In this post: Find a Hollywood Studios itinerary that will make your family vacation run smoothly. I’ll break it all down for you and provide you not only with itineraries, but also tips and tricks to make the most out of your day at Hollywood Studios!
Ultimate Hollywood Studios Itinerary for Families
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Planning your Walt Disney World park day at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios can be a bit overwhelming, especially when youâre bringing kids along.
This park is known for its mix of thrill-ride attractions, immersive lands, and family-friendly entertainment, making it essential to have a touring plan that allows you to maximize your time.Â
To help, Iâve put together two tailored 1-day Hollywood Studios itineraries, perfect for a small family!
So, whether youâre looking to hit all the major rides or prefer a more relaxed experience, these itineraries will help you navigate the park, minimize long lines, and enjoy the best Hollywood Studios rides with your family.
Insider Tip: Donât forget to use the My Disney Experience app for wait times, Lightning Lanes, and dinner reservations to make the most of your visit!
Disneyâs Hollywood Studios Layout
Before you hop into planning, you’ll want to understand the lay of the land. Hollywood Studios has around eight different lands. Iâll briefly cover them below, but you’ll also want to check out the map to familiarize yourself even more.
- Hollywood Boulevard: Your red carpet entrance to the park, filled with shops, entertainment, and that glamorous old-Hollywood vibe.
- Echo Lake: Home to attractions like Star Tours and Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, all centered around the retro-style lagoon.
- Grand Avenue: A taste of downtown L.A. with Muppet-inspired fun and MuppetVision 3D.
- Star Wars: Galaxyâs Edge: Step into the Star Wars universe where you can fly the Millennium Falcon and come face-to-face with Kylo Ren.
- Toy Story Land: Shrink down to the size of a toy and join Woody and Buzz for some playful adventures on Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania!
- Animation Courtyard: A great spot for little ones, with character meet-and-greets and Disney Junior Dance Party!
- Sunset Boulevard: Thrills await with The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ânâ Roller Coaster, plus nightly shows like Fantasmic!
- Commissary Lane: Quick bites and casual eats, making it a convenient pit stop when you need a break between attractions.
Pre-Plan For Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is packed with exciting attractions and high-demand experiences, so having a pre-planning strategy really helps out in the long run.
Hereâs are some tips to plan for your day:
- Check Park Availability. Hollywood Studios is a popular park because of major lands like Star Wars: Galaxyâs Edge and Toy Story Land. Sometimes, mainly around major holidays, the marks can hit capacity, so I always recommend checking and making sure nothing big is going on at the park the day you plan to visit.
- Purchase Park Tickets & Consider Park Hopper Options: Hollywood Studios can be a half-day park for some families, so having flexibility can maximize your trip. If you don’t want to spend the entire day at Hollywood Studios, consider a park hopper pass. Since you can walk right to Epcot or even take the boat or Skyliner, I suggest adding Ecpcot to your list.
- Make Lightning Lane Reservations for Key Rides: Prioritize your Lightning Lane reservations for top rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Rock ânâ Roller Coaster. If Rise of the Resistance is a must-do, consider purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane for that attraction, as itâs one of the parkâs most popular rides.
- Plan Your Day with Early Entry: Staying at a Disney Resort? Use Early Theme Park Entry to head straight to Star Wars: Galaxyâs Edge or Toy Story Land. If youâre not a resort guest, aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the opening time to minimize wait times for attractions.
- Make Your “Must-Do” List: Hollywood Studios has a lot to offer, from quite a few thrill rides to immersive experiences. Decide on your âmust-dosâ ahead of timeâsuch as building a lightsaber at Saviâs Workshop, exploring the Toy Story Land rides, or meeting characters like Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams.
- Make Dining Reservations in Advance: Hollywood Studios has several great options for dining. Make reservations early for table service restaurants like Hollywood Brown Derby, or go for a fun family meal at 50âs Prime Time Cafe or Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater. The breakfast buffet at Hollywood and Vine is great, too, AND a character dining experience. If youâre going quick service, consider Mobile Ordering ahead of time for convenience.
Hollywood Studios Sample Itinerary
Below is a breakdown of a super efficient 1-day itinerary for Hollywood Studios thatâs tailored for a small family. The key is to prioritize attractions that are on the top of your lists andappeal to your young kiddos, to factor in rest periods, and incorporate times to rest for food.
Hereâs a sample itinerary to help you make the most out of your Hollywood Studios day:
Morning:
- Arrival: Arrive at the park at least 30 minutes before opening. Head straight to Mickey & Minnieâs Runaway Railway in the Chinese Theater. Itâs such a cute and colorful ride thatâs perfect for all ages. A slight warning… I brought my son on this ride when he was 1.5, and although he liked it, it was VERY loud and a bit jerky for his age.
- Toy Story Land: After riding Mickey & Minnieâs Runaway Railway, head to Toy Story Land for:
- Toy Story Mania!: This 4D shooting game is a huge hit with both kids and parents. I personally show no mercy when I compete against the family for the highest score.
- Alien Swirling Saucers: A fun, spinning ride for little ones that doesnât go too fast.
- Slinky Dog Dash: If your kids are up for a little thrill, this family-friendly coaster is a great option. If not, skip it and head to the next attraction. You’ll want to try to score a Lightning Lane reservation for this one.Â
- Grab a snack, and get in line to meet characters!
- Check out the meet-and-greet opportunities around Toy Story Land. Kids will love seeing Woody, Buzz, and Jessie up close. Otherwise, right outside of Toy Story Land is Pixar Plaza which has so many good character meet-and-greets, include The Incredibles, Live-Action Ariel, Sully, Joy and more!
- Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Head to the Hyperion Theater for the âFor the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.â This interactive show features sing-alongs and a snowy surprise at the end. It’s so fun! Your kids will love it, and adults too.
- Meet Olaf. Right after you get out of the show, make sure to get in line to meet Olaf!
Afternoon
- Backlot Express: This quick-service spot near Echo Lake offers kid-friendly meals, such as the standard park food like chicken nuggets and burgers, along with a few healthier options. Itâs a great place to cool off and take a break. Oh, and it’s home of the Wookie Cookie!
- Muppet*Vision 3D: After lunch, enjoy this 3D show featuring the beloved Muppets. Itâs a nice opportunity to sit and rest while still being entertained.
- Disney Junior Dance Party!: If you have young children, this is a must-do. The kids can dance and sing along with their favorite Disney Junior characters like Vampirina and Doc McStuffins.
- Once you are done at the Dance Party, go Meet Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, and Fancy Nancy.
- Relax and Explore: Take some time to stroll around the park, exploring areas like the Animation Courtyard or Echo Lake. Grab a Mickey-shaped snack or even go see another attraction like Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: A thrilling show filled with action-packed stunts. Itâs engaging for all ages and a great way to wind down after a busy day.
- If staying on Disney property or nearby, consider heading back to your hotel for a nap or pool time. This break can make a world of difference for everyone in the evening. Plus, it will get you out of the heat and crowds.
Evening
- 50âs Prime Time CafĂ©: This sit-down restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a retro theme. The waitstaff playfully reminds you to âclean your plateâ and âmind your manners.â Itâs a fun experience for the whole family.
- Evening Fireworks/Show. Find a spot to watch the evening show, Fantasmic!, which features Disney characters, fireworks, and water projections. Itâs the perfect way to end your day.
Insider Tip: Buy Multi-Pass Lightning Lane access for rides like Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania, and Tower of Terror.
Alternative 1-day Itinerary for Hollywood Studios
Now, if you have thrill seekers in your party, this itinerary is more for you. This plan will focus on a different route and experiences, with flexibility and comfort in mind. So here we go! Another great itinerary option.
Morning
- Arrival: Arrive at least 30 minutes before park opening and head straight to Star Wars: Galaxyâs Edge.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: Kick off the day with this immersive experience where you can pilot the Millennium Falcon. The interactive ride is great for older kids who want a little adventure.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: If youâre able to secure a boarding pass, this attraction is a must-do. Itâs an incredible experience combining a ride, storytelling, and character interactions.
Mid-Morning
- Toy Story Land: After exploring Galaxyâs Edge, head to Toy Story Land.
- Slinky Dog Dash: Experience this family-friendly coaster with plenty of fun twists and turns.
- Toy Story Mania!: A perfect attraction for a friendly competition. Try to beat each otherâs scores in this interactive ride.
Lunch
- Woodyâs Lunch Box: Enjoy a casual lunch in Toy Story Land with options like grilled cheese, tomato soup, and the famous âTotchosâ (tater tot nachos). The seating is outdoors, but itâs a great place for a quick bite.
Early Afternoon
- Sunset Boulevard: Head over to Sunset Boulevard for some thrills.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: For those who love a good scare, this drop ride is a favorite. If the kids arenât ready for it, consider exploring other areas while some family members take the plunge.
- Rock ânâ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: A high-speed indoor roller coaster that loops and twists. This is a must for thrill-seekers.
Mid-Afternoon
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: Catch this action-packed show to rest your feet while being entertained. The stunts and pyrotechnics are thrilling and fun for everyone.
- Star Tours â The Adventures Continue: Head back to Star Tours for another Star Wars adventure. The 3D motion simulator offers different experiences each time you ride.
Dinner
- Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant: This unique dining experience lets you sit in a vintage car while watching sci-fi movie clips on the big screen. The food is classic American, and the ambiance is great for unwinding after a busy day.
Evening
- Mickey & Minnieâs Runaway Railway: If you didnât ride it earlier, itâs a great time to hop on now when lines may be shorter.
- Evening Show: End your night with Fantasmic! or the Wonderful World of Animation projection show on the Chinese Theater. Both shows are a fantastic way to close out the day.
Insider Tip: Stay hydrated and pack snacks, as some of the queue lines can be long.
FAQ
Q: Can I fit everything into one day at Hollywood Studios?
A: Itâs difficult to fit every attraction into one day due to the popularity of certain rides. Prioritize your must-do attractions and use Disney’s Lightning Lanes to maximize your time.
Q: What is the best time to arrive at Hollywood Studios?
A: Arriving 30 minutes before park opening is ideal.
Q: How can I avoid long lines at Hollywood Studios?
A: Use Lightning Lane reservations for popular attractions, and consider purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance. Arriving early and staying later in the day can help you avoid peak crowds.
Q: What are the most popular rides at Hollywood Studios?
A: The most popular rides are Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Tower of Terror, and Rock ânâ Roller Coaster. These attractions often have long wait times, so consider using Genie+ and Lightning Lanes to skip the lines.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – two really great itineraries you can choose from. These itineraries should provide a fun-filled day at Hollywood Studios for small families, whether your kids are younger or looking for a more thrilling experience!
Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you. Oh, and donât forget to sign up for the newsletter for more tips and freebies!
