Guide to Disney Hollywood Studios
Ranked #6,827 in Travel & Places, #186,613 overall
Welcome to Disney Hollywood Studios
This is my unofficial guide to the Disney Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, Florida.
Check out this lens for information on all the rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios, with loads of hints and tips to make sure you get the most from your time at this fantastic park.
Let me know your comments and where appropriate I will try to update with your suggestions
Check out this lens for information on all the rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios, with loads of hints and tips to make sure you get the most from your time at this fantastic park.
Let me know your comments and where appropriate I will try to update with your suggestions
Disney Hollywood Studios
Disney Hollywood Studios or Disney MGM Studios?
If you are new to the Disney Parks in Florida you may not realise that this park was up until recently called Disney MGM Studios. It was renamed at the end of 2007.The Original MGM Studios was opened in 1989 and has always been extremely popular ever since. It has been so popular that it has grown vastly in comparison to the original park.
Best Ride in the Park
Rock N Roller Coaster
The Rock N Roller Coaster has got to be high on everyones list of favourite rides at Disney's Hoolywood Studios. Featuring Aerosmith, the ride is loosely based on a visit to one of their concerts.It starts with you seeing Aerosmith in the recording studio, they then invite you to join them and provide you with a limo, Super Stretch, to ride in. You then enter the boarding area which is themed around an underground carpark.
Riders ride 2 side by side as the limo moves to the starting lights. The best part of the ride is the beginning, with super fast acceleration, seen by the waiting line. this all adds to the anticipation.
Certainly one of Disney's best roller coasters and in many peoples eyes the best Disney Coaster
My Disney Guides
Check out these great Disney Theme Park Guides
High School Musical at Hollywood Studios
High School Musical 3 at Hollywood Studios
The older HSM2 show has now been updated with a HSM3 show. The show is presented in front of the big blue hat on a mobile stage. Show times change regularly but it is held several times a day. Check on the show times board when you visit the park for the times when you are there.
Disney's Hollywood Studios Backlot Tour
Walking/Tram tour of Hollywood movie making magic.
The Backlot Tour as the name suggests is a tour of the backlot studios. However this tour has a little twist.The Backlot Tour is located towards the back of the park not far from the Honey I Shrunk the Kids playground.
Riding on large shuttle trams you then proceed with the tour of the backlot. This has been reduced in size with the addition of Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, but this attraction also provides some additional viewing on the backlot tour.
The first part of the tour is a demonstration of water effects and recreates a scene from a Pearl Harbour type film. Guests are selected to participate in the scene and this can add enjoyment to the families and friens of those lucky enough to have been selected.
After this the tour joins the trams and takes you on a tour around the backlots. The trams are open sided and it can be pleasant to sit in the tram and take the ride.
There are a number of photo opportunities around the tour, the most popular being the New York scene. If you miss this, you can still get the same photo opportunity when you exit the ride.
My Daughters Verdict : OK, but I don't want to go again.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Beauty and the Beast
Live, Musical Broadway Style show
This is a superb mini production of this great story.You enter a large covered theatre, although it is outside so there is no air conditioning. There is plenty of seating, so it is only the busiest times when you won't get in.
The production features many of the best songs from the Disney film. The performers are superb and the whole show is a fast paced spectacle that can be watched many times over.
Wheelchair guests can access the show.
There are assistive listening devices available from guest services for guests with hearing difficulties.
Length of show : 30 minutes
My Daughters Verdict : Brilliant, can we watch the next show.
UK Buyers Beauty And The Beast (Special Edition) [1992] DVD
USA Buyers Beauty and the Beast DVD
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Fantasmic!
Night time spectacular with lasers, lights, dancing fountains and special effects.
Fantasmic is Hollywood Studios evening show spectacular. It is a seated show in a purpose built outdoor audiotorium. It is always busy so you need to get there early, I would recommend a good 90minutes before if you want to get reasonable seats.The show starts not long after darkness falls and is one show that I would say 'Do not miss!'.
It is a combination of Stage, Light, Water, Music and Fireworks.
Basically Mickey has to fight the dragon. The Water element of the show can vary in quality depanding on the wind. Also you may not want to sit downwind of the show as you will get wet and you will get smoked out by the fireworks, so bare that in mind when choosing where to sit.
Hard of Hearing Guests can make use of reflective captioning by sitting in the specially marked seating. See a castmember if you need any assistance in identifying these areas. You will have a small plastic screen just below your vision line for the show in which you will be able to see a reflection of the captions being displayed on a screen behind you. This is a great addition which Disney should implement more in other shows that take place in darkened theatres.
Younger children may be frightened by some of the fireworks which can be laod and bright, but most will just enjoy the show.
At the end of the show there is only one way to go and that is towards the exit. Be sure to keep young children in close control as this is a very busy period. Disney have their act together and the exit process is fairly straightforward and unstressful. Many people will be rushing to get to there transport, you have to decide how you want to handle this time. It can be worthwhile just taking a little time to browse the shops and take the transport when the main rush has gone.
My daughters verdit : Great show, can we watch it next time.
Length of show : 26 Minutes
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian
This is a refurbishment of the older Narnia exhibition. Generally it is a display of film scenes and artifacts.There is a movie playing which shows scenes from this latest film. Movie buffs will probably enjoy it, others will probably just see it as a promotion for the film.
If time is short give this a miss.
My Daughters verdict : Boring.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios The Great Movie Ride
Travel through Classic film scenes and Hollywood moments.
This is located in the Chinese Theater. As you join the queue you will be able to view many classic movie props such as the Ruby Slippers form Wizard of Oz. You will eventually reach the theater part of the queue where you can watch classic clips as you wait in line.Having passed through the theater you will then enter the tram boarding area. You will go through various staged sets including a western bandit scene and a gangster scene from the depression.
You will also see scenes from Tarzan, Singing in the Rain, Wizard of Oz amongst many others. The only scene to be wary of if you have young children is the one from The Alien. After this the ride finishes with more footage from old classics.
Length of tour 22 minutes
My Daughters Verdit : Not Bad! I quite enjoyed that.
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Guide books on Amazon
Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
Disney's Hollywood Studios Fun-filled larger than life playground.
This childrens play area is based on the "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" movie.You will recall form the movie that the children have to make their way through their garden having being shrunk by their mad professor father. This play area recreates those scenes and is fascinating for children of most ages.
There are giant blades of grass, huge bumblebees, flowers and ants. There is also a huge spider web for climbing with numerous slides. A
Access to the play area is controlled by Cast Members who are supposed to only allow accompanied children to leave the play area. Children will love this area and will very quickly disappear and run off to explore. Be sure to let them know where you will be waiting for them so they don't get too concerned when they can't find you.
My Daughters Verdit : Can we stay longer?
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Indiana Jones Stunt Show
Live show featuring edge-of-your-seat Hollywood Stunts and Adventure.
The Indiana Jones Stunt Show is performed around a series of stunts based on the popular film. This show is one that is certainly worth seeing.The show aims to entertain you by showing how some of the stunts are created and filmed. There are fights, falls, chases, fire and explosions of all sorts.
Members of the audience get picked to take part. If you want to do this be sure to do something to attract attention to yourself. Jump up and down, shout, scream or wear a silly hat.
Some small children may be a little frightened by the fire and explosions so they may wish to sit towards the back where you won't feel the heat as much.
The show is very popular and fills up quickly, there is a FastPass available so you may want to make use of this. Otherwise try to avoid the show times during the middle of the day when it is at its busiest.
Disabled guests in wheelchairs are able to access the show and guests with hearing difficulties can get assistive listening devices from Guest Services.
Length of show : 30 Minutes.
My daughters verdict : Great, can we watch the next show?
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
See how big-time vehicle stunts are done for blockbuster Hollywood action films.
This is a recent addition to the park and is extremely popular with everyone.The show takes a lot of leads from the Indiana Jones Stunt Show but obviously with a motors theme. As with the Indiana Jones Stunt Show this show also shows you how some of the best stunts are performed. Cameras film the action and show how it would appear in a film.
There are loads of cars, jet skis and motorbikes along with the compulsory explosions and fire. Each vehicle has a specific purpose and you get to see many of the special features. For example the high speed reverse car, the remote control car, and the car which splits into two.
Younger children may be frightened by the explosions, fire and load noise the cars make so you may want to take them elsewhere or sit towards the back of the stadium.
There are opportunites to take part. Often a young boy will be picked to drive the ulitimate "remote control" car. In the past participants have received a unique guest participation pin that is not available anywhere else.
The show is performed in front of a large 5000 seat stadium which does fill up quickly during busy times. Most of the time however you can probably enter the stadium just before the start of the show as long as you don't mind sitting to one side.
Leaving the show is also interesting as everybody exits along the same walkway.
Length of show : 33 minutes
Wheelchair guests are able to access this show without transfering.
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See these Great Disney Lenses
The Magic of Disney Animation
See how your animated favourites are brought to life.
This is a walk through tour that lets you learn more about the Magic of Disney Animation.You will initially watch a film show featuring Mushu, the dragon from Mulan. The film show is interesting but only because Mushu brings it alive. The Disney Animators in the show are a little too animated. Most children will really enjoy this show.
Following the show you enter an interactive area where there are numerous different displays that allow you to draw your own characters, record your own voice over and other things that most kids will happily spend ages playing with.
In the same area you will find the entrance to the Disney Animation Class. This is usually popular and you need to be in the line to get in. The class is hosted by a Disney Animator who will talk you through the process of drawing a Disney Character. Donald Duck seems to be the Character of choice here, but there are sometimes opportunites to draw Mickey or Pluto as well.
If you attend the class here or at Disney Quest in Downtown Disney there is the opportunity to purchase a special Disney Animation Pin that is not available at any other outlet.
Disney Characters doing greetings in the hall outside the Animation class, recently the Indestructibles were greeting guests at this location but this does change frequently.
As with most Disney feature the exit is through a retail store. This store is quite interesting to browse and look at the art work available.
Length of show : 15 minutes
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Muppet Vision 3D
Hilarious 3-D film, starring the Muppets.
Muppet Vision 3D is a fantastic theater show that is enjoyed by both children and adults.The entertainment starts as you join the line to get in. There are loads of things for you to look at, props to see and jokes everywhere. There is a pre show video which is pretty good and worth watching. It is certainly better than some of the other pre show videos around the parks.
When you enter the theater you are instructed to move as far along the row as you can. If you want to sit in the middle of the row, which is the best place to be, you need to time your entrance correctly. Don't rush to be one of the first through the doors, let others go first and then make your way to a row which seems to be filling nicely then when you sit down you should hopefully be somewhere near the middle.
The show is a 3D effect show so you will be issued with 3D glasses. This is also one of the reasons why being in the middle of the theater is better. Your experience will vary depending on where you are sitting. If you have time it is worth visiting the show a couple of times to find the best distance from the screen for yourself.
The show itself is excellent with all the best characters from the Muppets. Waldorf and Statler are actually onthe balcony watching the show with you.
Upon leaving you exit out of the otherside of the building to that which you entered and will be asked to leave your 3D glasses in the bins provided.
The show is accessible to guest in wheelchairs and guest s with hearing difficulties can utilise assistive listening devices available from Guest Services or Reflective Captioning in certain seats.
Length of show : 25 minutes
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More Great Disney Lenses
Walt Disney: One Man's Dream
A walking tour of Walt's life.
This is a continuous self guided tour with a 15 minute film. It is a chance to see some great memorabilia that you will not see anywhere else.The tour chronicles Walt Disney's life beginning in his hometown of Chicago. It tells how his family moved to Missouri and how his love of animals developed into the spectacle that is the Disney we all know.
As you wander around the exhibits you will here clips of interviews with Walt Disney that were only released for this attraction and have not been heard anywhere else.
The display of artifacts will interest most people who will probably recognise many items from their own childhood. Also on display are many of the awards recieved for many of the classic Disney films.
At the end of the exhibition is a 15 minute film show that tells the story of Disney along with clips of many of the films that made the Disney name so famous.
Guests in wheelchairs are able to access this exhibition without transferring. Guests with hearing difficulties may wish to make use of assistive listening devices available from Guest Services.
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Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!
Live, interactive musical stage show.
This is a live, interactive musical stage show featuring your favourite Disney Channel pals.The show is designed for younger children as you will see from the number of strollers parked up outside, so older children may want to give this a miss.
You sit of the floor of the theater and watch the show. Children will be encouraged to sing and dance with the performers to some of the songs from their favourite shows.
Carpeted floor seating only.
Length of show : 22 minutes.
Accessible to disabled guests in wheelchairs.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starrring Aerosmith
A 'Road Trip' with twists, turns and loops through Tinseltown.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is one of the best rides in Disney. It is certainly not for the faint hearted.The theme is set by the inclusion of rock band Aerosmith. The approach line takes you past items on display from the world of rock ending up in a recording studio where Aerosmith are just leaving for a party across town.
The Aerosmith band notice their 'fans' and invite them to join them at the party, leaving their PA to organise a limo.
You then enter the garage to board the limo. This is a 24 seater limo that will accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds. The ride features a specially created Aerosmith soundtrack throughout the length of the ride. You twist, and turn through a fairly dark ride with scenery taking the form of luminous Southern California landmarks and road signs.
Part of the attraction of this ride is the anticipation that is built up at people waiting in line watch the limo accelerate away. This is impressive and often brings the line to a halt.
FastPass is available for this ride, get in early as these often get issued for the full day quite early on. Fastpass only lets you bypass the line as far as the recording studio, at this point the lines merge.
Most of the regular line is outside and whilst covered to protect from the overhead sun it can still be very hot. Be sure to have some water with you to keep yourself refreshed.
Minimum Height Requirement : 48" / 102cm
Disabled guests must be able to transfer.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Sounds Dangerous
Starring Drew Carey, Enjoy this wacky audio show.
The Drew Carey show was a big show on ABC for a while but is not shown now. This hasn't stopped his name from being continued to be used for this attraction.
You enter into a theater and put on a pair of headphones. The show then takes the form of a pilot show of which your opinion is being sought. The theater then goes dark and you will hear various sounds through the headphones.
This is a demonstration of how sound can be used to fool the brain. As some of the show is in complete darkness, younger children may find it a bit frightening and you should be wary of this before taking them into the theater.
Continuous 12 minute shows.
My daughters verdit : I don't like that one.
You enter into a theater and put on a pair of headphones. The show then takes the form of a pilot show of which your opinion is being sought. The theater then goes dark and you will hear various sounds through the headphones.
This is a demonstration of how sound can be used to fool the brain. As some of the show is in complete darkness, younger children may find it a bit frightening and you should be wary of this before taking them into the theater.
Continuous 12 minute shows.
My daughters verdit : I don't like that one.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Tours
Thrilling Star Wars flight simulator.
Based on the original Star Wars movie this ride is a flight simulator with some good film footage to make the ride even better.As you enter the building you will ascend a series of ramps which take you through a number of scenes where you can see C-3PO and R2D2 working. Star Wars music will be playing throughout.
There is a short video that explains a little about the ride before you board the 40 seater Starspeeder 3000 vehicle.
The ride takes you on a 4.5 minute trip during which, is true Disney style, you befall various mishaps. You are on a training flight which somehow manages to take you on a mission to the Death Star. Triumph reigns as you succeed in the mission and arrive safely back at the training center.
You then exit through the Tatooine Traders shop where you can purchase all manner of Star Wars related items.
FastPass is available for this ride and is worthwhile using. Queues during busy times can be long but ride at less busy times or late in the day and you don't usually have to wait long.
Minimum height requirement 40" / 102cm.
Disabled guests must be able to transfer.
My daughters verdict : Great, I want to ride again.
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Hollywood Tower Hotel
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Drop 13 stories, at random, into another dimension at the Hollywood Tower Hotel
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the best rides of this kind in Florida. It is located at the end of Sunset Boulevard in the Hollywood Tower Hotel.You can not fail to see this ride. At 13 stories high it is visible from way beyond the boundaries of the park and is so distinctive in its design that you will immediately recognise it.
You enter the hotel through the neglected rundown gardens and eventually you will arrive at the lobby. Take time to look around you. As with most of the Disney rides, it is extremely well staged and this is what makes the experience that much more enjoyable. In the lobby you will see antique furniture, art and other artifacts. Some of these are genuine antiques and some are reproduction.
From the lobby you will then be ushered into the library where, once the doors have closed the lights will begin to dim. Watch a TV show that gives you background of the hotel with video footage of the hotel in its heyday. Then with a crack of lightning the lights come back on and you make your way into the service elevator.
Take a seat and fasten your seatbelt. You then take a short ride in the elevator before it reaches the lift shaft.
The Tower of Terror has been improved in recent years so that you should get a different ride each time you go on it. The computer control system now randomly selects the number of times you go up and down and the length of the pauses so that each ride is truely unique.
Try to take in the view from the top of the ride before you plumet towards earth again. The pre-show, along with the screams from other riders before you, add to the excitement of this ride.
Souvenir photos are available.
Minimum height requirement : 40" / 102cm, younger children who meet the height requirement may find some of the experience a bit frightening.
Fastpass is available and recommended on all but the very quietest of days. Get in early as the FastPass allocation for the day is often issued quite early on.
Standard Wheelchair accessible.
My daughters verdict : It was scary but I want to go again.
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Disney's Hollywood Studios Toy Story Mania
Toy Story Mania is the new attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios replacing the Who Wants to be a Millionaire feature.Obviously based on the Toy Story films, this ride is similar in some respects to the Buzz Lightyear Ride at Magic Kingdom.
After entering you will take a seat in the 4 person car, you put on your 3D glasses, you can then prepare to start shooting. You have a toy cannon that is operated by a pull cord.
Take aim and fire at the targets, getting even more points if you manage to locate and hit any of the hidden targets.
The cars will spin but not excessively so this ride is suitable for all ages. Kids will love it. Adults will love it as well as just looking at all the old toys that are on display.
FastPass is available and will be strongly recommended, especially if the ride is as popular as the Buzz Lightyear Ride.
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Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Disney's Hollywood Studios Live, musical theater.
This delightful show tells the story of the Little Mermaid.A mixture of puppetry, special effects and lighting along with a good musical score and some movie clips make this short production a must see amongst the attractions at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
The puppets are moved by puppeteers dressed in black, although you have to look closely to see them at all. This along with the use of the specila lighting effects means that you really feel part of the story.
There are performances of some great songs including 'Under the Sea' and Part of Your World'.
This show is one that will be enjoyed by all the family for many different reasons. Young kids will especially enjoy it purely for the storyline whilst older members of the audience will appreciate the performance for all sorts of good reasons.
FastPass is available for this show and should be used if possible. Alternatively try to watch the show early or late in the day when the longer lines are not present.
Disabled guests can access this show in their wheelchairs. Guests with hearing difficulties can make use of assistive listening devices available from Guest Services or alternatively there is Reflective Captioning available in certain parts of the theater. Seek advice froma Cast Member if you want to know more about this option.
My Daughters Verdict : Wonderful show.
Length of show : 17 minutes.
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Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
Disney's Hollywood Studios Christmas Light Extravegance
Each year Disney Hollywood Studios is home to the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.Part of the Hollywood Studios Park is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights that danc eot music during the evening. There is also snow falling during the performance.
This is a spectacle that is certainly worth staying inthe park until after dark to see if you are visiting Florida in the period before Christmas. This year the lights are scheduled to be on display from November 28, 2008 through January 4, 2009.
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Eating at Hollywood Studios
There are loads of fantastic dining options available in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Whatever your taste you are sure to find something suitable.
As with all the best Disney restaurants reservations are usually recommended and these can be made upto 180 days before the date of the reservation.
I am going to create another lens to cover the multitude of dining options at Hollywood Studios and will provide a link here when it is done.
As with all the best Disney restaurants reservations are usually recommended and these can be made upto 180 days before the date of the reservation.
I am going to create another lens to cover the multitude of dining options at Hollywood Studios and will provide a link here when it is done.
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GHouse
Dec 6, 2008 @ 3:47 am | delete
- Hi!! Just come to see your nice lens. I did my travel lens too. It's about my hotel in hua hin Thailand. Hua Hin is a charming town of clean white sandy beach. If you come to Thailand, please visit us.
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