If there is one park that was made for the creative, artistic side of me it is Hollywood Studios. When I think of Hollywood Studios - which used to be MGM, I remember dreaming as a child about how movies were made during the golden age of Hollywood. But since I was a kid, Hollywood Studios has had an overhaul. Hollywood Studios is evolving and changing the way Hollywood has over the years.
Hollywood Studios is usually a laid back day for us - one with lots of shows, a few rides and some fun food. It a park we usually find time to have a Table Service meal mid afternoon to break up the day. We like Mama Melrose Ristorante the best with the family, but the kids also loved the Hollywood & Vine character meal we did.
Hollywood Blvd
Every time we walk through the gates of Hollywood Studios I am filled with nostalgia as we walk down Hollywood Blvd and pass all the adorable classic shops and street corners. I love to pop into the shops later in the day, find the Starbucks for a pick me up or eat at 50's Prime Time Diner or Hollywood & Vine with the family.
Pixar Place
After hurrying down Hollywood Blvd, around center stage, we always try to book it to Pixar place to be the first (hundred) people on Toy Story Mania! We almost always ride it twice because the line moves so much faster now that they opened a second track! We also like to take time to see Buzz & Woody and my kids always LOVE seeing the army men roaming the streets - they are so fun.
My nerdy side comes out when I get gitty about One Man's Dream - Walt's story that has been the same for years, but I never seem to get sick of it. I love the models in there, the classic antique Disney historical items and photos. They often also have a preview of the most exciting upcoming movies and sometimes even special characters like Guardians of the Galaxy or Moana.
Animation Courtyard
We often head from Pixar Place (which will be tripling in size next summer) to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. It is a show the whole family loves. When anyone in our party is interested, we swing into Star Wars Launch Bay - Chewbacca is the best hugger! Some friends of ours recently took a animation class there too!
If you have a toddler or preschooler, make sure to plan to see Disney Junior Live on Stage which is adorable, but not the most comfortable as everyone (yes - even adults) are sitting on the floor for the 25 minute show. Cute, but I am not completely bummed that my kids are probably over this phase by our next trip!
Echo Lake
My boys were so glad that I planned to stop for snacks at the Backlot Express so we could watch the adorable Jedi Training Academy. That may be something we'll need to sign them up for next time we come. After we got a few minutes to rest, we went to see the Indiana Jones Stunt Show. It ended up being one of my boy's favorite things our whole trip! They loved the explosions, stage fighting and incredible set.
Then we typically head over to Star Tours and then Muppet Vision 3D. It always makes me laugh more than I remember - the kids loved both. Sometimes we stop for a late lunch/early dinner at Mama Melrose Ristorante. It was a wonderful experience, the kids loved all the options - I think all 5 ordered something different. The pasta and dessert included in our Fantasmic Dining Package was delicious and made us glad we weren't heading to any roller coasters with our full stomachs.
Sunset Drive
It seems fitting that at sunset we tend to head over to Sunset Blvd! We typically catch the final show of Beauty & the Beast, grab some dinner or snacks and head up to Fantasmic. For us, Fantasmic is one of the top 5 trip to-dos. We love this spectacular. It takes my breath away and always gives me goosebumps. It is the best way to end a WDW vacation or any day of your trip.
While post people obsess over the Rockin Roller Coaster, which is pretty great, my kids aren't tall enough so that's out of the question. We could get creative and take turns going (hello Rider Switch), but my husband is getting to old for those rides anyways. (Haha - sorry babe - its true.) The other ride others love, but I skip every time is the Tower of Terror. I'm not someone who appreciates feeling afraid, likes creepy things or enjoys riding a randomly falling elevator, but if those things appeal to you, Sunset Blvd has you covered!
There is no perfect trip to a Disney Park that works for everyone, so be sure to explore what appeals to you. While I'm no Star Wars fan, I did love meeting Chewbacca & Kylo Ren when I went with friends. You'll be surprised at how you may like something at Hollywood Studios that you've never tried, so go for it! Enjoy being immersed in Hollywood.
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