32 Things to Do at Hollywood Studios
If you’re planning a Disney vacation and looking for things to do at Hollywood Studios, you’re in the right place!
Hollywood Studios is one of the most popular Disney Parks, thanks to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. There are many things to do at Hollywood Studios beyond rides, although the rides themselves are incredible.
Disney World is so much more than just Magic Kingdom. There are four Disney Parks, two waterparks, over 25 hotels, and Disney Springs! You probably already know that visiting Walt Disney World Resort is a multi-day experience.
Fun Fact: Hollywood Studios opened as MGM Studios in 1989.
Do I need a rental car at Disney?
If you need to rent a car in Orlando, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. They offer the best rates available on major brands like Hertz or Enterprise. You don’t pay until arrival and can cancel anytime.
Do you need a full day at Hollywood Studios?
You need at least one day at Hollywood Studios! You could easily spend a day in Galaxy’s Edge alone, and that’s not even talking about Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway (one of Disney’s newest rides) or the ultra-popular Toy Story Land.
Things to Do at Hollywood Studios
Here are the best things to do at Hollywood Studios in no particular order.
Grab a Copy of the Hollywood Studios Map
You may have a copy of the Hollywood Studios map on your phone but paper maps can be fun if they’re available!
Download the Play Disney Parks App
Make your wait times more fun with trivia games while waiting in line or listen to a playlist.
Discover the Original Park Logo
One of the things you will want to find as you wander through Hollywood Studios is the original park logo. It is somewhere in the park. See if you can find it near the cameraman statue at the Chinese Theater.
Tour the Stars
Star Tours has been a part of Hollywood Studios since it was MGM in 1989. A new version, Star Tours The Adventures Continue, began in 2011. The scenes shown during this ride are always different. This is because 700 different options are rotated through.
Sing with Elsa and Anna
A visit to Arendelle will have you watching A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. You will be encouraged to sing along with Elsa and Anna throughout the show. They will sing all your favorite Frozen songs. And yes, Let It Go is the most popular one!
Meet with Olaf
If you don’t want to sing Let It Go, you can always hang out with Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight in Echo Lake.
Catch the Beacon of Magic at the Hollywood Tower
Each of the four Disney Parks has its own attraction lit up for the Beacon of Magic. The EARidescence lights won’t be on for too much longer. They are only being turned on for the World’s Most Magical Celebration, Disney’s 50th-anniversary celebration.
Spend Time with Mickey and Minnie
You might spend time with Mickey and Minnie at Hollywood Studios if you are lucky enough.
Experience Entertainment at the Chinese Theater
Every evening, the Chinese Theater lights up with movie moments and animation memories. The fun begins at 8:40 pm, as Disney movie moments are projected onto the Chinese Theater. At9:00 pm, 90 years of animation fill the projection screen.
Discover All the Roger Rabbit Details
Roger Rabbit was one of the first characters at Hollywood Studios when it opened as MGM.
At that time, an area called Roger Rabbit’s Hollywood was being considered. The area never opened, but you can still see Roger Rabbit scattered throughout the park.
Make Your Own Lightsaber
Making your own lightsaber is now a possibility at Savi’s Workshop. Visiting this workshop in the Black Spire Outpost is one of the best things to do at Hollywood Studios. Keep in mind that you must have a reservation to make your lightsaber.
Head to Walt Disney Presents to Learn More About Walt Disney
Walt Disney Presents opened back in 2001 to celebrate what would have been Walt Disney’s 100th birthday. This is an excellent attraction to visit to learn more about the man who created these magical parks.
Watch Beauty and the Beast Performed Live On Stage
While visiting Hollywood Studios, you will have plenty of opportunities to watch stage performances. Beauty and the Beast is one of the best stage performances at Hollywood Studios.
Walk Through Andy’s Backyard from Toy Story
If you are skipping seeing a show or have a little extra time, I recommend heading to Andy’s backyard. Pixar Easter Eggs have been scattered around the backyard. You never know where to find them as you explore Toy Story Land.
Pay close attention to the blocks, dominos, and anything else you see. You get bonus points if you can find Buster’s collar tag.
Ride Slinky Dog Dash
When you are finished exploring Andy’s backyard, it will be time to take a ride on Slinky Dog Dash. You can see even more of Andy’s backyard from this ride. Including items that can’t be seen from the ground.
Go for a Train Ride with Mickey and Minnie
Spending time with Mickey and Minnie isn’t always easy at Disney Parks. They are quite popular characters!
However, you can join them when you ride the Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway.
This immersive ride will make you feel right there on the screen with Mickey and Minnie. There are a few unexpected twists and turns. So, be prepared for the unexpected on this family-friendly ride.
While waiting in line, boarding the ride, and exiting, look for a few Hidden Mickeys. There are supposed to be hundreds of them in this one area!
Check out the 50th-anniversary statues
You can find these at all the parks, but our favorites are here at Hollywood Studios!
Watch Mickey Mouse at the Mickey Mouse Theater
Before you board the train for your ride with Mickey and Minnie, you may want to catch a short movie at Mickey Shorts Theater. The movie is called Vacation Fun. It is an excellent way to see where you will be headed on the train before you get on.
Disney Visa Photo Op
Do you have a Disney Visa credit card? If you do, you will want to head to the Animation Courtyard at Star Wars Launch Bay. Exclusive photo opportunities are available for card members.
Your pictures will be downloaded for free. They will also be enhanced to show a few favorite Star Wars characters posing beside you.
Check Out the Oldest Attraction at Hollywood Studios
You may not know this, but the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is the oldest attraction at Hollywood Studios. It is also one of the most popular things to do at Hollywood Studios. That’s probably why it is still there!
Be part of history by attending this action-packed show the next time you visit Hollywood Studios!
Dine at Oga’s Cantina
Oga’s Cantina is inside the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area at Hollywood Studios. You must have advanced reservations to enjoy a meal or a drink at this restaurant.
While the food is good, the drinks will capture your attention. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions of their galactic concoctions are available.
Dine at 50s Primetime Cafe
If you prefer to dine back in the 1950s, head to Primetime Cafe. All your classic American foods are on the menu. Plus, with a television at every table, you can watch some of your favorite shows as you eat.
Your kids may even be tempted to watch a show with you!
Learn to Drive at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Do you have a race car lover in your family? If you do, take them over to Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. This is one of the better things to do at Hollywood Studios when you want a ton of action!
Your rookie racer will be trained by the best. Yes, Lightning McQueen himself!
If you don’t know where this attraction is located… It is near the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster.
Consider Chewie Mode When Riding the Millenium Falcon
Another action-packed ride is the Millenium Falcon. Most people settle for the voice of Hondo Ohnaka during the ride.
Did you know you could hear Chewbacca instead?
You must have approval from all six people in the vehicle for the crew member to unlock Chewie mode.
Conquer the Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars
Another favorite Star Wars ride is the Rise of the Resistance. Once you get on, you are transported to a galaxy far, far away. You will see many familiar faces during the ride. Prepare for a long wait on this ultra-popular ride, but it’s 100% worth it for any Star Wars fan!
Find the Celebrity Handprints
Multiple celebrities have been to Hollywood Studios over the years. Some of their handprints can be seen in front of the Chinese Theater.
While you may think to head to this theater at night for the projection shows, consider visiting during the day too. This way, it will be light enough for you to see these prints up close.
Dine with Characters at Hollywood & Vine
There are character dining options throughout the Disney Parks. Over in Hollywood Studios, I recommend the one at Hollywood & Vine. This restaurant is open for all three meals. So, you can choose the meal that works best for your family.
Just make sure you reserve your seats in advance!
Dine at The Hollywood Brown Derby
Another fascinating restaurant at Hollywood Studios is The Hollywood Brown Derby. This restaurant is a replica of the restaurant with the same name out in Hollywood from the Golden Ages.
The Hollywood Brown Derby opened when this park was known as MGM. And yet, here it is, still open all these years later as one of the best places to eat at Hollywood Studios.
Watch Muppet Vision 3D.
One of Jim Henson’s final projects was Muppet Vision 3D. The Muppet area was supposed to be much bigger. However, the grand plans Henson had were set aside after his death. Thankfully, you can still enjoy the beginning of what he had envisioned.
Ride the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
This roller coaster features music by Aerosmith. Posters line the queue to the ride, and they each feature riders zooming along at 60 miles per hour. You can be featured on those posters too. But you must keep your eyes open and head back when the ride begins.
Drink Green or Blue Milk
Have you ever wanted to drink green or blue milk?
If you said yes, well, you can when you are at Hollywood Studios. I can’t say this is one of the most popular things to do at Hollywood Studios. But a lot of people do it.
You will find this colored milk at the Milk Stand in Star Wars; Galaxy Edge. Adults can have a little rum or tequila added to the milk of their choice.
Get Scared on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
This must-do ride is on almost everyone’s list of things to do at Hollywood Studios. This tower opened in 1994 and has been scaring people regularly ever since. Some people are even too afraid to hop on.
Only enter the ride if you can handle what is about to happen…
Things to do in Hollywood Studios
Here are some of the best things to do at Hollywood Studios. Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
If you want more Disney vacation tips, make sure to check out some of our blog posts below:
- Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World
- How to keep cool at Disney World
- 25 Free Things at Disney World
- The Closest Disney Resorts to the Parks
- 7 things to know about the Disney Skyliner
- Marriott Cypress Harbour Villas Review near Universal and Disney
- The best strawberry farms in Florida
Are you planning a Universal Vacation or Disney vacation? I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist .
There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist) or an approved Travel Agent!
About Florida Travel With Kids
Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.
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