Hollywood Studios Review
Just give this theme park an oscar already
Someone inside Disney really, really loves Hollywood Studios. In the past ten years or so, this theme park transformed from a cool yet standard destination to one of the best theme parks in all of Disney. Yeah, I am including Disneyland in California, Europe and Asia here as well.
Seriously, we not only got Toy Story Land in 2018, but Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019. Both lands boast some of the most popular rides in Florida, propelling Hollywood Studios to star status and solidifying its reputation as a 10/10 theme park.
The Good
Hollywood Studios has it all. Great rides, fun shows and good restaurants. Some of the best attractions in Disney are found here, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror. The Hollywood & Vine is a cool character dining option where you can eat good food, take a picture with Mickey & friends and even get a Disney Genie+ for Fantasmic. Speaking of Fantasmic, this is often regarded as the biggest (and best) show in Disney World, featuring Mickey and several Disney characters fighting against Maleficent in a night time spectacle with great visual effects.
We can’t talk about Hollywood Studios without mentioning the top tier rides and lands. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an amazing addition to the park and fans of a galaxy far, far away. As someone who thinks that The Empire Strikes Back is one of the best movies of all time, I can safely say that Disney did their homework. Streets make it look like you are walking by the Mos Eisley Cantina in Tatooine, there are Stormtroopers patrolling the alleys and you even get to see a real life-sized Millenium Falcon. It’s a blast.
Oh yeah, as if that’s not enough, you can also find Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance there, which is one of the best dark rides in the world. Seriously, make this ride one of your top priorities, even if it’s just to enjoy the queue. You won’t be disappointed.
Toy Story Land is another fantastic area in Hollywood Studios that's relatively new and not even ten years old. One of the standout attractions here is Slinky Dog Dash, which has become one of the most popular rides in Disney World. Despite the long wait times, this family coaster never fails to bring a smile to even the coldest of hearts.
Phew, are we still talking about great attractions? Let’s not forget Tower of Terror, an amazing and scary drop tower with great easter eggs for the fans of the Twilight Zone. There is also Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Toy Story Mania, Rock N’ Roller Coaster, Mickey & Minnie’s Railway Runaway and much more. It's safe to say that this is probably the best Disney World theme park if you're seeking awesome rides.
The Bad
If there is a negative in Hollywood Studios, it is that the park can feel packed sometimes, more than Animal Kingdom and Epcot at least. Popular attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash are almost always a two hour wait. Even Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway will keep you in line for about forty minutes. Disney Genie+ is almost always required here, and you need to be very, very lucky to get a spot for Slinky Dog as soon as Genie+ becomes available.
Some guests also think that the park atmosphere isn't that great once you leave Toy Story Land or Galaxy’s Edge. I can see that. The park seems to lose some of its charm outside these newer areas, and there's a noticeable lack of shaded areas, which you can definitely feel during the hot summer months.
Will Kids enjoy it?
I will say that small children and toddlers will probably have a better time in Animal Kingdom, Epcot or Magic Kingdom. Animal Kingdom has several animals for them to see, Epcot has great vistas and Magic Kingdom has all the fairy dust they can ask for. Hollywood Studios lack a bit of magic for toddlers, even if they can have fun in Toy Story Land or watching Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage.
Teenagers, however, will have an absolute blast. Hollywood Studios is likely the best theme park for guests aged 10 and above, as they typically prioritize great rides above all else.
Check out what else we have to say about Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios Overview: we explore everything that Hollywood Studios has to offer, from rides to park atmosphere, dining options and more.
Hollywood Studios Ride Strategy: our ride itinerary to Hollywood Studios where we talk about every major ride, from Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance to Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror.
The Top Kid-Friendly Rides at Hollywood Studios: the best rides and attractions in Hollywood Studios for the little ones.
Disney Genie+ Guide for Hollywood Studios: how to make use and optimize your Fast Pass options for Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Studios Early Entry & Rope drop guide: Hollywood Studios has a lot of rides to offer, so arriving early is a good idea.
Meet & Greet guide to Disney World: want to see Mickey, Darth Vader and Woody? Come check out our meet & greet guide for Hollywood Studios and everywhere else in Disney World.
