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Planning Your Day At Disney's Hollywood Studios: A Sample Itinerary

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a theme park in Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. It offers an array of attractions themed around movies, television, music, and theater. This park is designed to give you a taste of the entertainment industry, with various shows, rides, and character experiences to immerse yourself in movies and TV. Whether you want to explore the magic of Star Wars, go on thrilling adventures, or meet your favorite Disney characters, Hollywood Studios has something for everyone.


Must-See Attractions at the Park

Genie+ and Lightning Lane reservations are crucial for popular attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror to bypass long lines. Make sure to drop in on the iconic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Don't miss Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway for a fun glimpse into the cartoon world. Explore the galaxy with Star Tours and experience the sci-fi world of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.


A large peach hotel in the background
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™. Courtesy Disney

Dining Options for Every Taste

Disney's Hollywood Studios offers various dining options to suit every taste. From quick-service dining like the ABC Commissary to character dining experiences at Hollywood & Vine, there is something for everyone. You can grab a snack at the Trolley Car Café or enjoy a sit-down meal at the 50's Prime Time Café or The Hollywood Brown Derby. Be sure to try the famous Carrot Cake Cookie at Sweet Spells for a sweet treat during your day at the park.

Three glasses with blue and green drinks
Star Wars™ Blue and Green Milk. Courtesy Disney

Entertainment Shows and Performances

Disney's Hollywood Studios is renowned for its entertaining shows and performances. Here, you can immerse yourself in captivating Broadway-style productions, thrilling stunt shows, and interactive character meet and greets. Catch the famous Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular or sing along to your favorite tunes at Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. With a diverse range of entertainment options, your day at Disney's Hollywood Studios will surely be filled with excitement and magic. No day at Disney's Hollywood Studios is complete without ending the day with the fan-loved nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic!

Mickey Mouse with fireworks shooting out from his gloves
Mickey Mouse during Fantasmic! Courtesy Disney

Character Meet and Greets

Don't miss out on the opportunity to meet beloved Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Elsa from Frozen. Character meet and greets allow you to interact with your favorite Disney characters up close. These experiences are scattered throughout the park, with designated locations for each character. Remember to check the My Disney Experience app for character appearance times to ensure you don't miss out on meeting your favorite characters.


Planning Tips for a Smooth Day

Lightning Lane is your friend at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They let you skip the lines for popular attractions. Plan ahead and book your Lightning Lanes early for rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Tower of Terror. Arrive early to make the most of your day. Start with popular attractions when the park is less crowded. Download the My Disney Experience app to check ride wait times, make dining reservations, and navigate the park easily. Keep hydrated and wear comfortable shoes as you explore the park.


Sample Itinerary at Disney's Hollywood Studios for a Fun-filled Day

Start your day by arriving early to beat the crowds and make the most of your time at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Head straight to the most popular attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge or Toy Story Land to experience them with shorter wait times. Schedule in time for live shows, character meet and greets, and delicious meals at the themed restaurants. Wrap up your day by catching spectacular nighttime shows like Fantasmic! or Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular for a magical end to your adventure.


  • 8:30-9:30 AM - Arrive at Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • 8:30-11 AM Visit Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land

    • Slinky Dog Dash

    • Toy Story Mania

    • Rise of the Resistance

    • Smuggler's Run

  • 11:00-1:00 PM - Lunch at one of the following

    • The Hollywood Brown Derby

    • ABC Commissary

    • Backlot Express

  • 1:00 PM-2:00 PM - Indian Jones An Epic Stunt Spectacular

  • 2:00 PM -5:00 PM - More Attractions & Experiences

    • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

    • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

    • Star Tours

    • Minnie & Mickey Runaway Railway

    • Star Wars Launch Bay

  • 5:00 PM -6:00 PM - Oga's Cantina

  • 6:00-8:00 PM -Dinner

  • 8:00 PM -9:30 PM - Fantasmic!

A large sign attached to wooden posts
Indiana Jones - Epic Stunt Spectacular. Courtesy Disney

Insider Secrets and Hidden Gems

You'll be surprised by the hidden gems and insider secrets scattered throughout Disney's Hollywood Studios. Keep an eye out for lesser-known attractions like the Walt Disney Presents exhibit, where you can learn about Disney's history and future projects. Don't skip the Star Wars Launch Bay, where you might encounter rare character meet-and-greets. To avoid the crowds, try dining at 50's Prime Time Café for a unique retro experience. Explore the park thoroughly to uncover these special treasures and make your visit truly memorable.


Best Photo Spots and Insta-worthy Locations

There are several spots at Disney's Hollywood Studios where you can snap some great photos for social media, like Hollywood Boulevard for that classic movie set feel or the iconic Chinese Theatre. The colorful walls of Toy Story Land and the picturesque Sunset Boulevard are also perfect Insta-worthy locations. Don't forget to visit the Hollywood Brown Derby for that vintage Hollywood aesthetic and the Tower of Terror for a thrilling backdrop. With a bit of planning, you can capture some incredible shots to remember your magical day at the park.

Families walking around a colorful outdoor area in Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land. Courtesy Disney

Wrapping Up Your Magical Day

As your day at Disney's Hollywood Studios comes to an end, make sure to take some time to soak in the magic one last time. Here are a few things to consider as you wrap up your visit:


  • Check for any last-minute souvenir shopping: Before leaving, browse through the shops for any memorabilia or gifts to remember your day.

  • Recap your favorite moments: Take a moment to reflect on the highlights of your day and share them with your companions.

  • Capture final memories: Don't forget to snap a few photos or videos to preserve the memories of your magical day. You can also use the Disney PhotoPass service to ensure magical pictures are captured of your entire family.

  • Check the park closing time: Be aware of the park's closing time to avoid missing any final attractions or shows.

  • Plan your exit strategy: Consider the transportation options available to leave the park efficiently and comfortably.

  • Say goodbye to the park: Take a moment to bid farewell to Disney's Hollywood Studios, knowing that you've created lasting memories during your visit.


Thanks for reading our sample itinerary for Disney's Hollywood Studios! Read additional itineraries and planning posts below. Contact us to help plan your next magical vacation.

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