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Hollywood Studios Hints & Hacks You Need to Know

If you are ready to walk the red carpet and explore the magic of movies, look no further than Hollywood Studios. This Walt Disney World Park is about bringing the magic of the movies to Lake Buena Vista. Exploring the world of Star Wars and Toy Story are just two fun areas of this Park you’ll want to dig into on your Disney vacation. You’ll also find fantastic thrill rides, food, and shows. If you are ready to launch your Hollywood Studios itinerary, we ready to help. Here are Hollywood Studios hints and hacks you need to know

Rope Drop Dash a High Traffic Ride

Arriving at “rope drop” or Park opening allows you to dash straight to a chosen ride with little or no wait right after Park opening. As you might imagine, heading to busier rides that usually have the most extended wait times are the best idea. Among the things that I always do in Hollywood Studios is rope drop dash a ride Toy Story Land or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Toy Story Land Disney's Hollywood Studios

Credit: Disney

Which way you head at rope drop is your preference. I have spent the early morning enjoying both of these fun and popular sections of the Park on different occasions. I generally head to Slinky Dog Dash to enjoy a near walk-on wait right after the rope drop or power walk toward Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Tailor this tip to your crew based on what you are most excited to see and what is an unmissable attraction on your list.

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Credit: Disney

While ride times don’t always climb as high as the two attractions mentioned above, heading to Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster are alternate options, as wait times for these thrill rides also grow throughout the day.

Related: Hints and Hacks – Magic Kingdom Edition!

Disney Genie

Speaking of wait times, rope drop running is not the only way to secure a shorter attraction wait time. Review options and costs for Disney Genie when you purchase Park tickets online. It may be a good value for your family, or you might skip the addition. Either way, know which attractions are included in the program (but remember they are always subject to change).

In Toy Story Land, you’ll find Disney Genie for Alien Swirling Saucers, Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania!, Shows like Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Disney Junior Play & Dance!, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular have Disney Genie access.

minnie-mouse-hollywood-studios

Credit: Disney

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue are Disney Genie-eligible attractions. These are just some of the Disney Genie attractions in Hollywood Studios, so check the Disney website to learn more about eligible attractions and the Disney Genie program.

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♬ Under the Sea (Instrumental) [From “The Little Mermaid”] – London Music Works

Scream Down Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Classic attractions are always theme Park must-dos, in my opinion. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one shocking thrill ride you should not miss. Do not be deterred by the fact that this is one of the older staples of the Park; it is terrifying and so much fun. Another one of my favorite ride queues in Disney World, the fun does begin in line.

tower-of-terror-disney

Credit: Disney Tips

The storytelling on this spooky ride is top-notch, and although it terrifies me keeps me returning for future rides. But beware, the ride drop pattern changes to create a unique ride experience each time you board this ride. Screaming down the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is something I always do during a day in Hollywood Studios.

Sip Blue Milk

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Galaxy’s Edge (Credit: Disney)

One of the most immersive theme Park experiences ever is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Even if you are not a Star Wars die-hard, you should add a visit to your touring plan. Walking through the World of Star Wars at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a next-level immersive experience. Hop on Smuggler’s Run to look at the iconic Millennium Falcon. You can purchase individual lightning lane for the incredible and in-demand Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride.

Blue and Green Milk Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Credit: Parks Blog

Snag a reservation to Oga’s Cantina and sip a Fuzzy Tauntaun. You’ll feel like you are dining alongside the Galaxy’s slickest smugglers. For a quick taste of the movies, drop by the quick service milk stand to try blue or green milk (believe it or not, these are dairy free). You’ll feel like an authentic member of the Star Wars Galaxy after you have fueled up on this iconic Disney beverage.

Related: Top Tips for Making Disney World Cheaper

See A Show

When Disneys Hollywood Studios opened in the 1989, stage shows were a big part of the Park. Over the years, shows have come and gone, but we can guarantee one of the stage shows will be the perfect match for your travel crew. Seeing a live stage show during a day in this Disney Park is something I encourage new visitors to do. Look at the My Disney Experience App to see show times and descriptions.

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Credit: Disney

I love Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage as a Broadway musical fan. A newer but no less excellent Disney movie Frozen, has its own music-centric experience. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration is a fun and interactive way to escape the heat in the Park. The action fans will love Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! Muppet* Vision 4D is another fun show and a great way to take a break from the heat. Even if you think of rides when you visit a theme Park, watch a show at Hollywood Studios during your day.

Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Credit: Disney

 

I hope these Hollywood Studios tips are helpful as you make your Park touring plan. Have fun exploring the magic of the movies!

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.