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Top 10 Things To See, Do, & Eat in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a favorite park for many guests as it allows them to step straight into the movies and television to live out thrilling and memorable adventures with iconic characters and locations. Those who spend time in the park can explore the Star Wars universe and joint the Rebel Alliance or the First Order, wander through Andy’s backyard with favorite Toy Story friends, enter into The Twilight Zone, rock out with Aerosmith, laugh with the Muppets, and so much more. With so many amazing experience to be had, guests who are visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios might not know what are the absolute must do attractions, entertainment, dining, and more. While there is certainly not a bad experience to be had, here are the top ten things to see, do, and eat while spending time in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

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Credit: Disney

1. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The newest and most popular attraction in Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be found at the end of Hollywood Boulevard in the massive replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway bends the laws of cartoon and dimension and brings gusts directly into the cartoon world of the beloved duo. Guests board a train for a scenic trip around the park with Goofy as the conductor, but not all goes as planned and guests soon find themselves on a fun adventure with Mickey and Minnie saving the day. This attraction is an absolute must do and guests will love the immersive technology and chance to be so close to favorite characters.

2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The end of Sunset Boulevard is home to a thrilling and eerie attraction that many guests absolutely love to experience in the park. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror features a truly immersive storyline and setting that brings guests into the Hollywood Tower Hotel and aboard a service elevator that brings them into The Twilight Zone. Following in the fate of several hotel guests who mysteriously disappeared years ago, the service elevator takes on a life of its own and guests are dropped, raised, and dropped again in a random sequence that packs some big thrills.

3. The Hollywood Brown Derby

While there are plenty of great dining options in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, one of the best full-service meals can be found at The Hollywood Brown Derby. Open daily for lunch and dinner, this classic eatery is a replica of the famous restaurant in Hollywood and features an inviting interior with warm wood accents, art deco touches, and sketches of Hollywood’s elite. The menu at The Hollywood Brown Derby focuses on contemporary American cuisine and guests can dine on options including Faroe Island Salmon, Char-Grilled Filet of Beef, Bell & Evans Chicken Breast, Curried Butternut Squash Soup, Artisanal Cheese and Charcuterie Board, and Grapefruit Cake.

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4. BaseLine Tap House

Those who are looking for a more laid back eatery in Disney’s Hollywood Studios can head over to the Grand Avenue area and check out BaseLine Tap House. Open from late morning on, this quick-service location features an ordering counter, some indoor seating, and a large outdoor patio with overhead fans and umbrellas for guests to relax at. While the main focus of the menu at BaseLine Tap House is California wine and beer, there are several food items that guests can enjoy that are delicious and not to be missed. Guests can choose from the Bavarian Pretzel, Spied Almonds, Coffee-Rubbed Rib-Eye Beef Puff, or California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate and enjoy a drink and the views from the outdoor seating area.

5. Oga’s Cantina

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to all things Star Wars including the popular Galaxy’s Edge where guests can travel to the planet Batuu and live out their own adventure. While in Batuu, guests should make it a priority to stop by Oga’s Cantina, a popular hangout of all different types of people from across the galaxies that serves up cocktails and unique snacks. Guests who score a spot in Oga’s Cantina can nibble on snacks including Batuu Bits and the Happaboer Sampler while sipping on inventive cocktails such as the Fuzzy Tauntaun, Bespin Fizz, Jet Juice, The Outer Rim, and Jedi Mind Trick.

6. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Also found in Galaxy’s Edge is one of the newest attractions in Walt Disney World that uses amazing technology and storytelling that brings guests on a thrilling adventure in the Star Wars universe. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance begins with guests being captured and detained on a Star Destroyer and embarking on an experience like to other to escape and keep the Resistance alive. With many beloved characters and sets and scenes that are so innovative and larger than life, guests will truly feel as though they have joined the Rebellion on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

7. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

The other must do attraction in Galaxy’s Edge offers guests the chance to step into one of the most famous ships in the galaxies. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run takes guests on a special mission to collect and deliver certain items of value for Hondo. Guests are assigned special roles of pilot, engineer, and gunner and each role has specific directions and actions to take that can positively or negatively impact the entire experience. With big thrills and the unforgettable chance to step into the famous cockpit, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run is a must do in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

8. Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage

NOTE: Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage returns August 15, 2021!

Part of what makes Disney’s Hollywood Studios so amazing are the various live performances that bring beloved characters and stories to live. One of the most popular shows to enjoy can be found on Sunset Boulevard and brings the whimsy of Beauty and the Beast to life. Beauty and the Beast – Live On Stage is performed in an open air theater and brings the classic Disney animated film to life with subtle special effects and wonderful musical numbers. Guests are sure to find themselves singing along during this wonderful live performance that runs several times each park day.

Credit: Disney (Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater)

9. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Another amazing full-service dinging option that guests should not miss out completely immerses diners into a throwback experience from the past. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant brings guests back to the 1950’s and takes them to a classic drive-in theater where the tables and seating are all in classic cars. Guests face a large screen and can enjoy a variety of sci-fi clips and commercials from the era while munching on American cuisine. Menu items at the restaurant include items such as the Classic American Burger, Pan-Seared Shrimp Pasta, Buffalo Chicken Salad, Beef and Blue Burger, and Oven-Roasted Turkey Sandwich.

10. Fantasmic!

NOTE: Currently, Fantasmic! has been put on hold during the park’s phased reopening. We hope it returns soon!

Once night falls in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is one experience that is so unforgettable and entertaining that it cannot be missed. Fantasmic! is performed each night in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater at the end of Sunset Boulevard and holds a very large number of guests. The spectacle brings guests into Mickey’s imagination where he engages in a battle with evil forces while also showcasing musical numbers and favorite characters. There are special effects including projected animation on mists of water and a massive, fire-breathing dragon, making this show an absolute must see in the park!

About Caitlin Kane

Caitlin Kane first started visiting Walt Disney World when she was two years old, and despite spending most of that trip quarantined with the chicken pox she managed to fall in love with the place. Visiting WDW every year since, she especially loves learning all about the history and small details of the parks and eating/drinking her way through the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival each fall. When she's not in Disney, Caitlin lives in New York and spends her time counting down the days to her next trip.