Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios are facing crushing crowd levels, with many calling the park unmanageable even during what should be a slower season. Locals and vacationers alike are reconsidering visits to the Disney park as wait times soar and walkways become packed with frustrated guests.
Overcrowding Sparks Concern at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 as Disney–MGM Studios and has undergone massive transformations over the years. Once a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making magic, the park is now home to some of Disney’s most in-demand attractions, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Slinky Dog Dash.
But even as Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to evolve, its current crowd levels are overwhelming. On Reddit, u/jdebaljebdhfkebc asked why the park “is so busy recently,” pointing out that wait times remain high for all attractions, from thrill rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to family-friendly experiences like Alien Swirling Saucers.
“I’ve been tracking the park crowd predictions and Hollywood Studios always seems to be on the high side, every day of the week,” u/BitterJane79 responded. “It was similar when we last went in 2018. I would presume it now has to do with Star Wars and a few of Disney’s best and more thrilling rides (Rockin Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror). Although it still mystifies me a bit.”
Guests Struggle to Navigate the Chaos
Many guests argue that Hollywood Studios is the most balanced Walt Disney World park in terms of thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, and immersive lands, making it an easy choice for visitors of all ages. However, that also means it consistently ranks as one of the most crowded parks.
“Hollywood Studios is the only place that actually has really fun rides in my opinion for every age,” u/just_me33t commented. “Magic Kingdom is for babies and toddlers. EPCOT is only good for drinking and adults… Animal Kingdom is only also good for three rides. So Hollywood Studios is always going to be packed because it just fits [everyone’s needs].”
While the park’s popularity is a driving factor, some guests blame overcrowding on another issue—frequent ride breakdowns. Hollywood Studios is home to some of Disney’s most technologically advanced attractions, and when attractions go down, chaos follows.
“Hollywood seems to have a problem with the big rides going down – sometimes all at the same time,” u/SchnuckumPie pointed out.
Changes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Could Make the Crowds Worse
With major changes coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, guests fear the congestion will only worsen. Disney has announced a massive overhaul that will see Muppet*Vision 3D close to make way for a Monsters, Inc. (2001) land, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster reimagined with a Muppets theme, and a new Disney Villains show taking over the Sunset Showcase Theater. But with these changes also come temporary attraction closures, further limiting entertainment options.
Redditor u/Temporary_Green_3640, a local who frequently visits the Central Florida Disney parks, expects things to deteriorate before they improve.
“We’ve lived nearby for almost 3 years now and Hollywood is almost always busy,” they wrote. “Unbearably busy. There’s very seldom a slow week anymore for any of the parks, but Hollywood has by far been the worst. Which is funny considering it seems like most people consider it their least favorite. Same with trying to get a reservation for Sci-Fi [Dine-In Theater]. People complain about the food but it sure is hard as heck to find a dinner reservation. It certainly won’t be getting any better anytime soon with all the construction.”
Have you noticed unusual crowding at the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks? Share your experience with Disney Fanatic in the comments.
