9 Rookie Mistakes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Rookies have no fear! We here at DisneyLists have your back! While planning a vacation to Walt Disney World may seem like a daunting task, trust that your planning and preparation will make for one spectacular trip. Whether you’ve never been to Disney’s Hollywood Studios or you haven’t been since all the newer attractions and experiences, this is the article for you! Here are nine rookie mistakes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and how to avoid them.

1 – Not Downloading the My Disney Experience App

Ok, rookies, first things first! As you begin to plan your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll NEED to download the My Disney Experience App. It’s a FREE Disney app that will be your guide in all Disney parks, including Hollywood Studios. This app is crucial to making dining reservations, Lightning Lane selections, mobile ordering food, and checking on attraction wait times or your Disney Genie itinerary. It also serves as your virtual map! Download this now if you haven’t already. Then, let’s keep going!

2 – Missing the 60-Day Window for Dining Reservations

Disney allows guests to book dining reservations for table-service restaurants 60 days in advance. You may be thinking, 60 days? That seems like a lifetime before the trip! BUT – it’s not. Many Disney restaurants fill up at the 60-day mark, so it’s definitely a day you want to make a note of. Hollywood Studios has some of the best themed table-service restaurants, many of which fill to capacity quickly. Book these restaurants via your My Disney Experience App 60 days in advance right when the 6:00 am booking window opens.

3 – Not Considering Purchasing Lightning Lane Access

There is a system in place that allows guests to “skip the line” by paying for access. You can access the Lightning Lane in three different ways. The first option is to purchase a Lightning Lane Multi Pass for a day or each day of your visit. It costs each person anywhere from $15-$39 per day. With Multi Pass, you can pre-book up to three initial attractions and access the Lightning Lane attractions at each park. Once you’ve visited the first attraction, you can book another attraction, based on availability. The second option is to purchase Lightning Lane Single Pass for individual attractions. These are a select group of top attractions at each park that are NOT included with your Multi Pass purchase. They must be purchased separately, and pricing ranges from $7-$25 per attraction, per person. A third option is the Premier Pass, which allows access to both Multi and Single Pass attractions without needing to book times but comes with a hefty price tag. 

The updated service allows you to book these selections seven days ahead of time (plus the length of stay) for Disney Resort guests or three days ahead for date-based tickets or annual passholders. You can now see what’s available, see exact pricing, and make selections before you make your purchase. This allows you to see if booking Lightning Lanes will be worth it for your trip.

Attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are very popular and can have long wait times. While it’s not right for everyone, purchasing Lightning Lane access at this park may make your visit more enjoyable.

4 – Not Exploring the Park Layout in Advance

By now, you likely understand the importance of having the My Disney Experience App! As mentioned above, this app can serve as your virtual map through Hollywood Studios. However, we see many rookies wait until they are IN the park to find things. Unfortunately, this is a time-waster. Study the park layout before your trip. Using the app, you’ll be able to learn boulevard and land names to help you find your way around the park. Study different landmark attractions that will set you on the right path. No need to waste time in the park trying to figure out where you’re going!

5 – Skipping the Shows

It’s Hollywood, after all! You won’t want to miss the incredible entertainment and shows available in the park. A couple of our favorites include Fantasmic! (a nighttime spectacular), Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. You can expect impressive entertainers, costumes, stagework, and more. You won’t want to skip these popular shows.

6 – Avoiding the Classics

While much of the excitement at Disney’s Hollywood Studios revolves around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and other thrilling attractions, you won’t want to pass on some of the Hollywood Studios’ “classics.” We especially recommend taking a stroll through Walt Disney Presents. Visit the Muppets at Muppet Vision 3D. Take all the action with Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

7 – Not Stopping for Snacks

Slow your roll! We get that there is a LOT to squeeze in at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. BUT – we also recommend you slow your stroll whenever possible. There are many outstanding snacks at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including blue or green milk, ice cream sandwiches, specialty cupcakes, funnel cakes, lunch box tarts, and so much more. Slow down and enjoy a little Hollywood Studios’ goodness!

8 – Missing the Nighttime Excitement

It’s likely been a long day. You arrived well before the park opening. You’ve scurried through crowds. And you’ve braved the Florida heat. Before you call it a night, be sure to hang around and experience the nighttime excitement Hollywood Studios has to offer! You don’t want to miss the nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic!. On top of that experience, you’ll want to check out Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge at night! While they are stunning during the day and at night, these spaces transform and absolutely glow. Arrive early and stay late! Trust us; it’s worth it.

9 – Skipping out on the Disney Skyliner

The Disney Skyliner is the newest form of Disney transportation and is like an attraction all in itself! Hollywood Studios guests have a chance to experience the Skyliner as it is located just outside of the park. If staying at Disney’s Riviera Resort, Art of Animation, Pop Century, or Caribbean Beach Resort, you can take the Skyliner to and from your resort to Hollywood Studios. You can also park hop to EPCOT from Hollywood Studios on the Skyliner. If you don’t need to get to any of these destinations, you are still welcome to ride on the Skyliner for free to simply check out the aerial views it has to offer. The Skyliner is a great way to begin or end your Hollywood Studios day.

Alright, rookies! You’re ready to be a Disney pro. Have a fantastic time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.