After Controversial Change, Some Families Rethink Disney World Plans

When it comes to planning a magical Disney World vacation, families often find themselves facing a tough decision: which parks to visit and which ones to skip.

Surprisingly, in 2025, more and more families are deciding to pass on Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a park that once drew crowds for its thrilling rides and immersive lands. So, what’s causing this shift? It seems a mix of ongoing construction, fewer attractions for young children, and stiff competition from other parks are making Hollywood Studios less appealing for families this year.

Construction Chaos: A Park in Transition

Disney is always evolving, but sometimes that evolution means temporary inconvenience. Right now, Hollywood Studios is in the thick of it. Several major attractions are closed or under refurbishment, leaving visitors facing construction walls instead of beloved rides.

The iconic Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is being reimagined with a Muppets theme, and Muppets Courtyard is being transformed into a Monsters, Inc.-themed land. While these updates promise exciting changes in the future, they’re currently leaving families wondering if it’s worth visiting the park in its half-finished state.

Parents who have visited the park recently have expressed frustration over the number of closures. When you’re paying top dollar for park tickets, running into construction zones instead of attractions can feel like a letdown, especially when other parks offer more fully operational experiences.

Not So Family-Friendly?

Another major factor turning families away from Hollywood Studios is its reputation as a thrill-seeker’s paradise. While adrenaline junkies might love the towering drops of Tower of Terror or the intense Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance experience, these rides come with height requirements that exclude younger children.

As a matter of fact, there are only two rides at Hollywood Studios that don’t have a height requirement — Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Toy Story Mania!

Sure, Toy Story Land offers some family-friendly fun, but it’s not enough to carry an entire day for families with little ones. Compared to Magic Kingdom, which is packed with rides for all ages, or Animal Kingdom with its mix of animal encounters and gentle attractions, Hollywood Studios falls short in the kid-friendly department.

Many parents have voiced concerns that there just isn’t enough to keep younger children entertained, making it an easy park to skip, especially for those traveling with toddlers or preschoolers.

Waiting for What’s Next

For families who visit Disney World regularly, one of the big draws is experiencing new attractions and shows. Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios doesn’t have much new on the horizon for 2025. With the bulk of its updates not expected until 2026, families are deciding to hold off until more of the park’s reimagined areas are complete.

This “wait and see” approach makes sense for those who want to get the most out of their park tickets. Why spend a day at a park where many of the attractions are either closed or unchanged when other parks are offering fresh experiences?

EPCOT: The New Family Favorite

As Hollywood Studios grapples with its growing pains, another Disney park is stepping into the spotlight: EPCOT. Thanks to its recent transformation, EPCOT has become a top choice for families.

With attractions like Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, and the new Moana-themed Journey of Water, EPCOT offers a blend of excitement and family-friendly fun that’s hard to resist.

Some families have even shared stories of their kids unanimously choosing EPCOT over Hollywood Studios, a surprising shift considering Hollywood Studios’ past dominance with its Star Wars and Toy Story offerings.

Is Hollywood Studios Still Worth It?

For families planning their Disney World trip in 2025, Hollywood Studios is becoming more of a “maybe” than a must-do. With ongoing construction, fewer attractions for younger kids, and no major new additions until next year, it’s understandable why many are opting to spend their limited park days elsewhere.

That said, if your family is packed with Star Wars fans or thrill ride enthusiasts, Hollywood Studios still has some standout attractions. But for those with small children or looking for the newest experiences, skipping Hollywood Studios this year might just be the smartest move.