Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park that seems to have something for everyone. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed between the popular franchises drawing in high crowds and the many different forms of entertainment. As one of the most transformed Disney parks within the past ten years, there is a good chance you’ll experience something new, even if you have visited before! To make the most of your day, here are eight Hollywood Studios mistakes you don’t want to make on your next Disney World Vacation.

Skipping the Shows

Over the past ten years, Hollywood Studios has transitioned from a park themed around behind-the-scenes tours and Hollywood entertainment to a park where you can step inside your favorite Disney movies. However, this doesn’t mean you should skip the shows the park offers!

Theater of the Stars is home to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, a Broadway-style (and Broadway-caliber) 25-minute reenactment of the beloved Disney classic. The Frozen Sing-Along Celebration puts a comedic twist on the story of Arendelle with songs and even a few surprise characters. And, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is action-packed and will have you on the edge of your seat the entire time.

Not only are these shows worth the time, but they also provide some shade on a hot day and take the pressure off your feet!

Not Checking the Height Requirements

Yes, you’ll find something for everyone at Hollywood Studios, but it’s clear that the park is geared more toward bigger kids than babies/toddlers compared to other Disney parks. Currently, there are only two rides at Hollywood Studios with no height requirements, so your littles may be doing a good bit of sitting out here if you don’t do your research in advance and know what they can (and can’t) ride.

Here is the list of Hollywood Studios’ height requirements:

• Alien Swirling Saucers – 32 inches
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38 inches
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48 inches
• Slinky Dog Dash – 38 inches
• Star Tours: The Adventure Continues – 40 inches
• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40 inches
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40 inches

Not Rope Dropping Slinky Dog Dash

If Toy Story Land and Slinky Dog Dash are on your priority list, you should plan to rope drop this family coaster. Rope dropping means arriving at the park before the official park opening and heading here first!

Not only is Slinky Dog Dash one of the most popular rides in the park, but the ENTIRE ride queue is outside. There are some shaded spots, but for the most part, you’ll be sweating through the entire wait. Securing a place in line early means that you can ride with a shorter wait, and any waiting you do have to do will be done during the coolest part of the day.

Of course, if you are purchasing Lightning Lane Multi Pass for the day and can book a Lightning Lane for Slinky Dog Dash, I highly suggest that. Even if you secure a Lightning Lane, what’s the harm in riding the ride twice?!

Missing Nighttime Entertainment

Fantasmic! is one of the most beloved nighttime entertainment offerings at Walt Disney World. I know we just talked about rope dropping, but don’t miss the night entertainment either! Whether that means you are pulling a full park day or taking a midday break back at your resort, be sure to head back for the night shows. Fantasmic runs at least once per night, sometimes twice, depending on the season, in the outdoor theater off Sunset Boulevard.

But that’s not all! Between 8PM and 9PM every night, guests can enjoy two 10-minute projection shows outside the Chinese Theater! Disney Movie Magic starts with tributes to unforgettable classics like Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones, shortly followed by Wonderful World of Animation, which focuses on family and friendship from Coco, The Incredibles, Sleeping Beauty, and more.

Not Being Ready for Characters

Some would call Hollywood Studios a Characterpalooza, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Some of the most unique characters can be found at this park! Don’t make the mistake of not being ready for them!

Guests can interact with Star Wars characters ranging from classics like Darth Vader and Chewbacca to new trilogy characters like Kylo Ren and Rey. Even the Mandalorian and Grogu make appearances from time to time! In addition to Star Wars characters, you can find many Pixar characters in Walt Disney World here between Toy Story Land and Pixar Plaza. Say hello to Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Green Army Men, Joy, The Incredibles, Sulley, and more!

You never know who you may find, so keep your eyes and cameras ready!

Rushing Through Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

It’s no secret that the rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge are next-level, but there are also so many small details to explore!

As soon as you enter Batuu, you can turn their phone into a Star Wars Universe Datapad and live out your very own Star Wars story! The datapad will translate languages, scan objects, and decrypt and hack devices throughout the land. The datapad will help you explore Batuu and allow you to take on jobs throughout the land, from the First Order to the Resistance (depending on your allegiance). This is a fun way to explore the entire land while making it fun for kids and adults alike!

Additionally, the cast members speak their own language on the planet of Batuu, and you can learn it, too! Some common Batuuese phrases are:

• Bright suns: good morning
• Rising moons: good evening
• Refreshers: restrooms
• Hydrators: water fountains
• Credits: money/dollars
• ‘Til the spires: goodbye
• Younglings/Padawans: children

The details within the ships, designs, snacks, and more will captivate any Star Wars fan, so be sure to spend some time here taking in the small details instead of rushing off to the next ride!

Not Booking Star Wars Experiences in Advance

In addition to the small details, there are some really cool activities you can do on Batuu! You can build droids at the Droid Depot, Lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop, and even have drinks in the popular Oga’s Cantina!

You can now construct your own replica glass lightsabers equipped with hand-selected kyber crystals and more. This costs $249.99 per lightsaber plus tax. Additionally, you have the chance to visit the Droid Depot and create you very own droid unit! Choose from two droid series to build, then follow instructions and monitor displays to assemble the droid and like with its remote control! Each unit costs $119.99 plus tax.

Reservations are required for all of these experiences. And, while there is a slim chance you could get walk-up availability, don’t count on it. During busy times, these reservations can be booked up to 60 days in advance, so plan accordingly!

Not Dining at Quick Service Restaurants

Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios is not a park known for its high-quality dining options. The table-service dining options tend to focus more on entertainment than food quality, and the quick service locations get a bad rep. However, I disagree with many of these opinions.

Hollywood Studios actually offers a great variety of quick service dining options. Backlot Express will be your standard park fare for burgers and chicken tenders but don’t assume they are all like that. Woody’s Lunchbox is home to a stellar brisket grilled cheese sandwich. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo offers a variety of hearty to vegan options, while ABC Commissary offers shrimp or pork tacos, salads, and more.

These are just a few options that will save you time, money, and the disappointment of potentially underwhelming table-service meals.

Comments

Have you ever made any of these Hollywood Studios mistakes? In the comments, tell us one thing you would do differently the next time you visit!