Menu

Touring Plan for Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

Are you off to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Before you tackle this amazing park, check out our touring plan so you’ll know how to get the most out of your Hollywood Studios day!

[google_ad]

1. Plan around Extra Magic Hours

If you are staying at a Disney resort, try to plan your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios around Extra Magic Hours. During Extra Magic Hours only Disney resort guests will be in the park, so lines for popular attractions may be shorter. These Extra Magic Hours will be especially critical when Galaxy’s Edge opens on August 29, 2019. Going in the early mornings or late evenings may help your chances of cutting down on some time waiting in lines. Toy Story Land is another area best to tackle during Extra Morning Hours if possible. If you are interested in thrill rides, Rock n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror both typically have short waits during Extra Magic Hours.

Photo Credit: Disney

2. Use FastPasses, but not for shows

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is home to a number of attractions that are shows as opposed to rides. You should definitely be sure to see the shows as they are all well-worth it, but we do not recommend using your FastPasses for them. FastPasses are much more useful when you use them to skip the lines for rides than when you use them to be seated earlier for shows (that are either continuous or would start at a set time anyway).

3. Use the times guide or check the My Disney Experience app

Once in the park, plan your day around those shows or character meet and greets. These experiences tend to take place only at set times throughout the day, so you don’t want to put them off until the evening only to realize the last show already took place. The app can also tell you the wait times for rides from anywhere in the park, so if you aren’t sure about the best time to ride your favorite attractions, you can keep tabs on the wait times right from your phone.

[google_ad_btf]

4. Try to eat at off times

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is busier than it’s been in some time thanks to the opening of Toy Story Land. The crowd levels will only increase as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens on August 29, 2019. As a result, you may want to grab lunch at off times of the day. If you must eat during the lunch rush (as is often the case when you can’t control kids’ sudden hunger!) take advantage of mobile ordering on the My Disney Experience app. By mobile ordering your food, you can save time skipping the lines at quick service restaurants, and spend that time snagging a table instead.

5. Decide which nighttime spectacular to see

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular and Fantasmic! are both excellent shows, so whichever you choose you really can’t go wrong—just don’t plan on seeing both in one night. In theory, you could sit in the back of Fantasmic’s stadium and sneak out just as it ends and just maybe make it to Hollywood Boulevard in time for Star Wars, but even with everything going according to plan this is a long shot. Add kids and the rest of the family to maneuver through the crowds, and this just simply isn’t a great idea. If you want to see both, plan on visiting the park more than once at night, and if you only have time for one make a plan ahead of time for which you’d rather see.

6. Use single rider and rider swap

If you are the only one in your party riding Rock n’ Roller Coaster (or if you do not mind being split up) you can get through the line much quicker as a single rider. You will not be seated with your family, as you’ll be taking the empty seat on the car from an odd-numbered party. If you have small children with you who aren’t able to get on some of the more thrilling attractions, you can use rider swap to avoid doubling your wait time. Have one adult stay with the kids while one waits in line then rides, and then swap—it’s that easy! You only wait in line the first time, so both adults get to ride without waiting twice.

7. Start planning your trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge now!

If your next batch of touring plans at Disney’s Hollywood Studios include a trip to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, start your planning now! This all-new land is set to open August 29, 2019, and it is sure to be packed! If your next Disney trip is planned for fall 2019, book your Disney hotel to ensure that rooms on Disney property are still available for your trip. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will mark an exciting new time at this park, and you’ll definitely want to pack your patience if you plan on braving the crowds later this year.

About Brittany DiCologero

Brittany is a New England-based writer focused on the history of the Walt Disney World Resort. She is the author of "Red, White, and Disney: The Myths and Reality of American History at the Walt Disney World Resort," and "Brittany Earns Her Ears."