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Top Tips for a Magical Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has evolved into a must-visit park, offering thrilling attractions, immersive lands, and entertainment that rivals the other Walt Disney World theme parks. With its mix of e-ticket rides and dazzling shows, planning your day here is essential for a magical experience.

Follow our updated tips to make the most of your time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.


1. Plan Ahead for Dining

Dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be a hit or miss, so advanced planning is key to enjoying a delicious meal during your visit. Make dining reservations up to 60 days in advance using the My Disney Experience app or website.

Some excellent table-service options include:

  • 50’s Prime Time Café: Enjoy comfort food in a retro setting with interactive servers who playfully remind you to eat your veggies.
  • Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: Relish burgers and shakes in a drive-in theater setting under the stars.
  • Hollywood & Vine: This spot offers character dining experiences with seasonal themes.
  • The Hollywood Brown Derby: For an upscale meal, this signature restaurant serves American classics like the famous Cobb Salad.
  • Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: A cozy spot for delicious Italian dishes.
People are seated at outdoor tables under large red umbrellas at a café. A sign details specials and white wine offerings. The area is surrounded by greenery, and more people are walking in the background on a sunny day.
Credit: Disney

For those seeking quick-service options, stop by Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land or Ronto Roasters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for unique flavors.


2. Arrive Early

To maximize your day, plan to arrive at the park before opening. Guests staying at a Disney Resort can take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry, which grants access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios 30 minutes before official park opening. Use this time to tackle popular attractions like Slinky Dog Dash or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway with minimal waits.

For non-resort Guests, arriving at rope drop (park opening time) is still a great way to beat the crowds and enjoy headliner attractions early in the day.


3. Utilize Lightning Lane

Navigating the park’s most popular attractions is easier with Lightning Lane. Here’s how to make the most of this service:

  • Genie+: Purchase Genie+ to book Lightning Lane access for high-demand attractions such as Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Toy Story Mania! Starting at 7:00 a.m., you can select your first attraction through the My Disney Experience app.
  • Individual Lightning Lane: For attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, consider purchasing Individual Lightning Lane access to avoid long standby waits.

By combining Early Entry, Genie+, and Individual Lightning Lane, you can minimize wait times and experience more attractions.


4. Don’t Miss the Shows

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is renowned for its incredible live entertainment. Make time to enjoy the following shows:

  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Relive the magic of Arendelle with comedic narrators and sing along to your favorite Frozen tunes.
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: Watch thrilling stunts and learn behind-the-scenes secrets of action-packed filmmaking.
  • Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage: Enjoy a Broadway-style retelling of this beloved Disney classic with stunning costumes and music.
Beauty and the Beast
Credit: Disney

Show schedules can be found in the My Disney Experience app, so plan ahead to fit them into your day.


5. Explore Walt Disney Presents

Hidden in plain sight near Toy Story Land, Walt Disney Presents is a must-visit attraction for Disney fans. This walkthrough exhibit showcases artifacts, models, and displays that chronicle Walt Disney’s life and legacy. The experience concludes with a short film celebrating Walt Disney’s vision. It’s a perfect way to relax and gain a deeper appreciation for Disney’s history.


6. Stay for the Evening Magic

Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms into a wonderland of lights and atmosphere after sunset. Two areas, in particular, shine brightest in the evening:

  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Batuu’s marketplace and Millennium Falcon glow under the stars, creating the perfect backdrop for photos. Don’t forget to stop by Oga’s Cantina for a themed drink.
  • Toy Story Land: Strung with oversized holiday lights, this land feels even more whimsical after dark.

End your evening with the stunning Fantasmic! This nighttime spectacular combines fireworks, water projections, and live performances, making it an unforgettable way to conclude your visit.


7. Additional Tips for a Great Day

  • Hydrate and Stay Cool: Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and consider packing a portable fan or cooling towel for hot days.
  • Check the My Disney Experience App: Use the app to monitor wait times, book dining reservations, and manage Lightning Lane selections.
  • Plan Your Priorities: Decide ahead of time which attractions and experiences are most important to you, so you can focus your day on what matters most.
A little girl looking up at Spaceship Earth inside of EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort.
Credit: Disney

Your Perfect Disney’s Hollywood Studios Day

With a mix of thrilling attractions, engaging shows, and unique dining options, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers something for everyone. By arriving early, planning your dining, and making smart use of Lightning Lane, you’ll create a seamless and magical experience for your group.

Remember, the magic truly comes alive in the evening, so don’t miss the chance to explore Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land under the stars. Wrap up your visit with Fantasmic, and you’ll leave Disney’s Hollywood Studios with memories to last a lifetime.

Jennifer Retzlaff

Jennifer became a lifelong Disney fan during her first trip to Walt Disney World in 6th grade. From that moment, Disney became a big part of her life. She quickly started to introduce her love of Disney to her family with a Disney honeymoon and then family trips when her youngest was 18 months old. She loves the magic that Disney brings to people through theme parks, cruises, and adventures. As a teacher, she tries to bring Disney magic into her classroom to help kids believe that “If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It.” She is also part of the Magic Vacation Planner team as a personal travel advisor. With this team, she can now help others plan magical vacations. She loves bringing her love to Disney to readers with How to Disney.

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