Rebranded from Disney-MGM Studios, today we’re diving into Hollywood Studios as a continuation of our Disney Trip Guide series. We’ve covered the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and now it’s time for the park for the older kids. Most of Hollywood Studios has some kind of height limits for rides, and a lot of the attractions are aimed for older guests, but that doesn’t mean kids won’t be able to find something they enjoy. With that said, let’s jump into this park.
Summary
Hollywood Studios is a celebration of all things cinematic about Disney, which is why we say it’s for older audiences. While certain parts of the park, like Toy Story Land and Pixar Place, have attractions aimed for kids, the many thrill-seeking coasters and Star Wars attractions make this a great stop for older guests too who want to get their picture with Darth Vader as much as the kids.
Hollywood Boulevard
Much like Main Street, USA in Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Boulevard is an introduction into the park with plenty of shops, street performances, and thematic shops to get you in the spirit. You’ll want to pick up a camera here if you don’t already have one since Hollywood Studios as a whole has plenty of memorable moments that will start as soon as you reach the end of the entry road. There’s a new ride opening at this park, at the back of Animation Courtyard where you can ride Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway coming next spring.
Animation Courtyard
This segment of the park is to celebrate the animation that goes into Disney movies, for the 2D, 3D, and CGI features. Explore classics like The Little Mermaid at the Voyage of the Little Mermaid stage show, join in with the Disney Junior Dance Party with your kids, or visit the Star Wars Launch Bay for a chance to get a picture with a Sith master.
Echo Lake
Near the entrance of the park, enjoy the Hollywood vistas around Echo Lake as you take a break for lunch. Once you’re done, there’s plenty of daring adventures to see, like the Indiana Jones™ Epic Stunt Spectacular, with full reenactments of iconic scenes from Raiders of the Lost Arc, or jump into a galaxy far, far away on the Star Tours — The Adventures Continue ride with C3PO and R2-D2.
Commissary Lane
Commissary Lane is a tiny section of the park between Grand Avenue and Echo Lake that provides a great place to have your moment on a Hollywood style road to feel like a real celebrity. There are a couple of restaurants on this walk, most notable ABC Commissary, which has plenty of cafeterias based on ABC (Now Freeform)-Disney shows.
Grand Avenue
Visit the Muppets on Grand Avenue. This corner of the park is home to all things Muppets, from their 3D theater to inspired shops and cafes you’ll find in this section. There aren’t many attractions, making this a nice corner to take a break in before heading off elsewhere in the park.
Pixar Place
Much like the last two, Pixar Place is a small section of the park dedicated to all things Pixar. Take a minute at the Neighborhood Bakery to pick up a treat while you watch the Incredibles street show before heading on to other sections of the park.
Toy Story Land
Step into Andy’s toy box in Toy Story Land. There are three major rides in this section, Toy Story Mania!, Slinky Dog Dash, and Alien Swirling Saucers, all of which are sure to help your coaster itch. This section as a whole though is filled with character, and characters you can visit. For any fans of the Toy Story series, be sure to visit this life-sized toy box during your visit.
Sunset Boulevard
Are you looking for a spectacle? Then you need to visit Sunset Boulevard. Not only is this home to two of the most intense rides at Disney with the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror, but it’s also home to Fastasmic!, one of the biggest light shows Disney has to offer. Everything about Sunset Boulevard is just a little bit over the top, but in the best ways possible. For your blockbuster hits, be sure you take a stroll down this set.
Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge is Disney’s new Star Wars section of Hollywood Studios coming this August, and we’d be remiss not to mention it. That said, this is going to be a big release, and we want to come back to it in a future blog to give it the attention it really deserves. To say the least, it’s going to be an incredible ride.
That wraps up Hollywood Studios. Be sure to follow this blog to learn more about the next park, Animal Kingdom, for a journey into the wild. Before you head off on your Hollywood adventure, make parking near DIA easy. When you park with ParkDIA, you’ll feel every bit of the celebrity that Hollywood Studios will make you, and you’ll be able to come back with your car ready to go. Reserve your spot today and get back to your Hollywood adventure.
