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Home » Walt Disney World Theme Parks » Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

29 December 2023 by Steve Bell

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Disney’s Hollywood Studios was the third theme park to be opened at the Walt Disney World Resort.
  • Hollywood Studios Layout
    • In this Overview, I use the following Shortcuts:
  • Arrival
  • The Hollywood Studios Entrance
  • Hollywood Boulevard
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Sunset Boulevard
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Echo Lake
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Animation Courtyard
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Pixar Plaza
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Toy Story Land 
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Commissary Lane
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Grand Avenue
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
    • Attractions
    • Dining
    • Shopping
  • Hollywood Studios Entertainment
    • Shows & Other Entertainment
    • Parades
  • Final thoughts on Hollywood Studios
    • Disney World’s Other Theme Parks:

Disney’s Hollywood Studios was the third theme park to be opened at the Walt Disney World Resort.

It opened its doors on 1 May 1989. 

When the theme park first opened it was called Disney MGM Studios. In 2008 the name was changed to the current Disney Hollywood Studios. Some people get confused by the similarly named theme park run by another company in the Orlando Area (Universal Studios, Orlando).

Disney vs. Universal – Is Universal for Small Children?

Disney’s Hollywood Studios departs from the traditional Disney park arrangement of a series of lands arranged around a central area, Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom all follow this template. 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios, however, was originally laid out as a series of “Streets” running off in different directions. Some connect with the central area, while others do not. The recent addition of 2 new lands (Star Wars : Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land) has made it even less centralized by creating a loop around the back of the older portions of the park.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Boulevard facing the entrance

Hollywood Studios Layout

Hollywood Studios uses a modified Disney Park layout with a single entrance at one end of a land that leads into the park with a hub at the far end of that land, and the other lands arranged in a random manner around the hub and to the rear of the entrance.

Hollywood Studios is composed of:

After entering the park, you’ll proceed up Hollywood Boulevard, which is a short street with shopping venues on both sides, towards what serves as the Hollywood Studios plaza. 

Off to the right, prior to getting to the plaza, is Sunset Boulevard, a long street that dead ends at the entrance for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, passing the Hollywood Tower of Terror and Fantasmic on the way. 

Opposite Sunset Boulevard, a path loops clockwise around Echo Lake, which is to the left of the main plaza and rejoins the plaza on the left side. 

Another path loops to the left off the Echo Lake path, heading to the rear of the park past Star Tours and then turning into Grand Avenue. Here, a street called Commissary Lane heads to the right, back to the main Plaza, while Grand Avenue leads to the rear of the park and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge curves across the back of the park and meets Toy Story Land.

Toy Story Land curves along the right side of the park and heads back to the main plaza, meeting Pixar Plaza, which runs diagonally behind the plaza into Animation Courtyard, which is just to the right of the main plaza.

Confused? You should be! Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the most confusing park to navigate. It took me years to become comfortable finding my way around without a map. And believe me, I had a very hard time just describing it here.

Just announced at the 2024 D23 is a new Monsters Inc. land for Hollywood Studios. Plans are to build a living, breathing, and not-at-all-scary “Monsters, Inc.” inspired area where you’ll be able to stroll the streets alongside some of your favorite monsters.

Picking up after the events of Pixar’s beloved film, humans have now been invited to visit the world of Monsters, Inc. — and the monsters need laughter to power the city and keep it running smoothly. But it’s not a true visit without the factory itself. You’ll be able to see the sights, hear the laughs, and zoom through the building just like James P. Sullivan (a.k.a. Sulley) and Mike Wazowski — via a door!

Yes, a door. If you’ve been dreaming of riding through the door vault since the movie was released in 2001, you’re not alone — Josh has been thinking about this, too. “The first time I saw Monsters, Inc., all I wanted to do was ride on one of those doors like Mike and Sulley,” he told the crowd. “You’ll go into the factory and experience the first suspended coaster ever in a Disney park. Remember in the movie how those claws grab the doors and hoist them up into the air to take them away? We’re doing that, too. And you’re going along for the ride.”

In November 2024 Disney announced that this new land would be replacing the Muppets Courtyard portion of Grand Avenue. The new pic just below was released in November as well. The Muppets will be moving to Sunset Boulevard and will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

Looking for another park?

  • Disney World Theme Park Overview
  • Magic Kingdom
  • Epcot
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In this Overview, I use the following Shortcuts:

Attractions

Height Restrictions – Some of the more thrilling attractions have height restrictions. If children are shorter than the set limit, they cannot experience the attraction. Disney will not bend on these restrictions as they are for safety purposes; in many cases, they have to do with the attraction seating and associated restraint capability. In some cases just because your child is tall enough to ride, doesn’t mean they are mature enough.

Attractions with height restrictions will be designated like this: (H33) the H designates height restriction and the following number designates how many inches tall you must be in order to ride. In this example (H33) you must be 33 inches tall to ride. Cast members will measure those in question.

Disney’s ride policy with children. A child must be at least 14 to ride with a child 7 or older, but an adult 18 or older must be sitting with a child 6 or younger.

25 Top Disney World Rides for the Whole Family

Disney Lightning Lane Passes

Attractions that participate in Walt Disney World’s pay to skip the line system will be designated like this:

  • Lightning Lane Multi Pass eligible attractions will be indicated by (LL Multi)
  • Lightning Lane Single Pass eligible attractions will be indicated by (LL Single)

Read more about Lightning Land Multi and Single Passes here.

 

Food

I’ll give a brief overview of the type of food available at each restaurant as well as the type of restaurant (table service, etc.), meals served, and average cost.

Restaurant types consist of counter service, grab-and-go, table service and some buffet restaurants. At least one table service restaurant in each park offers a character meal.

Look for these keys to the rough cost of restaurants and the meals they offer:

$ = Less than $15 per adult
$$ = $15 – $30 per adult
$$$ = $30 – $60 per adult
$$$$ = over $60 per adult
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
S = Snack

Meal Abbreviations:

B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D – Dinner
S – Snacks

Arrival

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has a single entrance. All guests, no matter where they are coming from will arrive at the main entrance. 

Those driving will park and then board trams for a brief ride to Hollywood Studios or walk if they are parked close enough. 

Disney’ Skyliner gondola system transports guests from Disney’s Riviera, Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, and Pop Century Resorts and EPCOT’s International Gateway to the Hollywood Studios Skyliner station, located just outside of Hollywood Studio’s entrance.  

Disney’s Friendships (water taxis) transports guests from Disney’s Beach CLub and Yacht Club Resorts, the BoardWalk Inn, And the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotels as well as EPCOT’s International Gateway.

Buses from other Disney Resorts and non-Disney buses arrive at the bus terminals, located a little further outside of Hollywood Studio’s entrance.

Guests from the Epcot Deluxe Resorts may walk (.75 miles from the end of the Boardwalk plus the distance to your hotel) or take a water taxi to Hollywood Studios. The water taxis run on a loop from Epcot’s International gateway, then to each of the Epcot Deluxe Resorts on their way to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Walking Directions to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

After a security check you’ll enter the ticketing area, where you can buy tickets if you need to, and then on to the entrance, which leads into Hollywood Boulevard.

See: Your Introduction to Disney Resort Destination Security – Plus Some Tips

The Hollywood Studios Entrance

After passing through the Hollywood Studios Security Checkpoint you will arrive at one of the Hollywood Studios entrance.

Disney uses touch point scanners where you will touch your Ticket Media (Magic Band, physical ticket, smartphone, or Apple watch) to the touch point. You will then place your finger on a scanner to ensure that it is you using your ticket (see Privacy Concerns). you will then be admitted.

My Tips for Touring Disney's Parks

When you scan your ticket or Magic Band to enter the theme parks, Disney World has two scanners for each line, one in front of the other about three feet apart. This is so two people can be scanning at a time. Many people have a bad habit of just using the first one you come to and ignoring the second. This slows down the line. If the second one is open, use it please, there is room to go around and do so.

If the one furthest from you opens up go around the person still using the first one. This keeps the line moving. If you are using the first one and the further one is still in use, go around!

Hollywood Boulevard

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Boulevard is the “Main Street” of Hollywood Studios. Along the sides of the street, you will see classic Hollywood landmark stores representing a bygone era of Hollywood with its glitz and glamour. 

As you begin to walk up Hollywood Boulevard look up to the right on top of the buildings, you’ll see a cool billboard for the “Hollywood Canteen, Servicemen’s Entertainment, Games and Refreshments” with the image of a 40’s GI and girl dancing.

There is a large main plaza area at the far end of Hollywood Boulevard, where you’ll find a reproduction of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. All other areas of the park branch out from this area.

Attractions

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (LL Multi) – A new trackless, dark ride. Guests aree transported into a cartoon world aboard Goofy’s train, which takes them on a wild adventure.

Dining

The Hollywood Brown Derby – LD $$ – Table Service – Try the famous Brown Derby Cobb Salad, or steak, seafood, and chicken.

The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge – LD $$ – Table Service – Brown Derby light items served on the patio under shading umbrellas. This is a hidden gem, walk right in and pick your seat, there are usually open tables. It’s shady and a great place to take a break. 

Trolley Car Café – S$ – Starbucks drinks and pastries as well as breakfast sandwiches.

Shopping

Mickey’s of Hollywood – Disney character gifts and park souvenirs.

Keystone Clothiers – Men’s and women’s clothing and accessories.

Celebrity 5 & 10 – Standard souvenirs and Disney Studios merchandise.

Cover Story – Get your picture on the cover of a magazine.

The Darkroom – Camera sales, developing, film and supplies.

Edith & Adrian’s Head to Toe – Personalized character merchandise.

L.A. Prop Cinema Storage – Children’s clothing.

Sweet Success – Chocolates and other candies.

Sunset Boulevard

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sunset Boulevard is a side street off of Hollywood Boulevard; Sunset Boulevard represents the theater district of Hollywood. The theaters you’ll see as you proceed down the street are actual reproductions of several theaters in California, including the Carthay Circle, where Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premiered. 

Attractions

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (H40) (LL Multi)  – Thrill to multiple, randomly generated drops in the haunted elevator. First, you’ll see a brief pre-show featuring Rod Serling from the Twilight Zone television series. Then head to the Hotel’s boiler room, where you board your “elevator” to the 13th floor. The elevator will first rise and then move horizontally through the haunted corridors of the Hotel, arriving at another elevator shaft. The elevator alternately launches guests skyward and then plunges them in randomly computer-generated patterns. Sparks will shower, and at one point, the doors of the elevator open to reveal Disney’s Hollywood Studios below you!

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage (LL Multi)  – Enjoy this Broadway-style retelling of the classic story. A mini-version of Disney’s 30th animated classic, Beauty and the Beast, Live on Stage, features the popular characters and songs from the film in a lavish, Broadway-caliber production. Theatre seating for the 20-minute-long production. 

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After – Step into the darkness (literally!) as this indoor stage show immerses you in a world where the villains take center stage. Featuring bold musical numbers, stunning effects, and surprise appearances, this all-new indoor production brings the bad guys front and center in a spectacular way.

Fantasmic! – Experience the magic of Disney storytelling in this nighttime spectacular that blends water, fire, and dazzling effects to bring beloved Disney characters and stories to life. Held in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, Fantasmic! is a testament to the power of dreams and the triumph of good over evil.

This nighttime spectacular showcases the magic of Disney storytelling through water, fire, and light. Held in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, Fantasmic! is a celebration of imagination, featuring beloved Disney characters and stories in an epic battle of good versus evil.

Rock n‘ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Closed 2 March 2026 for re-theming into Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets which is due to open in Summer 2026. The re-themed, high-speed launch coaster will feature the Electric Mayhem band, new Muppet Audio-Animatronics (including Scooter), and a psychedelic makeover for the iconic guitar icon.

Dining

Sunshine Day Bar – S $ – Counter Service – Mixed Drinks , Beer and Wine

Sunset Ranch Market – Is an open air market consisting of the locations below.

  • Anaheim Produce – S $ – Counter Service – Fresh fruit, pretzels.
  • Rosie’s All-American Cafe – LD $ – Counter Service – Burgers, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets.
  • Cantina Eddie’s – LD $ – Counter Service – Caesar salads, pizzas, and sandwiches.
  • Fairfax Fare – BLD $ – Counter Service – Smoked Chicken and ribs, hot dogs, and salads.
  • Hollywood Scoops – S $ – Counter Service – Sundays and hand-dipped ice-cream.

Shopping

Carthay Circle Theater – Disney themed items for your home, as well as gifts and holiday items.

Legends of Hollywood – Character figurines, apparel & souvenirs.

Mouse about Town – Disney clothing and house wares.

Planet Hollywood Super Store – Planet Hollywood logo items.

Rock Around the Shop – Offering Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Aerosmith mementos.

Sunset Club Couture – Jewelry, watches and character sketches.  Watches can be personalized by an in-store artist.

Sunset Ranch Pins and Souvenirs – Sells trading pins and other related merchandise

Tower Hotel Gifts – “The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror” gifts

Villains in Vogue – Disney villain-themed merchandise, along with a few Fantasmic items.

Echo Lake

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Off to the opposite side of Hollywood Boulevard from Sunset is Echo Lake. Echo Lake is the central lake around which are placed restaurants and attractions. Check out the dinosaur in the middle of the lake!

Attractions

For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: (LL Multi)  – Join Elsa, Anna, and the newly appointed Royal Historians of Arendelle for your favorite songs.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular (LL Multi)   – See how stunts are performed for features like the Indiana Jones movies in this 30-minute action show. This show is presented in a huge covered outdoor theatre with stadium seating and runs on a set schedule. Some helpers from the audience will be selected to help out during one of the scenes, all of which demonstrate just how stunts are performed. 

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue (H40) (LL Multi)  – Ride this thrilling combo of a full-motion flight simulator combined with a 3D forward view screen presentation. Grab your 3D glasses and board your StarSpeeder 1000 with about 40 other people. There are multiple long rows to sit in. Your StarSpeeder will take you randomly to one of several different planets in the Star Wars universe, there you will get to experience one of several different adventures. With more than 50 different combinations, you can have a new experience with every flight.

Dining

Hollywood and Vine – B $$ LD $$$ – Buffet Service (BL Character Dining) – Featuring American Cuisine and the Disney Junior Play n’ Dine for the breakfast and lunch buffets. The characters featured are Doc McStuffins, Sofia the First, Handy Manny, and Jake of the Neverland Pirates.

50’s Prime Time Cafe – LD $$ – Table Service –Comfort food, pot roast, meatloaf, fried chicken and all the fixings.

Tune In Lounge – LD $$ – Table and Bar Service – Enjoy the Prime Time Café’s menu at the bar next to the waiting area. (Sometimes referred to as Dad’s Lounge, because Mom is your host in the 50’s Prime Time Café)

Dockside Diner – LD $ – Counter Service – Makes specialty sandwiches

Backlot Express – LD $ – Counter Service – Burgers, salads, sandwiches, and chicken nuggets. 

Epic Eats – S$ – Located near the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Epic Eats is the go-to spot for indulgent treats. Here, you can enjoy funnel cakes topped with a variety of sweets, soft-serve ice cream, and refreshing beverages, making it a perfect stop for a snack.

Oasis Canteen – This quick-service spot serves up specialty cocktails, draft beer, and snacks, making it an ideal location for guests looking for a quick refreshment or a themed drink.

Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction – S$ – Dinosaur Gertie’s is a whimsical spot shaped like a friendly dinosaur, serving soft-serve ice cream and cold treats.

Shopping

Tatooine Star Traders – Star Wars toys, apparel, and gifts.

Golden Age Souvenirs – Selected character souvenirs.

Indiana Jones™ Adventure Outpost – Items themed to Indiana Jones, such as hats, t-shirts, and other items.

Frozen Fractal Gifts – Apparel, costumes, and toys inspired by Elsa, Anna, and friends.

Animation Courtyard

In the next round of big changes at Hollywood Studios, Animation Courtyard will be transforming in the near future to a land called The Magic of Disney Animation. The look will be inspired by the Disney Animation Studios in Burbank. The refurbished land will feature two new attractions and an updated attraction.

“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will remain open during the transformation. A new Disney Jr. show will take over the nearby soundstage in the future. 

Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into “The Magic of Disney Animation,” a new family-friendly experience that will feature interactive exhibits, drawing opportunities, character meet and greets, and a play area inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

Animation Courtyard, including Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, will close on September 25, 2025.

The large mock movie studio buildings around Animation Courtyard are home to shows and attractions that are all about animation. Disney movies of course!

Attractions

Walt Disney Presents – This is a multimedia tour through Walt’s life and career. It features both a walk-through exhibit and a 15-minute movie about Walt’s life featuring lots of clips of the innovator himself. At times, upcoming Disney films are previewed instead of the movie about Walt.

Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure – Relive Ariel’s enchanting story in this dazzling theatrical production inspired by the animated classic The Little Mermaid. Watch as Ariel follows her dreams to be part of the human world. This little mermaid’s adventure is brimming with familiar moments, like encounters with King Triton and Ursula, and stirring scenes. Throughout Ariel’s journey, get swept away by moving musical numbers like “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” “Poor Unfortunate Souls,” “Kiss the Girl,” and more!

Disney Junior Play & Dance! – (LL Multi) – Has been Permanently Closed for the transformation to The Magic of Disney Animation. Sing, dance and play in this 24-minute stage show with your Disney Junior friends. Stars of the Disney Channel’s popular Disney Junior take to the stage in this fun-filled show, with sing-along and dance activities. In addition to the fun special effects (bubbles and confetti rain down on you at various points of the show), youngsters in the audience can join the gang in singing along with catchy tunes and dancing. (Formerly Disney Junior Dance Party)

Star Wars Launch Bay – Has been Permanently Closed for the transformation to The Magic of Disney Animation. View movie props, and screen videos, and shop for collectibles from the movies.

Dining

None

Shopping

Animation Gallery – Features animation cells to purchase as collectors’ items.

Disney Studios Store – Features items and souvenirs from a current Disney animated release (theme changes frequently).

In Character – Children’s costumes and accessories.

Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream’s exit leads to a gift shop.

Pixar Plaza

Pixar Plaza was the former home of the Toy Story Mania attraction. With the opening of the new Toy Story Land this area has become a dead-end walkway, which has been dressed as an Incredibles area where several meet and Greets are held. Here you can meet Sully, Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Frozone, and Edna Mode at the  Edna Mode Experience.

Attractions

Pixar Plaza has no real attractions, but it is home to several Meet and Greets:

  • Meet Edna Mode at the Edna Mode Experience – Located inside.
  • Mr. and Mrs. Incredible – Outside
  • Frozone – Outside
  • Sully – Outside

Dining

Market – S $ – Pretzels, churros, frozen beverages, and beer.

Neighborhood Bakery – S $ – Num Num Cookie, pretzels, and frozen beverages.

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company – This spot offers a variety of specialty coffees, teas, and freshly baked pastries.

Shopping

None

Toy Story Land 

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land is the home of all the Pixar characters and features the original Toy Story Midway Mania attraction plus two new ones. The land is laid out like Andy’s backyard, complete with toys and boxes strewn about as well as Andy’s footprints.

Attractions

Alien Swirling Saucers – (H32) (LL Multi)  – Hang on tight for an interstellar romp in a toy rocket, set to an out-of-this-world beat.

Slinky Dog Dash –  (H38) (LL Multi)  – Take the entire family for a toy-filled ride on Slinky Dog as his coils twist around curves, hills, and dips. 

Toy Story Mania (LL Multi)   – Try to get the most points on this 4D shootin’ arcade ride. The fairly recent addition of a third track helped to alleviate severe throughput problems. The issues of long wait times and no FastPasses available have been greatly reduced.

Dining

Woody’s Lunch Box – BLD$$ – Counter Service – Breakfast offerings: Breakfast tot bowls, lunch box tarts, and sandwiches (French toast & breakfast). For lunch and dinner, sandwiches, grilled cheese, and “totchos”. Some of the best fast food available in Disney Hollywood Studios. Note: there is VERY limited outdoor seating here with almost no shade!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Table Service – Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the newest Hollywood Studios Table Service restaurant.Guests will among “play sets” of a western town and train station while “rodeo festivities” take place during the meal of BBQ fare! The menu is a pre fixe meal (pay 1 price, select from a list of options for the different courses) priced at $45 for adults and $25 for kids both lunch and dinner. Courses include: bread service, salad, the main course, sides and dessert. Salads get all 3: Tomato Salad, watermelon salad, and kale salad. Main get all: smoked ribs, beef brisket, fire-grilled pork sausage, and bbq chicken, or some sort of “plant based” platter instead. sides, pick 4: homestyle red-skinned potatoes, loaded potato barrels, veggie slaw, fried pickles, roasted vegetables, mac & cheese, Baked Beans, or Grilled Street Corn. Desert 1 per guest: lemon and blueberry cheesecake, chocolate silk pie, apple pie, or peach-strawberry pie and for the kids a Forky Cupcake.

Shopping

Several carts featuring Toy Story films toys and gifts.

Commissary Lane

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Sci-Fi Dine In

Running between Hollywood Boulevard and Grand Avenue is Commissary Lane, which is home to a couple of restaurants.

Attractions

Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams – A private meet and greet with Mickey and Minnie.

Dining

Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant – LD $$ – Table Service – Burgers, sandwiches, seafood, pasta, steaks, and chicken. Dine in your “car” at a simulated drive-in theater showing ’50s and ’60s Sci-Fi movies.

ABC Commissary – LD $ – Counter Service – Burgers, fried seafood, chicken sandwiches, and salads. 

Shopping

Commissary Lane has no shopping of note.

Grand Avenue

NOTE: The majority of Grand Avenue began a phased closure on 7 June 2025  (specific dates below) to make way for the new Monsters Inc. land. Really, the only thing now open there is the Baseline Tap House!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Image courtesy Disney Drink Blog

What was once called Muppets Courtyard is now part of Grand Avenue and currently houses Muppet Vision 3D and a couple of restaurants. 

Attractions

Muppet*Vision 3D (LL Multi)  – [Permanently Closed 7 June 2025] Enjoy this 25-minute 3D movie featuring the Muppets. The preshow area features videos and is filled with visual gags such as a net suspended from the ceiling holding Jell-O squares (A net full of jello = Annette Funicello, from the original Mickey Mouse Club). Once in the theatre and donning your 3D glasses you’ll get a tour through Muppet Laboratories. This show also contains Disney’s 4D effects where you’ll be blasted with bursts of air, squirted with water, and see a shower of soap bubbles at various times throughout the show.

Dining

BaseLine Tap House – California craft ales, lagers (19 beers on tap) and cider are the stars of the drink menu. California wines on tap along with specialty cocktails. A gourmet non-alcoholic lemonade and soda on tap round out the drink selection. As far as bar snacks they currently offer: a Bavarian Pretzel, California cheese charcuterie, and spiced almonds.

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano – [Permanently Closed 10 May 2025] Nestled in the heart of Grand Avenue, Mama Melrose’s offers a taste of Italy with a Californian twist. This cozy eatery serves up hearty Italian dishes in a setting that blends Old World charm with Hollywood glam. From wood-fired pizzas to pasta specials, Mama Melrose’s is a warm, inviting spot perfect for family meals or romantic dinners.

PizzeRizzo – [Permanently Closed 7 June 2025] LD $ – Counter Service – Step into the world of the Muppets at PizzeRizzo, run by none other than Rizzo the Rat. This family-friendly pizzeria serves up a variety of pizzas, salads, and Italian-inspired entrees in a casual, counter-service setting. Themed after a classic New York pizzeria, PizzeRizzo offers both indoor and outdoor seating where guests can enjoy their meals amidst Muppet-inspired decor and a few playful surprises. It’s a fantastic dining option for families and fans of the Muppets looking for a quick, tasty meal with a side of fun.

Shopping

It’s a Wonderful Shop – [Permanently Closed] Just what you need to get you into the Christmas spirit…even in July!  Lots of ornaments and holiday items.

Stage 1 Company Store – [Permanently Closed] Muppets merchandise, toys, and Children’s wear.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Visit Black Spire Outpost, the largest village on the planet Batuu on the fringes of the galaxy in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Black Spire Outpost is a frontier settlement where scoundrels, rogues, smugglers, the Resistance, and the Empire all have a presence.

This highly themed new land is fun to explore. There is so much detail and back story. Star Wars fans will love it and so will others.

Attractions

Millennium Falcon: – Smugglers Run (H38)(LL Multi)  – An interactive motion simulator attraction where 6 guests are grouped together, given roles, and put in control of the Millennium Falcon. The Falcon is set to begin offering a new storyline in 2026 featuring the Mandolorian and Grogu to celebrate the big screen, The Mandalorian and Grogu the same year.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (H38)(Individual Purchase)  – A hybrid walk-through and trackless dark ride with a mixed media presentation including live actors, projections, audio-animatronics, and a variety of physical effects. The attraction will put guests into the middle of a battle between the First Order (including Storm Troopers) and the Resistance and feature an eight-seat ride vehicle known as a First Order Fleet Transport.

Dining

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – BLD $$ – Quick Service – Featuring pork, chicken, and shrimp dressed up as extraterrestrial food.

Ronto Roasters – S $ – Quick Service – Sausage wraps and beverages.

Kat Saka’s Kettle – S $ – Quick Service – Flavored popped grains.

Oga’s Cantina – S $ – Some Table – Out of this world beverages for all ages. Limited capacity bar serving alcoholic beverages, mocktails, and other drinks, including Blue Milk.

Milk Stand – Fruit-flavored non-dairy beverages.

Shopping

Black Spire Outfitters – This apparel shop features an eclectic selection of themed clothing.

Creature Stall – stuffed porgs, tauntauns, rathtars, and more.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities – Inside the den is a rotating collection of unique treasures that include jewelry, ancient tools, rare kyber crystals, statues, and even a collection of famous lightsabers.

Droid Depot – Build your own droid.

First Order Cargo – Gear for those who want to show support for the First Order.

Resistance Supply – Gear for those who want to show support for the Resistance.

The Jewels of Bith – Accessories, trinkets, and other treasures.

Savi’s Workshop – Hand Built Light Sabers.

Toydarian Toymaker – Playthings and collectibles.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Entertainment

Shows & Other Entertainment

Fantasmic! – Experience the magic of Disney storytelling in this nighttime spectacular that blends water, fire, and dazzling effects to bring beloved Disney characters and stories to life. Held in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, Fantasmic! is a testament to the power of dreams and the triumph of good over evil.

This nighttime spectacular showcases the magic of Disney storytelling through water, fire, and light. Held in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, Fantasmic! is a celebration of imagination, featuring beloved Disney characters and stories in an epic battle of good versus evil.

Fantasmic! is a 25-minute-long presentation where the audience sees a dream that Mickey Mouse is having. There are several different acts featuring many of your favorite Disney characters.

The show, of course, has a musical score and during the show you’ll see: dancing water, water projection screens, the front rows splashed by Monstro the Whale, cannons, pyrotechnics, battle scenes, villains and evil spells, a 40-foot fire-breathing dragon, and Mickey prevailing. Then all the good characters celebrate on a steamboat that floats by.

Fantasmic is usually presented almost nightly, with times varying based on park hours. During the holidays and peak season, the show is often performed twice. If possible, take advantage of the second showing of Fantasmic! It’s typically much easier to get a seat. Many people arrive as much as an hour early.

Parades

There is currently no permanent parade at Disney Hollywood Studios.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Final thoughts on Hollywood Studios

With the addition of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Hollywood Studios has become a two day park, that is if you want to experience all that Galaxy’s Edge has to offer.

The disorganized layout can take some getting used to but if you are having trouble finding your way, just ask a cast member to point you in the right direction.

Disney World’s Other Theme Parks:

Disney World Theme Park Overview

Magic Kingdom 

EPCOT

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Also See: 

Best Disney World Resorts for Hollywood Studios Fans


This MDT Post By: Steve Bell

Steve is the Military Disney Tips Founder. He is a retired U.S. Military Member who's been touring the Disney Parks since 1971! He has been writing about Disney for the US Military Community here for 18 years. Steve's mission is to help military families with their Disney vacations in every way possible.
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