Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is unique in that it celebrates the film industry, shows you a glimpse of how movies are made, and even gives you the chance to experience being in the movies. This park opened in 1989 and was the third theme park to open in WDW. This park is home to some of the best attractions on property and is probably the most popular next to the Magic Kingdom.
Hollywood Studios layout can be confusing and is sectioned into different areas. It can also be very crowded due to its number of popular attractions. We definitely recommend picking up a guide map when you enter the park, have a times guide for shows, and prepare a plan for the day beforehand.
While Hollywood Studios needs a plan of attack if it's your first visit or if you're there to ride it's major attractions, a leisurely visit to this park is possible. While some attractions can have long waits, many of the others here have short waits or can be walk-ons. There also a lot of great shops, sights, and details to take in here. Definitely worth more than one visit!
Hollywood Studios layout can be confusing and is sectioned into different areas. It can also be very crowded due to its number of popular attractions. We definitely recommend picking up a guide map when you enter the park, have a times guide for shows, and prepare a plan for the day beforehand.
While Hollywood Studios needs a plan of attack if it's your first visit or if you're there to ride it's major attractions, a leisurely visit to this park is possible. While some attractions can have long waits, many of the others here have short waits or can be walk-ons. There also a lot of great shops, sights, and details to take in here. Definitely worth more than one visit!
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is the street you find yourself when you first enter the park. It is somewhat like Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom in that it ushers you into the park and leads you towards the park's icon, a giant magician's hat from the Disney film Fantasia. Hollywood Boulevard is designed to look like you've stepped back into Old Hollywood. Be sure to look up to see old style billboards. The shops lining this street offer a variety of souvenirs and merchandise, some which you can't find anywhere else in WDW. Be sure to stop by Sid Calahan's, a shack located to the left of the entrance selling movie posters. autographed pictures, and other film memorabilia. For any film enthusiast, this is a must-see!
Ctizens of Hollywood: These individuals are actors who act is they are in old Hollywood. They dress in old, comical costumes and perform hilarious skits. Sometimes they even include guests in their skits. If you encounter one of these citzens on your trip, be sure to stop and watch. They are extremely talented and you surely in for a laugh. Also feel to ask for their autgraphs or for a picture.
The Great Movie Ride: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This is the only attraction on Hollywood Boulevard and is somewhat of a centerpiece for the park. The ride is housed inside a replica of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater and is all about putting you into classic moments of classic films, like Mary Poppins, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the Wizard of OZ. In the theater's lobby, the line will take you by a number of props from famous films before entering an ornate waiting area with a screen showing trailers from the flms you will encounter on the ride. Then you will board a tram with a tour guide who takes you through scenes of old, famous films with audio-animatronic actors. Be aware that there are a few suprises and a few scenes which may frighten young children, but they are mild in intensity. We highly recommend this ride for all ages, even for those who aren't familiar with all of the films presented.
Ctizens of Hollywood: These individuals are actors who act is they are in old Hollywood. They dress in old, comical costumes and perform hilarious skits. Sometimes they even include guests in their skits. If you encounter one of these citzens on your trip, be sure to stop and watch. They are extremely talented and you surely in for a laugh. Also feel to ask for their autgraphs or for a picture.
The Great Movie Ride: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This is the only attraction on Hollywood Boulevard and is somewhat of a centerpiece for the park. The ride is housed inside a replica of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theater and is all about putting you into classic moments of classic films, like Mary Poppins, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the Wizard of OZ. In the theater's lobby, the line will take you by a number of props from famous films before entering an ornate waiting area with a screen showing trailers from the flms you will encounter on the ride. Then you will board a tram with a tour guide who takes you through scenes of old, famous films with audio-animatronic actors. Be aware that there are a few suprises and a few scenes which may frighten young children, but they are mild in intensity. We highly recommend this ride for all ages, even for those who aren't familiar with all of the films presented.
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset is a street off of Hollywood Boulevard. This street is home to two of the best and most attractions in all of WDW, both located right next door to each other: Tower of Terror and Rock n' Roller Coaster. This street is also home to several counter service stands, a few gift shops, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage show, and the entrance to Fantasmic. Be warned that this street can get pretty crowded at times.
Tower of Terror: 5 Glass Slippers
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is arguably the best attraction in the world! Disney story telling is at its best as it puts you into an episode of the old, classic Twilight Zone television series. Board a maintenance elevator in a decaying, mysteriously abandoned hotel, and prepare to enter the Twilight Zone! This ride varies in its number of drops each time and the doors open so you can see the park below. Be sure to smile too because your picture is being taken! Warning: The spooky theme of this ride can be scary, especially for young children. But rest assured knowing that on this elevator, you are seated, buckled in, and have 3 walls surrounding you; and nothing jumps out or grabs you here.
Rock n' Roller Coaster: 5 Glass Slippers
This is a very popular attraction at WDW and one of its best! The storyline of this ride is that you are visiting a recording studio called G-Force Records. Be sure to notice the giant guitar columns and the vintage music posters on the wall. You will be taken into a studio that's recording to find the members of Aerosmith hard at work on a distant screen that makes it look like they are there! When they realize that they are late for a concert, lead singer, Steven Tyler, offers backstage passes to the show! You are then ushered into a parking garage where you board a super stretch convertible limo that has some amazing speakers. Your super stretch will pull up to a red light before being shot at 60 mph straight into a loop. You will experience other inversions, dips, and thrills in the dark with glowing Los Angeles neon all around, all while to the sounds of Aerosmith hits pumping through the speakers. Overall, this ride is a blast sure to get your adrenaline pumping! You have to try at least once!
This ride can be scary for some because of speed, inversions, and darkness; however, unlike Tower of Terror, the atmosphere here is all about fun without the chills. The line for this attraction is almost always long and often runs out of Fastpasses early. Also be sure to have your camera ready for a photo op in front of the giant guitar adorning the front of this attraction!
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This live stage show is a Broadway style musical production that tells the story of Beauty and the Beast. The talent and costumes in this show are excellent and entertaining for all ages. This show is not continuous, it has set showtimes throughout the day so be sure to check a times guide when planning your day. The theater is covered and has a great deal of seating; however, during peak season, this show can fill up. Also, for a great view, arrive early and try to sit in the center. Great for Beauty and the Beast fans, young guests, and fans of shows.
Tower of Terror: 5 Glass Slippers
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is arguably the best attraction in the world! Disney story telling is at its best as it puts you into an episode of the old, classic Twilight Zone television series. Board a maintenance elevator in a decaying, mysteriously abandoned hotel, and prepare to enter the Twilight Zone! This ride varies in its number of drops each time and the doors open so you can see the park below. Be sure to smile too because your picture is being taken! Warning: The spooky theme of this ride can be scary, especially for young children. But rest assured knowing that on this elevator, you are seated, buckled in, and have 3 walls surrounding you; and nothing jumps out or grabs you here.
Rock n' Roller Coaster: 5 Glass Slippers
This is a very popular attraction at WDW and one of its best! The storyline of this ride is that you are visiting a recording studio called G-Force Records. Be sure to notice the giant guitar columns and the vintage music posters on the wall. You will be taken into a studio that's recording to find the members of Aerosmith hard at work on a distant screen that makes it look like they are there! When they realize that they are late for a concert, lead singer, Steven Tyler, offers backstage passes to the show! You are then ushered into a parking garage where you board a super stretch convertible limo that has some amazing speakers. Your super stretch will pull up to a red light before being shot at 60 mph straight into a loop. You will experience other inversions, dips, and thrills in the dark with glowing Los Angeles neon all around, all while to the sounds of Aerosmith hits pumping through the speakers. Overall, this ride is a blast sure to get your adrenaline pumping! You have to try at least once!
This ride can be scary for some because of speed, inversions, and darkness; however, unlike Tower of Terror, the atmosphere here is all about fun without the chills. The line for this attraction is almost always long and often runs out of Fastpasses early. Also be sure to have your camera ready for a photo op in front of the giant guitar adorning the front of this attraction!
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This live stage show is a Broadway style musical production that tells the story of Beauty and the Beast. The talent and costumes in this show are excellent and entertaining for all ages. This show is not continuous, it has set showtimes throughout the day so be sure to check a times guide when planning your day. The theater is covered and has a great deal of seating; however, during peak season, this show can fill up. Also, for a great view, arrive early and try to sit in the center. Great for Beauty and the Beast fans, young guests, and fans of shows.
Animation Courtyard
This section of Hollywood Studios celebrates Disney animation and is home to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show, Disney Junior show, and the Magic of Disney Animation attraction.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid: 3 Glass Slippers
This show is one of Hollywood Studios older attractions, but its still great today! This show combines lasers, video clips, and puppetry to tell the story of the Little Mermaid. The special effects of this show are meant to make you feel as if you are really under the sea! The different technology and methods employed in this show also keep the story fresh. The waiting area is also really cool! Be sure to check it out. Great for all ages!
Magic of Disney Animation: 4 Glass Slippers
This attraction begins with a film starring Mushu from Mulan and a live Disney cast member that tells about the creation of animated characters in a fun and entertaining way that even keeps kids attention. After the film, you will get to see drawings, concept art, and more from Disney's first film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves before seeing a replica of Disney animator's office. The area you are in was actually a working animation studio years ago where Mulan and other films were worked on. After seeing concept art for upcoming Disney films, you will find yourself in an open area where you can meet and greet with Disney characters, play interactive games, and even participate in Animation Academy. Great for all ages!
Animation Academy is a short art class. If you want to try it out, be sure to head to the waiting area early because a Disney cast member will close the area when it reaches capacity. Animation Academy lets you sit a lighted animator's desk and learn from a Disney animator how to dry a classic Disney character. For those of you who lack artistic talent, don't shy away from this experience. The Disney Animator clearly and simply explains how to draw a character on a screen above in careful steps. Once the class is over, you get to keep your sketch which gives you a unique and free souvenir! This class is a lot of fun for the whole family, be sure to see!
Voyage of the Little Mermaid: 3 Glass Slippers
This show is one of Hollywood Studios older attractions, but its still great today! This show combines lasers, video clips, and puppetry to tell the story of the Little Mermaid. The special effects of this show are meant to make you feel as if you are really under the sea! The different technology and methods employed in this show also keep the story fresh. The waiting area is also really cool! Be sure to check it out. Great for all ages!
Magic of Disney Animation: 4 Glass Slippers
This attraction begins with a film starring Mushu from Mulan and a live Disney cast member that tells about the creation of animated characters in a fun and entertaining way that even keeps kids attention. After the film, you will get to see drawings, concept art, and more from Disney's first film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves before seeing a replica of Disney animator's office. The area you are in was actually a working animation studio years ago where Mulan and other films were worked on. After seeing concept art for upcoming Disney films, you will find yourself in an open area where you can meet and greet with Disney characters, play interactive games, and even participate in Animation Academy. Great for all ages!
Animation Academy is a short art class. If you want to try it out, be sure to head to the waiting area early because a Disney cast member will close the area when it reaches capacity. Animation Academy lets you sit a lighted animator's desk and learn from a Disney animator how to dry a classic Disney character. For those of you who lack artistic talent, don't shy away from this experience. The Disney Animator clearly and simply explains how to draw a character on a screen above in careful steps. Once the class is over, you get to keep your sketch which gives you a unique and free souvenir! This class is a lot of fun for the whole family, be sure to see!
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is an area of Hollywood Studios you will find if you venture left at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. Here you will find a small lake with Dinosaur Gertie, an icre cream stand. This section is home to Am
American Idol Experience: 2.5 Glass Slippers
This is a show that you can star in! All throughout the day you can audition to sing as a contestant; but even if you don't make the cut, you can watch 3 contestants sing in front of a panel of judges in a studio that looks just like the real American Idol Studio. Once you've heard the talent, you get to vote for your favorite! If one of the winners becomes the winner of the day, they may get a Dream Ticket which grants them a slot at a real American Idol audition! This show is great for American Idol fans and is unique in that fellow guests, or even you, get to be part of the show! Great for all ages; but little guests may get bored.
American Idol Experience: 2.5 Glass Slippers
This is a show that you can star in! All throughout the day you can audition to sing as a contestant; but even if you don't make the cut, you can watch 3 contestants sing in front of a panel of judges in a studio that looks just like the real American Idol Studio. Once you've heard the talent, you get to vote for your favorite! If one of the winners becomes the winner of the day, they may get a Dream Ticket which grants them a slot at a real American Idol audition! This show is great for American Idol fans and is unique in that fellow guests, or even you, get to be part of the show! Great for all ages; but little guests may get bored.
Mickey Avenue
Mickey Avenue is a street behind Hollywood Studios' icon, containing the Studio Backlot Tour, and Walt Disney: One Man's Dream. While this area isn't home to thrill rides, the attractions offered here are all worthing seeing, especially during the most crowded times of the day.
Studios Backlot Tour: 3 Glass Slippers
This attraction begins with a viewing of how action movies, like Pearl Harbor, are made. Guests are chosen to be the actors in this sequence, so it might be you getting to star in the show! After walking through a warehouse housing props from films and television serieses, you will boarda tram which takes you through a backlot showcasing a number of large props from a number of films, give you a glimpse of the Mickey watertower, and through a costume department. Your tram will then take you into a constructed set called Catastrophe Canyon where you will see how special effects using fire and water are used. Here you will see how convincing special effects can be! But don't be concerned, nothing happens to you. After you exit the tram, take your time exploring the American Film Institute Showcase to see costumes and props from big movies. The Backlot Tour is suitable and enjoyable for all ages, especially for film buffs; but be warned that this a long attraction.
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream: 5 Glass Slippers
This attraction is walk through museum where you can learn about Walt Disney's life through images, props, and recordings. You will also get to learn about Walt's accomplishments, Disney films, and parks. Be sure to see the models of Disney castles, icons, and attractions. Walt Disney: One Man's Dream has been recently renovated, so there may be even more to see and learn. There is also a film at the end of this attraction; but if you prefer to skip it, you can exit the way you came in. This is one of our family's favorite places to escape the rain or when we need to cool off; but don't visit it just for that. It's a lot of fun to learn about the Walt Disney himself and the parks through the excellent displays and images, even kids enjoy it. A must for all ages, especially for Disney historians.
Studios Backlot Tour: 3 Glass Slippers
This attraction begins with a viewing of how action movies, like Pearl Harbor, are made. Guests are chosen to be the actors in this sequence, so it might be you getting to star in the show! After walking through a warehouse housing props from films and television serieses, you will boarda tram which takes you through a backlot showcasing a number of large props from a number of films, give you a glimpse of the Mickey watertower, and through a costume department. Your tram will then take you into a constructed set called Catastrophe Canyon where you will see how special effects using fire and water are used. Here you will see how convincing special effects can be! But don't be concerned, nothing happens to you. After you exit the tram, take your time exploring the American Film Institute Showcase to see costumes and props from big movies. The Backlot Tour is suitable and enjoyable for all ages, especially for film buffs; but be warned that this a long attraction.
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream: 5 Glass Slippers
This attraction is walk through museum where you can learn about Walt Disney's life through images, props, and recordings. You will also get to learn about Walt's accomplishments, Disney films, and parks. Be sure to see the models of Disney castles, icons, and attractions. Walt Disney: One Man's Dream has been recently renovated, so there may be even more to see and learn. There is also a film at the end of this attraction; but if you prefer to skip it, you can exit the way you came in. This is one of our family's favorite places to escape the rain or when we need to cool off; but don't visit it just for that. It's a lot of fun to learn about the Walt Disney himself and the parks through the excellent displays and images, even kids enjoy it. A must for all ages, especially for Disney historians.
Pixar Place
This is Hollywood Studios newest addition. It's an area dedicated to Pixar films and is home to spectacular decor and probably the most popular attraction at WDW right now, Toy Story Midway Mania. There are dozens of details and photo-ops here, especially for Toy Story fans. Also be on the look out for Toy Story toy soldiers marching through Pixar Place, they might even recruit you!
Toy Story Midway Mania: 5 Glass Slippers
This attraction is a lot of fun for the whole family! This ride is 4-D in that you wear 3-D glasses, are in a moving ride vehicle, and get aim for targets with your pull string cannon. The story of this ride is that you are the size of a toy and are going to play one of Andy's new Midway carnival games. When you enter the ride building, you will find a huge night light on the wall, a giant Lincoln Log cabin, and lifesize classic board games. You will also see a huge, audio-animatronic Mr. Potato Head who talks and tells jokes. After getting your 3-D glasses, you will then be taken into Andy's room with the iconic white cloud wall paper, huge books and tinker toys, and more! This area is truly amazing in that you really feel as if you are a toy in Andy's room. You will board a ride vehicle with two seats on either side fitted with cannons that fire by a pull string. Your zippy vehicle will take you through galleries with 3-D screens where Toy Story characters have you play target games, like popping balloons or throwing rings around little green aliens. The special effects in this ride are fantastic, such as when you pop a balloon you feel a puff of air on your face! Be sure to pay attention to the screen on your vehicle that keeps track of your score so you can compete with your family! This adds another layer of fun to the attraction and makes it a new ride every time. We definitely recommend this ride! However, be warned that the line is always long and fastpasses run out early in the day. Everyone should ride; but little guests and older guests should be warned that the ride vehicle can be very rough at times.
Toy Story Midway Mania: 5 Glass Slippers
This attraction is a lot of fun for the whole family! This ride is 4-D in that you wear 3-D glasses, are in a moving ride vehicle, and get aim for targets with your pull string cannon. The story of this ride is that you are the size of a toy and are going to play one of Andy's new Midway carnival games. When you enter the ride building, you will find a huge night light on the wall, a giant Lincoln Log cabin, and lifesize classic board games. You will also see a huge, audio-animatronic Mr. Potato Head who talks and tells jokes. After getting your 3-D glasses, you will then be taken into Andy's room with the iconic white cloud wall paper, huge books and tinker toys, and more! This area is truly amazing in that you really feel as if you are a toy in Andy's room. You will board a ride vehicle with two seats on either side fitted with cannons that fire by a pull string. Your zippy vehicle will take you through galleries with 3-D screens where Toy Story characters have you play target games, like popping balloons or throwing rings around little green aliens. The special effects in this ride are fantastic, such as when you pop a balloon you feel a puff of air on your face! Be sure to pay attention to the screen on your vehicle that keeps track of your score so you can compete with your family! This adds another layer of fun to the attraction and makes it a new ride every time. We definitely recommend this ride! However, be warned that the line is always long and fastpasses run out early in the day. Everyone should ride; but little guests and older guests should be warned that the ride vehicle can be very rough at times.
The Backlot
Star Tours: 4.5 Glass Slippers
This motion simulator ride offers several randomized experiences in 3-D as guests cruise through the Star Wars Universe with C-3P0 in the driver's seat! This newly refurbished experience now includes characters and destinations from all six films; and you never know who might encounter and where you might go!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This is a stunt show that showcases action packed moments from Raiders of the Lost Ark. This 30 minute show combines fight scenes, explosions, daring stunts, great sets, and comedy to make a thrilling and entertaining show. Before the show begins there is a call for volunteers from the audience, giving you the chance to be in scenes from the film! This is definitely a great show for Indy fans; but even if you haven't seen Raiders, you will still enjoy this show. The theater is covered; however, during the latter half of the show, the stage is outdoors. If it is raining, be warned that these action scenes will be skipped. We definitely recommend you take in this show during your visit. It plays throughout the day at certain times so be sure to check a times guide. Great for all ages.
"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure: 4 Glass Slippers
This is a playground area that lets kids experience what it's like to be shrunk! Kids can climb and play around gigantic blades of grass, ants, a jar of Play-Doh, and more! This playground is really unique and is great for photo-ops. It's also conveniently located next to Backlot Studio Catering Company, a counter service location. So if you need a break during the day, enjoy a meal and then let the kids run off some steam. Even for those of you who don't have kids, we still suggest you check this area out!
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This is a stunt show showcasing the spectacular stunts performed by cars and motorcycles in the movies! This show is packed with packed with speed, explosions, and cool tricks, along with secrets and explanations for how such stunts are performed. This show is about 30 minutes long, and especially enjoyable for male members of the family! The seating is only partially covered and the stage is completely outdoors so plan accordingly for the weather. This show also plays at certain times throughout the day so check a times guide. This is a show that all can enjoy; but little princes and male guests will probably enjoy it more.
This motion simulator ride offers several randomized experiences in 3-D as guests cruise through the Star Wars Universe with C-3P0 in the driver's seat! This newly refurbished experience now includes characters and destinations from all six films; and you never know who might encounter and where you might go!
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This is a stunt show that showcases action packed moments from Raiders of the Lost Ark. This 30 minute show combines fight scenes, explosions, daring stunts, great sets, and comedy to make a thrilling and entertaining show. Before the show begins there is a call for volunteers from the audience, giving you the chance to be in scenes from the film! This is definitely a great show for Indy fans; but even if you haven't seen Raiders, you will still enjoy this show. The theater is covered; however, during the latter half of the show, the stage is outdoors. If it is raining, be warned that these action scenes will be skipped. We definitely recommend you take in this show during your visit. It plays throughout the day at certain times so be sure to check a times guide. Great for all ages.
"Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure: 4 Glass Slippers
This is a playground area that lets kids experience what it's like to be shrunk! Kids can climb and play around gigantic blades of grass, ants, a jar of Play-Doh, and more! This playground is really unique and is great for photo-ops. It's also conveniently located next to Backlot Studio Catering Company, a counter service location. So if you need a break during the day, enjoy a meal and then let the kids run off some steam. Even for those of you who don't have kids, we still suggest you check this area out!
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show: 3.5 Glass Slippers
This is a stunt show showcasing the spectacular stunts performed by cars and motorcycles in the movies! This show is packed with packed with speed, explosions, and cool tricks, along with secrets and explanations for how such stunts are performed. This show is about 30 minutes long, and especially enjoyable for male members of the family! The seating is only partially covered and the stage is completely outdoors so plan accordingly for the weather. This show also plays at certain times throughout the day so check a times guide. This is a show that all can enjoy; but little princes and male guests will probably enjoy it more.
