Disney Hollywood Studios Must Do Top 10

Disney Hollywood Studios is the most “traditional” theme park of the 4 parks in Walt Disney World.  The reason to go to Hollywood Studios is for the attractions.  Fortunately, Hollywood Studios has some of the best attractions for older kids and adults.  Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios is currently a shell of its former self.  Several attractions have been closed with no current replacements as Hollywood Studios is undergoing major changes as well as a name change.  Over the next few years, Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land will be added, which will help this park become a better value.  For now, you can usually, easily do everything that there is to do in the park in a day.  Most of our Disney Hollywood Studios Must Do Top 10 list are obvious, but there are a couple which you might not consider, though.

Entering the park and heading down Hollywood Boulevard, you will take a right onto Sunset Boulevard where two of Hollywood Studios most famous attractions await.

1.  Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Many people consider the Tower of Terror to be one of, if not the best ride in all of Walt Disney World.  I am one of those persons.  The theming is that of an abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel with cobwebs and decay coating a stunning 1930s facade.  This is a free fall ride, but it is so much more with the back story, introduction by Rod Serling, and the Twilight Zone special effects.  If you do not get motion sickness, then you will love this ride!

2.  Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

0 – 60 MPH in 2 seconds and directly into 2 loops.  WOW!!  This is Disney’s most intense coaster.  As with almost all other Disney attractions, the theming and the story that go along with the attraction add to the fun.  Here, you are going from an Aerosmith studio tour to a concert across town in LA.  Prepare to merge like you have never merged before!

3.  Streetmosphere

Street performers in character as persons from 1930’s Hollywood put on several shows during the day on Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood Boulevard, and around Echo Lake.  Most of these have direct interaction with the audience and much ad lib.  This is our son’s favorite thing at Hollywood Studios.  Pick up a Time’s Guide at the park entrance and make sure to note the performance times.  These are truly hidden treats that you need to watch.

4.  Great Movie Ride

The Great Movie Ride in the center of the park at the end of Hollywood Boulevard inside the replica of the Grauman’s Chinese Theater.  In the queue, you will view wardrobe and costumes from many famous films.  In this attraction, you are taken through a history of Hollywood cinema, stopping in well known scenes with a few surprises.  Definitely a Disney Hollywood Studios Must Do.

5.  Toy Story Midway Mania

Behind the Great Movie Ride, Mickey Avenue leads to Pixar Place; home of Toy Story Midway Mania.  This attraction has the longest waits of any attraction at Hollywood Studios.  It is exactly the same as the ride in Disney California Adventure, but this one is better because of the amazing queue which places you in Andy’s room making you feel the size of an action figure.  The ride itself is a series of 3D carnival games which pits you against other riders.  A definite Disney Hollywood Studios Must Do Top 10.

6.  Muppet Vision 3D

Winding further past Pixar Place, you enter Streets of America, a soon-to-be doomed section of Hollywood Studios.  The best full-time attraction here is Muppet Vision 3D.  This is zany, Muppet hilarity at its best… and in gotcha 3D.  This is loads better than the 2015 failed Muppet TV show and, in my opinion, any of the movies.  Make sure to read the crates in the queue.

7.  Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant or

50’s Prime Time Cafe’

Two of Walt Disney World’s most enjoyable dining experiences call Hollywood Studios home:  Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant and 50’s Prime Time Cafe’.  Both of these are table service restaurants making them require reservations and making them more expensive. (You can also put your name down on a waiting list and usually the wait isn’t more than 1 hour.)  Since Hollywood Studios is a one-day park and table service restaurants take more time and money, I recommend you choose only one of these.  Dine at the other when you return next time..  At the Sci-Fi Diner, you are taken back to the time of the drive-in theaters and B movies about monsters and aliens.  Sitting in a car, you and the other cars encircle a huge screen showing clips from B movies (Think Mystery Science Theater 3000.)  It is loads of fun.  50’s Prime Time Cafe’ takes you to grandma’s kitchen in the 50s with comfort foods (meatloaf, roast), vinyl seats, and waitresses that demand manners and that you finish your peas.  We have gone to Hollywood Studios just to eat at one of these restaurants!

8.  Star Tours

May the force be with you on this Star Wars themed motion simulated ride through the Galaxy fleeing Darth Vader.  Different options exist for different parts of the ride with a  total of 54 possible sequences in the ride.  There is a good chance you will experience something new each time you ride.  Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, this is a Disney Hollywood Studios Must Do Top 10, unless you get motion sickness.

9.  Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Check your Times Guide as this show is only performed a few times during the day.  Watch as some of the stunts from Raiders of the Lost Arc are recreated and see how they were done.  Your whole family will love this one, and it is shaded.

10.  Fantasmic!

Fantasmic is the light, water, fireworks, musical, pyrotechnics, adventure show that closes Hollywood Studios each night.  It is big, loud, and tells about the power of dreams.  What a great way to end a day at Hollywood Studios and our Disney Hollywood Studios Must Do Top 10.

You may have noticed that this list covers most of what is available at Disney Hollywood Studios.  Even last year, there would have been two different must do activities on the list:  Animation Academy and Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights;  both of which have sadly been discontinued.  I hope that the new attractions come soon.  Hollywood Studios needs more to do!

Do you agree?  Do you have any questions or need advice on touring Hollywood Studios?  Let us know in the comments.