Today I offer my memories, thoughts and humble insights into Hollywood Studios. I loved HS. It was by far our longest day spent at a park. We started at 9:30 am and went straight through for 12 hours until 10:00 pm. Because we were only spending one day there we wanted to make sure to fit it all in. However, this was one of the few times we dealt with rain during our trip and a downpour forced us to take an hour-long break under an overhang.
The atmosphere at HS is so fun! I love the blast from the past kind of feel there and the old time Hollywood vibe walking up and down the streets. It feels like a bustling movie set and you can’t help but get caught up in the action.
The Rides…
When we arrived at HS bright and early we made sure to head straight to this park’s star attraction, Rock n’ Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith. After you recover from the crazy supersonic take off… it is 2 minutes of pitch-black spills and thrills that does not disappoint. The boys went back to do this one a couple more times later in the day. If the park is busy be sure to get a fast pass for this one or do it early on.
The Tower of Terror located right next door is also one of this park’s major attractions. This is the only ride, throughout all of the parks, that had Nate a little nervous and for a few minutes I thought he might not do it. However, his pride got in the way and he stuck it out. I hate the elevator drop feeling of these types of rides but the Tower is like no other and I am so glad I conquered it. Another must do!
Star Tours is an oldie but goodie simulation ride that is worth checking out. Nate loved it and all Star Wars fans will be in their glory. The Great Movie Ride is okay if you have the time, but for this one we may have had the cheesiest tour guide ever!
Toy Story Mania is the big surprise for this park. Fast Passes run out early in the day for this ride and it can get super lined up. We had gotten a fast pass first thing in the morning and by the time it rolled around there was actually barely anyone in the regular line but remember we were there during a non-busy time of the year. If you are going during high season be sure to plan around this ride. It is super fun and very different than anything else at Disney. It’s carnival game feel gets you very caught up in the action. Blaine was a top scorer!
The Shows...
When it comes to shows there is a lot to be seen. Beauty and the Beast is a Broadway style show that is extremely well done. Make a point of seeing it! We also went to the Indiana Jones Stunt Show (I wasn’t a huge fan) and Muppet 3D Vision (very cute!). But by far, our family loved the American Idol Experience the best! We loved the chance of being part of the audience as real contestants took part in a mock American Idol show. We loved it so much we went back to the finale show at the end of the day and by chance a girl from Winnipeg was one of the final contestants for the “Dream Ticket”.
To end a long and exciting day at Hollywood Studios is this park’s fireworks and water show called Fantasmic! This show tends to fill early so if the park is busy be sure to show up at least 45 minutes in advance. Fantasmic is very loud, exciting and colourful but also a tad dark, and scary with a bit of a focus on things of an evil nature so keep that in mind if you plan on taking really little ones. My favourite part of the whole show was when all of the Disney characters travel by on a big River boat.
Hollywood Studios is pure fun from start to finish!
DW Tip: Fast Passes are a great way to save yourself some time in lines if it is busy or for some of the most popular attractions….but be strategic in how you use them. Always head straight to the ride you want a fast pass for when you get to the park. Once you see when your slotted time is for, plan around that. Many people don’t know this going in but keep in mind that you cannot get a fast pass for another ride for another couple of hours. On the bottom of your first fast pass it tells you the time you are eligible to get your next one at. Plan ahead.
Hi Shauna,
I'm loving your pictures and stories of DW. We were there for the first time in February of this year with our two girls (ages 5 and 7) and had a ball! Your blog entries make me want to plan another trip there!! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Ines | September 25, 2012 at 08:32 AM
This is taking me back too...we've been twice, most recently this past spring break. I would go back every year if I could!
I concur on the fast passes - such a great tool to maximize the fun.
One of our absolute HIGHLIGHTS at Hollywood Studios for us was the Jedi Training Academy. I was in tears watching my son wield a light saber against Darth Vader! It was an amazing show, and my husband was so jealous! :)
Posted by: Carrie | September 27, 2012 at 10:40 AM