Last week I had the pleasure of going to Hollywood Studios with some family visiting from out of town. We were a party of six, ranging in age from 10 years old to 67 years old. Our diverse group set out to conquer the thrills and excitement of the park, making unforgettable memories along the way. I will take you through our epic journey, sharing tips and strategies to make the most of your own Hollywood Studios experience with a multi-generational party.
Before We Left
Planning and preparation are key to a successful Hollywood Studios visit. To maximize our day, we decided to purchase Genie Plus, a time-saving service that allows us to skip regular lines for select attractions. Additionally, as early as possible, we booked the highly sought-after Slinky Dog Dash Run at 7 am through Genie Plus. Since we were resort guests, we also opted to buy individual Lightning Lane passes for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, ensuring we wouldn’t miss this epic ride.
When We Arrived at Hollywood Studios
For non-resort guests, it’s essential to be ready to purchase individual Lightning Lane passes for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance right when the park opens at 9 am. These passes can sell out quickly, so it’s best to act fast to secure your spot.
Ride-Order
With a well-thought-out ride order, we ensured that everyone in our group experienced their favorite attractions. Here’s the order we followed at Hollywood Studios:
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: An exhilarating drop tower ride that offers stunning views of the park.
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Join Mickey and Minnie on a whimsical adventure through a cartoon world.
- Slinky Dog Dash Run: Hold on tight for a thrilling coaster ride through Andy’s backyard.
- Alien Swirling Saucers: Spin and swirl in your very own flying saucer.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: Embark on an immersive Star Wars mission to defeat the First Order.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Take control of the iconic Millennium Falcon in this interactive ride.
- Toy Story Mania: Challenge your family members to various 3D midway games.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: Speed through the dark on this high-energy coaster with rock music blaring.
Character Meet and Greets
Meeting beloved characters is a delightful experience for all age groups. These encounters offer a chance to capture the magic of Disney while taking a break from the rides and Lightning Lane reservations. Here are some of the memorable meet and greets we had at Hollywood Studios:
- Ariel from The Little Mermaid: A chance to meet the adventurous mermaid in her grotto.
- Frozone, Elastigirl, and Mr. Incredible: Meet the superheroes from The Incredibles and strike a pose with them.
- Sully: Give a warm hug to the lovable monster from Monsters, Inc.
- Chewbacca: Get a Wookiee hug and take a photo with the iconic Star Wars character.
- Pluto: Spend some time with Mickey’s faithful companion.
- Vampirina: Meet the charming vampire girl in her spooky world.
- Minnie and Mickey Mouse: No Disney trip is complete without a visit to the beloved mouse couple.
- Kylo Ren: Come face to face with the dark side’s Kylo Ren for an epic photo.
Dining at Hollywood Studios
Recharging with delicious meals is essential for keeping everyone energized throughout the day. We opted to dine at The ABC Commissary for lunch and Backlot Express for Dinner. Both offered a variety of options to suit everyone’s tastes. They both also had the very convenient option of just sitting down at a table and Mobile ordering your food.
Catch the Shows
Hollywood Studios boasts captivating shows that are not to be missed. We were fortunate enough to catch the last Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and Muppet Vision 3D. The stunts in Indiana Jones and the classic humor of the Muppets left us entertained and wanting more.
To end our day with a bang, we lined up for Fantasmic, a spectacular nighttime show filled with Disney characters, music, and pyrotechnics. However, the line was incredibly long, and just as we were about to secure our spot, a weather delay was announced, which might have led to the show’s cancellation. Unfortunately, we had to make the tough decision to leave and cherish the wonderful memories we had already made throughout the day.
We had an amazing day at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is a place of magic and wonder, suitable for all age groups. With proper planning, utilizing Genie Plus and Lightning Lane passes, strategic ride-order, character meet and greets, delectable dining, and captivating shows, you too can conquer Hollywood Studios and create everlasting memories with your family. So pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and embark on a magical journey filled with laughter, joy, and a dash of pixie dust!
Author: Jose Velazquez
Jose is the founder and writer at amusementparkdad.com. He Lives in Lakeland, FL, with his wife, two sons, and two dogs. Jose’s favorite hobby is spending time with his family at all the Theme parks in Orlando. They recently became annual pass holders at Disney and have absolutely fallen in love with the Magic. They look forward to exploring everything Disney offers in the years to come.
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