8 Do’s and Don’ts for Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Who’s ready to get your Hollywood on?! From the boulevards lined with palm trees to the Star Wars “force” beckoning from Batuu, Hollywood Studios is the happening place! As if the addition of Toy Story Land wasn’t enough, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened yet another burst of excitement. Whether you’re a thrill taker plummeting down Tower of Terror, going on a picnic with Mickey and Minnie, seeking that smooth ride on Slinky Dog Dash, prefer to dance along with Disney characters, or simply want to fly the “fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy” – this park has it all! Before your adventure embarks, here are eight do’s and don’ts we’d recommend for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

1 – DON’T Underestimate the Crowds

In the past, Disney’s Hollywood Studios may have been considered a half-day park, and the crowd levels were never anything to worry over. Today, this is not the case! With two newish, outstanding lands (Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land), Hollywood Studios is now a place for crowds to flock to. While there are quieter times than others, you’ll want to be sure you don’t underestimate the number of people enjoying Hollywood Studios right along with you! 

2 – DO Consider Lightning Lane for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

You no longer need to join the Virtual Queue to enjoy Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Guests can now simply enter the regular stand-by queue. The attraction is still crazy popular, and the wait times are regularly anywhere from 1-3 hours. If you’re looking for a way to increase the chance of riding the attraction with a shorter wait, you’ll want to consider paying for Lightning Lane access. Rise of the Resistance is an Individual Lightning Lane attraction at the park where guests pay an a la carte price to ride the attraction. Note that the attraction is NOT included with Disney Genie+. The price for this attraction has consistently been at the top, costing guests anywhere from $15-$25 per person. It also consistently fills up early in the morning–meaning more guests are willing to pay than there are spots for them. If you plan to purchase Individual Lightning Lane access, be ready right at 7:00 am if you are a Disney Resort guest or at park opening for all other guests. It almost always sells out. Also, if the attraction goes down (and it does often), be prepared they will close the regular stand-by line at certain times to allow Individual Lightning Lane guests the chance to ride the attraction. One final note: purchasing Lightning Lane does not guarantee you will be able to ride.

Editor’s Note: Beginning July 24, 2024, Individual Lightning Lanes will be renamed to Lightning Lane Single Pass. Resort guests will be able to purchase and book selections for Single Pass attractions (and Multi Pass) seven days before and for the entire length of stay. Other guests will be able to purchase and make their selections three days before. Click here to learn more. 

3 – DO Know Where You are Headed in the Morning

The crowds we spoke of above tend to head for three attractions at the opening of the park – Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and Slinky Dog Dash. All three attractions are amazing and will have the longest wait times later in the day. You’ll want to experience each one, and which one you go to first depends on your family’s interests. Star Wars fans may want to head to Galaxy’s Edge first, while those wanting to enjoy Slinky more than once will want to head straight back to Toy Story Land. Finally, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a total hit, and fans of all ages will love it.

4 – DO Book a Table Service Restaurant

Who’s hungry? Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some of the very best themed restaurants in all of Walt Disney World! We’d recommend the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant if you’re looking for a cool experience to dine in a car while watching old sci-fi clips and chowing down. 50’s Prime Time is another fun one and will have you feeling like you’re dining at your Grandmother’s house – where manners are expected! Lastly, we recommend the Hollywood Brown Derby for a classic Hollywood vibe and intimate setting. Reservations can be made 60 days in advance. With the popularity of Hollywood Studios, we’d highly recommend booking your reservation as early as possible.

5 – DO Take Time for Characters and Character Cavalcades

Most up-close character greetings with hugs and autographs have returned in many locations, including dining locations. You can now enjoy meeting with Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams, Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight, Sulley at Walt Disney Presents, and Disney Junior Pals in the Animation Courtyard. You’ll also find characters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Heroes of the Resistance, including Rey, Chewbacca, and Vi Moradi, may be spotted on platforms above the garage in Black Spire Station or surveying activity around the spaceport where the Millennium Falcon has landed. Also, a contingent of First Order Stormtroopers join Kylo Ren in patrolling the landing platform at Docking Bay 9 beneath their TIE Echelon assault vehicle. Finally, you may also spot characters throughout the parks.

6 – DON’T Forget the Snacks & Beverages!

Chances are you’ll happily oblige to this “don’t”! Snacks and specialty beverages are overflowing at Hollywood Studios at every turn. Some of our favorites are located in Galaxy’s Edge, including Blue or Green Milk, Oga’s Cantina specialty drinks, and the plethora of Batuu bites. We also love Toy Story Land’s Lunch Box Tarts and Grown-Up’s Lemonade at Woody’s Lunch Box. Then, you don’t want to forget the classic snack spots, such as ice cream from Hollywood Scoops and Bavarian Pretzel at Baseline Tap House. Remember, calories don’t count while at Disney!

7 – DO Visit Galaxy’s Edge & Toy Story Land at Night

While it may be best to tackle these two newer lands at the start of your day, be sure to do a full circle back to the lands at night. Toy Story Land has a sweet childhood glow at night with colorful strings of bulbs across the walking path. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge seems like a new land at night, with a low blue and purple hue draping itself across this area. Both are incredible to see during the day but not to be missed when the sun sets.

8 – DO Take a Ride on the Skyliner

The night may be coming to a close, but we have one more “ride” for you! The Disney Skyliner is Disney’s newest gondola-style transportation system, which picks up and drops off right at the entrance of Hollywood Studios. It connects Hollywood Studios and Epcot to Disney Resorts, including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resort. Staying at one of these resorts is a huge transportation perk when visiting Hollywood Studios. Not staying at one of these resorts? The night is still young! Take a ride through the sky anyway to resort hop or to simply see the beautiful aerial views of the Walt Disney World property.

There you have it! Now, you’re off for an adventure-packed day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!