Formerly know as Disney-MGM Studios, Disney’s Hollywood Studios was the third theme park to open at The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida. Originally inspired by Disney movies, a portion of the park has an “old school” feel combined by the latest in high tech rides and attractions.  

Situated on 135 acres just south of Disney’s Epcot Resorts area, the park hosted more than 11 million guests in 2018 making it the fifth most visited theme park in North America and the ninth most visited in the entire world. 

Originally opened on May 1989, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has recently underwent a major transformation and expansion which brought the Star Wars franchise to a Disney theme park in Orlando.  Construction commenced in 2016 when Disney closed the former “Streets of America” section which included the stunt show and other backstage areas. 

Now standing is the all new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land.  In addition to this area, another attraction was also recently updated which was the former Great Movie Ride.  This ride was the final attracted from the original opening and is now replaced by Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. 

Reservations are required to enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios on a specific day (unless park hopping after 2:PM) and it is highly recommended to check the theme park web site before making plans for your next visit.  

This Ultimate Guide to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios is not only perfect for first time visitors, but for seasoned Disney fans are are looking for the latest information about this amazing theme park.

Click here to see the Photo Gallery for Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has nine (9) distinct park lands which include:

• Hollywood Boulevard
• Echo Lake
• Commissary Lane
• Grand Avenue
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
• Toy Story Land
• An Incredible Celebration
• Animation Courtyard
• Sunset Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is after the main entrance to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and it is where you can find a wide away of shops and restaurants as well as the parks guest service location.   This land is themed after the original Hollywood in California and operates just like Main Street USA in the Magic Kingdom park.  

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Opened in spring 2020, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a cute and zany ride through the wonderful world of Mickey Mouse on an trackless eight-person ride vehicle.  There are four different experiences depending on the vehicle you boarded  and the attraction has great music as well as short Mickey videos. 

Individual Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are offered and are highly recommended due to the popularity of the ride.  Wait times range from 45 to 60 minutes on a typical summer day.

The Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant and The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge

The “Brown Derby” restaurant is themed after the original Brown Derby restaurant in that is located on Wilshire Boulevard in Hollywood, California. This table service restaurant features contemporary American cuisine ranging from steaks and seafood as well as an extensive kids menu.  Dinner entree prices range from around $30.00 to $49.00.  Open for both lunch and dinner, some Disney dining plans are accepted and reservations are recommended as the Brown Derby is a popular spot. 

In addition to traditional dining, the restaurant features two special packages which include: Dine with a Disney Imagineer (which includes a 4-course meal with your special guest) and the Fantasmic! Dining Package which includes dinner along with VIP seating for the Fantasmic! show.

Click here to see the menu at The Hollywood Brown Derby.

The Trolley Car Cafe

Designed after a early 1900’s trolley train station, the quick service dining features a variety of baked treats as well as STARBUCKS coffees and other specialty beverages.  Some dining plans are accepted and this is a perfect place for a quick breakfast first thing in the morning. 

Click here to see the menu at The Trolley Car Cafe.

Oscar’s Super Service (guest services)

You can get assistance with stroller and wheelchair rentals, package pickup, restaurant reservations and more at Oscar’s which is home to some of the best guest service cast members in all of the Walt Disney World Resort.

In addition to the restaurants as well as the guest services location along Hollywood Boulevard, there are a number of places to buy souvenirs and other merchandise includes Mickey’s of Hollywood gift shop, Keystone Clothiers and the Celebrity 5 & 10 gift shop.

Echo Lake

Centered around a central lagoon, Echo lake brings back some of the classic architecture from early Hollywood era.  This area includes some of Disney Hollywood Studios’s most popular attractions and is also a great place to find something to eat.

Indian Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!  (Endless Summer favorite)

Based on Indiana Jones movies with Harrison Ford, in this live action stunt show you will go on an adventure with Indy and Marion.  Fight the bad guys and make thrilling escapes and even run from the giant rolling bolder in this amazing show.  

The Indian Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular lasts about 30 minutes and is suitable for guests of all ages. Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available and wait times range from about 30 to 60 minutes on a typical summer day.

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Kids ages 4 to 12 can train just like the young Jedi then put their skills to the test against the dark side of the fore.  In this 20 minute experience your children will learn how to use a lightsaber and feel the force. 

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple requires registration which takes place at the Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost.  Availability is limited so get there early as space is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Star Tours – The Adventures Continues

Go on a thrilling adventure on a 3D space flight aboard the Starspeeder 1000 with some of your favorite Star Wars characters.  This ride is a motion simulator that features 3D video, Audio-Animatronics and special effects.  Use the force to escape the First Order and make it back to the rebel base.   

This attraction has a number of different experiences making each ride unique and the ride stories on Star Tours were inspired by Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

Star Tours has a height restriction of 40 inches and Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available. Wait times vary but typically range from 30 to 60 minutes on a normal summer day. There is a fair amount of motion so if anyone in your traveling party is sensitive to that, then they may want to stay behind.

For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sign-Along Celebration

Enjoy a wonderful 30-minute sing-along with Elsa, Anna and Kristoff celebrating the songs and stories of the hit movie Frozen.  This experience is perfect for the young princesses that love the Frozen movies.  Wait times can vary but range from 30 to 60 minutes on a typical summer day.

Also in Ehco Lake is a meet and greet with your favorite snowman Olaf.  Olaf’s Celebrity Spotlight is located right next to the “Frozen” Fractal Gifts.

Hollywood & Vine

Hollywood & Vine features buffet dining with two experiences.  These include Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine and Minnie’s Seasonal Dine.  Guests will get up close and personal with the Disney characters while enjoying American cuisine in a festive atmosphere.

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, prices range from $27.00 to $55.00 per person and some dining plans are accepted.  Reservations are highly recommended for both dining experiences. 

Click here to see the menu at Hollywood & Vine.

50’s Prime Time Cafe and the Tune-in Lounge

Themed table service dining 50’s style as you are transformed back into a more simple time.  Guests will enjoy old fashioned American food including pot roast, fried chicken, meat loaf and more.  There is even a 50’s Prime Time Cafe Blue Plate Special.  

Reservations are highly recommended and some dining plans are accepted.  Open for lunch and dinner, prices range from around $15 to more than $30 per person.

Click here to see the menu at the 50’s Prime Time Cafe.

Epic Eats

Quick service canteen just outside of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!  Perfect for the sweet tooth featuring funnel cakes and ice cream.

Click here to see the menu at Epic Eats.

Backlot Express

Quick service dining featuring burgers, salads and sandwiches.  Mobile orders are available and some dining plans are available.

Click here to see the menu at the Backlot Express.

Dockside Diner

In addition to the attractions and dining options in Echo Lake there are a number of gifts shops including Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost, Tatooine Traders and “Frozen” Fractal Gifts.  You will find a variety of toys, apparel, costumes and souvenirs at these shops.

Commissary Lane

Commissary Lane is the smallest lane at Disney’s Hollywood Studios but it features some of the best places to eat in the entire park.

Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams

Go backstage with Mickey and Minnie for a meet and greet, photos and autographs.  The wait time does get a bit long and it is recommend that you visit Mickey and Minnie first thing in the morning. 

Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant  (Endless Summer favorite)

If you love the old drive in theaters than the Sci-Fi is the place for you.  You will dine while watching a sci-fi movie while seated in a 1950’s classic car (designed to be your table).   Open for lunch and dinner, it is a fun experience and the menu features American cuisine including burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.  Some dining plans are accepted and reservations are recommended.

Click here to see the menu at the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant.

ABC Commissary

Featuring a quick service lunch and a fast-casual dinner, the ABC Commissary is a great place to grab a bite to eat.  The menu includes burgers, salads and sandwiches all set within a Art Deco inspired “commissary”.  Some dining plans are accepted and reservations are available for dinner.

Click here to see the menu at the ABC Commissary.

Grand Avenue

Grand Avenue is another of the smaller lands in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Grand Avenue formerly hosted the Streets of the America and the Muppets Courtyard. Today it is home to Muppet*Vision 3D as well as a number of eateries.

Muppet*Vision 3D

Enjoy a zany show with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear and the other Muppets in this 3D (and live action) attraction.  You will take a tour of the Muppets lab where they feature their latest movie-making invention before things start going haywire.

Wait times range from approximately 20 minutes to more than 45 minutes on a typical summer day.

PizzeRizzo

Great a personal pizza, antipasto or sub at this quick-service dining restaurant.  Open for lunch and dinner, some dining plans are accepted and mobile orders at possible at PizzeRizzo.

Click here to see the menu at PizzeRizzo.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

Enjoy classic Italian food at this classic table service dining restaurant.  Enjoy crispy calamari or a mozzarella / tomato salad as an appetizer before chicken parmigiana or seafood fra diavolo.  And don’t forget about the cannoli or tiramisu’ for desert.

Prices range from approximately $15 to more than $30 per person and Mama Melrose is open for both lunch and dinner.  Reservations are available and some dining plans are accepted. 

Click here to see the menu at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano.

BaseLine Tap House

Guest will love some of the finest California beer on tap as well as wine, cocktails and hard cider.  There is even a number of appetizers offered to enjoy with your cold one.

Click here to see the menu at BaseLine Tap House.

In addition to the attractions and restaurants in Grand Avenue, Stage 1 Company Store features Disney inspired art, accessories and apparel.

Star Wars:  Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the land which we have been waiting for.  Having opened to much fanfare and accommodates, this area is by far the most popular of all the parks within the Walt Disney World Resort.  The entire land will immerse you in all things Star Wars with all the sights and sounds from the movie series.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

The Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction is a game changer for the theme park industry, setting a new standard for complete immersion within a ride.  Guests join the “Resistance” in the Black Spire Outpost and fight against the evil “First Order”.  You will see Rey and BB-8 as well as Stormtroopers and Kylo Ren.  

Upon entering the virtual queue, guests will be assigned a “boarding group” which determines when (or if) they will be called to board the ride.  This attraction is subject to capacity limits so Disney states “Being assigned to a boarding group does not guarantee entrance to the land, its attractions or its experiences”.   It is highly recommended to get to the park early so you will be able to join the virtual queue.  We are hearing that the attraction is at capacity by the time the park officially opens.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is for guests 40 inches or taller and is considered a “thrill ride” with small drops as well as loud and dark experiences. Individual Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are offered and are highly recommended due to the popularity of the ride.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

You and your crew will fly the Millennium Falcon on a thrilling ride through hyperspace.  Your entire crew plays a part in the mission to smuggle “hard-to-find items” for Hondo Ohnaka.  The roles of your crew include:

• Pilot
• Engineer
• Gunner

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are offered for the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and they are highly recommended as wait times will easily exceed one hour even on some of the slowest days.  Guests must be 38 inches or taller to ride and since the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is considered a “thrill ride”, be prepared for drops, darkness and loud noise.

Droid Depot

At the Droid Depot you can build your own custom BB-Series and R-Series droid units using parts and plans from the Black Spire Outpost’s industrial depot.  While it is possible to walk into the Droid Depot and start building your droid, availability can be limited so reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance of your visit.  

Only a single builder (recommended age 3 and up) along with a guest (with at least one person over the age of 14) is allowed to building a droid.  It costs $99.99 per astromech droid unit plus tax.

Click here to learn more about building your own droid at the Drone Depot.

Savi’s Workshop

Guests can build their own custom lightsaber in a secret workshop.  There are four separate “hilt themes” for your lightsaber and the “Gatherers” will guide you through every step of the process.  These four themes include:

• Peace and Justice
• Power and Control
• Elemental Nature
• Protection and Defense

While it is possible to walk into Savi’s and start building your lightsaber, availability can be limited so reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance of your visit.  

Only a single builder (recommended age 3 and up) along with a guest (with at least one person over the age of 14) is allowed to building a droid.  It costs $199.99 per lightsaber builder plus tax.

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

Enjoy quick service dining at this galactic eatery which is housed in a working hanger bay.  Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, guests will find a variety of American cuisine from $14.99 and under.  Mobile orders are available and some dining plans are accepted.

Click here to see the menu at Docking Bay 7.

Ronto Roasters

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Ronto Roasters services a variety of grilled sausage and roasted pork.  Some dining plans are accepted and mobile ordering is offered.

Click here to see the menu at Ronto Roasters.

Oga’s Cantina

You will find Jedi’s, outlaws and smugglers at this themed cantina.  Guests will enjoy from a variety of cocktails and cold beverages in a highly themed atmosphere.  Dining plans are not accepted.

Click here to see the menu at Oga’s Cantina.

There are a number of other places to eat and shop in Galaxy’s Edge including Kat Saka’s Kettle snacks, the Milk Stand, The Market Merchants and Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities.

Click here to see our Complete Guide to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for 2022

Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land is an 11-acre new land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and guests visit Andy’s backyard as themed from the Toy Story movies.  Humans are transformed into toys and invited to play among all the others in the amazing land. 

Alien Swirling Saucers

Twist and turn in your personal saucer as you ride through space and fly high above Toy Story Land.  Alien Swirling Saucers is limited to guests 32 inches and taller – it is a fun and enjoyable ride themed about the aliens from Toy Story.

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available and wait times range from approximately 20 minutes to more than 40 minutes on a typical summer day.

Slinky Dog Dash (Endless Summer favorite)

Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster that is perfect for the first timers.  Guests will take a ride on Slinky across Andy’s backyard past the other giant toys.  Slinky Dog Dash is limited to guests 38 inches and taller.

Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available and wait times typically exceed 60 minutes on a typical summer day. 

Toy Story Mania

Blast away in this 4D shooing attraction as you travel through Any’s toy chest full of classic games.  Your two person ride vehicle moves through five different “games” as you shoot targets to score points, competing with other players.  As a tip, the hardest to hit targets are worth more points.

These five games are:

• Hamm & Eggs
• Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts
• Green Army Men Shoot Camp
• Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers
• Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shotin’ Gallery

Toy Story Mania! is perfect for all guests and there are no height restrictions.  Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available and highly recommended as wait times can easily exceed one hour on a typical summer day.

Woody’s Lunch Box

Enjoy American cuisine at this quick service walk-up window which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Mobile ordering is available and some dining plans are accepted.

Click here to see the menu at Woody’s Lunch Box.

The Toy Story Store

Find everything from apparel and toys inspired by the Toy Story movies.

An Incredible Celebration

In “An Incredible Celebration” guests can be part of the motive “The Incredibles” and interact with some of your favorite characters from the movie.  Pixar Place is transformed into a Municiberg city block where guests will:

• Visit the The Edna Mode Experience to see the “super-suits” that are designed for all the “Supers”
• Look for clues to find a “multipowered Super” in the area.  Is this Jack-Jack?

In addition to the experiences guests will find the Neighborhood Bakery and Municiberg Gifts.

Animation Courtyard

In Animation Courtyard guests will be taken back to the classic Walt Disney characters of both yesterday and today.  There are live stage shows as well as a number of amazing Disney experiences.

Walt Disney Presents

In Walt Disney Presents, guests will see 100 years of “Disney on Display” with exhibits on his life story.  There are props, models, artwork and photos on the history of Disney showcasing Walt’s life story.

In addition to the gallery and exhibits, there is a a 15-minute documentary film called “Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream” which features home movies and footage about how Walt created the wonderful world of Disney.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a live show featuring Ariel and the characters from the classic Disney movie.  Sing along as you go “Under the Sea” with Sebastian the crab but watch out for Ursula the Sea Witch.

This amazing show lasts approximately 15 minutes and is suitable for guests of all ages. Wait times range from 20 to 40 minutes on a typical summer day.

Star Wars Launch Bay

If you are a fan of Star Wars, then you will want to spend some time at the Star Wars Launch Bay.   Guests will enjoy exhibits of costumers and movie props as well as get that chance to watch a short documentary film on the creative team.

In addition to the exhibits and show, guests get a chance for a meet & greet with Chewbacca.

Disney Junior Play and Dance!

Perfect for the younger Disney fans, the Disney Junior Dance Party is a high energy fun-filled experience where guests can dance along with Mickey, Doc McStuffins and other characters form Disney Junior.

The Disney Junior Dance Party lasts about 25 minutes and Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are offered.  Wait times range from approximately 20 minutes to more than 45 minutes. 

In addition to the attractions and experiences in Animation Courtyard, there are two places to grab a beverage and a snack.  These include the Market and Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company.

Click here for more information about hotels at Walt Disney World

Sunset Boulevard

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Endless Summer favorite)

One of the most exciting rides throughout the Walt Disney World Resort is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.  You board a super-stretch limo as your ride vehicle and to for a ride through Hollywood, California. Guests experience two rollover loops and one corkscrew while listening to Aerosmith music from a state-of-the-art sound system while completely indoors.

There is a 48 inch height requirement for this attraction and Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available.  Since this is a very popular “thrill” ride, wait times can easily exceed 60 minutes on a typical summer day.

Lighting McQueen’s Racing Academy

Guess will love this high-tech show featuring Lightning McQueen as they learn tips and tricks from the racing legend himself.   You will not only see Lighting McQueen but some of your other favorite characters from the Cars movies.

This 10-minute show is perfect for all ages and wait times vary but range from 20 to 40 minutes on a typical summer day.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

You just can’t miss this iconic attraction when visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Set on Halloween night in 1939, guests take an elevator ride in the Hollywood Tower Hotel during a violent storm and are propelled up and down the abandoned shafts.

Height requirements for this “thrill” ride are 40 inches or taller and Disney states “This attraction includes sudden, fast drops in a dark, enclosed space which may be frightening to some Guests”.  Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are available and wait times typically exceed one hour on a normal summer day.

Fantasmic! (Endless Summer favorite)

Join Mickey Mouse along with more than 50 live performers in this amazing display of pyrotechnics and music in a 30-minute show.  Fantasmic! is the nighttime spectacular at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and it is a show that is truly not to be missed.

Guests will see characters from:

• Beauty and the Beast
• Sleeping Beauty
• The Little Mermaid
• Aladdin
• The Lion King
• Pocahontas
• Snow While and the Seven Dwarfs

The amphitheater opens as early as 90 minutes before showtime since Fantasmic! is one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (Endless Summer favorite)

Relive the magic in this live, Broadway-style stage musical of Beauty and the Beast.  Experience all the music and pageantry with this classic Disney story.

Beauty and the Beast is a 25-minute performance in an outdoor stage so it is weather dependent. Disney Genie+ Lightning Lane entrances are offered but there are not typically lengthy wait times for this show.

Sunshine Day Bar

Cool off on a hot summer day with a beer, wine or specialty cocktail at the Sunshine Day Bar.

Sunset Ranch Market

Grab something to eat at one of the many different offerings at the Sunset Ranch Market.

• Anaheim Produce
• Rosie’s All-American Cafe
• Catalina Eddie’s
• Fairfax Fare
• Hollywood Scoops ice cream

Along Sunset Boulevard you will find a number of shops which include the Beverly Sunset Boutique, Rock Around the Shop, Tower Hotel Gifts, Once Upon a Time merchandise and Legends of Hollywood.