10 Must-Dos At Hollywood Studios 65/#100DaysOfDisney
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2018 Update!!
Since writing this post I know that some rides at Hollywood Studios have closed down, new ones have opened, and new ones are on the horizon! We will be in Walt Disney World in the early spring of 2019 so will update this post with our pictures and reviews then!
This is my last post in my must-do rides series for 100 Days Of Disney. I’ve shared a list of the [10] must-do rides at each of the four Walt Disney World theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and now, it’s the turn of Hollywood Studios.
Now, I’m only going to be including rides that we have done as a family – so some favourites may well be missing, as we haven’t done ALL the things at Walt Disney World – it’s impossible to do them all in just one trip, even three (like us!) or more…! You won’t find Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster® Starring Aerosmith on this list, because we’ve not had a chance to ride them yet!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going through a bit of a change – rides and attractions are shutting down, and just checking the Walt Disney World website, there are only 11 attractions at the park now – plus the shows and entertainment. So, much like I did for Animal Kingdom, this is a 10 must-dos list focusing on the all of the rides, attractions and shows at Hollywood Studios.
I’m also not going to put them in any sort of order, because, everything is relative isn’t it? What I might think is the best, someone else might think is the worst! So I’ve not put them in any ranking order – just alphabetised them as it’s the easiest thing to do.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
- Location: Sunset Boulevard
- Height restrictions: Any height
- Duration: 25 minutes
- FastPass+ offered: Yes
Relive the romance and magic of the “tale as old as time” in this lush stage performance. The heartwarming tale of Belle and the Beast swirls to even greater life with its colorful costumes and gorgeous scenery – and the songs you’ve come to love. You’ll be swept away all over again! Performed in the 1,500-seat Theater of the Stars along Sunset Boulevard, this attraction premiered on November 22, 1991 – the same day that the animated feature film – Beauty and the Beast opened in theaters across the U.S. This was the first time that a stage show opened the same day as the movie that inspired it. – Walt Disney World
We have only ever watched this once, on our first visit in 2011, and as fans of the movie, loved it. It is rumoured to be closing down to make way for another show, so get in there before it does – I know we are! Check park map or Disney website for up to date showtimes.
Fantasmic
- Location: Sunset Boulevard
- Height restrictions: Any height
- Duration: 30 minutes
- FastPass+ offered: Yes
Witness a show that brings together favorite Disney heroes, princesses and villains! Pyrotechnics, laser lights and one million gallons of dancing water make the dream come alive. With a cast of 50 costumed performers singing beloved Disney tunes and classic animation projected onto walls of water, Fantasmic! overflows with silly and suspenseful surprises for the entire family. – Walt Disney World
Fantasmic is an amazing show, that you just have to see to full appreciate! Depending on the season, Fantasmic is shown up to twice in one evening, but beware, inclement weather can cancel the show – up to the last minute, as we very nearly found out on one trip! Seating begins 90 minutes before the show starts, so get there in plenty of time. There is also the option to have reserved seating with a Fantasmic Dining Package. We have seen the show with and without the package, and I don’t think there are any “bad” seats in the house – the theatre is huge, with 6900 seats, plus an additional standing room for 3000. Check park map or Disney website for up to date showtimes.
For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Location: Echo Lake
- Height restrictions: Any height
- Duration: 30 minutes
- FastPass+ offered: Yes
Laugh and sing with an enchanting retelling of the kingdom’s tale that’s as humorous as it is heart-warming. You won’t want to miss For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration—taking place in the Hyperion Theater! – Walt Disney World
This now seems to be a permanent fixture at Hollywood Studios – we saw it in 2014 during the Frozen Summer Fun event. If you (or your kids!) love Frozen, and love singing along when watching the movie, you’re going to LOVE this! Check park map or Disney website for up to date showtimes.
Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Location: Echo Lake
- Height restrictions: Any height
- Duration: 30 minutes
- FastPass+ offered: Yes
Against the backdrop of temple ruins, Indiana Jones makes a grand entrance and the show swings into non-stop action. In pursuit of the golden idol, Indy and his companion Marion battle dangerous bad guys, leap from tall buildings and make other daring escapes as fake bullets fly and a moving vehicle bursts into flames. The edge-of-your-seat suspense comes to a climax in an explosive finale! As the 2 heroes triumph over traps, villains and epic obstacles, a director explains the movie magic. Learn the difference between stunt doubles and stunt actors. And watch demonstrations of basic fight routines—how to safely throw and take punches, fall from tall buildings, and even wield whips in the midst of complex action sequences. – Walt Disney World
Another show that is rumoured to close to make way for new additions, which is a shame, as it’s a fab show, full of amazing stunts and pyrotechnics! If you are Indy fans, then you will enjoy watching the stunt performers – and there is even some audience participation too, so raise your hand high if you want to be picked! Check park map or Disney website for up to date showtimes.
Lights, Motors, Action!® Extreme Stunt Show® – CLOSED
Location: Streets of AmericaHeight restrictions: Any heightDuration: 38 minutesFastPass+ offered: Yes
Hear the howl of engines and smell tires tearing up the asphalt as stunt cars burst onto the scene. These uniquely designed autos perform high-speed chases packed with precise, split-second spins and misses—just like in the movies! Feel the heat from fiery explosions and catch your breath as stunt men fall from 5-story buildings. All stunts are played back on a massive video screen to reveal how action-packed chase scenes are made through the magic of film editing, camera angles and other amazing tricks of the trade. – Walt Disney World
This is another show that can be cancelled due to inclement weather. Which happened to us on one trip. We have also seen the full show once through. If your family love cars, and stunts, and explosions, then this is a winning show for you! Look out for a couple of special guests midway through too! This attraction has now closed to make way for new lands at Hollywood Studios.
Muppet*Vision 3D
- Location: Streets of America
- Height restrictions: Any height
- Thrill level: Indoor
- FastPass+ offered: Yes
Join Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppets gang for a spectacular presentation in 3D. The curtain rises to reveal Kermit, Miss Piggy and the entire Muppets troupe onscreen in startling 3D, as they invite you on a zany tour of Muppet Labs for a demonstration of their newest, high-tech film process, Muppet*Vision 3D. Things quickly get out of hand, though, during a presentation with Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and Beaker, and the result is a seemingly endless string of disastrous—yet hysterical—comic events. – Walt Disney World
This show is always a trip down memory lane for my husband and I, who grew up watch The Muppet Show on television. The theatre is designed to look like the one in the television series, complete with Waldorf and Statler heckling the show! Remember to grab your 3D glasses as you walk in, and there are some 4D effects too!
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Location: Echo Lake
- Height restrictions: 40in (102cm) or taller
- Thrill level: Indoor, Small Drops
- FastPass+ offered: Yes
Blast off on a thrilling tour of the Star Wars universe aboard a Starspeeder 1000. Voyage to amazing alien worlds — like Tatooine, Naboo or Hoth — and come face to face with the likes of Yoda, Princess Leia or even Darth Vader. Featuring state-of-the-art technology—including a flight simulator, digital 3D video, Audio-Animatronics characters and “in cockpit” special effects and music—Star Tours: The Adventure Continues realistically immerses you in theStar Wars mythology for an unforgettable intergalactic adventure. – Walt Disney World
This is our family’s favourite ride – we can ride it 3 or 4 times in one day if the lines are short enough! With 50 story combinations, you can have a unique experience every time – we’ve never seen the same one twice. New places and characters are going to be added for the new Star Wars movie, The Force Awakens, so we’re looking forward to that on future trips to Orlando! This is a simulator ride, so be wary if you suffer from motion sickness. There are times when I do have to close my eyes to stop the feeling of wanting to vom, but I have combated that in the past, by taking a travel sickness pill on the day we go to Hollywood Studios!
The Great Movie Ride® – Permanently Closed
Location: Hollywood BoulevardHeight restrictions: Any heightThrill level: Dark, Scary, Slow RidesFastPass+ offered: Yes
Relive some of the greatest movie moments in history during a tram ride that puts you in the middle of the magic. Featuring nearly 50 lifelike Audio-Animatronics replicas of legendary movie stars, lavishly produced set pieces and wondrous special effects, The Great Movie Ride immerses you in the thrills, chills and romance of some of the most memorable moments in motion picture history. – Walt Disney World
I do think that this ride could do with a bit of an update, especially to appeal to younger guests who do not know the classics, but, it’s a good ride to get out of the heat of the day! There are some scary parts – Alien is one of the classic movies featured, so be warned if taking little ones on this ride.
Toy Story Midway Mania
- Location: Pixar Place
- Height restrictions: Any height
- Thrill level: Spinning, Indoor, Interactive
- FastPass+ offered: Yes
Zip through a virtual, 4D shootin’ gallery of carnival games. Step inside Andy’s room and wind your way through a toy treasure chest of classic playthings. Pass a Candyland® game box, Viewmaster® discs, crayon drawings and a Scrabble board before picking up a pair of special 3D glasses for the fun to come. – Walt Disney World
Another family favourite ride, and one that draws very long lines. A FastPass+ is a must for this ride, especially in high season. I think we have only ever lined up once, when it had just opened and the wait time was at 60 minutes!! But the line is wonderfully themed, which Disney are very good at doing. This ride will bring out your competitive side, as you use the shooter to knock down and smash the items at the various games along the ride!
Walt Disney Presents (Formerly Disney Presents : One Man’s Dream)
- Location: Mickey Avenue
- Height restrictions: Any height
- Thrill level: Indoor
- FastPass+ offered: No
Behold rare, never-before-seen props, models, sketches and more during a self-guided gallery tour. Originally created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Walt’s birth, Walt Disney Presents gives you the chance to discover the man behind the mouse, his many achievements and his ongoing legacy—from Mickey Mouse to Magic Kingdoms… and beyond!
Walt insisted that the worlds he created would never be complete, so long as there was imagination left in the world. With that in mind, you’re also invited to enjoy exclusive previews of upcoming attractions at Disney destinations all across the globe
Even more fun awaits with limited-time displays and even Character Greetings from recently released Disney films. Be sure to check the Times Guide for current exciting offerings!
After your gallery tour, enjoy a screening of a heartfelt 15-minute film, hosted by Julie Andrews.
During Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, you can relive the life and times of a creative visionary, utilizing rare audio recordings, historic film footage and home movies never before made available to the public—and uncover how a hard-working dreamer touched the lives of so many around the globe. – Walt Disney World
You’re at Walt Disney World, which means, you must be a Disney fan right? Well, you have to take the time out to walk around the gallery and look at the over 400 artefacts that are on display, including animation art, paintings, storyboards, photos, models, props, costumes and set pieces. The film screen continuously ever 15 minutes, so if you’ve missed a showing, you won’t have to wait too long for the next.
What are your must-dos at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Thanks for reading Day 65 of 100 Days of Disney 2015! 35 to go! Come back tomorrow for another Disney post!
Posts in the 100 Days of Disney Series:
Disney Crafts | Disney Printables | Disney Dining | Disney Vacation Planning | Around Walt Disney World | Disney Resorts | Disney Photography | Disney Theme Parks | Disney Rides + Attractions | Disney Shows + Parades | Disney Fashion | Disney Merchandise | Disney Movies | Disney Songs
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