Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Orlando

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. Originally opened on May 1, 1989, as Disney-MGM Studios, it has since evolved into a modern celebration of film, television, music, and entertainment. The park offers a mix of thrilling attractions, immersive experiences, live shows, and interactions with some of Disney’s most iconic characters and franchises, including Star Wars, Toy Story, and The Twilight Zone. The park's design reflects the Golden Age of Hollywood and is a tribute to the entertainment industry.

Park Layout and Themed Areas

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is divided into various themed areas that take guests on an adventure through the world of film and television. These areas include:

Hollywood Boulevard

The entrance to the park is modeled after the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in its golden era. Hollywood Boulevard is lined with theaters, shops, and dining locations, reminiscent of the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. Guests will pass under the famous Hollywood Tower Hotel (which is the exterior for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror) and are greeted by the Chinese Theatre, which houses the popular Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway ride.

Sunset Boulevard

This area captures the essence of old Hollywood, with elegant architecture and a glamorous feel. It is home to some of the park’s most thrilling attractions, such as:

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A thrilling drop tower ride based on the classic TV show The Twilight Zone. It takes guests on a spooky elevator ride to a supernatural dimension, followed by a sudden drop.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: A high-speed indoor roller coaster with loops and sharp turns, set to the soundtrack of Aerosmith’s hit songs. It’s one of the park’s most adrenaline-pumping attractions.

Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage: A Broadway-style musical performance based on Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, featuring the classic songs and an impressive set.

Echo Lake

Echo Lake is a serene area featuring a beautiful lake surrounded by iconic buildings from Hollywood’s golden age. It is home to several attractions, including:

Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: A fun, interactive live show where guests can sing along to songs from Frozen as two royal historians share the story of Elsa and Anna.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: A 3D motion-simulator ride that takes guests on a thrilling journey through the Star Wars galaxy. The ride is filled with different storylines and multiple possible destinations.

Dine at the 50’s Prime Time Café: A nostalgic diner where guests can enjoy classic American comfort food while interacting with “mom” and “dad” (the servers) in a fun, family-oriented environment.

Toy Story Land

Opened in 2018, Toy Story Land immerses guests in the world of Toy Story, with attractions and experiences based on the beloved animated films. The area is designed to make guests feel as though they are the size of a toy, with giant building blocks and oversized objects everywhere. Notable attractions include:

Slinky Dog Dash: A family-friendly roller coaster that takes guests on a fun and thrilling ride through Andy’s backyard with Slinky Dog.

Alien Swirling Saucers: A gentle spinning ride featuring the cute aliens from Toy Story, set to fun music and bright lights.

Toy Story Mania!: A 4D interactive shooting gallery where guests use a blaster to compete for points in a series of carnival-style games, inspired by the Toy Story films.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Opened in 2019, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is one of the most immersive lands in Disney parks, transporting guests directly into the world of Star Wars. Set in the remote village of Batuu, this land features cutting-edge attractions, dining, shopping, and experiences.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: A thrilling ride that allows guests to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a smuggling mission. Riders take on different roles, such as pilot, gunner, or engineer, and the experience is dynamic, with multiple outcomes based on how well the team performs.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: An epic, multi-part attraction that takes guests on a mission to fight the First Order. It includes a combination of ride vehicles, walking through elaborate sets, and intense storytelling that puts guests in the middle of a battle.

Oga’s Cantina: A lively, futuristic bar where guests can enjoy specialty drinks and cocktails from the Star Wars universe.

Droid Depot: Guests can build and customize their own droids, which can interact with other parts of Galaxy's Edge and even with other droids.

Animation Courtyard

Animation Courtyard is a section of the park that celebrates Disney's rich animation history. It includes attractions, character meet-and-greets, and shows such as:

Star Wars Launch Bay: A place to meet famous characters from the Star Wars saga, including Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and more. It also features exhibits showcasing Star Wars props and memorabilia.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid: A live-action musical show that tells the story of The Little Mermaid, featuring colorful sets, special effects, and songs from the beloved film.

Major Attractions

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This is the first-ever ride-through attraction featuring Mickey and Minnie Mouse. It takes guests into a cartoon world where they are swept up in a zany adventure. The ride uses cutting-edge technology to create a fully immersive, trackless experience.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: One of the main draws of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this attraction allows guests to pilot the Millennium Falcon on a thrilling mission through space. The ride is interactive, with guests working together to complete the mission.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: A truly revolutionary attraction, combining multiple ride systems and immersive storytelling. Guests are caught in a battle between the Resistance and the First Order, and the experience involves large-scale sets, detailed animatronics, and a highly interactive adventure.

Dining Experiences

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a wide range of dining options, from quick-service meals to sit-down experiences:

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: A unique dining experience where guests eat in vintage cars while watching classic sci-fi movie clips on the big screen.

50's Prime Time Café: A nostalgic restaurant that serves comfort food like meatloaf and fried chicken in a setting inspired by 1950s American diners, with playful "family" interactions with the servers.

Oga’s Cantina: An immersive, Star Wars-themed bar where guests can enjoy exotic drinks and listen to music from the Star Wars universe.

The Hollywood Brown Derby: A signature dining experience offering upscale American cuisine, inspired by the original Hollywood Brown Derby.

Seasonal Events and Entertainment

Fantasmic!: A spectacular nighttime show featuring fireworks, water projections, and live-action performances. It showcases Mickey Mouse's imagination, with appearances from Disney villains, princesses, and characters.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!: A holiday-themed fireworks and projection show during the Christmas season.

The Music of Pixar Live!: A concert that celebrates the music of Pixar films, with live orchestral performances of iconic scores from films like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Up.

Tips for Visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Get There Early: Popular rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash can have long wait times, so it's advisable to arrive early or use Genie+ to skip the lines.

Use Genie+: This paid service helps you skip the regular lines for popular attractions, which can save a lot of time, especially for high-demand experiences.

Plan for Shows: Don’t miss the various live shows throughout the day, such as Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage and Fantasmic!—they’re essential parts of the park’s charm.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a wide range of experiences that appeal to movie lovers, thrill-seekers, and fans of iconic Disney characters. With a mix of cutting-edge technology, immersive storytelling, and beloved attractions, it’s a park where both nostalgia and modern entertainment converge. Whether you’re piloting the Millennium Falcon or stepping into a classic film, Hollywood Studios provides a unique and unforgettable adventure.