Best Kept Hidden Secrets at Hollywood Studios

In this post: Learn all about interesting facts and the top secrets at Hollywood Studios! These insider tips will make your next trip so much more fun.

Top Hollywood Studios Easter Eggs

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The secrets and cool easter eggs throughout Disney property are a plenty, and they are so fun to find! 

Each and every part of the Walt Disney World property, including the parks and hotel resorts, has its own plethora of secrets and hidden details that even some of the biggest Disney fans may not know. 

Below, we are going to be exploring the Hollywood Studios Park located at Walt Disney World. Formerly known as Disney/MGM Studios when it first opened in 1989, Hollywood Studios is the park that features the “Hollywood” lifestyle, including the making of movies, music, and more from the entertainment industry.

It’s honestly an incredible park with so many fun shows and thrill rides to do. 

Let’s dive right into the fun!

Reasoning Behind Disney’s Hollywood Studios Name Switch

I already briefly mentioned this, but I wanted to dig a little deeper and give a bit of the history behind this detail. If you are not an avid Disney goer or if you are someone who recently started going to the parks, you may not know anything outside how the parks stand today. 

When Hollywood Studios first opened in 1989 (the third of the Disney World Parks to open), it was named Disney/MGM Studios.

After nearly 20 years of operations, Metro-Goldyn-Mayer decided not to renew their license agreement with Disney, leading to the change of the name as it is known today, Hollywood Studios. 

The Twilight Zone, Hollywood Tower of Terror Secrets

​The Tower of Terror is one of the most popular rides at Hollywood Studios (a personal fave as well), and the attraction is filled with a ton of fun easter eggs. A few of the most notable include: 

Twilight Zone authentic props
A variety of props used from The Twilight Zone tv show around the library room in the queue, a few to look out for include:

• The cracked glasses from the episode “Time Enough to Last”
• A miniature spacesuit from “The Invaders”
• Labeled envelopes named “Victoria West” and “Rod Sterling” from the episode “A World of His Own”
• And finally the Tina Doll from the episode “Talky Tina” can be found in the gift shop as you exit the attraction. 

A nod to the beginning
Other fun easter eggs include the elevator inspection certificate, labeled #10259, the premiere date for the Twilight Zone tv show (October 25, 1959).

Gas Pump Hidden Detail at the Entrance

Disney Parks are known for their meticulous attention to detail, and Hollywood Studios is no exception.

Just after you’ve scanned your park ticket, keep an eye out for the retro gas station to your right. Most guests breeze right past it, but there’s a special hidden gem here that’s worth a closer look. 

One of the gas pumps displays “05-01-1989,” which marks the official opening date of Disney-MGM Studios (now known as Hollywood Studios). This small nod to the park’s history is a great reminder of its evolution over the years!

Indiana Jones Hidden Gems

As you exit the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, take the far-right staircase. Hidden on one of the landings is a Cast Member’s hand holding the famous golden idol from the movie. Give it a quick pat for good luck! 

And don’t miss the interactive rope outside the attraction’s entrance—pull it to hear a playful audio cue. These small, easily overlooked details truly go the extra mile to enhance the immersive experience. A great spot to explore and discover with every next visit!

Backlot Express Restaurant Secrets

The Backlot Express Restaurant is more than just a place to grab a quick bite—it’s filled with hidden props and references to iconic Disney movies and shows. 

Take some time to explore the props scattered around, and read the bulletins on the bulletin boards for a peek into the Imagineers’ playful storytelling.

You’ll find nods to Cal Arts, the animation school where many of Disney’s original animators got their start, as well as subtle tributes to Star Tours and other Disney-MGM Studios attractions from the park’s early days.

PizzeRizzo’s Hidden Secrets

PizzeRizzo is not just a quick-service dining spot—it’s a nod to Disney’s deep history! If you look closely at the flashing neon sign, you’ll see it spells out a hidden message. And check out the tribute to Pizza Planet from the Toy Story films, which previously occupied this space. 

The Hollywood Studios team even added some well-themed trash cans as a nod to Rizzo the Rat’s playful personality. So, grab a slice and look around—there are loads of other cool things to uncover here!

Muppets Vision: 3D Hidden Gem

​Muppet Vision: 3D is an often-overlooked attraction located on Grand Avenue at Hollywood Studios, but it is a fun attraction with cutting-edge technology for its time.

If you have the time, you should certainly include it in your itinerary! If you choose to visit, as you walk through the queue, you will see a security window with a sign that reads, “Back in 5 minutes – key is under the mat.” if you look down and lift the mat below the window, you will see an actual key.

The key is screwed into the concrete, so you are unable to pick it up, but we love this cute little detail and love to introduce it to new visitors that haven’t experienced Muppets yet. 

Rock n Rollercoaster: Starring Aerosmith Hidden Gems

The recently refurbished attraction is one of the most thrilling rides not only at Hollywood Studios but across all Walt Disney World Parks. Next time you take a ride with Aerosmith, keep an eye out for these hidden easter eggs. 

• Modified song lyrics: Throughout the ride, you will hear a number of Aerosmith’s hit tracks, including “Love in an Elevator,” but if you listen closely, you will notice that the lyrics were changed to “Love in a Roller Coaster” for the attraction. 

• Rock n Roll volume: Another fun detail to know is that there are more than 900 speakers throughout this attraction to ensure that you achieve the full Rock n Roll experience! 

• A change to the pre-show: One final secret to note is a slight change in the pre-show experience. Initially, when the ride launched, when Steven Tyler said, “Wait a minute, I love that idea,” he also made an inappropriate hand gesture. This was modified fairly recently, occurring in 2016, by Disney using digital alteration, and it now shows Tyler’s hand as simply an open palm. 

Galaxy’s Edge Hidden Gems

​Galaxy’s Edge is a HUGE part of the Hollywood Studios Park and a fan fave for many Hollywood Studios guests.

Because of the sheer size and detail that was put into the construction of Galaxy’s Edge, there are quite literally thousands of hidden details and easter eggs referencing the Star Wars franchise, but we have narrowed it down to a few of our favorites that we recommend looking out for. 

Hidden numbers at Docking Bay 7
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo is one of the quick service dining options located within Galaxy’s Edge, and the construction offers some hidden details to look out for.

Above the top of Docking Bay 7 there are three containers and each of them are numbered including 77, 80, and 83.

The average park goer may not think anything of it, but Star Wars enthusiasts may notice that these numbers have significance. These represent the release years (1977, 1980, and 1983) of the original Star Wars movie Trilogy. 

How about a game of chess?
As you walk through the queue for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run, you will notice a chess board with an open seat. Here, you can sit down and hop into a game of chess with Dejarik Holo. This is a fun little detail and a great opportunity for a great photo! 

Park Etiquette tip: Just keep in mind that if you do stop, you are still actively moving through the queue, so be sure to be quick or allow others to pass by you as you enjoy the stop. 

Unlock Chewie Mode
If you’re a big fan of the most famous Wookie of all, Chewbacca, then you will not want to miss out on the opportunity to unlock “Chewie Mode” during your ride on Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run.

In order to unlock Chewie Mode, you will need to be vigilant and ensure that your entire group of 6 knows what to do. When you walk into the falcon and take your seats.

BEFORE the cast member returns to check seatbelts, your group will need to do the following:

• Pilots will move their joysticks to the extreme left, right, up, or down, then press the flashing green button;
• Gunners and engineers will need to hold one of the white buttons next to the score screen and then press the flashing orange button.

Unfortunately, you won’t know if you’ve unlocked Chewie mode until the ride officially starts but trust us, if you’ve been successful… you’ll know it! 

Batuu Bounty Hunter Game
If you have a MagicBand+ during your visit to Disney, you can link the band to the Batuu Bounty Hunter Game and collect additional virtual bounties throughout Batuu during your time in Galaxy’s Edge.

You will need not just your MagicBand+ but also the Disney Play app on your smartphone. 

Toy Story Land Secrets

We are going to round out our Hollywood Studios hidden secrets in probably our favorite part of the park, Toy Story Land! Toy Story is very nostalgic for my family and seeing the franchise come to life through Hollywood Studios has been so fun!

Next time you’re walking through Andy’s Backyard be sure to be on the lookout for these hidden easter eggs: 

Forced Perspective
When designing Toy Story Land Imagineers wanted it to feel like you are shrunken down to the size of a toy and playing around in Andy’s Backyard with the rest of the crew.

This is why you will see giant versions of your favorite toys, such as TinkerToy, Crayola chalk, Uno cards, Rubik’s Cube, and more! 

You’ll see here with the railing and blocks how they are oversized toys. Also, this picture is a gem of my son.

Slinky Dog Dash
Slinky Dog Dash was based on the plans created by Andy when he imagined his very own rollercoaster using his Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster kit.

As you walk through the queue for Slinky Dog Dash, you’ll see pieces of Andy’s plans and see how it all came together along with a bunch of the other toys in Andy’s room!

Peek at the ground
As you’re walking through Toy Story Land be sure to take a look at the ground You will see GIANT footprints that are representative of Andy’s footprints stomping through the yard. Remember, you’re the size of a toy so that’s why his footprints are so big in comparison to yours!

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Audio Secrets

One of the coolest hidden gems on Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is more about what you hear than what you see! 

The Imagineers incorporated original sound effects created with authentic 1930s equipment, including the iconic tri-tone whistle from Mickey’s first cartoon appearance in 1928’s Steamboat Willie. Whenever Goofy sets off the train at Runamuck Railway, listen closely for the OG locomotive whistle! Another heartfelt hidden gem? 

Minnie Mouse’s voice in the attraction was performed by Russi Taylor—her final role as Minnie before her passing. Her husband, Wayne Allwine, voiced Mickey for over 30 years. Talk about a sweet homage to Disney history!

The Roger Rabbit-Themed Land That Almost Was

Did you know that Hollywood Studios almost had an entire land dedicated to Roger Rabbit? During the early planning stages of the park, Imagineers envisioned a themed area with rides, character meet-and-greets, and other Roger Rabbit-inspired attractions. 

It would have been located where Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith stands today. 

Unfortunately, the plan was shelved due to a shift in demand for Roger Rabbit content and budget constraints at the time. While it’s fun to think about what could have been, it’s hard to picture Hollywood Studios without its thrilling Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster now!

Final Thoughts

There you have it – our favorite hidden secrets of Hollywood Studios summed up nicely.

What did you learn today? Were there any hidden details that we missed? I hope next time you visit Hollywood Studios you’ll have fun looking out for these fun Easter eggs throughout the park! Feel free to share any that we may have missed or which one was your favorite!! 

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