Disney’s Hollywood Studios has quickly become the top Walt Disney World Theme Park following Magic Kingdom. With the opening of both Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this once half day Park is now full of magic.
To help you have the best time while visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we have ten tips that you will want to make sure you are aware of before arriving. These will help you have a better time in the Park as you will be more prepared and ready to beat the crowds.
10. Arrive Early
If there is any Disney Park where it is important to arrive early it is Disney’s Hollywood Studios. By getting to the Park before rope drop (official park opening) you will be ahead of the crowds and able to take advantage of low wait times.
If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or a Good Neighbor Hotel, we highly recommend taking advantage of the early entry option. This allows Guests of these Resorts to enter the Park a half hour prior to Park opening.
A half hour might not seem like a lot of time, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to knocking out one if not two popular rides.
Really look into when the Park opens and plan to be through the touchpoints at least 30 minutes early.
9. Stay Late
If you aren’t one that likes to set an alarm during your vacation, consider staying at Disney’s Hollywood Studios late into the evening. Crowd levels start to lower as the evening progresses making it easier to get on those popular rides.
For those staying at a Walt Disney World Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, starting on April 13th Guests of these Resorts will be able to enjoy exclusive extended evening hours. This is typically from 9 pm to 11 pm and will only be for those staying at these select Resorts.
This will be a fantastic time to experience top rides such as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway and so much more.
8. Genie+
This is a tricky tip as we are still learning the best way to use Genie+ in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Overall we still would recommend purchasing Genie+ for your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
If you aren’t sure what Genie+ is, we have a detailed post HERE about this paid feature within the My Disney Experience app.
This feature will allow Guests to bypass the standby line for popular attractions throughout their day. Even though we have had some issues with being able to book rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios during peak times, we still think being able to skip the standby lines for one or two popular rides is worth the $15.
Take some time to learn more about this feature to determine if it is something that would help your family.
7. Individual Attraction Selections
Another feature we would recommend would be the Individual Attraction Selections or IAS/ILL. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and sometimes Mickey and Minnie’s Runway Railway are not included in Genie+.
In order to ride these rides using the Lightning Lane (non-standby line) Guests will need to purchase them individually. The cost for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is typically $15/person and we see Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in between $9 and $11/person when it is included.
Although we aren’t a huge fan of having to pay extra, if experiencing Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is top of your list, we highly recommend spending the money on this feature. It can save you a lot of time in line allowing you to experience more of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
6. Disney Genie
The main feature within My Disney Experience that was added was Disney Genie. This is a free feature that can be helpful to Guests during their visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Through this feature, Guests are able to get suggested touring plans, see projected wait times and so much more. Even though we feel it is important to have somewhat of a plan before arriving, Disney Genie can provide some direction and guidance throughout Guests’ visits.
5. Single Rider
Many Guests might not know that there are two rides in Disney’s Hollywood Studios that offer single rider lines. If you are willing to split up your party or are flying solo, consider taking advantage of these lines.
Both Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster as well as Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run offer single rider lines. If using this line, you will be placed with other Guests to fill in the empty seats.
Keep in mind for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, you probably won’t be given the pilot spot so if that is a must do you should probably wait in the regular line.
These are great options if you are willing to split up or fill in as they typically are shorter waits.
4. Visit Shows and More
We know it is easy to get caught up with all the amazing and thrilling rides found in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but don’t forget about the shows.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along, Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular are three outstanding shows that get you off your feet and are extremely entertaining and fun.
Muppets 3D, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, Star Tours, meet and greets and the motorcades are all great experiences that you can find in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. They are great options when you are waiting for your return times or needing a break from the crowds.
3. Food Time
Disney’s Hollywood Studios wasn’t always known for the food, but it is starting to step up its game. Make sure you take time to enjoy some of the specialty food in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge such as the blue and green milk or ronto wraps.
Over in Toy Story Land, enjoy some potato barrels (tater tots) or try the lunch box tart (pop tart) for something fun at Woody’s Lunch Box.
If you are wanting to enjoy some downtime, consider Baseline Tap House or the Brown Derby Lounge. These both offer great snacks and beverages.
2. Take a Break
There is a lot to do in Disney’s Hollywood Studios from the top attractions to amazing shows, but don’t think you have to do it all day.
Take some time to take a break in the middle of the day. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is consistently busy and that means a lot of people which can be overwhelming. Take some time out of the crowds by riding the skyline or visiting a nearby Resort like Beach Club or Boardwalk.
Breaks can really refresh you and have you ready for the second part of your day.
- Have Fun
Finally, don’t forget to have fun! It can be really easy while visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios to get wrapped up in rushing from ride to ride or worrying about your next Genie+ attraction.
This Disney Park is so well themed so don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the little bits of magic throughout.
Slow down and take pictures in Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Take time to play on the app to interact with Batuu.
There is so much to do but make sure you take time to actually enjoy it.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the top Disney Parks with the top ride in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and two amazingly themed lands. We hope that this helps you figure out how to have a fantastic day while visiting.
