10 Can't Miss Things at Disney's Hollywood Studios
It's hard to believe that this is the last in my 10 Things to Skip/10 Can't Miss Things series of all four theme parks at Walt Disney World. My picks for Disney Hollywood Studios range from mainstream to hidden gems. I hope you've enjoyed the series and I hope you enjoy these picks.
10. Frozen Sing Along
I know some of us act like we're too cool but who DOESN'T want to sing "Let It Go" at the top of their lungs with lots of other Disney fans and Anna and Elsa while snow magically falls from the sky? EXACTLY.
But even if you are not a Frozen fan, this show is really well done. The commentary between scenes by the two narrators is quite amusing. And because the theater is large, the wait is hardly ever very bad. I consider this good fun and well worth your time.
9. Woody's Lunch Box
This sandwich shop is going to change the (very lacking) quick service food scene at Disney Hollywood Studios. Finally, serious food is being offered that isn't hot dogs, chicken nuggets, or french fries! We're talking homemade lunch tarts (think pop tarts, but yummier), and three cheese grilled cheese or brisket sandwiches, soup, dressed up tater tots, and oh yeah, Angry Orchard cider. It's not quite Panera Bread level yummy (or in Disney terms, it isn't a Sunshine Seasons yet), but it is upping the game, and if you must eat quick service at Disney Hollywood Studios, your best bet is to eat it here.
8. Toy Story Mania
This ride is like riding through a carnival midway and until very recently was the most popular ride at Disney Hollywood Studios. It has recently been surpassed by the new rides in Toy Story Land, Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash.
It's fun to play the mini-games and compete with those in the same car and family members in other cars. While I personally prefer Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, while at Disney Hollywood Studios, this is one of the better rides to go on.
7. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
This is a major headliner ride, so you are going to want to arrive when park opens or get a FastPass + for this. It's also not for everyone, especially children. For adults, it can be hard to predict who will enjoy it and who won't because it's pretty unique as far as thrill factor goes.
You will go through a Twilight Zone themed preshow, and then get into an elevator, which is your ride vehicle. After making several stops upon which doors open to reveal eerie scenes, your vehicle will emerge from the elevator shaft and take you through a spooky floor before inserting itself into another elevator shaft. It's in this shaft that the cables break and your elevator plummets, rises, plummets and rises in a random sequence so that no two rides are the same. Be prepared to drop 13 stories faster than gravity would pull you, possibly multiple times.
I'm afraid of elevators, but I love this ride to the point that I've ridden it alone when no one would ride with me. Others I have vacationed with have no problem with elevators but can't handle this ride. From the theming to the dour faces on the ride attendants, I really think this ride is worth a try for anyone (except children).
6. Tatooine Trader's
This is a shop right at the ride exit of Star Tours where you can get all of the Star Wars themed gifts you can possibly dream of. Being a big Star Wars fan myself, I stop here on every single trip. Perhaps when Galaxy's Edge is finished, this shop will be replaced by something even better, but for now, this is the best.
5. Sid Cahuenga's
This is a curio shop right at the park entrance. You can buy your photopass pictures here, but you can also see real Hollywood props or replicas, some of which are for sale. I've seen a replica of Michael Jackson's Thriller jacket, for example. It's just a fun place for a look around, and it's one of the few places at the rapidly Toy Story and Star Wars engulfed Disney Hollywood Studios that remains true to the them of the park.
4. 50's Prime Time Cafe
For years I ignored this place. When I finally went a few years ago, I couldn't believe I had let this fly under my radar for so long. This is a 50's themed restaurant where you are made to feel like you are dining with family. The servers are your cousins, aunts, and uncles. Be careful when Dad comes around! You'll get a little razzed as you get looped in to the fun, but the servers are quite good and being able to tell who wants to be picked on and who doesn't. You had better keep your elbows off the table and eat your peas.
The food is decent. There's meatloaf and pot roast, but also baked salmon. There's a real soda fountain and they can make you a chocolate coke if you ask nicely. They make mean milkshakes (the peanut butter and jelly is legendary). This is a wonderful place to go with your parents who get a nice jolt of nostalgia.
3. Rock N Roller Coaster
I will be the first to admit I am not much for roller coasters, but something about this one makes me leap at the chance to ride. For one, it's crazy smooth. For two, Aerosmith is the soundtrack and it's almost impossible not to have fun while Aerosmith is playing. Finally, 0 to 60 in 3 seconds at the beginning of the ride. My only regret is it's over way too quickly.
If planning to ride, you will want to either show up at park opening, or have a FastPass + as lines can be long.
2. Sweet Spells
This is a candy shop on the corner of Hollywood and Sunset boulevard and it made number two on my list because I believe it to be the best confectionary in Walt Disney World. Yes, I said it. I will even go so far as to assert that it's better than Main Street Confectionary.
The fact that it's a villain themed candy shop is already fun before you even consider the beautiful "poison apples" they sell here. Honestly, it's incredibly well thought out and nicely themed.
1. Slinky Dog Dash
One of the newest rides in the newest land at Toy Story Land, this is a very popular roller coaster. While it's a relatively short ride, it has a mid-ride launch, AND Slinky Dog himself (your roller coaster car) actually talks while rolling along the tracks. It's pretty neat. You should either plan to get to it first thing the minute the park opens, or FastPass + it to avoid long waits.
So, there you have it. I've now laid out the top 10 and bottom 10 things at each of the four major theme parks in Walt Disney World! Did I get it right? Let me know in the comments.
