It was really time for another installment in this series!
A little guide from the perspective of various parents on surviving all the things {and sometimes intimidating} Disney Vacay. So far, we’ve covered our introduction {read: lame excuses to show you our precious memories/characters galore photos} When + where + how long, Dining and Disney, and what not to miss: The Magic Kingdom + Epcot.
So today, without further ado… Hollywood Studios.
Lights, Camera, Action! Hollywood Studios takes you inside the movies with its action-packed attractions, shows, and ambiance. Upon entering the park, you are whisked back in time to true old school Hollywood. In fact, most of the park is set up to look like you are on the set of a movie. But don’t worry, there is still plenty for your kids to do at this park, even if they are too short to ride the bigger roller coasters. So quiet on the set- let’s get this tape rolling. – Cristin
• Toy Story Mania
Amy said: For kids of all ages – Our kiddos loved it! Be sure to reserve your fast pass (granted, their system is changing constantly) as soon as you can. It’s an adorable ride with a 3D game – your kids will want to ride it over and over and over again!
Us: If you have a park hopper deal and will be there for a few days, you may even want to come back and try for a less crowded day to do it more than once. We picked a few afternoons randomly, and one was a nightmare, and the other super fast. You just never know what you’re going to get!
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: (Emily said) A fast-paced roller coaster that goes upside down and around in the dark. A little more intense than space mountain, but super fun. You know your child better than anyone. If they want to try it, go for it! Just be sure to check out height restrictions beforehand. Our eight year old was fearless but a little shaken afterward. Our four year old pitched a fit because he couldn’t ride. It was obviously for the best.
• Star Tours:
Emily said: A motion simulator that your kids will love if they’re tall enough to ride. It takes you on a small Star Wars adventure, and if you ride it multiple times, the mission is slightly different.
Us: If you tend to get motion sickness, you may want to skip. I {Ashley} was done for after the first one all in the name of not embarrassing myself with unnecessary bodily evacuations. (Read: I’m old.) But all three kiddos were tall enough this time, and loved it. I headed to Pizza Planet to grab a table while they went again. And again.
• Star wars Jedi Training Academy:
Us: By far, the highlight of our trip. We missed it the first time around a few years ago, and this time we were determined. We have three children who are hardcore Star Wars fanatics and this was just as exciting for us, as it was for them. I got chills when I watched their little faces light up. They do such a good job if you have children who love it, don’t miss this. Run, do not walk to the designated area first thing in the morning, and sign them up. {People are crazy, and we were ready to be crazy with them. So send one person to Toy Story Mania while you head with the kids to sign up} Here they go through a ‘training’ session with their jedi master, and fight Darth.
Emerson was the only girl and rocked it.
Darth said Aiden’s shirt was “most impressive”
Malone got a little stage fright when he realized there was a crowd of people staring at him. The instructors were very kind and helped him find his parents in the crowd. They knew what to look for. He still got his ‘graduation certificate’ and they handled it well. We’re still kinda shocked he followed through with preschool graduation this spring-he’s not a hey-everybody-look-at-me kid, so maybe next time.
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror:
Cristin said: My absolute favorite ride! I always ride it at least 5 or 6 times while I’m there. This ride is definitely for the older kids as there is a good bit that is in the dark, does contain freaky music and ghosts and you drop. Straight down. But my personal opinion is that this ride is perfection with all of its weird freakishness. And each time you ride, the drop sequence is different than the time before.
Us: Our whole family loved it and rode it quite a few times. Even the youngest. Definitely one of our faves! You know what your kids can handle… so if they feel up for it, go for it!
• Fantasmic:
Amy said: An outdoor arena with a fireworks show on the water, this is one of our family favorites. You’re guaranteed loud music, your favorite characters, and lots of villains too. Even a giant snake. Be ready! Your kids will love it.
Jennifer said: There is plenty of room. But if you want a good spot, be sure to send someone early. There are no fast passes for this one!
• Lights, Motor Action Extreme Stunt Show: (Us) If you have little boys, this is a MUST. Even Emerson loved it. We thought Malone was going to die when Lightning Mcqueen made an appearance! Skip the fast pass on this one. There’s plenty of space, and everyone sits up high in stadium seating so you can see just fine.
• Beauty and the Beast Live on stage: (Cristin said) We always make a point to see this one. A 25 minute broadway show based on the movie. So well done! Check upon arrival for show times for the day. And as always, arrive a bit early to secure a decent seat. It’s worth it!
• Disney Junior Live on Stage: (Emily said) If you have small children that are Disney Junior fans, don’t miss it. They update it regularly to go with all their Disney Junior shows. Big hit with the littles!
• Disney Channel Rocks: (Cristin said) A street show that performs at specific times throughout the day. These shows tend to change pretty often. Entertaining and a good way to take a quick break from a busy day.
• Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun: (Amy said) A great parade with an awesome chance to spy some of your fave pixar characters. Check upon arrival for times!
• The American Idol Experience: (Cristin said) My family loves this show. It’s so much like the real thing! Watch as three people literally audition for a real chance to try for American Idol. They have 3 judges and everything.
• Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular: (Us) For all ages, and a great way to put up your feet and enjoy. They have action packed stunts and the kids loved it.
• The Great movie Ride: (Amy said) This is a slow moving ride that takes you through the scenes of some of the most famous movies like the Wizard of oz and Casablanca. If you have children that scare easily, you may want to skip it. Someone will “take the car hostage” and you become part of a scene from aliens where an alien comes from the ceiling. My 5 year old was not happy. But our older kids loved it. Again, it all depends on what your kids can handle.
• Muppet Vision 3-D: (Cristin said) Even before the latest Muppet Movie came out, this was a must see show for us. It is a 3-D movie all about the Muppets and its really cute.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid: (Emily said) A unique show that uses a mix of puppets and real people. If you have a Little Mermaid fan, don’t miss it!
Cristin said:
• Walt Disney One Man’s Dream : My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this up close look into the life of Walt Disney himself. There is some really cool memorabilia, artifacts, and fun facts about his life. The short movie of his life literally brought tears to my eyes. It’s more of an adult thing but if you have time and love the backstory, try to see it.
• The Magic of Disney Animation : a 20 minute show showing how the artists of Disney movies bring the real movies to life.
• Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure : (Amy said) A fun over sized play area that is reminiscent of the actual movie with giant blades of grass and shooting water from unexpected places. Just be careful to keep an eye on your kids! It can be chaos when crowded. But if you have younger children, they may not want to leave! Just a note of caution: When we were there, we had to get rid of our drinks that we’d just paid 5 dollars a piece for – or at least it felt like it before going in. Make sure you finish that up before being taken by surprise, because it’s right beside a refreshments area.
Our kids were older this time around, and we noticed they were into a lot more than they were the first time. From characters to shows, they just appreciated it more. I guess that’s why they say there is never a perfect age to visit Disney… because every age is fun and magical. That’s why there are so many varieties and options within each park. Hollywood Studios is definitely one of those parks that kind of grows on you as they grow older. One final note we wanted to add: Watch for character appearances on a regular basis throughout the day at the ‘hub’ of the park. If you have little autograph seekers, you’ll be glad to catch a few rarely seen, like Stitch and Daisy.
And that’s a wrap!
What are some of your favorite parts about Hollywood Studios? We’d love to hear!
Layla says
Thank you so much for finishing this! We are planning a trip soon and this series has been so helpful.
Jenna says
Perfect. Thank you for this list. So you guys loved The Darth thing? Was there a crazy wait?
Daisy says
They have fast passes for Fantasmic now, it’s great!