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Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Galaxy’s Edge land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is filled with life-sized statues and figures of iconic Star Wars characters, such as Stormtroopers, droids, and even the Millennium Falcon itself. TFile photo: Wirestock Creators, licensed.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, located in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando, is one of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. Opened on May 1, 1989, the park originally aimed to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood, offering an immersive experience into the worlds of movies, television, and entertainment. Over the years, it has evolved into a top destination for fans of popular franchises like Star Wars, Toy Story, and Indiana Jones, blending high-energy attractions with immersive storytelling and world-class entertainment.

Covering 135 acres, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports guests into the heart of beloved films and TV shows through its themed lands, thrilling rides, live performances, and character meet-and-greets. The park continues to innovate with cutting-edge technology and theming, making it a must-visit destination for families, film lovers, and thrill-seekers alike.

Themed Lands and Major Attractions

1. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: One of the most iconic and newest additions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, an expansive 14-acre land set on the remote planet of Batuu. Here, visitors can step into the world of Star Wars and live out their own adventure, whether they are piloting the Millennium Falcon or navigating a tense encounter with the First Order.

  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Guests climb aboard the legendary Millennium Falcon to embark on a thrilling interactive mission. Riders take on roles as pilots, gunners, or engineers in this fast-paced flight simulator, making it an immersive experience with multiple possible outcomes depending on their teamwork.
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: A groundbreaking attraction that blends a traditional dark ride with thrilling escape elements and large-scale interactive environments. Riders are recruited by the Resistance, captured by the First Order, and taken on a multi-part journey that includes facing off against Kylo Ren and stormtroopers. The scale and technology of this ride make it one of the most advanced attractions in any theme park.
  • Oga’s Cantina: A popular stop for visitors to Galaxy’s Edge, this bar is styled after the cantinas seen in the Star Wars films. Guests can enjoy unique beverages and snacks in a lively, immersive atmosphere filled with music and characters from the galaxy far, far away.

2. Toy Story Land: In Toy Story Land, guests are shrunk down to the size of toys and can explore Andy’s backyard, filled with larger-than-life toys and imaginative play areas inspired by the beloved Toy Story movies. The theming is colorful, immersive, and perfect for families.

  • Slinky Dog Dash: This family-friendly roller coaster takes guests on a fast-paced ride aboard Slinky Dog as he races around the backyard. With twists, turns, and gentle drops, it’s an exciting yet accessible ride for guests of all ages.
  • Alien Swirling Saucers: This spinning attraction lets guests ride in alien-driven spaceships as they swirl around in a playful carnival-like experience, accompanied by Toy Story-themed music and lights.
  • Toy Story Mania!: A 4D interactive ride that invites guests to play carnival-style games alongside their favorite Toy Story characters. Riders use toy blasters to score points by hitting virtual targets, with the chance to compete against their friends and family.

3. Sunset Boulevard: Themed after the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden era, Sunset Boulevard is home to some of the park’s most thrilling attractions and exciting shows.

  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: A thrilling drop ride that takes guests on a terrifying journey through the mysterious and eerie Hollywood Tower Hotel. After entering the haunted elevator, guests experience several sudden drops and rises, all while being immersed in the spooky atmosphere of The Twilight Zone.
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: This indoor roller coaster launches riders from 0 to 60 mph in under three seconds as they race through the streets of Los Angeles to make it to an Aerosmith concert. The ride features multiple inversions, high speeds, and a rock-and-roll soundtrack.
  • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage: A Broadway-style production that brings the beloved Beauty and the Beast story to life through music, dance, and elaborate costumes. The show runs multiple times a day in an open-air theater and is a must-see for fans of Disney’s classic animated films.

4. Hollywood Boulevard: The park’s main entrance area, Hollywood Boulevard, sets the stage for the movie magic to come. Modeled after 1930s Hollywood, this area is lined with shops, restaurants, and a grand view of the park’s central icon: the Chinese Theatre.

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: Located inside the iconic Chinese Theatre, this attraction is the first-ever ride-through experience starring Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. Using trackless ride technology, guests embark on a whimsical adventure through the cartoon world, filled with zany twists and visual surprises.

5. Animation Courtyard: Animation Courtyard is dedicated to Disney’s rich history of animation and offers interactive experiences for younger visitors.

  • Star Wars Launch Bay: This walkthrough exhibit celebrates the history and future of the Star Wars franchise. Visitors can explore film props, concept art, and costumes, and meet characters like Darth Vader and Chewbacca.
  • Disney Junior Dance Party!: A lively stage show designed for younger children, where kids can dance along with characters from Disney Junior shows like Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Vampirina.

6. Echo Lake: Echo Lake offers a mix of family-friendly attractions and character experiences, all centered around a retro, lakeside setting.

  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: A live-action stunt show that recreates some of the most exciting moments from the Indiana Jones movies. The show features thrilling stunts, explosions, and daring choreography, giving guests a behind-the-scenes look at how action sequences are filmed.
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: A fun and interactive show featuring songs from Disney’s Frozen. Guests can sing along to their favorite songs as live performers retell the story of Anna and Elsa, complete with special appearances by the characters themselves.

Dining and Shopping

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a variety of dining options, from quick-service meals to fine dining experiences that complement the park’s movie-themed atmosphere.

  • Hollywood Brown Derby: A signature dining location that recreates the famed Hollywood restaurant of the same name. Known for its upscale dishes like Cobb Salad and filet mignon, the Brown Derby provides a glamorous dining experience.
  • Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: Located in Galaxy’s Edge, this quick-service restaurant offers a unique menu of intergalactic dishes inspired by the Star Wars universe, such as the Batuuan Beef Pot Roast.
  • Woody’s Lunch Box: A casual, family-friendly spot in Toy Story Land serving comfort food like grilled cheese sandwiches, tots, and “Totchos” (tater tot nachos).
  • Oga’s Cantina: This lively bar in Galaxy’s Edge serves exotic drinks and snacks in a vibrant, Star Wars-themed environment. Reservations are recommended, as it is one of the park’s most popular dining spots.

Shoppers will find plenty of themed merchandise throughout the park, including lightsabers, droids, and Star Wars apparel in Galaxy’s Edge, as well as Disney and Pixar souvenirs in other areas of the park.

Vicinity of Hollywood Studios

Entertainment and Nighttime Spectaculars

  • Fantasmic!: A breathtaking nighttime show featuring Mickey Mouse as he battles Disney villains in a dreamlike journey. The show combines live-action sequences, fireworks, water projections, and special effects to create a magical spectacle. Held in the open-air Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, Fantasmic! is one of the most popular shows at the park.
  • Wonderful World of Animation: A nighttime projection show displayed on the Chinese Theatre that celebrates Disney and Pixar’s animated films. The show uses cutting-edge technology to transform the theater into a canvas for scenes from beloved movies like Frozen, Moana, and Toy Story.

Additional Details

  • Location: Disney’s Hollywood Studios is located at 351 South Studio Drive, Bay Lake, Florida, within the Walt Disney World Resort. It is easily accessible from other Disney parks via Disney’s transportation system, including buses, boats, and the Skyliner gondola system.
  • Ticket Options: Guests can purchase single-day tickets, park hopper passes (which allow entry to multiple Disney parks in one day), and annual passes. It is recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.
  • Genie+ and Lightning Lane: To avoid long waits, guests can purchase Genie+, which provides access to shorter wait times for select attractions. Some of the most popular rides, like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, offer individual Lightning Lane passes for a separate fee.
  • Accessibility: The park is fully accessible for guests with disabilities, offering services like wheelchair rentals, assistive listening devices, and accommodations for guests with sensory needs.

For more information visit: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/

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