Disney World Hollywood Studios

If you are planning your Disney World holiday, or if you're just interested in Disney, then check out my other Disney lenses.

Disney World Animal Kingdom Ride Guide
Disney World Epcot Ride Guide
Disney World Magic Kingdom Ride Guide
Disney World Typhoon Lagoon Ride Guide
Disney World Blizzard Beach Ride Guide

More to come!

Image by Flickr Member armadillo444

Here are a few things to look out for in the future at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

Block Party Bash! - OUT NOW!

This is a new parade which replaces Disney Stars and Motor Cars at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It has already started, so doesn't really belong in this section, but I figured that since most people visit in summer (I know I do), it is new since you last went!

It's a great interactive parade based on the favourite Disney Pixar characters including all the greats from Toy Story, The Incredibles, Monster's Inc. and A Bug's Life. There's an appearance by the famous Green Army Men and the parade is full of dancing and acrobatics. Definitely a must-see for this year at Walt Disney World Florida!

Toy Story Midway Mania! - OUT NOW

This is due to be launched in late May 2008 and is a little bit like Buzz Lightyear at the Magic Kingdom. The main difference is...it's 3D! Riders get to zap things just like they do in Buzz Lightyear but they're wearing 3D glasses and the stuff is coming out at them. It's going to be a pretty long ride, at 5 minutes, and there's 5 game areas where you get 30 seconds to get as many points as you can. It's based on Toy Story I and II and features all the classic characters.

Look out for the giant Mr. Potato Head at the entrance that will interact with the crowd. One great advance on the technological side is you can now "see" the projectile that comes out of your gun and see whether they hit or miss the target.

Definitely one to look forward to!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - JUNE 2008

This is an update to the Journey into Narnia: Creating the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe attraction and features props, storyboards and costumes from the new film. there will also be oppurtunities to meet Prince Caspian. The new addition is a soundstage movie production which gives a behind-the-scenes insight into the making of the film. It is narrated by director Andrew Adamson.

American Idol - LATE 2008

This is planned to arrive in late 2008 and will follow the format of the show. It will include an "audition" where guests will perform live in front of the "producers" for a place in the show. They will prepare backstage with vocal coaching and hair and make-up and perform in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Guests with the highest scores will compete in a Grand-Finale Show at the end of the day and the winner will receive a guaranteed place at a regional audition, although obviously they're on their own from there...

Image by Flickr Member Wyscan

This area is what you see as you enter the park, it's essentially a street of shops (a bit like Main Street USA at the Magic Kingdom) which leads up to the centre piece of the park - the Sorcerer Mickey Hat. It's a great place for photos and there will pretty much always be some cast members armed with cameras if you want the official shots. There's not much in the way of rides in this area but it's great for shopping and you can pick up some fabulous movie memorabilia (often exclusive).

The Great Movie Ride

This ride is housed in a reproduction of the Mann's Chinese Theatre and is a journey into the history of films. It is a 22 minute rides, with audio animatronics and cast member character enacting famous moments from some of the great films. It often has the biggest queues first thing in the morning and directly after the parade so try to avoid it at these times. Also, some of the scenes, including the scene from Alien, may be too scary for young children so bear this in mind before riding with them. The success of the ride varies depending on your cast member guide, if they are not very enthusiastic it can taint the enjoyment of the ride - but generally it is really good.

May be frightening for children
Handheld captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer to a regular wheelchair

It's easy to get carried away at Disney and spend ridiculous amounts of money on your perfect holiday. However, with a few helpful hints you can save some serious cash so here's a few of mine:

• Take water in with you - the stuff in the park is pretty expensive


• Buy a cheap fan before you arrive - the heat will tempt you to buy one of those overpriced spray fans which aren't worth the money and you won't fit in your suitcase to take home!


• Check out the local Disney outlet stores and even Wal-Mart for merchandise as it's generally cheaper than in the parks - they're especially good for t-shirts.


• Hunt around for the best deals on park entrance tickets - you can even get them in Wal-Mart! If you're travelling form the UK then check out the new Ultimate tickets - they give you unlimited access for 2 or 3 weeks and are only available to UK guests.


• Don't link your credit card to your room key - you'll end up spending way more money!


• Think carefully about purchases, that huge plush toy of Buzz Lightyear may seem perfect for your youngest's bedroom but have you got the space (or the baggage allowance) to get it home?


• Generally, food in the parks is quite expensive so have a big breakfast, perhaps at one of the many all-you-can-eat breakfast buffets then you won't need so much for lunch.


• Think carefully before buying some expensive movie memorabilia from your favourite film - can you fit it in your suitcase? Or even in your house?

Also, one thing I would definitely recommend for hundreds of money-saving tips is Beth Haworth's Ultimate Disney world Savings Guide. She's a former cast member and she gives some great money saving advice. Just some of the things you can expect to find in her guide are:

• Get a 10 night stay at a 5* Disney Resort Hotel for $1,100 (RRP $3,100)


• Save up to $500 just on entrance tickets and tips on where and when to buy them


• Ideas for rainy days


• How to beat the queues


• Hidden entrances


• Comparing hotels to see which one suits you best


• Where to shop for souvenirs


• The best Downtown Disney attraction


• The best places to eat

There's much, much more than that (it's over 100 pages) and you also get a lifetime of updates - it's updated regularly and you are entitled to receive those updates forever. I would definitely recommend this guide - it makes that Disney dream a little more possible - especially if you're strapped for cash!

Click the image below for more information.

Show Name

Description

Suitability for Children

Important Information

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

This is a classic stunt show in which a director talks the audience through some impressive stunts. There is audience participation (adults) and it includes scenes from the films. It is very loud in places.

This show is not too scary but it is very loud in places so sit near the back if you have very young children.

Fastpasses are available. Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations). Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV. Disabled guests sit in a designated area at the back due to the tiered seating.

Jedi Training Academy

Live-action show where children are selected to have lightsaber training with a Jedi Master.

This is designed for kids!

 

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

This is an awesome car stunt show where you can find out some of the tricks of the movie business. The team are shooting a scene from an action film and they talk you through how they do it - with a few surprises along the way!

This show is VERY loud and small children may be frightened. With small children sit near the back and get them to cover their ears if it is too loud.

Fastpasses are available. Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

This is a 17 minute show involving puppetry, live-action and lasers alongside scenes from the film. It is shown in the dark and there is a light mist sprayed into the theatre at the beginning so you will get damp.

Children will generally be fine with this show, but they may get frightened during scenes with Ursula. It is fine to sit them on your lap.

Fastpasses are available. Reflective Captioning. Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!

This show was updated in early 2008 and now features characters from Little Einsteins, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It is aimed at under 5s and is based on the TV shows; it lasts for 22 minutes and is hosted by a cast member (Casey).

This is designed for under 5s and is the best show in Disney World for them. They can join in with the singing and dancing. Give it a miss if you haven't got young children as it's really geared towards them.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations). Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations). Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

This is an adaptation of the Beauty and the Beast show, performed live on stage. It's got a big cast and wouldn't look out of place in the West End - definitely worth watching! Take your seat 30 minutes before the show starts - there's a good pre-show act.

Children love this show - especially the girls. Sit in the middle for the best view but it's fine form all seats.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations). Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations). Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV.

Image by Flickr Member lemoncat1

This is a new area which combines the attractions previously in the Echo Lake and Streets of America areas. It includes the Star Wars attractions as well as the Lights, Motors, Action! show. The area that used to be Streets of America is made to look like a street in New York with a giant painted screen showing the street disappearing into the distance. Be prepared for a lot of noise in this area!

Sounds Dangerous

Sounds Dangerous is an attraction that explores 3D sound technologies and it features actor and comedian Drew Carey. It is explained that he is filming a TV pilot involving a hidden camera in his ties, which of course he damages and most of the show is presented in complete darkness. You have to put on a headset and despite the lack of pictures, the sounds are amazing - and can be pretty frightening (like the sound of bees buzzing in your ears). It is a little boring in places, especially in the dark, but if you're a fan of Drew Carey then I imagine it would be more interesting. I wouldn't bother with this ride if you've got a lot to fit in - there are much better ones, but if you've got the time then give it a go.

It is very dark, and is likely to be a little too intense for young children, especially as it is difficult to offer support in the scarier moments with the headsets on. I would advise against taking youngsters on this.

May be frightening for children
Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

This is a 35 minute long stunt show re-enacting some of the best moments form Raiders of the Lost Ark. It starts with a brief spiel from the "Casting Director" during which he auditions and picks some ADULT audience members to act as extras in one of the scenes. The show starts with an Indiana Jones lookalike re-enacting a classic scene from the film, and follows with a Cairo street scene (in which the extras are involved). It's educational too, as the stunts are explained afterwards, and there are some great special effects. It is very noise in places (and I mean very) so sit further back if you are sensitive to noise or have young children with you.

If you want the best chance of being picked, then sit near the front and look VERY excited and enthusiastic. It's a good show but it does drag on a little and the seats are not comfortable. If you find it difficult to sit on a hard surface for a long time then bring something to sit on as the benches are very hard. Disabled guests are seated in a special area at the rear of the theatre. Arrive early for the best seats!

Fastpasses are available
Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Star Tours

This flight simulator style ride is undoubtedly one of the best in the whole of Walt Disney World Florida. It lasts for about 10 minutes during which you are taken on a very bumpy ride with a first-time pilot in control! It's great fun but it's a very bumpy ride and those of us (me included) who suffer from motion sickness may find it a bit too intense. The smoothest ride can be had at the front and in the middle - whilst if you want the bumpy ride you should go for the outside seats in the back row (these also have a great view of the video).

This ride is probably not suitable for young children; it's quite scary and does feel very real. It is also unsuitable for expectant mothers and guests with other medical conditions (check the signs if you're worried).

Fastpasses are available
Minimum height - 102cm (rider switch available)
Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

Jedi Training Academy

This is a live-action show where children are selected to have lightsaber training with a Jedi master. It's good fun and the kids love it so do check it out! It used to just be seen during the annual Star Wars events but is now shown daily.

Muppet Vision 3D

This is a great classic 3D show featuring all the Muppets favourites. It lasts about 13 minutes (but there's a pre-show video of about as long as well) and the ending is very loud and intense (but happy of course)! Kids will love the show but they may feel a bit overwhelmed at the end with all the noise and the action on screen. Get them to take off their glasses to take the edge off the intensity if they are struggling but I wouldn't suggest avoiding it just because of this. Overall they'll love it! Don't worry about big queues outside the attraction, the theatre is huge and you'll rarely have to wait too long.

Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure

This is an oversized playground for kids based on the set for the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids movie. It is great fun and good for them to let off some steam before going to see a show, or stopping for some lunch. It's similar to The Boneyard at Animal Kingdom.

Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

This is a fantastic show which also explains how they put together a stunt sequence in the film world. The stunts for a scene from a spy thriller are "filmed" separately and then edited together and displayed on a big screen at the end. It features amazing stunts from cars, motorcycles, watercrafts, etc. and some of them are explained by the production staff. I don't want to spoil any surprises but things are not always as they seem!

This show is VERY loud and can be too intense for small children. If they really want to watch it then sit near the back, at the top, and if they are struggling with the noise then just get them to cover their ears to take the edge off of it. It is not really scary, thrills but no frights, so they should love it as long as they don't mind the noise. There are great special effects, including fire and explosions so the noise level can reach ridiculous levels - but I wouldn't change it for the world! Definitely comes highly recommended from me.

Fastpasses are available
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Image by Flickr Member Vortech

MICKEY AVENUE IS NOW CALLED PIXAR PLACE.

Mickey Avenue runs from Hollywood Boulevard to the Animation Courtyard. Currently a section of it is closed for the production of Toy Story Mania and will re-open as 'Pixar Place' very soon. It is also home to the American Film Institute showcase, an exhibit of movie props and memorabilia.

Backlot Tour

This is a 25 minute tour which begins with an insight into how they film storm scenes at sea. Some people may be chosen to be involved in the very wet scene (rain macs are provided). You then board a tram and travel through some backstage areas before watching the "filming" of a flash flood scene...and getting a taste of what it might be like! You finish off in the Backlot area (formerly Streets of America) and the end of the tour.

It is quite good, but it is long some children may get bored, especially in the backstage areas. You might get wet, depending on where you're sitting, but it's only really the people at the front. It's a classic but I'm not sure it's worth the 25 minutes unless you're particularly interested in what goes on behind the scenes (which, granted, a lot of people are).

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

This is an opportunity to see behind-the-scenes stuff from the making of the new film including storyboards, costumes and props. ther is a soundstage movie production with a behind-the-scenes look at the film, narrated by director Andrew Adamson. There are also opportunities to meet Prince Caspian.

Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Journey into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Please note this ride has been replaced by The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

It is an opportunity to see behind-the-scenes stuff from the making of the films including storyboards, costumes and props.

We'll have to wait and see what the changes entail!

Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Walt Disney: One Man's Dream

This is an interactive gallery which takes you through Walt's life, with some previously unheard audio interviews and loads of exhibits from his life. It's a walking exhibit and you should allow about 20 minutes to see it all (plus 15 minutes for the film). If you've got kids with you, then ask a cast member for the trivia quiz that goes with the attraction. If you get all the answers right then you get a certificate! It's not really suitable for very young children - they'll get bored quickly, but older children may find it interesting to see who Walt was.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Image by Flickr Member JochMcConnell

This area is great for the kids, with the Little Mermaid and Playhouse Disney. There's not really anything else to see - it's just a big open square with the entrances to the attractions. However, there are quite often a few characters lurking around brightening the place up!

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

This 17 minute show involves live action, puppetry and lasers, interspersed with scenes from the film and tells the classic story of the Little Mermaid. It's a great show but it is shown in the dark and some children may be frightened by scenes involving Ursula. It is best viewed from the back, and small children may need to sit on the lap of an adult in order to see everything. Also, during the first part of the show you will be sprayed with a light mist of water, it's not so much as to need to wear waterproofs though! I would say that all children will generally be fine with this show; they may need a little encouragement that Ursula is not real but the rest of the show will be fine.

Do note that if you get a fastpass for this attraction you only have a 10 minute slot rather than an hour so make sure you don't miss it! It's best to see this first thing in the morning when the queues will generally be shorter.

Fastpasses are available
Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

The Magic of Disney Animation

This tour begins with a live cast member interacting with Mushu (the dragon from Mulan) and talking about character development. You then get to take a look at what used to be the Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida workspace, but there's not a huge amount to see here now that it's all closed down. The cast member talks about animation, and then you can take part in some interactive activities.

Animation Academy - sit for 15-20 minutes under the direction of a Disney artist to create your own Disney character art

The Sound Stage - you can create your own soundtrack for an animated scene

Digital Ink and Paint - you can add colour to an animation scene

You're A Character - Lumiere (from Beauty and the Beast) asks you a series of questions and tells you which Disney character you are most like

Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!

This show has been revamped in early 2008 and now features characters from Little Einsteins, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Handy Manny and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. It is aimed at under 5s and is based on the TV shows; it lasts for 22 minutes and is hosted by a cast member (Casey). The characters are trying to put on a great birthday party for Minnie Mouse and there's loads of singing and dancing to join in with. This is possibly the best show for under 5s in the whole of Walt Disney World - it's made especially for them - and it's definitely not to be missed! If you haven't got young children though I'd suggest giving it a miss as it really is geared towards them.

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Image by Flickr Member lemoncat1

This is an expansion to Disney's Hollywood studios, added in 1994, and is home to the Fantasmic! show as well as two of Disney's most intense and thrill-seeker orientated rides! There is some great scenery - check out the Rock 'n' Rollercoaster guitar scenery, it's great.

Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

This is a brilliant show with a big cast - it wouldn't look out of place in the West End! It vaguely follows the plot of Beauty and the Beast, featuring all the favourite songs, but some bits are missed out (so you're not there for 90mins). You can take your seats 30 minutes before the show starts and I would advise this for the best seats - there's usually a good pre-show act to entertain you whilst you wait.

Sit in the middle, or towards the back for the best view of the whole stage, although you can see fairly well from all seats. The show lasts about 20 minutes and when it finishes the rides around it will be packed - either head for another area of the park straight away or stop to do a bit of shopping before you continue. All round a great show for the whole family!

Handheld Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

This is by far the most intense roller coaster at Walt Disney world so far - it's great! It goes from 0 - 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds as you travel in a limousine across the city to a gig. It is inside, in the dark and this makes it all the more exciting. It is accompanied by loud driving Aerosmith music (Dude Looks Like a Lady) as you travel through unseen twists and turns. It is not for the faint-hearted but if you love roller coasters it's definitely not to be missed!

The queues get VERY long so definitely either fastpass this or do it first/last thing. Expectant mother and those with other medical conditions are advised not to ride - see the signs for details and if you change your mind about riding you can always use the "Chicken Exit".

Fastpasses are available
Minimum height - 122cm (rider switch is available)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This is a really clever ride, but I don't want to give away the surprises so I won't explain too much. All I'll say is that it's based in the Hollywood Tower hotel, based on the Twilight Zone and you drop 13 storeys. All in all pretty terrifying!

If you are a small person you may well be lifted from your seat during the fall, but don't worry, you won't fall out! Those who are afraid of heights, or maybe lifts/elevators would do well not to ride, definitely not if you suffer from claustrophobia, and it is quite scary so not particularly suitable for young children (although because of the height requirements most of those too young to ride will also be too short). It may also be unsuitable for those with back problems as it can be quite jarring. This ride is unpredictable and you can ride it over and over and not get bored! The queues again get very long so definitely use the Fastpasses.

Fastpasses are available
Video Captioning (Devices at guest relations)
Minimum height - 102cm (rider switch available)
Disabled guests must transfer from their wheelchair

Fantasmic!

This is Disney's Hollywood Studio's evening show and it gets VERY busy. You are advised to arrive 90 minutes before the show starts to begin seating and if you don't do this then you are unlikely to get seats. It is a good idea to bring something for children to do in the wait, as it can drag on and there is no pre-show entertainment - just music. The show involves water, lasers, lights, dancing and special effects and is great. It might be scary for children as it will be dark and it does feature a lot of the Disney villains. It is one of my favourite Disney shows and in my view is well worth the wait, but some people think it is overrated.

It's based on Mickey dreaming on an island, but it's more of a nightmare really. There are images displayed on a water screen, they are pretty easy to see from all seats as there is more than one screen, people tend to go for the central seats first but it doesn't really matter - the show is great viewed from any seat. If you sit at the front you will probably get wet, but it's only the first few rows. You can get a Fantasmic! dinner package which guarantees you a seat if you enter the auditorium at least 1 hour before the show starts.

There are scenes with a giant dragon and a snake which may be too frightening for children, so perhaps sit them on an adult's lap during these parts. Also, as it gets very crowded do make sure you keep your children nearby - it's easy to get lost. It's a great show though and I would thoroughly recommend it!

May be frightening for children
Reflective Captioning
Assistive Listening (Devices at guest relations)
Disabled guests may remain in their own wheelchair/ECV

Polaroid image by Flickr Member Stuck in Customs