**Updated February 24, 2020**
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been reinvented for the second time in its relatively short life. Opened May 1, 1989 as Disney MGM Studios this was a theme park and working movie and animation studio. No longer a working studio and following a falling out with MGM, the park was re-named Disney’s Hollywood Studios effective January 7, 2008. It was recently announced that another name change is in the park’s future so we will see what it becomes in the not-so-distant future. Another recent change to this park is the change in icons. The Sorcerer’s Hat which became the park icon in 2001 was removed in early 2015, again pointing to the changes coming to DHS. Thankfully, the re-invention is basically complete…though we are still waiting for a new park name.
Top 10 Must-Dos for your First Visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you want to know more about a certain attraction, click the link. It will take you to a more in depth post I have written about that particular attraction.
10. Character Meet & Greets
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the place to meet some of your favorite classic and newer Disney friends. In Toy Story Land you can meet Buzz, Woody, Jessie, Bo Peep and sometimes even the Green Army Men of Toy Story. If the stars of Disney Junior are on your must-meet list head on over to the Animation Courtyard to find Doc McStffins, Vampirina and Fancy Nancy. Mickey and Minnie starring in Red Carpet Dreams can be found on Commissary Lane near the Sci-Fi Dine In Theater. Olaf, everyone’s favorite snowman is greeting guests in the Echo Lake area. If Star Wars characters are your must-see visit the Star Wars Launch Bay to get a hug from Chewbacca or pose with Kylo Ren.
9. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage takes place several times a day in the Theater of the Stars. This 25 minute musical theater re-telling of this beloved Disney classic will draw you into the story with beautiful costumes, talented dancers and of course…the Beast!
8. Toy Story Midway Mania
Toy Story Midway Mania is the must-fastpass ride in this park. The stand-by wait time is seldom less than an hour and usually over 90 minutes! This ride is perfect for all ages and includes fun midway style games everyone can play. The games feature some of your favorite Toy Story characters as you break plates, pop balloons and toss rings all from your spinning ride vehicle.
7. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I need to be honest, this is one of only 3 rides on property that I have never ridden. The thought of the drops and losing my stomach scares the crap out of me. Many people including my father and Jordan, love this ride so that is why I am including it here. Tower of Terror is a drop ride with multiple, random drop sequences! You don’t know how many times you will drop! Yikes! If you are a thrill seeker that is 40″ tall or taller, go for it-and then come back here and tell me if you liked it.
6. Rock ‘n Roller Coaster Featuring Aerosmith
I am not a coaster enthusiast but I rode this one several times before my neck injury sidelined me from riding it any more. Visis G-Force Records and then catch a limo to the Aerosmith concert across town. Get ready to be launched 60 mph on a track that includes 3 inversions all while jamming to your favorite Aerosmith tunes! Riders must be 48″ to ride and this attraction has a single rider line for those who don’t mind riding with strangers.
5. Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run
The first of two attractions opened in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a simulator ride that is fun for riders 38″ or taller. Live out your fantasy as you take control of the fastest ship in the galaxy. This thrill ride does have some small drops and it is loud so be prepared before bringing your young padawans on board.
4. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Love Frozen? Don’t miss this 30 minute show features Elsa, Anna, Kristoff and introduces Aria and Eric the Royal Arendelle Historians. This show is funny and enjoyable for all ages. Due to the nature of the comedy, no two shows are exactly alike. I have lost count as to how many times I have seen the sing-along since its debut in the summer of 2014 but…I can’t wait to go again!
3. Slinky Dog Dash
The addition of Toy Story Land to Disney’s Hollywood Studios was long awaited and long anticipated. The most exciting thing about this relatively small land is the newest roller coaster, Slinky Dog Dash. Now my favorite coaster at Walt Disney World, Slinky Dog Dash is a family coaster for everyone 38″ and taller.
2. Fantasmic!
No visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is complete without viewing Fantasmic! at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. This show is the ultimate east coast Disney nighttime spectacular. Complete with heroes, villains, princesses and their princes-Fantasmic! weaves together many Disney stories throughout Mickey Mouse’s dreams which are turned to nightmares by Maleficient. Featuring dancing water, pyrotechnics, laser lights, projections and live action, Fantasmic! is full of fun and suspense for the whole family.
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
I haven’t personally had the chance to experience Rise of the Resistance for myself, yet. The current requirement to arrive at the park at least an hour before opening to be able to join a boarding group which will allow you to ride sometime during the day, just doesn’t fit with the way we usually do the parks.
That being said, everything I hear about Rise of the Resistance is that it is phenomenal! According to Disney’s website: ” Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a massive attraction with multiple ride systems that is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced at Walt Disney World Resort… or anywhere else in the galaxy!” I’m listing it as number one without ever riding it so hopefully it will retain its ranking once I have experienced it myself.
I hope I listed your favorites here. If I missed it, please leave me a comment and let me know what you think I missed. If you are ready to plan your own visit to Walt Disney World, please Email Me, my travel planning services are free to you!
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