12 Rookie Mistakes People Make at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the four major theme parks at Walt Disney World. It is a really fun park with a lot of great experiences. You definitely want to check out this list of rookie mistakes so that you get the most out of your next visit to the park:

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12. Skipping the park altogether

There are many guests that cross this park off of their list if they have a limited number of days or are concerned about the cost for admission. This would definitely be a mistake, as there are a ton of great attractions and shows at the park. With the Star Wars and Toy Story expansions coming to the park in the next couple of years, we are sure that there will soon be no question about whether a guest should skip this park or not and it may even become one of the most popular parks at Walt Disney World.

11. Arriving to the park late

I always advise to guests that they should try to get to the park as early as possible. The lines are typically shorter first thing in the morning. It is also cooler outside so it isn’t as taxing to be on the go. You may be able to catch some of the more popular attractions, thus allowing your FastPass+ to work better in your favor and save you time during your visit.

10. Thinking the park is only for adults

There is a popular misconception that Hollywood Studios is geared toward adults and isn’t as fun for the kiddos. The park is definitely home to a couple thrill attractions that older kids and adults are more interested in, but there are also tons of things for the smaller kids to do. There are rides and shows that are definitely right up their alley. There are also tons of character meet and greets at the park, too.

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9. Not dressing comfortably for a day in the park

It is extremely important for guests to wear comfortable shoes and clothing while in the park. There will be a lot of walking and standing. It is also typically very warm in Florida, so breathable, comfortable clothing will make a huge difference in how much guests enjoy the park. No one wants to be hot and miserable all day!

8. Fail to make FastPass+ selections as early as possible

Guests can make FastPass+ selections 60 days prior to their arrival if they are staying at a Disney resort and 30 days prior to their arrival if they have valid theme park admission linked to their My Disney Experience account. Guests should try to make their selections as early as they can so that they get the best times and desired attractions. I usually recommend that guests make their FastPass+ selections for the middle part of the day since this is typically when lines are the longest and it is the hottest part of the day.

7. Wasting FastPass+ on attraction that don’t need it

There are attractions available for FastPass+ that definitely don’t need it. You want to use your selections for attractions that will result in long wait times. You likely won’t need the FastPass+ selection for any of the shows (unless there is only one Fantasmic! showing and you are concerned about getting in), so it is better to utilize them for the attractions.

6. Attending the first shows of the day

The first couple shows of the day are typically the most crowded. If you wait until later in the day you may not have as crowded of theaters and may be able to get better seats. You can also use the early part of the day to catch some of the other attractions before the lines get longer.

5. Not planning for character meet and greets

There are tons of great character meet and greets in the park that you won’t find at any of the other Walt Disney World parks. You can meet various Star Wars characters, Toy Story characters, Guardians of the Galaxy characters, Olaf and Sorcerer Mickey. None of these characters are found anywhere else in Walt Disney World. There are also numerous other meet and greets, so you definitely want to make sure to have your camera and autograph book ready so that you can meet them.

4. Failure to make dining reservations in advance

There are only a few table service restaurants in the theme park, so you definitely want to make your reservations early. The reservations, especially the popular dining times, book up very quickly at the locations. Guests are able to start making dining reservations 180 days in advance of their arrival, and many guests do exactly that.

3. Not knowing about the Fantasmic! Dining Package

We absolutely love the Fantasmic! Dining Package, especially if we are on the Disney Dining Plan. The package doesn’t require additional dining plan entitlements and gets you reserved priority seating for Fantasmic! If you aren’t on the dining plan, you can pay a little extra for the package from the normal cost of your meal and get the same reserved priority seating. We think it is worth it, especially if there is only one showing of Fantasmic! that night. The show fills up quickly and the line for it starts very early.

2. Missing March of the First Order

Gulp! This one is pretty impressive. Stand back as commander Captain Phasma leads a squad of Stormtroopers up Hollywood Boulevard to Center Stage. Let the goosebumps continue, as you watch their epic First Order demonstration and finally their march out from Center Stage. The March takes place multiple times throughout the day and it’s brief so you can quickly be on your way!

1. Not Staying For Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular

It doesn’t matter if you are a Star Wars nerd or not – Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular is the perfect way to close out a night at Hollywood Studios! Watch as the Chinese Theater turns into a huge screen for a 14-minute show full of high-definition projection surrounded by lasers, fire, incredible music and sound effects, and of course – the sky lights up with awesome fireworks! It’s an unforgettable Hollywood Studios moment!