PlanningThe Parks

Sleep In and Have Fun at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Most die-hard Walt Disney World fans are up at the Disney Parks at rope drop (when they open), if not a little earlier. We love watching the Disney Parks come alive in the mornings. Even though we love these magical moments, we realize that not everyone does.

But with the large crowds and the long wait times, can you still head to Disney Parks in the afternoon and have a great time? If you have the right strategy, we think so. Today we will look at how you can head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the busiest Disney Parks, in the afternoon and still have a great time.

To do this, you still need to have a specific plan heading into the day. You won’t want to just show up hoping it will all go well. If the goal is to ride rides and enjoy meals, a plan is needed. That is what we are here to share with you today.

Let’s grab our lightsabers, put on those Minnie ears, and get ready for a magical time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Rise of the Resistance
Credit: Disney

Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes

To experience Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the afternoon, we highly recommend using Genie+ and Individual Lightning Lanes.

The Individual Lightning Lane is for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. As this ride often sees long lines throughout the day and has downtime, waiting for standby in the evenings isn’t something we would suggest hoping for. Instead, at 7:00 am, we would be on booking an Individual Lightning Lane for this ride. This will help us ensure a lift and help us navigate the crowds when we arrive.

We also recommend booking Genie+ for your afternoon at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The price ranges from $15 to $22 per day per person. Once you have purchased this feature, we suggest booking Slinky Dog Dash. This ride sees lightning lanes book up the fastest. Because of this, you will want to make sure you book it first.

disney-genie-service-at-walt-disney-world
Credit: Disney

Booking While Hanging Out

After obtaining the two Lightning Lanes at 7:00 am, you can head back to sleep or head to breakfast to start your day. As you enjoy relaxing, remember that you can keep using Genie+. Once Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens, you can book an additional Genie+ every two hours.

First, ensure you set those alarms to remember when your time becomes available. Doing this will allow you to book at least two more Genie+ Lighting Lanes before arriving at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Arriving In Style

Once you decide it is time to head to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you should have your Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane and around three other Genie+ return times. This is a great feeling when walking into a busy Disney Park.

Star Tours

Filler Attractions

As you wait to experience your different Genie+ rides, visit some of the great shows at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Pay attention to those show times as some shows, such as Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, wrap up in the early evening.

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along, and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt are the top shows that we would suggest looking into seeing during your visit. As they are done in larger venues, they can hold many people, making them an excellent option for those busier times.

We also enjoy visiting Muppets during these busier times. Even if the show is slightly dated, it is still good for a laugh or two.

There are also a few rides that you won’t need Genie+ for, even during busier days. Consider taking a ride on Star Tours or visiting Alien Swirling Saucers. These two rides typically have shorter lines throughout the day, making it easier to see without Genie+ or long waits.

toy story mania

Additional Genie+ Options

Remember, as you continue to use your Genie+ selections, or two hours pass by, you can continue to book additional Genie+ options. This can be a great way to visit rides such as Toy Story Mania, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, or Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Keep checking the app even if you don’t see rides at first. New Genie+ reservations pop up off and on throughout the day. Check to see what you can find. Don’t give up!

Food

When heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios later in the day, there are a few different food options. First, you could choose to mobile order at a quick service location of your choice. We have some great options HERE on How to Disney.

Another option would be to have a table-service restaurant booked ahead of time. These can be booked 60 days ahead of time.

Finally, if you aren’t sure what you want to do for food, you also have some great options. You can choose to join a waitlist for a table service restaurant if available when you show up at the Park. Another great option is to visit one of the lounges. The Brown Derby Lounge and BaseLine Tap House have fantastic drinks and good appetizers.

fantasmic Disney
fantasmic Disney

Evening

To wrap up your evening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you will want to take time to visit the lands under the lights. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are amazing at night.

Also, don’t miss out on the return of Fantasmic. This nighttime show has been greatly missed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we are thrilled that Mickey is back again. Filled with characters, fireworks, projections, and magic, you shouldn’t miss Fantasmic.

If you prefer to sleep in and take a slow start to your Walt Disney World day in the Parks, you can still have a great time with some planning. We hope these suggestions will help you determine if you also want to sleep in during your trip.

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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