Planning a perfect day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is easier than you might think, but preparation is key. This park offers some of Disney World’s most exciting attractions and immersive experiences, so making the most of your visit requires a solid game plan. Here are 10 tips and tricks to help you have the ultimate Hollywood Studios adventure, with extra details to ensure your day is truly unforgettable.
1. Secure Your Park Reservation Early
To enter Hollywood Studios, you’ll need a valid park reservation. Since this is one of the most popular parks at Disney World, reservations can fill up quickly. Be sure to book yours as soon as your trip dates are confirmed to avoid missing out. With your reservation secured, you’re one step closer to the best day ever.
If you’re traveling during peak times, consider checking reservation availability early each morning. Planning to visit multiple parks? Ensure your Hollywood Studios day aligns with your other park reservations for a seamless trip. This simple step is key to avoiding last-minute stress and ensuring you can enjoy everything the park has to offer.
2. Plan Ahead for Dining Reservations
Hollywood Studios has transformed into a foodie destination, offering a variety of table-service and quick-service options. For table-service meals, we recommend making reservations for fan-favorite spots like Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, 50’s Prime Time Café, or Hollywood and Vine. Hollywood and Vine now features a full-service menu with improved options, making it a great choice for character dining.
Fill the rest of your day with delicious snacks and meals from quick-service locations such as Docking Bay 7, Ronto Roasters, Woody’s Lunch Box, and Baseline Tap House. Advanced dining reservations can be made up to 60 days in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spots.
For added convenience, consider using mobile ordering for quick-service meals. This feature on the My Disney Experience app allows you to skip the lines and pick up your food at a designated time, giving you more time to enjoy the park. Mobile ordering is particularly handy during peak meal times when lines can get long.
3. Join the Virtual Queue for “Rise of the Resistance”
Star Wars fans won’t want to miss Rise of the Resistance, a groundbreaking attraction in Galaxy’s Edge. To ride, you’ll need to join the virtual queue through the My Disney Experience app. Virtual queue spots open at 7:00 AM for guests with park reservations and again at 1:00 PM for those already in the park. These spots disappear within minutes, so have the app open and ready to refresh as soon as the queue opens.
Pro tip: If you miss out on the virtual queue, you can purchase access through Lightning Lane to guarantee your spot. Remember to check for availability early in the day, as Lightning Lane access can sell out quickly for this popular ride. Timing is everything, so set reminders on your phone to maximize your chances.
4. Arrive Before the Park Opening
Hollywood Studios’ headliner attractions draw large crowds, making it essential to arrive early. The park often opens several minutes before the posted opening time, giving early birds a chance to experience shorter wait times. Arriving 30-45 minutes before the official opening ensures you’re among the first inside, giving you a jumpstart on your day.
Take this opportunity to explore quieter areas of the park or grab a coffee from Trolley Car Café as you plan your route to your first ride of the day. Early mornings also provide a great chance to snap photos of the park before it gets too busy.
5. Prioritize Top Attractions
With so many must-do rides, it’s important to tackle the most popular ones first. Start your day with high-demand attractions like Slinky Dog Dash or Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run to avoid long lines. Afterward, consider hitting other favorites like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Using Lightning Lane for select attractions can save valuable time. Be strategic about which rides you prioritize based on your group’s preferences. If traveling with young children, plan for breaks between thrill rides by mixing in shows or character experiences. This strategy ensures everyone has a magical day without feeling overwhelmed.
6. Enjoy Character Cavalcades on Hollywood Boulevard
Character interactions at Hollywood Studios are a bit different now, with mini parades known as cavalcades replacing traditional meet-and-greets. These parades travel down Hollywood Boulevard, offering plenty of opportunities to wave at your favorite Disney characters.
Find a spot along the boulevard, and you won’t have to wait long to catch a glimpse of beloved friends like Mickey, Minnie, and more. Cavalcades run frequently throughout the day, so keep an eye out.
For a truly magical moment, position yourself near the Chinese Theater for great photo opportunities with characters as they pass by. Cavalcades are a delightful way to see a variety of characters without needing to wait in lines.
7. Arrive Early for Shows
Hollywood Studios features several entertaining shows, including For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and the Disney Junior Dance Party. These shows have limited seating, so it’s best to arrive at least 15-20 minutes early to secure your spot.
Taking a break to enjoy a show is also a great way to relax and recharge while experiencing Disney’s signature storytelling and live performances. Consider catching multiple shows throughout the day to balance your schedule and escape the midday heat. Shows are perfect for giving kids and adults a breather from the excitement of the rides.
8. Immerse Yourself in the Details
Hollywood Studios is a park rich in immersive details, particularly in its newer lands, Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. Take the time to explore these areas and notice the incredible theming. From the intricate droid designs in Galaxy’s Edge to the oversized toys in Toy Story Land, these details make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
Don’t forget to snap plenty of photos to capture the magic—these areas are full of Instagram-worthy spots! Take a moment to interact with cast members in Galaxy’s Edge, who often stay in character to enhance the storytelling experience. Keep an eye out for hidden Easter eggs that add extra layers to the experience.
9. Save Shopping for the End of the Day
While shopping is a big part of the Disney experience, it’s best to save it for later in the day. Focus on rides and shows during park hours, and use the evening to browse Hollywood Studios’ unique stores.
If you’re planning to build your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop or create a custom droid at Droid Depot, be sure to book reservations in advance, as these experiences fill up quickly. Consider taking home exclusive Star Wars or Pixar merchandise to commemorate your visit. Shopping later in the day also means you won’t have to carry bags around the park.
10. Stay Until Park Close
The final hour before park closing is often the best time for shorter wait times and a more relaxed atmosphere. Many guests leave early, allowing you to experience popular rides with minimal crowds. Take advantage of this quieter time to revisit your favorite attractions or check off anything you missed earlier in the day.
As the day winds down, enjoy the nighttime ambiance of Hollywood Studios. Strolling through the park at night offers a completely different experience, with dazzling lights and a calm energy that’s perfect for ending your magical visit. Don’t miss the chance to soak in the beauty of the park as the lights twinkle and the crowds thin out.
Final Thoughts
A day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is filled with excitement, adventure, and magic. By following these tips and tricks, you can maximize your time and create an experience you’ll never forget. From planning ahead with dining reservations to soaking in the immersive details, every moment in this park is an opportunity for fun.
What are your favorite tips for visiting Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below!
