Disney's Hollywood Studios
Overview
Take centre stage and step into the limelight at Disney's Hollywood Studios; a theme park inspired by the magic of the 1930s and '40s Golden Age of Hollywood, situated at the Walt Disney World Resort, Florida. The fifth most-visited amusement park in the US, Hollywood Studios covers some 135 acres and is jam-packed with fantastic attractions based on the showbiz world of film and television.
The layout of the park features a collection of streets and buildings, reminiscent of a bustling movie studio, which merge together to form these main themed areas of the park:
Hollywood Boulevard: On entering the park there are locations to hire strollers or wheelchairs for the day, or a locker in which you can leave anything you don't want to have to carry with you! From here you set off on your adventure along Hollywood Boulevard. An ideal location to pick up some souvenirs of your day, the street is lined with many, many shops!
Echo Lake: Sweeping off to the left as you make your way along Hollywood Boulevard is the Echo Lake area, which contains a small oval lake. Several dining areas are to be found around the lake, and it is a great location to grab a bite to eat. Choices range from vintage style dining in The 50's Prime Time Café, where you can watch popular 1950s TV shows as you eat, to Min & Bill's open-air 'tramp steamer' where you can overlook the lake, there is sure to be something for everybody!
If you haven't already worked up an appetite, there are several attractions in this area that you won't want to miss. The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, a 30-minute live show re-enacts stunt scenes from the popular Indiana Jones series, with the chance for selected audience members (aged 18+) to participate as extras! Join Anna and Elsa in a Frozen sing-a-long show here too.
Reserve your spot at the Jedi Training Academy where 12 guests will be selected for each show. If you are lucky enough to get a space, you will learn how to use the Force and defend yourself against the dark side!
Keep your lightsaber to hand as you board the 3D simulator ride at the Star Tours attraction, which blasts you into space and on a breathtaking journey around the distant Star Wars worlds, where you'll come face to face with characters from the film franchise. Height limits apply for this attraction, so guests wanting to ride must be 102cm (41in) or taller.
Grand Avenue: Once you have disembarked the Star Wars Starspeeder you might want to take a stroll along the Streets of America, which are built to resemble streets in New York and San Francisco.
Be entertained by the comical antics of the Muppets as you join Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang for a zany 3D extravaganza that's fun for all the family!
Star Wars - Galaxy's Edge: The park's newest area is inspired by the phenomenal Star Wars films, and also includes two new rides.
You'll have the chance to ride in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon and accept a mission from the Resistance. Prepare for a thrilling, first-of-its-kind adventure!
Toy Story Land: This family-friendly zone, which opened on 30th June 2018 takes you directly into Andy’s backyard and brings all of your favourite Toy Story characters including Woody, Jessie and Buzz to life. With the introduction of two new themed rides and a food outlet serving up tasty treats and classic American fare, there is lots to see and do here!
Animation Courtyard: Mickey Avenue – a part of the larger Animation Courtyard area – leads from Toy Story Land. The main courtyard plays host to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid; a 15-minute all-singing and dancing recreation of sections from the classic film, with the use of large, colourful puppets, film clips, live performers and special effects. It is also home to the Star Wars Launch Bay, where guests can get see replica props, models, costumes, concept artwork and artefacts from the complete Star Wars saga.
Sunset Boulevard: The palm-tree-lined Sunset Boulevard was the first expansion to the site, opening in 1994. There is a great selection of eateries here, all with meals reasonably priced. Get into the local spirit at Rosie's All-American Café, which serves a variety of burgers, or why not try some of the fresh fare available at Catalina Eddie's, where you can grab a tasty hot deli sandwich?
As you step onto the street ahead of you, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror looms over the boulevard. Guests must be 102cm (41in) or taller to ride this thrilling, spooky attraction. Based on the hit TV show of the 60s, the ride is set in an eerie abandoned hotel, you'll scream in terror at the petrifying, plunging drops, followed by unexpected launches upwards – it's certainly not one for the faint-hearted!
If you are thrill-seeker you can keep the adrenaline pumping and unleash your inner rock god on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Guests who are 122cm (48in) or taller can live life in the fast lane as they travel in style in a super-stretch limo, which belts out Aerosmith songs as it hurtles around the track, launching at a terrifying 60mph (97kmh) – so hold on tight!
If you need to calm your nerves after all that excitement, why not relax, with the enchanting fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage. With colourful costumes and the songs from the hit Disney film, this Broadway-style show is sure to get you singing along in your seat!
Round off your visit to the Hollywood Studios with a spectacular open-air night-time display of water, lasers, lights and pyrotechnics at the Fantasmic! show. This extravaganza of sound and colour involves a whole host of Disney favourites. As there are limited showings, be sure to check the schedule carefully to ensure that you get the chance to experience the magic of this spellbinding show!
