Hollywood Studios

Welcome to your ultimate Hollywood Studios Guide

Welcome to your ultimate Hollywood Studios Guide. , designed for busy people like you in mind. Say goodbye to the usual Disney stress and hassle. This guide is here to transform your Hollywood Studios experience into a breeze. Packed with insider tips, it’s your trusted companion for dining, attractions, shows, and a guide to make the most of Hollywood Studios with your little ones. This guide will be your new best friend. Let’s get started and become Hollywood Studios Pros……………………

Early Entry
/ Rope Drop

Getting to Hollywood Studios

Attractions, Shows, And Entertainments

Attractions with Lightning Lanes

Dining Tips

Hollywood Studios with Little Ones

Lightning Lane Strategy/Ride Strategy

Mobile App Basics

Discounted Disney Merchandise

Hollywood Studios Tips

Disney World Park Must Haves

How To Beat The Crowds

2 Early Entry Strategies

Early Entry Strategy for Little Ones

Early Entry Strategy w/out Little Ones

Early Entry ……………..

Early Entry is a perk for Disney Resort guests (staying at a Disney Resort). This gives Disney Resort Guests access to the rides at Hollywood Studios 30 minutes before the park opens to the general public. To see if your hotel is included check this list⇒CLICK HERE

To use Early Entry a cast member will either scan your magic band or your ticket. To find the Early Entry Entrance look for Cast Member with Early Entry Signs (see video below). If you have Early Entry, I recommend getting to Hollywood Studios 50 Minutes before the park opens.

Important Note: Not all rides are open during Early Entry at Hollywood Studios Here is the list of the attractions that are available during Early Entry.

Toy Story Mania!
Slinky Dog Dash (38”)
Alien Swirling Saucers (32”)
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (38”)
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (40”)
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ™ (40”)
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (40”)
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (48”)

Which rides should you do first:

The three rides with the longest waits are Slinky Dog, Rise of the Resistance, and Rock n Roller Coaster. If these are must-dos, go there first. For Rise of the Resistance, consider going at night or buying an individual Lightning Lane, as it often breaks down in the mornings.

DO NOT USE YOUR EARLY ENTRY TIME ON THE FOLLOWING RIDES/SHOWS: Star Tours- The Adventure Continues. This attractions usually has very low wait times throughout the day.

Rope Dropping ……………..

Wondering what “Rope Drop” is? It’s when parks open for the day, and guests are let in after the ropes are removed. Essentially, it means arriving before opening time. For Hollywood studios. If you don’t have Early Entry (staying offsite) I recommend getting to Hollywood Studios at least 40 minutes before the park opens.

Where to go for Rope Drop

Important Note: Hollywood Studios is the only park at Disney World that doesn’t allow guests inside the park before it opens, unless they have Early Entry.

Which rides should you do first if you are Rope Dropping:

The three rides with the longest waits are:

Slinky Dog
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Rock n Roller Coaster

If these are must-dos, go there first. For Rise of the Resistance, consider going at night or buying an individual Lightning Lane, as it often breaks down in the mornings.

DO NOT ROPE DROP THE FOLLOWING RIDES/SHOWS:

Star Tours The Adventure Continues

These attractions usually have very low wait times throughout the day.

2 Rope Drop Strategies

Rope Drop Strategy for Little Ones

Rope Drop Strategy w/out Little Ones

2.Getting Hollywood Studios ……..

Non-Disney Transportation (car):

Parking at Disney varies: standard is $30, preferred ranges from $45 to $55 for all day. If you’re park hopping, you only pay once. Guests of Disney Resort hotels and select Annual Passholders get standard parking included. They can upgrade to preferred for a fee. The parking lot opens 90 minutes before early entry. After parking, proceed to security and then enter Hollywood Studios

Bus:

All Disney resort guest can take the complimentary buses that will take you to Hollywood Studios. The Hollywood Studios Bus depot is straight ahead as you exit the park, just past the Skyliner station.

Important Note: You don’t need a car seat in the bus and they are stroller friendly, but you do have to fold up your stroller. Buses are also wheelchair friendly. To see the exact bus times go to the My Disney Experience App under your resort tab, usually buses start running 90 minutes before the park opens.

Uber or Lyft:

The Uber and Lyft pick up and drop off is at the end of the bus stops. It is a relatively long walk from the front of the park.

Disney Pro Tip: if you use a Minnie Van service (this is operated by Lyft) you’ll get a Disney Cast Member. They also come with 2 car seats. (I always recommend the Minnie van because of the car seats. It is a little pricier than a regular Uber.)

Skyliner/Boat:

If you are staying at a Skyliner resort you would take the Skyliner and get dropped off at the International Gateway entrance and then you would just walk to security and then to scan in to enter the park. You can also take a boat if you are staying at the Boardwalk, Yacht Club, Disney’s Beach Club, and the Swan and Dolphin

What Time Do I Recommend Getting to Hollywood Studios:

If you are staying offsite, I always recommend to get there at least 30 minutes before the park opens. If you are staying at a Disney Resort and want to take advantage of Early Entry, I recommend getting there at least 45-50 minutes before the park opens. This will give you enough time to get checked in for Early Entry.

Important Note: Hollywood Studios is the only park at Disney World that doesn’t allow guests inside the park before it opens , unless they have Early Entry.

3.Attractions,Shows, and Entertainment ……..

Hollywood Studios is divided into nine main themed areas known as Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Animation Courtyard, Echo Lake, Toy Story Land (one of my favorites), Star Wars- Galaxy’s Edge which is breathtaking, and Grand Avenue, Commissary Lane, and Pixar Plaza.

1.Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is the main entrance of the park sort of like Main Street at Magic Kingdom. It is characterized by its iconic architecture reminiscent of the classic Hollywood of the 1930’s and 1940’s. One of the iconic landmarks here is the Hollywood Brown Derby

Hollywood Boulevard Rides

Hollywood Boulevard Experience and Shows

(both of these are projection
shows on Chinese Theater)

Hollywood Boulevard Character Meets

Hollywood Boulevard Tips:

Sometimes they have small parades come through here.
Some Stores in this are open an hour after the park closes.
You can see a lot of characters roaming in this area. They don’t sign autographs.

Shopping at Hollywood Boulevard:

Celebrity 5 & 10
Keystone Clothiers
Mickeys of Hollywood
Oscar’s Super Service
Movieland Memorabilia
Crossroads of the World
Sid Cahuenga’s One of a Kind

2.Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is designed to have the atmosphere of Hollywood’s famous Sunset Strip, with its iconic landmarks, neon signage, and eclectic mix of entertainment venues. Hollywood Scoops is located here and it is one of my favorites for breakfast and mimosas.

Sunset Boulevard Rides

Sunset Boulevard Experience and Shows

Sunset Boulevard Character Meet and Greet

Sunset Boulevard Tips:

Best bathrooms are across from Hollywood Scoops.
There is a quiet area by the Tower of Terror and a coffee spot there as well.
During the Holidays there is a projection show on the Tower of Terror and it snows. It is a magical site to see.

Sunset Boulevard Dining (these are all quick service):

Fairfax Fare
Catalina Eddies
Hollywood Scoops
Rosie’s All-American Café
Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company
Anaheim Produce – quick service

Shopping at Sunset Boulevard:

Tower Photo
Tower Hotel Gifts
Once Upon a Time
Rock Around the Shop
Legends of Hollywood
Beverly Sunset Boutique
Sunset Ranch Pins & Souvenirs

3.Animation Courtyard

This area is located to the right of Mickeys and Minnies Runaway Railway. If you have little ones this is the place to be. They have so many Disney Jr. Character meet and greets here. They also have the Disney Jr. Play and Dance.

This whole are will be closing 9/25/25 to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation.

This entire area will be closing 9/25/25 until 2026. The only show available here will be the Little Mermaid Show

Animation Courtyard Rides

Animation Courtyard Experience and Shows

Animation Courtyard Character Meets and Greet

BB-8
Ariel
Pluto
Vamparina
Chewbacca
Darth Vader
Fancy Nancy
Doc McStuffins

Animation Courtyard Tips:

Animation Courtyard Dining (these are all quick service):

None in this area

4. Echo Lake

Echo Lake this is an actual mini lake in the middle of Hollywood Studios where you’ll see our friend gertie the Dinosaur. This area has some of best shows in Hollywood Studios. You can also find some delicious funnel cakes here.

Echo Lake Rides

Echo Lake Experience and Shows

Echo Lake Character Meets and Greet

Echo Lake Tips:

There is a free photo op inside the Mickey Shorts Theater.
The Frozen sing a long is a great show for both adults and kiddos.
Tune in Lounge is a a great spot for specialty cocktails and the theming inside is retro. One of my favorites.
You can build a lightsaber starting at $29 at Tatooine Traders (this is a lightsaber for little ones that want to experience building a lightsaber, but still can’t handle a real lightsaber).

Echo Lake (these are all quick service):

Epic Eats
Oasis Canteen
Dockside Diner
Backlot Express
Tune in Lounge
50’s Prime Time Café (reservations are needed)
Hollywood & Vine (character dining- reservations are needed)

Shopping at Echo Lake:

Gem Creations
Tatooine Traders
Frozen Fractal Gifts
Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost

5. Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land this land is fairly new. The idea behind this area is that you have been shrunken to a toy size and that Andy built this area. If you look closely some of the structures have pretend pieces of gum holding them together . If you look down, you’ll see huge footprints on the floor. If you have a Toy Story fan in your family they will not want to leave.

Toy Story Land Rides

Toy Story Land Experience and Shows

Toy Story Land Character Meets and Greet

Toy Story Land Tips:

Woody’s Lunchbox has great kids’ meals even for adults.
Buzz’s meet and greet ends a bit later than Jesse and Andy and his line is usually shorter.
Character Meets end around 4:30pm so if you want to meet any of these characters make sure you head there before 4:30pm.

Toy Story Land Dining:

Roundup Rodeo BBQ (need reservations)
Woody’s Lunch Box (can mobile order)

Shopping at Toy Story Land:

Jessie’s Trading Post

6. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge :

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge this area is breathtaking. When you are at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge you are on the planet of Batuu and in the middle of a Star Wars Movie. This area also has some really neat experiences like building your own lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop, build your own robot at the Droid Depot, and the famous Oga’s Cantina.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Rides

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Experience and Shows

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Character Meets and Greet

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Tips:

There is a water refill station in the Black Spire Outpost where you can find the eye of a Dianoga inside.
Always have your camera ready. You can see different characters roaming around this area, they don’t have times on the My Disney Experience App.
Instead of heading to Rise of the Resistance for Early Entry or Rope Drop head to it later in the day. The lines are usually shorter towards the end of the day.
Oga’s Cantina is a must do, it is such a fun experience, try to get one of the last reservations of the night so you can experience an empty Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
If you have a MagicBand+ you can bounty hunt throughout Galaxy’s Edge by downloading the Play Disney App (Pro Tip: bounties are always hiding behind a door, so if your Disney MagicBand+ is glowing purple, look for doors nearby).

Star Wars Galaxy’s Dining:

Milk Stand
Kat Saka’s Kettle
Ronto Roasters
Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo
Oga’s Cantina (reservations are needed)

7. Grand Avenue

This area is where the new Monsters Inc. ride will be

Grand Avenue Rides

Grand Avenue Experience and shows

Grand Avenue Character Meets and Greet

Grand Avenue Tips:

Bathrooms in this area are usually empty.
This a great spot for kiddos to walk around..
If you get a non-alcoholic beverage at Baseline Tap House, save your cup and receipt and you can get free refills.

Grand Avenue Dining:

Baseline Tap House

Shopping at Grand Avenue:

8. pixar plaza:

Pixar Plaza this is located right before you get to Toy Story Land and it used to be called Pixar Place. Here you can meet Pixar characters and grab some snacks.

Pixar Plaza Character Meets and greet

Pixar Plaza Dining:

Market
Neighborhood Bakery
Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company

9. commissary lane

Commissary Lane this is also a small area in the park that has a few character meets and 2 dining spots. It is where ABC Commissary is located.

Commissary Lane Character Meets and Greet

Commissary Lane Dining:

ABC Commissary (mobile order)
Sci-Fi Dine In Theater Restaurants (reservations needed)

1.Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard Rides

Hollywood Boulevard Experience and Shows

(both of these are projection
shows on Chinese Theater)

Hollywood Boulevard Character Meets

Hollywood Boulevard Tips:

Sometimes they have small parades come through here.
Some Stores in this are open an hour after the park closes.
You can see a lot of characters roaming in this area. They don’t sign autographs.

Shopping at Hollywood Boulevard:

Celebrity 5 & 10
Keystone Clothiers
Mickeys of Hollywood
Oscar’s Super Service
Movieland Memorabilia
Crossroads of the World
Sid Cahuenga’s One of a Kind

2.Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard Rides

Sunset Boulevard Experience and Shows

Sunset Boulevard Character Meet and Greet

Sunset Boulevard Tips:

Best bathrooms are across from Hollywood Scoops.
There is a quiet area by the Tower of Terror and a coffee spot there as well.
During the Holidays there is a projection show on the Tower of Terror and it snows. It is a magical site to see.

Sunset Boulevard Dining (these are all quick service):

Fairfax Fare
Catalina Eddies
Hollywood Scoops
Rosie’s All-American Café
Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company
Anaheim Produce – quick service

Shopping at Sunset Boulevard:

Tower Photo
Tower Hotel Gifts
Once Upon a Time
Rock Around the Shop
Legends of Hollywood
Beverly Sunset Boutique
Sunset Ranch Pins & Souvenirs

3.Animation Courtyard

This whole are will be closing 9/25/25 to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation.

This entire area will be closing 9/25/25 until 2026. The only show available here will be the Little Mermaid Show

Animation Courtyard Rides

Animation Courtyard Experience and Shows

Animation Courtyard Character Meets and Greet

BB-8
Ariel
Pluto
Vamparina
Chewbacca
Darth Vader
Fancy Nancy
Doc McStuffins

Animation Courtyard Tips:

Animation Courtyard Dining (these are all quick service):

None in this area

4. Echo Lake

Echo Lake Rides

Echo Lake Experience and Shows

Echo Lake Character Meets and Greet

Echo Lake Tips:

There is a free photo op inside the Mickey Shorts Theater.
The Frozen sing a long is a great show for both adults and kiddos.
Tune in Lounge is a a great spot for specialty cocktails and the theming inside is retro. One of my favorites.
You can build a lightsaber starting at $29 at Tatooine Traders (this is a lightsaber for little ones that want to experience building a lightsaber, but still can’t handle a real lightsaber).

Echo Lake (these are all quick service):

Epic Eats
Oasis Canteen
Dockside Diner
Backlot Express
Tune in Lounge
50’s Prime Time Café (reservations are needed)
Hollywood & Vine (character dining- reservations are needed)

Shopping at Echo Lake:

Gem Creations
Tatooine Traders
Frozen Fractal Gifts
Indiana Jones Adventure Outpost

5. Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land Rides

Toy Story Land Experience and Shows

Toy Story Land Character Meets and Greet

Toy Story Land Tips:

Woody’s Lunchbox has great kids’ meals even for adults.
Buzz’s meet and greet ends a bit later than Jesse and Andy and his line is usually shorter.
Character Meets end around 4:30pm so if you want to meet any of these characters make sure you head there before 4:30pm.

Toy Story Land Dining:

Roundup Rodeo BBQ (need reservations)
Woody’s Lunch Box (can mobile order)

Shopping at Toy Story Land:

Jessie’s Trading Post

6. Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge :

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Rides

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Experience and Shows

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Character Meets and Greet

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Tips:

There is a water refill station in the Black Spire Outpost where you can find the eye of a Dianoga inside.
Always have your camera ready. You can see different characters roaming around this area, they don’t have times on the My Disney Experience App.
Instead of heading to Rise of the Resistance for Early Entry or Rope Drop head to it later in the day. The lines are usually shorter towards the end of the day.
Oga’s Cantina is a must do, it is such a fun experience, try to get one of the last reservations of the night so you can experience an empty Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
If you have a MagicBand+ you can bounty hunt throughout Galaxy’s Edge by downloading the Play Disney App (Pro Tip: bounties are always hiding behind a door, so if your Disney MagicBand+ is glowing purple, look for doors nearby).

Star Wars Galaxy’s Dining:

Milk Stand
Kat Saka’s Kettle
Ronto Roasters
Docking Bay 7 Food & Cargo
Oga’s Cantina (reservations are needed)

7. Grand Avenue

This area is where the new Monsters Inc. ride will be

Grand Avenue Rides

Grand Avenue Experience and shows

Grand Avenue Character Meets and Greet

Grand Avenue Tips:

Bathrooms in this area are usually empty.
This a great spot for kiddos to walk around..
If you get a non-alcoholic beverage at Baseline Tap House, save your cup and receipt and you can get free refills.

Grand Avenue Dining:

Baseline Tap House

Shopping at Grand Avenue:

8. pixar plaza:

Pixar Plaza this is located right before you get to Toy Story Land and it used to be called Pixar Place. Here you can meet Pixar characters and grab some snacks.

Pixar Plaza Character Meets and greet

Pixar Plaza Dining:

Market
Neighborhood Bakery
Joffery’s Coffee & Tea Company

9. commissary lane

Commissary Lane this is also a small area in the park that has a few character meets and 2 dining spots. It is where ABC Commissary is located.

Commissary Lane Character Meets and Greet

Commissary Lane Dining:

ABC Commissary (mobile order)
Sci-Fi Dine In Theater Restaurants (reservations needed)

Night Shows

Fantasmic:

Is a night time spectacular that combines of music, fireworks, water effects, and larger-than-life storytelling. It features different characters like Moana, Aladdin, Pocahontas, Belle, Mulan and so many more. It is one of my favorite night shows in all of Disney World. It is held every night in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater. This is outdoor show. It is definitely a must-see show. For times check the My Disney Experience App as it constantly changes.

If you’re planning to watch Fantasmic, here are some Tips:

Try to get there at least 30 minutes before the show starts
There are snacks and bathrooms in the amphitheater.
Do not leave as soon as the show ends end i gets super crowded wait 10 minutes and then start making your way out.
The show can get a little loud, if you have little ones that are sensitive to noise, you might want to consider noise-canceling headphones.
This is an outdoor show and it can get chilly in the fall and winter.
Sometimes they have 2 shows a day, if that is the case go to the last one. It is less packed

Disney Movie Magic:

This nighttime show takes place in the Chinese Theater. It is a 12 minute show you’ll see projections from memorable movies like Indiana Jones and many more classic Disney movies.

Wonderful World of Animation:

This show takes places in front of the Chinese Theater and it will take you on a journey through 90 years of Pixar and Disney Animation. It usually starts at 8:30pm but check the app for the times because it’s
always changing.

Sunset Seasons Greetings:

During the Holidays the Tower of Terror lights up with dazzling projections. The Holiday projections feature Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, and so many more. The projections are also accompanied with music and “snow”. The show takes place on most nights.

Magical Extras:
(advanced reservations are needed for these)

Fantasmic! Dining Package:

– when you book this package you will dine first and when you are finished dining you will get a voucher that you will hand to the cast member when you head to see Fantasmic. This voucher will give you access to reserved seating in the amphitheater.

What the Fantasmic Dining Package Includes:

An entrée and appetizer or dessert at select full-service restaurants or one (1) full buffet (whereapplicable), along with a non-alcoholic beverage.
One voucher for guaranteed seating at Fantasmic! in a reserved are

50’s Prime Time Cafe:

Classic American comfort food, ’50s kitsch and a good old-fashioned family gathering take you back to a bygone era.

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant:

Do dinner and a show ’50s-style at our drive-in “theater,” featuring all-American cuisine and sci-fi movie clips.

The Hollywood Brown Derby:

Step into the Golden Age of Hollywood at this warm, wood-paneled restaurant serving contemporary American cuisine

Hollywood & Vine:

Celebrate breakfast lunch and dinner with Minnie and friends at seasonal dining parties.

Jollywood Nights

This is a brand-new holiday party that takes place at Hollywood Studios. It starts mid-November to mid-December. It runs from 8:30pm-12:30am, but you can start heading inside Hollywood Studios at 7pm. During the party you get to see themed entertainment and shows, special characters that you usually don’t get to see, as well as, special event food and drinks (extra charge).

4.Attractions with Lightning Lanes.....

Toy Story Mania!
Slinky Dog Dash (38”)
Disney Jr. Play and Dance
Alien Swirling Saucers (32”)
Beauty and the Beast- Live on Stage
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular *
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (40”)
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (40”)
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (38”)
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (40”)
Rockin n Roller Coaster (temporary closed)
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing- Along Celebration

Single Pass Lightning Lanes

5. Dining Tips at Hollywood Studios.......

Dining Reservations Tips:

If you can’t find dining reservations check the app after11:30pm. Availability opens up at night.

Third Party Services that you can use:

mousedining.com this is a third-party service that emails you notifications of when there is availability. The service is free for 6 alerts and email only, or $9 a month for 50 alerts and texts, or $90 a year for 100 alerts.

addmoremagic.com they make the reservations for you. You select the restaurant you want your party size and they do all the work. The cost for this is $3 per person for the first 3 guests and $1 a person for each guest after the third person.

Disney Dining Plan Hack:

If you are planning on purchasing the dining plan and going to EPCOT save your snack credits and you can use them on some of the festival booths. In my opinion this is the best way to use your snack credits.

Disney Dining Plan:

Is it worth the cost? Here is a link https://www.distripplanner.com/ to a calculator that where you input your family’s needs and will help you determine if the Disney Dining Plan worth the cost for your family.

Important Note: Kids under 3 years old eat for free at family style restaurants including character meals.

6. Hollywood Studios w/Babies, Toddlers, and Kids .....

Although Hollywood Studios doesn’t have a lot of no height requirements rides. There is still plenty for kids to do here.

Important Note: If your little ones didn’t meet the height requirements for a specific ride, Disney World gives out height ride certificates for some rides, you can save the certificate and bring it back when they are tall enough and they will get priority access to the ride with the family. Not all rides have it so ask a
cast member.

Take me To:

Attractions with No Height Requirements:

Best Rides (our favorites):

Best Shows (our favorites):

Playgrounds/Play Areas:

Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios doesn’t have any playgrounds. If you want a playground break, we always go to Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort’s Playground or Art of Animation. You can take the skyliner from Hollywood Studios to any of these resorts.

Here is the best part of it the adult using the Lightning Lane can bring someone with them. So someone in your party can ride a second time and this time with a Lightning Lane.

Rider Switch is Available on the Following Rides:

Rider Switch?

What is this? This is the best way that parents and other members of your family can enjoy the bigger rides even with little ones.

So How Does it Work:

Rider Switch, is a service provided by Disney World that allows guests with young children or those who cannot or do not want to ride certain attractionons to take turns experiencing the ride without waiting in line multiple times.

Here's how it typically works:

1. Family Composition: Suppose you have a family group consisting of adults and children where some members (such as young children) cannot or do not want to ride a particular attraction due to height restrictions, health concerns, or personal choice.

2. Requesting Rider Switch: When you approach an attraction, let the cast member at the entrance know that your group wants to do a Rider Switch. They’ll guide you through the process.

3. Process: Usually, one adult from your group waits with the non-riders while the rest of the group (adults or older children) enters the line and experiences the ride.

4. Switching: After the first group completes the ride, they meet up with the waiting adult(s) and exchange roles. The adult(s) who initially waited with the non-riders can then accompany the waiting child(ren) to the ride entrance without waiting in the regular queue. This second group can typically enter through the Lightning Lane line minimizing their wait time.

Rider Switch is a great way for families to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy Disney attractions without doubling the wait times. It’s a complimentary service offered to make the Disney experience more accommodating for families with varying interests and needs.

Baby Center:

The Baby Center in Hollywood Studios is located at the entrance where Guest Services is at. It is the smallest baby center of the 4 parks. It is an air-conditioned location and features lots of helpful amenities for families with babies, toddlers, and kids. They include the following:

Changing room with tables
Restroom facilities for little ones
Kitchen with microwave and sink
Private nursing room with rocking chairs
Main room with television, table and seating
On-site shop offering baby food, juice, diapers, wipes, sunscreen

We love stopping by to take breaks they have seating for parents and children and they always have a movie or cartoons playing.

Quiet Area:

Pixar Plaza
Baby Center
Star Wars Launch Bay- it is an open air courtyard with benches and bathrooms
By Hollywood Tower of Terror (see video)
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort (see video)
Take the Skyliner to this resort

Dining w/Kids:

Best Quick Service Places to Eat with Picky Eaters

If you are looking for a healthy option on the kid’s menu, check the items that say Kids’ Disney Check Meals

Character Dining

Hollywood & Vine

This located in Echo Lake and it is a buffet for breakfast lunch and dinner. Characters: Minnie, Goofy, and Pluto

Character Dining Nearby (Resorts)

Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera

Topolino’s Terrace at the Riviera- (breakfast only) this is by far my favorite character dining experience. Not only for the food, but also because the characters here are super engaging and spend lots of time with you. Also, this character dining isn’t as rushed as the others.

CapeMay Café at the Beach Club

–(breakfast) see Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy at the Beach Club Resort. This is a buffet style and it is another one of our favorites.

Stroller Tips:

I definitely recommend a stroller for kiddos. Especially if they are under 8 years old. I personally don’t recommend the Disney Strollers because they are hard and not very comfortable. They also don’t recline
when kiddos fall asleep.

Do not leave personal belongings in an unattended stroller.
Strollers may be moved by a Cast Member due to operational needs.
A child must be removed from his or her stroller while riding on a parking lot tram.
Strollers larger than 31” (79 cm) in width and 52” (132cm) in length are not permitted. Stroller wagons are also not permitted
Strollers are not allowed on escalators. Use of strollers is permitted on elevators and ramps, available at certain locations.

Going Through Security with a stroller:

Do these 3 things Before You Head to Security:

Open up your sunshades on your stroller and now you are ready to head to security.
Make sure everything is cleared from underneath your stroller, remove all bags, umbrellas, toys, foo, coolers, etc., before you head to security.
Remove all your electronics and anything containing metal and set them on your stroller caddy. This includes phone chargers, battery packs, sunglass cases, makeup compacts.

Heading to security:

If you the metal detector detects anything they will send you to a second checkpoint if not you are free to join the rest of your party.
The adult pushing the stroller will go to the stroller security check point. Everyone else will go through the regular metal detector line. Your family will be separated. Don’t worry you won’t need tickets yet. I suggest handing all the stuff from the stroller to the people heading through the regular metal detector.
Once its your turned to be checked they will check your stroller caddy and the stroller. They will ask you to leave your kiddo on the stroller as you walk through the metal detector. The stroller and your kiddo will not go through the metal detector. There is one exception if your kiddo is old enough to walk, they will make you take your kiddo through the metal detector with you .

Stroller Rentals:

Single Stroller (recommended for children 50lbs or less)

Daily: $15
Multi-Day: $13 per day

Double Stroller: (recommended for children 100lbs or less )

Daily: $31
Multi-Day: $27 per day

Here are few third-party stroller companies to rent strollers, cribs, playpens etc. from:

Kingdoms Stroller

https://www.kingdomstrollers.com/?ref=odhmzdm

They drop off your stroller at your resort and pick it up and
they don’t charge extra for this service.

Baby Quip
Use this link for a discount
https://www.babyquip.com?a=b92f0ba
They drop off your stroller at your resort and pick it up and
they don’t charge extra for this service.

Resort Hopping with Little Ones:

If you are considering resort hopping and not sure which resorts are the best and easiest to access for kiddos here are my favorites. The best way to get to the resorts without any dining reservations is to take Disney Transportation from Disney Springs. The skyliner resorts are definitely my favorite resorts for kiddos and the reason why is because you have multiple resorts within reach and all of them have activities for kiddos. The resorts listed below are my favorites:

Disney's Art of Animation Resort

They have a Nemo Playground, Cars Land, Little Mermaid Section, and Lion King. It makes for great pictures and kiddos have so much fun here.

Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort

Love their playground and they have an area called Caribbean Cay that has lounge chairs and is very peaceful and quiet. I love taking breaks here. It is perfect for naps.

Disney's Riviera Resort

They have outdoor games for kiddos to play with and beautiful wall art of Peter Pan and Rapunzel.

Disney Boardwalk

This is my favorite and it’s a perfect resort to end the day in. They have free live entertainment and you can watch the EPCOT fireworks from here.

There is also a skyliner scavenger hunt you can do. You can pick it up at any of the skyliner resorts.

My Favorite things to do at other resorts:

Contemporary, Polynesian, and the Grand Floridian:

You can watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from here. My favorite location is the Contemporary. During the holidays they also have gingerbread décor at the Grand Floridian and Contemporary.

Fort Wilderness Resort Campground:

they have pony rides for little ones and horseback riding for adults. Pony rides are walk on and horseback riding requires reservations. Chip and Dale Sing a Long this is so much fun. During Halloween and Christmas guests decorate the campgrounds. .

Animal Kingdom Lodge:

you can see the Safari animals roaming around for free and they also have the Strings of Memories Activity where you go around the resort doing different activities with cast members and when you finish each activity you collect a bead. You can collect 8 beads
in total.

Movie under the stars:

All resorts have a movie under the stars. We pack snacks and drinks and go watch a movie. It’s one of our favorite things to do.

The Disney Resorts that have playgrounds: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/recreation/playgrounds/

Lightning Strategy for Little Ones

Here is the order I would book the Lightning Lanes Hollywood Studios. This strategy is for little ones

7. Lightning Lanes Basics & Strategy …………..

Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a paid service at Disney World that allows guests to access Lightning Lane entrances for select attractions, and reserve access to certain entertainment options. It allows you to skip the standby line at some attractions. This is a paid add-on that gives you access to the Lightning Lane for most attractions. It’s what used to be called the fast passes. It is a daily fee per park and per person. There is a multiple park option if you have a park hopper ticket. Guest can purchase on the My Disney Experience App.

The price may vary depending on factors such as the time of year and the park’s attendance levels it starts at $15 and can go up to $39.

If you want more information on Lightning Lanes it can be found in a separate guide called Lightning Lane Guide. These are just the basics.

What Lightning Lanes to Book First at Hollywood Studios (these are the lightning lanes that sell out first)

The rest of the attractions I would select as they become available.

8. Mobile App Basics .....

In the video below. I will show you how to order food, book lightinng lanes, find characters, entertainment and so much more. Hope this is helpful.

9. Discounted Disney Merchandise .....

There are 2 Disney character warehouses at the outlets where you can find discounted Disney merchandise from the parks. Most of the merchandise there is over 50% off. They have everything clothes, loungefly bags, mickey ears, and so much more. They get new stuff in every day except on Sundays. If you want the best stuff, get there early. The character warehouse on Vineland is a lot bigger and has more selections of items. The store at Internation Drive is smaller but a lot more organized and can sometimes find more loungefly bags there. Here are the locations to both stores:

1. Disney Character Warehouse
4969 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

2. Disney Character Warehouse
8200 Vineland Ave #1252, Orlando, FL 32821

If you like Antique Disney Merchandise there is a store in Lakeland, Fl that sells antique Disney items, resort furniture, and props from rides. Here is the address:

Lakeland Antique Mall
3530 US Hwy 98 N, Lakeland FL 33809

10. Hollywood Studios Tips .....

Never Go to Hollywood Studios on Mondays. Historically it is the busiest day.
You don’t have to go all the way for guest services for help. Just look for cast members standing under blue umbrellas and they are also guest services.
Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog have lower wait times towards the end of the day
You can walk to Hollywood Studios from EPCOT
Disney will still let you into the queues for rides up until the park closes. So even if you jump in the queue 5 minutes before the end of the day, Disney will let you ride.
Use mobile food ordering at Quick Service Restaurants. It will save you so much time.
If you are purchasing merchandise some shops allow you to use the Mobile Checkout feature on your My Disney Experience App to skip the physical checkout line entirely.
FYI you can join walk-up list at a lot of the restaurants at Hollywood Studios, even character meals.
If you have food allergies you can ask to look at the Allergy Binder. These binders provide a list of all the ingredients you can find in each restaurant’s meals.
If you want more of a thrill on any of the roller coasters the back rows are where you need to be.
The worst seat in Slinky Dog Dash is the first seat. Slinky’s head will block your view
You can plan your park day before your get to the park by using the free Disney Genie Service in the My Disney Experience App
At every character dining meal, they are supposed to give you a card with all the characters signature on it, so make sure you ask for it before you head out.
Best quick breakfast place Fairfax Fare. You can get a Mickey Waffle Platter with bacon for only $9.49

If you place a mobile food order and can’t make the time you selected you can modify your pick-up window
Best bathrooms in Hollywood Studios are in Animation Court by Star Wars Launch Bay and Galaxy’s Edge.
If you are looking for somewhere to cool down in the summer with low crowds head over to Star Wars Launch Bay and Walt Disney Presents
The Skyliner can get very busy at the end of the day so make sure you don’t leave as soon as the park closes.
There are lots of resort dining options that are great and you can take the Skyliner to get to them: Sebastians, Bar Riva, Primo Piatto, Topolinos Terrace.
If you are dining at 50’s Prime Café you can request a table with a TV set, you won’t always get it but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Find the Datapad on the Disney Play app and you can read the different writings in Galaxy’s Edge
FYI: Cast members will sometimes move your strollers, so if yours isn’t where you left it don’t panic just ask a cast member.
If you can’t find reservations for the Hollywood Brown Derby you can also eat at the lounge without reservations. It is first come first serve though
If you want rare stickers for our kiddos ask the character attendants, sometimes they carry some rare stickers.
You find great character interactions in the grassy area by the Hollywood Brown Derby
FYI Fantasmic seating can is a bit uncomfortable and gets cold during the cold months.
First Aid can store meds that need to be refrigerated
Make sure to check the time for Fantasmic. These times are constantly changing.

11. Disney World Park Must Haves.....

Park Must Haves

I will include a link to my Amazon Storefront where I have all my park must haves

1. Fan
2. Cooling Towels
3. Sun Screen
4. Cooling Patches (for summer)
5. Stroller Cover
6. Rain Coats/Ponchos
7. Large Ziploc bags
7. Large Ziploc bags
8. Change of clothes for kiddos
9. Snacks
10. Small Toys ( I usually pick some small toys from the dollar store)
11. Small cooler
12. Reusable Straws
13. Blanket if you are going in the winter
14. Bandaids
15. Hand Sanitizer

Amazon Storefront Link

https://www.amazon.com/shop/anidisneywtoddlerskids

12. How to Beat the Crowds ....

1. If you don’t have Early Entry, try to get to the park at least 30 minutes before the park opens.
2. Historically, the best day to visit Hollywood Studios is Sunday. Fewer crowds which mean lower wait times.
3. Go on the busier rides towards the end of the night people are usually starting to leave or heading to Fantasmic. This is a great time to ride the busier rides Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog.
4. You can also use StandySkipper if you are purchasing Genie+ it is a third-party service that books lighting lanes for you. You just let it know what lighting lanes you want and the times and it does the work. .

5. Check a crowd calendar map. Undercovers Tourist has a free one that shows when historically are the busy times and low times. https://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/crowd-calendar/