10 Tips for Overcoming Crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Once upon a time, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was a half-day Park. Now with Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, many Guests need two days at this Park to see and do everything on their must-do list.

The popularity of these two lands brings high crowds daily to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. You can still have a great day even when it is busy if you have a plan. We have ten tips for overcoming the crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

10. Go Early

If you want to beat the crowds, get to the Park early. Take advantage of early entry for those staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel. This gets you into Disney’s Hollywood Studios thirty minutes before a posted opening. During this time, you can hit up one of the big headliner attractions and step ahead of the crowd.

To take advantage of being in the Park early, you must get to the gates before opening. This means leaving your Resort sixty minutes before early entry. Doing this will put you ahead of the crowds and allow you to maximize this extra time in the Parks.

The first few hours in the morning are when it will be the least busy. Take advantage of this time by focusing on those top rides.

9. Purchase Genie+ 

Genie+ is a great way to avoid some longer lines throughout the day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. By purchasing this paid service, you can use the Lightning Lanes at top attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and many more.

Take time to figure out what your Genie+ strategy will be before you arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There are many options; however, some rides, such as Slinky Dog Dash, see return times quickly pushed to late in the day.

Genie+ can be extremely helpful when skipping some long lines; however, you need to have a plan to get the most out of it.

Related: How to Use Genie+ at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

8. Buy and ILL for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

The most popular ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This ride is not included in Genie+, but Guests can skip the long standby lines by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane.

Resort Guests at 7:00 a.m. can choose to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane through the My Disney Experience app. They will choose a specific return window and pay around $20-$22 per person.

As this is the most popular ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, wait times often become incredibly high early on in the day and remain that way until closing. If spending less time in line is essential, consider purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane for this ride experience.

7. Use the App

Another great tip for avoiding long lines throughout your day in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is to use the tip board and the wait times in the My Disney Experience app. These features are free to use and a great way to navigate the crowds.

You can also customize My Genie Day in the app by setting up what is essential. This will then make suggestions and tips on navigating the Park based on crowds.

6. See the Shows

Rides aren’t the only fun you can have at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Numerous shows are full of entertainment and magic. Take time to see these during the afternoon when ride waits times increase.

Take a break by sitting down and enjoying fantastic entertainment such as Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage, Indiana Jones: Epic Stunt Spectacular, or a fan favorite, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-along. Check the app for show times so you don’t miss out.

5. Take a Break

Consider leaving Disney’s Hollywood Studios for a break when the wait times get longer and the heat builds. Head back to your Resort, or catch the skyliner, boat, or bus to another Resort to explore.

There are great lounges at Disney’s Riviera Resort and Disney’s Yacht Club. Sometimes taking a break from the crowd is a great way to reset and prepare for the evening.

4. Single Rider Lines

Don’t forget about the rides that offer single riders. Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run offer a single-rider option. This line can often be much shorter than the regular standby line, but remember that your group will be split up.

3. Visit a Lounge

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a handful of well-themed lounges. If you prefer to remain in the Park, consider visiting one of these lounges in the afternoon when the crowds peak. Brown Derby Lounge and Base Line Tap House provide great drinks and snacks to share. Get a reservation for Oga’s Cantina or Space 220 Lounge for a crazy, out-of-this-world experience.

Lounges are a great way to take a break without leaving the Park.

2. Enjoy the Evening

As Guests head to watch the nighttime show Fantasmic, the crowds begin to thin at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. For those that have two evenings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we recommend spending one evening watching the fantastic show and the other enjoying lower wait times.

1. Enjoy the Magic

Finally, in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, during a busy day, take time to step back and enjoy the magic. Even if wait times are longer than you expected, take time to enjoy the theming of Toy Story Land, Galaxy’s Edge, and Hollywood. Enjoy some ice cream, check out a shop, and enjoy the incredible atmosphere of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Those are ten quick tips for overcoming crowds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We hope they will help you during your next trip.