10 Things to Know Before You Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where “Lights. Camera. Action!” takes center stage! This popular park offers exciting experiences that are making everyone stop in their tracks and take notice! As you plan to embark on your Hollywood Studios day, here are a few things to know before you go.

1 – Mickey’s and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The first-ever Mickey Mouse-themed ride-through attraction opened on March 4, 2020! The attraction features a new original story and catchy theme song as it takes guests on a journey inside the wacky and unpredictable world of Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning “Mickey Mouse” cartoon shorts. Inspired by the Mickey Shorts on the Disney Channel, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a collaboration between the people who bring the shorts at Disney Television Animation and Walt Disney Imagineering. Some people still might be mourning The Great Movie Ride, but we absolutely love it! This is a fun family attraction that appeals to many more people than the old classic movies. Click here to learn more and read our review of this fun attraction!

2 – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is Out of This World

Thursday, August 29, 2019, was an epic day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! This was the day “Phase 1” of the newest land, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, opened to guests, including the attraction, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. “Phase 2” opened on December 5, 2019, which included the opening of the second attraction, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This 14-acre land is the most popular place to be in all of Walt Disney World. With two new attractions, dining options, and shops – everyone (Star Wars fan or not) has been impressed at the immersion of this galaxy right within Hollywood Studios! Click here for everything you need to know about Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

3 – But, Let’s Not Forget Toy Story Land!

And we thought Toy Story Land, which opened in June 2018, was impressive enough! Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is riding on the coattails of Toy Story Land, but this doesn’t mean planning for Toy Story Land isn’t important. Toy Story Land is still popular, with crowds sprinting towards Slinky Dog Dash first thing in the morning. With three attractions and Woody’s Lunch Box, its 11 acres (compared to Galaxy’s Edge’s 14 acres) is still without a doubt worth the time. Drop by again at night to see the lights glow in Andy’s backyard.

4 – Seriously Consider Paying for Access to the Lightning Lane for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

If you want to ensure you’ll get to enjoy Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, you’ll want to seriously consider paying for access to the new Lighting Lane (formerly FastPass lane). Some attractions fall into the “Lightning Lane Single Pass” category. These are the most popular attractions. These attractions are NOT included with your Lightning Lane Multi Pass purchase and must be purchased separately. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is one of the Lighting Lane Single Pass attractions. The price for Rise of the Resistance has been consistently at the high end and will likely cost anywhere from $20-$25 per person, per day. It also has been the most popular and almost always “sells out” on any given day. Because the attraction shuts down somewhat regularly, Disney has even closed the regular stand-by queue to ensure that guests paying for Lighting Lane can ride the attraction. So, if you don’t pay for Lighting Lane, there is a chance you will not be able to ride the attraction by waiting in the regular line. That is the main reason we suggest considering paying for access if you have your heart set on enjoying this attraction. 

You may now make your selections and book ahead of your trip. Disney Resort Guests can book seven days in advance, while non-resort guests can book three days in advance. If you are willing to pay for Lightning Lane access for this attraction, your best bet is to be a Disney resort guest and make your purchase right when your booking window opens.

5 – MDE App is a MUST-HAVE!

If you haven’t already, go ahead and download the My Disney Experience (MDE) App. This app will be your park map, times guide, reservation/food ordering option, and numerous other things while in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including the easiest and only way to make your selections for Lightning Lane attractions.

6 – Must-Hit Shows

We’ve been talking so much about Toy Story Land and the preparation of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that we feel we must turn our focus to the must-hit shows you can find at Hollywood Studios! The timeless “tale as old as time,” Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, is by far our favorite show at Studios. We also recommend the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and the classic Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular.  Check your MDE App for showtimes, which are usually between late morning and early evening.

7 – Check Out New Characters!

It seems like there is a new character strolling into Hollywood Studios each day! You can find Olaf, Mickey and Minnie, and more throughout the parks. Star Wars characters will be in full force, including Stormtroopers, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, and BB-8. If you have a little one who loves Disney Junior, they can meet a few Disney Jr. favorites near the Disney Junior Dance Party, including the  arrival of “Fancy Nancy.”

8 – Forget the Diet – A Foodie’s Paradise

Hollywood Studios has stepped up its “eats” game! You may know they have some of the best-themed dining on Disney property, including fun table service spots like 50’s Prime Time Café, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, and the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land. But they’ve also become a foodie’s paradise with multiple quick-service spots offering decadent sweet and salty treats to match the taste buds’ craving! Get ready to eat plenty and drink your share, as menus are constantly changing and being enhanced with dining favorites. Just don’t forget to make your table-service reservations 60 days in advance, as space does go fast. If you’re going the quick-service route, use Mobile Order from your MDE app to avoid the lines.

9 – Two Nighttime Spectaculars

There are two nighttime spectaculars at the park. A nighttime spectacular called “Wonderful World of Animation” takes guests on a journey of over ninety years of animation. It’s a short, fun projection show at the Chinese Theater. Then, of course, there is the beloved “Fantasmic!” show and fireworks located in the amphitheater off Sunset Blvd that is not to be missed.

10 – Arrival via the Disney Skyliner

Have you thought about how you’ll arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Complimentary bus transportation is available from all Disney Resorts. Complimentary boat transportation is readily available from nearby Disney resorts. Another great new option is the Disney Skyliner – a gondola-style transportation system – that transports guests to and from Hollywood Studios and Disney Resorts, including Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera Resort. Will you be taking to the sky? Click here for everything you need to know about the Disney Skyliner!