Disney's Hollywood Studios Orlando
Your Family in the Movies
 Hollywood
Studios brings the magic and excitement of the movies from crazy
California to the sunkissed streets of Orlando. Here, you'll enjoy
thrills and spills, have tons of fun with your favourite TV channels
and watch the one and only Fantasmic.
After countless visits, we can tell you that unlike Walt Disney
World, this park can be seen in one comfortable day. Making
the visit in one day does take planning. But that's why you have us, right?
This page is full of our tips for a great day. You'll discover how to get
to Disney's Hollywood Studios, what rides you'll find there and how to plan a perfect
day for different age groups.
Things to keep in mind:
-
Some activities or rides won't appeal to everyone in the family. Research
ahead of time so you know what your family will like best and plan your
visit accordingly.
-
Arrive early to beat the crowds. Use that time wisely, hitting
more popular rides as soon as you arrive.
-
The new parade 'Block Party Bash' starts around 3.00 - 3.30 pm (Mon - Sat) 9am (Sun).
Use this great guide on all the opening times and the Block Party Bash parade times throughout
Disney so you don't miss it.
We cannot say it enough: planning is key to a successful visit to
Hollywood Studios. Check this Disney events calendar for the year, which
can help future planning if required.
Directions to Disney's Hollywood Studios:
If you can afford it, arrive in style just like the stars! Renting a
limousine is a fun way
to get to Hollywood Studios. If you have a huge family like ours (10 of us travel to
Orlando together) a stretch or SUV limo can really make economic sense too.
Of course, if you are staying at a Disney
resort then you have no worries. Your transport will be available from your
resort area.
If you've rented a car, take the usual major roadways such as the
I4, 192 and Osceola Parkway. These will all take you to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Just follow the road signs. Please see our dedicated directions
page before you set out.
Once you have paid your parking fees starting from $14 (2010 subject to change)
you will enter the parking area and be directed to your parking space.
As always in the world of Mickey Mouse, signs with your favourite
characters like Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Tigger, and Winnie the Pooh help
you remember where you parked.
Walk or take a tram ride to the entrance and make
sure your tickets
are ready to show. Once again, bag searches will be carried out. We recommend this helpful
map regarding Hollywood Studios.
Pushchairs
(strollers) & Lockers
are available for rent at Oscar's Super Service, inside the main entrance. Wheelchairs (Scooters) are
available from Walkers Mobility, click this link
for further infomation.
What to Do First?
 Your
first stop in Hollywood Studios? Hollywood Boulevard, where you'll be greeted with
Mickey Mouse's famous sorcerer's hat.
If you have younger children, we recommend you head towards Voyage of the
Little Mermaid. This brilliant ride will get the kids in the right mood for
a fun and adventurous day. It can get really busy at peak times, so getting
it done first will help you beat the crowds. Use your Fastpass to cut down
on the wait.
Next to Voyage of the Little Mermaid, you'll find Journey into Narnia. Watch how The
Lion, The Witch and The Wardroom came to life in this fantastic film. Interesting for
most kids.
After the rides, stop in at Playhouse Disney and Beauty and the Beast (both on the
Sunset Boulevard - here's a map) to check show times. These are wonderful shows and
you can normally view them back-to-back.
While you're waiting for the next show, take your budding
artists to Disney Animation to watch Disney characters come
to life before your very eyes.
If you aren't sick after the Tower of Terror, jump on the Aerosmith Rock 'n' Roller
Coaster ride. It's fast, loud and wild. You can use your
Fastpass for both these rides. If you are not bothered about the Fantasmic
show, skip it and enjoy these rides while the crowds are taking in the show.
Around about now your group will be getting hungry and the
batteries may need charging. As with all Disney parks, food is
available by the bucket load with an assortment of prices to match.
Here's a useful dining guide to help you select
options that suit your budget.
Pick Your Rides:
Here's a list of our favourite rides and shows at Hollywood
Studios. We recommend you pick your top 3 or 4 and add them to
what we've recommended above. If you still have time at the
end of your visit to Hollywood Studios, you can visit the others.
Just make sure you remember to watch the brilliant 'Fantasmic'
show at the end of the day. The whole family will be nothing but impressed.
-
The Great Movie Ride - Sit down and watch these unforgettable, classic
films in an old Chinese theatre. Do watch out for the alien film, which
can scare young children.
-
Sounds Dangerous - This is a fun theatre show starring the
American comedian Drew Carey. Basically, you sit down and put on headphones,
and the theatre goes into blackness. Then audio sounds are played into your
ears separately at different times causing different illusions. It's very
strange, interesting and funny. This ride lasts about 10 minutes and is
definitely not recommended for little ones.
-
Indiana Jones - If you don't know the story of
Indiana Jones by now, where have you been for the last 23 years? This
is a brilliant show for all the family and very popular.
Fastpass is available if needed.
-
Star Tours - The force is strong with you Luke! Mums, take note: my darling wife loves
this ride more than the children do. Must be the Darth Vader costume! This ride is an
all-time classic, enjoyable every single time we visit.
Fastpass is available.
-
Muppet Vision 3-D - Who doesn't love the Muppets? This is another all-time classic
show with all your favourite characters combined with all the tricks of 3-D.
Set in the old Muppet theatre, it's a good family show.
-
Honey I Shrunk the Playground - The kids will love this fun adventure area where they
can sit on giant ants and join other children on slides, swings, rope walkways and much
more. (Watch out for the water jets, Mums and Dads!)
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The New Lights, Motors, Action - This extreme stunt show is new to Hollywood Studios. Get
your camera ready because you are going to get some great photos. This impressive show is
a favourite with children and parents. Just remember: don't try this at home!
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The Backlot Tour - Hollywood Studio's longest ride, the Backlot Tour takes about 45
minutes to an hour during busy periods. It is well worth the time spent. You'll see great
special effects in the doomed canyon and genuine props used in past films.
One Last Word of Advice:
Make sure you get an early start, especially in the 'High Seasons'.
Plan ahead and you'll find enough time to see all of this theme park.
Remember your sunblock, shades, hat's and water...lot's of walking to get around.
Have a fantastic time & don't forget Fantasmic!
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