5 Rookie Mistakes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We’ve all been a “rookie” at one point in time or another. Being a rookie comes with the expectation that mistakes will be made! Well, we are here to give you the rundown of the top 5 rookie mistakes made at Hollywood Studios. Avoid making these mistakes and you’ll likely look like an old pro!

1 – Misunderstanding the FastPass+ Tier System

Disney’s FastPass+ System allows guests to skip the standby line and instead wait minimal time in the FP+ line. While people are mostly used to the FP+ System, what is often forgotten is that Hollywood Studios is on a Tiered FP+ System. This means that some attractions are on Tier 1 and others are on Tier 2. Guests are welcome to choose one FP+ option from Tier 1 and two FP+ options from Tier 2. All of the Toy Story Land attractions are in Tier 1. Being able to choose only one of these popular attractions can make things tricky! We recommend if possible, selecting a FP+ for Slinky Dog Dash or Toy Story Midway Mania. Then,  head straight to the other attraction right at park opening when the line will be at it’s shortest. This has seemed to work very well for us in the past.

2 – Missing Out on Delicious Food

Some of our very favorite food selections are at Hollywood Studios! While some “rookies” might not even be aware of the goodness that awaits, others find specific Hollywood Studios restaurants and food selections to be on the top of their tasty list! For example, the Grapefruit Cake from Hollywood Brown Derby will absolutely knock your socks off. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater not only has an incredible atmosphere but also boasts excellent burgers and even a glazed donut dessert that is served with vanilla ice cream! Or check out the Dark Side Chicken and Waffles served at the quick service spot, Backlot Express. And pretty much anything on the 50’s Prime Time Café menu will make your mouth water for their home cooked meals. At the table service restaurants, be sure to make dining reservations in advance as walk-ins are sometimes turned away due to the crowds flocking to the doors.

3 – Passing by the Street Performers

We’ve been there… an attraction beckons and you are hustling through the crowd to master the ride! But, wait a minute – don’t hurry past the street performers! Street Performers are located throughout Hollywood Studios at different times and in different locations. This makes it rather tricky to plan to catch a skit which means it’s worth stopping to watch if you happen to come upon Street Performers. We especially love the Citizens of Hollywood which usually appear on Hollywood Blvd. This is an entertaining and funny improv acting group that might just pull you in to participate in the skit! Take a moment and watch the humor unfold.

4 – Resisting the Dark Side

Yes, young Jedi – if you ever feel the need to give in to the Dark Side, Hollywood Studios is the place to do so! Hollywood Studios exudes the force these days with multiple Star Wars attractions, events, characters, merchandise, and more. Visit the evil Kylo Ren or the beloved Chewbacca at the Star Wars Launch Bay. Watch the March of the First Order as Stormtroopers follow command through the streets. You can even let your young Jedi enter the Jedi Training Academy to fight against Darth Vader or the Seventh Sister Inquisitor. Finally, end the night with the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Fireworks presentation. The Dark Side awaits!

5 – Skipping the Shows

Maybe the thought of watching a live stage show such as Beauty and Beast at Hollywood Studios doesn’t sound like your cup of tea. Well, you might just be surprised! This live performance with incredible performers is a show we find ourselves visiting time and time again because we simply can’t get enough of it. One of our all-time favorites is the Fantasmic Show and Fireworks. This show exudes the true Disney vibe with Mickey as the main performer. We also love the oldie but goodie Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. Rumor has it Indiana Jones might not be around for the long haul so enjoy the show while you can.

Are you a Hollywood Studios veteran? If so, what rookie mistakes would you recommend against? We’d love to hear from you!