Lights, camera, action! The Traveling Kings want to take you to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to show you what magic lies ahead. From staying at one of Hollywood’s grandest hotels, to going to a galaxy far, far away, Hollywood Studios made us feel like movie stars.
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Transportation
Since we rented a car while we were there, it was easy to get to Hollywood Studios. We paid the $25 day pass and parked in one of the main parking lots in front of the park. We then took a tram to the main entrance.
Accommodations
- The Disney Contemporary Resort: This hotel is famous for having the Disney Monorail run through it and is the closest hotel to the Magic Kingdom. The rooms are very nice, boasting soft and comfortable beds and a spacious bathroom with a lot of room to get ready.
We highly suggest staying at the Contemporary Resort and make sure to look into the Disney Food Plan. It might save you some money if you plan to stay around a week. Rooms start at $421/night for a Garden Wing-Standard View to $2,190 for a Bay Lake View- 2 Bedroom Suite.
- Holiday Inn Club Vacations at Orange Lake Resort: This resort was very nice and we definitely recommend staying here. Our 2 bedroom villa had all of the great amenities with wifi, a kitchen, and a washer and dryer.
It was also close to Disney World, only within a 15-25 minute drive for any of the parks. Rooms start at $126/night for a one bedroom and go up from there depending on how many rooms you want.
- Maingate Kissimmee Hotel: If you aren’t up for paying for Disney hotels or villas, you can stay at this hotel. We wanted something close to the parks and this one was very close to Epcot, with it only being a 5 mile drive. It was a clean and comfortable stay with an outdoor pool that we didn’t use, but looked nice. We paid $215 for a 3 night stay so we definitely won with the price.
Hollywood Boulevard
When we entered the park, we entered the land of stars and felt like we just stepped back in time into the good ol’ days of Hollywood Boulevard. Like any of the other Disney Parks, we saw a lot of food and shopping options upon entering.
- The Trolley Car Cafe-Starbucks: Since we didn’t get breakfast before heading to the park, we stopped by this little cafe (aka Starbucks) and got a couple breakfast wraps and some drinks.
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This attraction is the only one in this land. Unfortunately, when we explored Hollywood Studios it was still under construction so we did not have a chance to ride it.
Travel Tip: Leave the shopping for the end of the night. We wanted to avoid the hassle of carrying souvenirs around the park so we waited until closing to do our shopping since most shops are open 1 hour past closing.
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is a land in Hollywood Studios that brought out the adventurer in us as we hopped on a ride to a galaxy far, far away on Star Tours and saw Indiana Jones running away from a massive boulder.
- Star Tours- The Adventures Continue: On this ride we boarded our ship that took us to another universe. We had a few bumps along the way but luckily we had C-3PO and R2-D2 navigating our trip so we survived our journey. Star Tours is a motion picture ride where you will have the thrill of being on a space transport ship. Depending on your thrill levels, this ride can make you a bit nauseous, but is a good ride for anyone (over 40 inches tall that is).
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: After our ride on Star Tours, we figured that it was time for a more mild ride. Lucky for us, this high action show was starting shortly so we took our seats and settled in. We totally felt like we were watching a live Hollywood action movie. If you have the extra time, you should definitely make some for this and it is good for all ages.
- Epic Eats: This funnel cake stand is located by the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular entrance and had the perfect snack for half-way through the day. The funnel cake was topped with delicious berries and whipped cream.
Commissary Lane
This land is right in the middle of the park and although it has no attractions, we wanted to mention one of the cool dining options this land offers!
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: This specialty restaurant is super cool and should not be missed. They served American food which was good!
Once we entered the restaurant we found ourselves at a drive-thru movie theater. It looked as if we were outside at night enjoying some old flicks. Old Cadillac’s served as tables for guests with a few old style picnic tables in the back. We waited over an hour for a table in the back so it is necessary to book reservations in advance especially if you want to eat in a Cadillac car.
We each got a burger, for Jonah, the Drive-In BBQ burger and for Sierra, the Beef and Blue burger. Both were each delicious. For dessert, we split a mint chocolate chip ice cream shake.
Grand Avenue
This land also does not have any attractions but we did eat here and it is definitely worth us mentioning.
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano: This restaurant had us saying “Mama Mia” it was so good!
We started off our meal with some complimentary bread, which was warm and soft.
Next up, we ordered some crispy calamari, which was delicious and tasted fresh.
Sierra had the chicken Alfredo with penne pasta. The sauce was creamy and the chicken cooked perfectly.
Jonah had the Chicken Parmigiana with spaghetti. There was a multitude of delicious sauce and the portion size was very good.
Star War’s: Galaxy Edge
It was hard to hold in our excitement for this new land when we arrived since we absolutely love everything Star Wars! This land is perfect for any creature or droid out there in the universe.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: On this ride, we joined Han Solo’s Crew to run supplies, making sure to avoid the Empire! In our opinion, this is one of the best rides in the Disney parks we’ve been on.
It is very interactive and we were assigned roles to play while riding. We were on the weapons and our job was to defend our ship and crew from any unwanted encounters.
*Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance was under construction during our visit. It is now open and we can’t wait to check it out on our next visit.
- Milk Stand: While here we definitely made sure to get some blue milk at the milk stand. This was a yummy experience and we loved the best drink in the Galaxy!
- Shopping: There are several shopping options here, from building a custom droid at the Droid Depot or lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. They also have different outposts including shops dedicated to the First Order (Dark Side) and Resistance (Light Side).
Toy Story Land
This land is a definite stop if you have little ones, but there is only one ride that was worth stopping for us.
- Toy Story Mania!: This ride always brings the competitive side out of us and we compete to see who is the best shooter in this carnival-like ride.
Animation Courtyard
This land just has a theater and a coffee shop, no need to stop in this land unless you would like to relax and get away from the crowds for a bit.
Sunset Boulevard
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: As the story goes, this hotel used to be a thriving part of Hollywood’s elite, until a stormy night came and hit the hotel with a bolt of lightning.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of our favorite rides in the Disney Parks and is a must ride for us, sometimes more than once. We get settled in our elevator of doom and it takes us on a journey that always makes us scream!
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Featuring Aerosmith: In our opinion, this is one of the wildest roller coasters in all of the Disney Parks. This fast moving, upside down, turning roller coaster made us rock and roll! It is very fun and is a must ride attraction!
Every park we enjoy at Disney World, but Hollywood Studios is something we always look forward to. We love the energy of the park and we get to enjoy our favorite shows come to life that we watched as kids and young adults. Be sure to check out this Disney Park and explore the magic.
Travel Tip: Be sure to order your fast passes for attractions and make reservations for dining as soon as possible! Spaces fill up and if you don’t want to wait in line this is the way to go. If you stay at a Disney Resort you can do this 60 days in advance or 30 days if you are not.
*Note: This trip was taken pre-COVID.
I really enjoy reading all about your various trips. Your descriptions are so good it’s like being there with you. Please keep up the good work on all your blogs. They really open up the world for everyone who cannot take the trips in person. Thanks so much you two for all your time in doing this. Love you.