What Is Currently To Love About Disney’s Hollywood Studios
With all the news and photos of all the attractions that have been closing, all the construction going on in Disney’s Hollywood Studios and all the reports of what is “coming soon” to the park, it leaves the avid Disney guest wondering, “what is still currently to love about Disney’s Hollywood Studios?”.
I mean when you think about it, we have heard about the closings of The Great Movie Ride, The Backlot Tour and the Lights, Motor, Action Extreme Stunt Show in the past few years. These were 3 pretty big attractions for this little theme park. Not to mention that they have also taken away 2 big events for this park: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights and Star Wars Weekends. These events were the reason people would schedule their vacations in May and December respectively.
With all the construction going on in the park to create the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land areas, which combined take up approximately 25 of Hollywood Studios 135 acres, in addition to the closings of these big attractions, I think Disney guests have a right to wonder if visiting this theme park is worth their time and money.
While it might seem disheartening to visit Hollywood Studios on your next vacation, here is what we can still love about this park.
Star Tours and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
These are 2 classic Hollywood Studios attractions. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a masterpiece for making you feel like you witnessing the filming of the box office hit Raiders of the Lost Ark. Even though the content of the show hasn’t changed, it is still a not-to-miss attraction for any fan of the Indiana Jones films. Star Tours is hugely popular especially since it received an upgrade in 2011. Now known as Star Tours — The Adventure Continues, the refreshed ride features more of the Star Wars films content and characters and, as a bonus, is basically a different ride almost every time with a possible 96 different ride experiences. Talk about some good reasons to still love Hollywood Studios.
Tower of Terror and Rockin’ Roller Coaster
Both of these thrill rides are not for the faint of heart. I cannot give you a first hand account of Tower of terror as I have never gone on this and never will! I am too scared at the aspect of free falling the way this ride has you doing it. It’s just not for me but is a totally popular ride for most other thrill seekers. Rockin’ Roller Coaster on the other hand is another ride that scares me but scares me in a good way. Featuring one of my favorite rock bands from my teen years, Aerosmith is the reason I even go on this ride. Well, them and the fact that my kids are older and they love the ride. This ride is a must-do every time we are at Disney World.
Toy Story Mania and Walt Disney Presents
Toy Story Mania is not a big favorite of mine but it is a fan favorite nevertheless. A 4D experience, Toy Story Mania is a unique ride which puts you inside the world of Toy Story. Playing through these carnival inspired games within Andy’s room will leaving you giggling with excitement. Everyone’s a winner with this game so put on your 3D glasses and hop aboard your carnival tram for this thrilling ride!! Walt Disney Presents is the new name and rebranding of what was once One Man’s Dream. Walt Disney Presents will still share with guests the path to creating Disney World but now will also share with you more about what is to come within Disney World’s 40+ square miles. Models for the upcoming Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are just 2 examples of what you will see when visiting this nostalgic attraction.
Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Fantasmic!
Two of my favorite things to do in all of Disney World are Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Fantasmic!. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite films and to see it live every time I am visiting Hollywood Studios is a must for me. The story of Belle and the Beast comes to life right before your eyes and each time seeing it is like the first time seeing it: spectacular. Fantasmic! Is Hollywood Studios nighttime show where we are all a part of Mickey’s dream. In his dream, it is a battle of good versus evil where just about any character you want to see is in this show! This is a do-not-miss attraction!!
Characters and Dining
Disney characters and food are my 2 big reasons for visiting any Disney theme park…even one where there is a ton of construction! Hollywood Studios is the only place to visit Chewbacca, Sorcerer Mickey and the Disney Jr. characters. In addition to these characters, Minnie Mouse, BB-8, Woody and Buzz Lightyear are also characters found within Hollywood Studios and they are all found in unique photo opportunity locations. Along with the characters, Hollywood Studios is home to some unique dining locations: the 50’s Prime Time Cafe, the Sci-Fi Theater Restaurant and Mama Melrose’s are just a sampling of the good eatin’ you will find at Hollywood Studios. There are so many spots to dine at that you may want to visit this park on more than one day to partake in them all.
Classic attractions, a plethora of characters and numerous dining options are all reasons to still be in love with Disney’s Hollywood Studios. I know it’s hard with all these teased new areas months and months away but Hollywood Studios still deserves our love and attention even during the rebuilding times.
Until next time, have a magical day!!!
