Love movies, theme park rides enthusiast, great food and shopping? Let’s explore Hollywood Studios – the Disney World Theme Park based on film, television, theater, and music.
Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 as MGM Studios, and while the name has changed, the overall theme has stayed the same. The 135-acre park was initially built as a working production studio and theme park capturing the Golden Age of Hollywood. The park’s streets are named after famous Los Angeles landmarks and replicas of Hollywood buildings like Grauman’s Chinese Theater. The Hollywood Studios of today has been enhanced to offer more of a theater and music experience bringing popular Disney films to life.
If you’re spending a day at Hollywood Studios, a little planning can help you get the most out of your visit.
Hollywood Studios Layout
Hollywood Studios is divided into seven uniquely themed areas based on popular movies and famous Hollywood streets. The park offers a wide array of entertainment and dozens of attractions, including some fun, sought-after rides, each offering immersive storytelling and entertainment.
The seven themed areas include:
<1> Hollywood Boulevard
<2> Echo Lake
<3> Grand Avenue (Currently under construction)
<4> Commissary Lane
<5> Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
<6> Toy Story Land
<7> Animation Courtyard (Soon to be The Walt Disney Studios)
Hollywood Boulevard
When you enter Hollywood Studios, the main street takes you from the park entrance to the exciting replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. If you walk straight ahead, you’ll see Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway along with one of the best Hollywood Studios restaurants, the Hollywood Brown Derby. Hollywood Boulevard is also home to several shopping locations situated on either side of the main road, including Celebrity 5 & 10, Keystone Clothiers, and more.
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is home to two of the most thrilling attractions at Disney World including The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith. The focal point of Sunset Boulevard is the Tower of Terror, but there are other fun attractions along the way. The “Fantasmic!” show is located near Tower of Terror, with the amphitheater curving around the lagoon. You’ll also find Beauty and the Beast LIVE and Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.
This area features dining options including Sunshine Day Bar, Sunset Ranch Market, Anaheim Produce, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, Rosie’s All-American Café, and KRNR Rock Station as well as shopping locations including Beverly Sunset Boutique and Once Upon a Time.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake stretches from the left of Hollywood Boulevard, situated around a small lake. The area around Echo Lake is where you’ll find the popular Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, as well as “For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration, Frozen characters meet and greets, and the animated film, Vacation Fun, featuring Mickey and Minnie.
Echo Lake is also home to several dining locations, including the Hollywood and Vine, 50’s Prime Time Cafe, and more. In keeping with the Frozen theme, the shopping location “Frozen” Fractal Gifts is a fun place to shop at.
Grand Avenue (Currently Under Construction)
Just beyond Echo Lake you’ll find yourself facing the brand new Monstropolis, inspired by the iconic Monsters, Inc. movie franchise. This land was the former Muppets Courtyard area.
Commissary Lane
Commissary Lane does not contain any rides but is home to character meet-and-greets with Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams. Commissary Lane is located above Echo Lake and to the right of Grand Avenue. The two noteworthy dining locations in this area are Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and the ABC Commissary.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a 14-acre Star Wars-themed section set on planet Batuu. This area offers two immersive rides including Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. There are also fun Star Wars-themed experiences including building your own droid at Droid Depot and Savi’s Workshop where you can build your own lightsaber.
You can choose from several Star Wars-themed dining locations including Oga’s Cantina, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, Milk Stand and more.
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land spans 11 acres, a land themed after the Toy Story movies and characters. You’re basically visiting Andy’s backyard, a land that is intentionally proportioned so guests feel they’ve shrunk down to the size of the toys from the movie. Toy Story Land includes popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Midway Mania, and Alien Swirling Saucers.
Dining options include Toy Story themed restaurants like Roundup Rodeo BBQ and Woody’s Lunch Box.
Animation Courtyard (Soon to be The Walt Disney Studios)
Animation Courtyard is located at the far end of Hollywood Boulevard. While Disney has recently closed this land, it is to make way for a new area called, The Walt Disney Studios. Despite the closure, Walt Disney Presents and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure remains open.
The Walt Disney Studios will celebrate Disney animation history, featuring interactive experiences, exhibits, and a brand-new version of The Magic of Disney Animation.
Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions
Now that you know where to find the rides, shows, and attractions in each of Hollywood Studio lands, let’s dive deeper into what you can expect from each.
Alien Swirling Saucers – Cute ride for the young and young at heart. Its theme is an interstellar romp through space on an “out-of-this-swirl” experience.
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage – Presented like a Broadway-style musical with colorful costumes and powerful performances.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – This show is a funny and impressive stage show featuring Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent and other Disney evildoers.
Fantasmic! – Located at the main amphitheater, this show features over fifty performers, including appearances by Mickey Mouse, Aladdin, Pocahontas, and more.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration – Visitors hear from Royal Historians of Arendelle and sing along to popular tunes from the Frozen movie.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – One of the oldest shows at Hollywood Studios, presented for the past 30 years, stars Indiana Jones acting out different scenes and stunts from the movies.
Lightning McQueen Racing Academy – This attraction is a 10-minute show full of impressive effects, a dance party, and more.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure – Show is based on the movie, featuring stunning set pieces and cutting-edge effects.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – This ride is a journey through the world of Mickey Mouse, displaying the original story through a series of cartoon shots.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Motion simulated thrill ride with drops and loud sounds offers an interactive experience, as you take on the role of gunner or engineer of a fast ride into the galaxy on a secret mission.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Fast, loud, intense, and adrenaline-pumping pitch-dark rollercoaster ride, showcases the legendary rock band Aerosmith’s music. With speeds up to 60 miles per hour, it’s truly an experience.
Slinky Dog Dash – A family-friendly roller coaster features a smooth, yet wild ride as the dog twists, turns, drops, and springs through the sky.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – This thrilling ride takes you on an impressive journey, a mission with unexpected twists and turns.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – This digital 3D video flight simulator ride offers many special effects and music.
Toy Story Mania! – This ride simulates a 4D carnival game where you try to beat your own score as you compete with the person accompanying you on the ride.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – It’s a fast-paced elevator-style ride with lots of banging metal and snapping cable sounds, scary special effects but a fun, memorable theme park ride.
Hollywood Studios Dining
In between hopping on rides and seeing great shows, you’ll want to grab a bite to eat. And there are wonderful options … whether one prefers a sit-down restaurant, quick food options, or grab and go snacks and beverages. Hollywood Studios has so many wonderful dining options.
Woody’s Lunch Box – Inspired by Toy Story, this is an outdoor restaurant is nestled in Toy Story Land. Restaurant is designed like a lunchbox with an upside-down teacup.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this fast-paced restaurant features American cuisine.
50’s Prime Time Café – Sit down restaurant serves family-friendly comfort food from the 1950s but with a twist.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – Cruise in for delish dishes and sci-fi movie clips at this retro restaurant.
Hollywood & Vine – Join beloved Disney Characters at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Makes visitors feel like one of Andy’s toys while enjoying delicious barbecue options.
Hollywood Brown Derby – Fancy, fine dining restaurant, inspired by classic Los Angeles restaurants that serve celebrities. Enjoy delicious food in a chandelier lit dining hall.
Hollywood Studios Shopping
Hollywood Studios features many unique stores that sell Disney merchandise and souvenirs to represent a memorable Disney visit.
My recommended stores:
:: Frozen Fractal Gifts
:: Rock Around the Shop
:: Toydarian Toymaker
:: Tower Hotel Gifts
Hollywood Studios Provides a Unique Memorable Experience
Although Hollywood Studios may not offer the largest number of rides compared to all the Disney theme parks, each Hollywood Studios attraction offers a unique and memorable Disney experience. When visiting, be sure to download the My Disney Experience app so you can use it before and during your visit. A visit to Hollywood Studios (along with Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom) makes for lasting “magical” memories.