Remember to check out our guides on booking, packing and exploring other Parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Have a magical vacation!
