10 Things Not To Miss At Hollywood Studios

There are many things that make Disney’s Hollywood Studios a lot of fun, but there are definitely some that stand out. Here is a list of 10 things you do not want to miss during your next visit!

1. Star Wars Galaxies Edge 
I don't know about you, but I am a HUGE Star Wars fan! And Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is one of the BEST places to be in order to enjoy an all-around Star Wars theme. Galaxy's Edge takes place on Rey’s home planet, Batu. As soon as you enter the planet you are overtaken by a realistic environment, Star Wars themed food and shopping, and even Clones! Yes, that’s right, Clones!

You can also have a fabulous drink at Olga’s Cantina, but you'll need to make a reservation 6 months in advance (if you're staying on property and 3 months in advance if you're staying off property.) Reservations go quickly for an awesome spot like Olgas!

On Galaxy’s Edge, you can also make reservations to build your own lightsaber! How exciting does that sound? Fan or not, you have to check out Galaxy’s Edge! 

2. Hollywood Studios Firework Show
This show is spectacular and one that you won't want to miss! The show's theme is “Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular,” and it surely is spectacular! Arrive at least an hour early to grab a spot in front of Romans Chinese Theater. During the show you will see and hear scenes from all the Star Wars movies put together in one fabulous montage. Accompanied by fireworks, the projection show is beautifully orchestrated. Do not forget to look for the final surprise lightsaber at the conclusion of the show! How the Disney team was able to pull that off let alone come up with the idea is beyond me! (For showtime, check your My Disney Experience app.)

3. Breakfast with Disney Junior Characters 
Hollywood & Vine has been a long time favorite for decades. A staple of Hollywood, Disney Hollywood Studios has their own location in the park for guests to enjoy! Many people know that this restaurant is available for lunch and dinner reservations. What is not so well known, however, is that you can bring your little ones here for breakfast so they can see their favorite Disney Junior characters! A similar setup to Cinderella’s Royal Table in Magic Kingdom, the Hollywood & Vine breakfast allows young children to have a delicious breakfast while meeting characters like Handy Many, Sofia the First, Jake from “Jake and the Neverland Pirates,” and Doc McStuffins! So, make your reservations 6 months in advance if you are staying on property and 3 months in advance if staying off property so you can be a part of the fun!

4. Toy Story Land 
Are you a fan of Toy Story trilogies and all the adventures Woody, Buzz, and the gang experience? If so, then shrink down to their size and step into their world as you enter Toy Story Land! Walk through Andy’s backyard and experience rides such as Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and of course, Toy Story Mania! Toy Story Mania is so much fun that my family tries to ride it at least once every visit. You can also run into the Green Army Men walking around Andy’s yard and you can find tons of Toy Story themed merchandise! So, get up early and head over to a Land of child imagination and fun.

5. Frozen Sing Along Celebration 
Join the cast of Frozen and sing along to your favorite Frozen songs in the “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Celebration.” During this exciting show, guests are able to step into the shoes of Arendelle's historians to relieve some of Anna and Elsa’s fun adventures! A 30-minute show, children and people of all ages are able to enjoy the performance while smiling and laughing their way through. As an added way of having fun, do not forget to have your little ones dress up as Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, or Olaf to feel even more immersed in the show!

6. Star Wars Rise of the Resistance 
Yeah I know, I already talked about Galaxy’s Edge, but this ride deserves a spot of its own on this list. Why? Because this ride is simply amazing! In my opinion, no other ride makes you feel more immersed in a movie than Rise of the Resistance. The ride itself is 16-18 minutes long; the longest ride in all the Disney Parks! The ride also includes sections you can walk through and feel like you are on a resistance and imperial ships. The ride is trackless and brings you throughout different environments. There is even an elevator drop!

Honestly, I don't think any other ride is as thrilling. The biggest thing to remember about this ride is that you cannot simply go wait in line to get on. You have to sign up for a boarding pass once you enter Hollywood Studios. The passes go very quickly so arrive at the park an hour in advance in order to be one of the first inside.

Once the park officially opens, the boarding passes will be available to sign up for through your My Disney Experience app. Remember that everyone in your party has to be scanned into the park so that you all can be added to the same boarding group.

7. Indiana Jones Stunt Show 
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of one of your favorite action-packed Indiana Jones movies? Now you no longer have to wonder. Join the cast and crew of Indiana Jones Stunt Show to learn all about how stunts are pulled off and what it takes to make them look realistic.

For the second part of the show, watch a live action stunt show being performed by talented stuntmen and actors! My mom absolutely loves the show, and we watch it every time we are in Hollywood Studios. My little brother always thinks it's so cool to see all the flips and tricks the performers share with the audience. There is even a chance you will be selected to join the performance as an audience volunteer! So, get some popcorn and then sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

8. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway 
This new ride at Hollywood Studios, a first of its kind, is perfect for people of all ages. Join Mickey and Minnie as they take the train to head to a picnic and see what crazy fun happens along the way! With Goofy as the train driver, what could possibly go wrong? This cartoon filled ride is filled with fun and happiness. Become part of the animation and take in as much as you can. You most likely have to go on the ride more than once to take it all in. It's just that full of imagination!

9. Secret Character Meets
Not only are there announced characters for you to visit, there are also secret character meets. This is when characters that are not as mainstream come to side areas of the park to sign autograph books and take pictures with you!

Oftentimes, the actors and actresses who play these characters are in training and each meet and greet lasts for about 15-20 minutes. So, if you see them, quickly go say hello! You may not see these characters again on your visit. 

10. Hollywood Blvd. 
On Hollywood Blvd. you can find tons of stores to explore and get all the Disney products you can think of! You can find costumes, Kate Spade bags, Pandora jewelry, Disney Tee shirts, and cute little knick-knacks! If you are looking for fun gifts for your loved ones or souvenirs for yourself, then right when you enter the park or right before you leave, you have access to tons of options. This Hollywood- designed road and shops are also cute places to take pictures with your friends and family! 

​Now that you know 10 things that make Disney’s Hollywood Studios great and 10 things you definitely should not miss, it is time to get started on planning your vacation. I promise you will have the time of your life!