Massive changes have happened at Hollywood Studios in recent years. This fantastic theme park now has some of the most popular rides at Walt Disney World. While Holywood Studios has one of the smallest lists of attractions at Walt Dinsey World, it has the highest proportion of big E-Tickets. Now more than ever, you must have a strategy to maximize your time at Hollywood Studios. Due to these new park additions, making mistakes when visiting Hollywood Studios is easy. Here are our Top Hollywood Studios Mistakes to Avoid in 2023.
Not making a Hollywood Studios Plan
You must plan what you intend to do at Hollywood Studios. Since the new attractions have opened, there is too much to do at Hollywood Studios to manage without a plan.
Systems have changed at Walt Disney World in recent years, but the need to plan has not. In 2023 you must consider Dining Reservations, DisneyGenie+, Individual Lightning Lane purchases, Early Theme Park Entry, and Disney Park Pass.
While systems have changed, the need for planning your Disney World Vacation has not. No planning or planning too late will mean you miss out.
Visit our Guide to Holywood Studios to learn about all the fantastic attractions.
Not checking Hollywood Studios’ opening times
Make sure you check opening times before you visit. Click the link to get all the latest Walt Disney World Park Hours. Park hours can change right up to your visit date.
Not dedicating more than one day to Hollywood Studios
Previously we told you Hollywood Studios was only a 1-day park. However, this has now changed. An increase in attractions, bigger crowds, and longer waits means that one day is no longer sufficient.
Most guests will need at least two days to enjoy most attractions, and even then, you might not ride everything.
Not booking a Disney Park Pass.
To visit Holywood Studios, you must have a Disney Park Pass.
In 2023 you must obtain a Disney Park Pass as soon as you get your ticket. You must book a reservation online through the Disney Park Pass System to access your first park daily.
To access Hollywood Studios, guests must present their park reservation and a valid park ticket. Guests who do not have either of these will be refused entry.
Guests can access a second park, with the correct ticket, during Park Hopper Hours.
Thinking you have to purchase Disney Genie+
Disney Genie+ is the paid replacement for FastPass+, but it isn’t cheap, costing up to $29 a day per person. If you are on a short vacation, you might wish to purchase it every day, but it probably isn’t necessary if you plan to visit Hollywood Studios for several days.
Due to the number of E-Ticket attractions at Hollywood Studios, there is an opinion that Holywood Studios is probably the one park where you should buy Disney Genie+.
If you decide to purchase Disney Genie+, you can book your first experience at 7:00 AM on the day of your visit. The most popular attractions quickly run out of slots; make sure you are ready for 7:00 AM to book your first attraction. Slinky Dog should probably be your first choice.
Thinking you have to pay extra for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not available on Disney Genie+. An individual fee is required to access the lightning lane for this attractions
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a must-do attraction, but you can always access the standby line. The wait might be long, but it does not cost you extra money. However, we walked straight on the ride near to park closing.
Arriving at the Hollywood Studios late
Even with Disney Genie+, doing everything in one day is hard. If you only have one day available, get to the park early, and you will find shorter lines.
If you are staying onsite, take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry before the rest of the crowd arrives.
Not using the Single Rider Line.
The Single Rider Line at Hollywood Studios can be one of the most fabulous time savers. If you are happy to ride alone when a gap becomes available, a cast member will fill it with a single rider.
Hollywood Studios is the only park at Walt Disney World with two attractions with Single Rider lines. Rock N Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run have this facility.
Visit our Guide to the Single Rider Line to find out more.
Not checking if the kids are big enough to ride.
Don’t create a park plan that includes all family members riding; to realize too late, not all of you can. Many of the Walt Disney World attractions do carry restrictions and are enforced strictly. At the Hollywood Studios, these are:
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Height Requirement 40 inches.
- Star Tours Height Requirement 40 inches.
- Rock n’ Roller Coaster Height Requirement 48″ inches.
- Slinky Dog Dash 38 inches.
- Alien Swirling Saucers 32 inches.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run at least 38″.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance at least 40″.
When children are not big enough to ride, it does not mean adults and older children can’t. You can learn more in our Guide to Rider Switch.
Missing the shows
Disney World is not all about rides, and kids love the shows at Hollywood Studios. Try and make sure you catch a few of them. Beauty and the Beast, Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, and Fantasmic are all great options.
Not bringing park essentials.
List what you need, e.g., a camera, phone, autograph book, poncho. Make sure you don’t forget sunscreen & a good hat. Plus, you will need access to plenty of water.
We have created a Guide to what you should carry in your Walt Disney World Park Bag.
You can’t access the park’s Wi-Fi.
Online access is essential at Walt Disney World. Don’t even consider entering Hollywood Studios in 2023 without access to Wi-Fi.
You must download the My Disney Experience App before accessing Animal Kingdom. Through this free service, you can:
- Keep track of your plans & reservations, including those of your family & friends.
- Make Disney Genie, Dining & Ticket Reservations
- Order in advance food at select Quick Service Locations
- Access maps, wait times, showtimes, park hours, and essential information via the app.
- Check on all the latest resort changes, including any closed attractions.
Not having a break.
The Florida heat can still be unforgiving. It is easy to burn out if you are not careful. Make sure you take plenty of time out, drink plenty of water & don’t skip meal breaks.
Not planning Holywood Studios dining reservations in advance.
There isn’t a large number of table service restaurants at Hollywood Studios. Advanced Dining Reservations open 60 days in advance, and venues often book up fast.
Don’t expect to get a favorite dining location on the day; if standby reservations are available, you will often experience lengthy waits.
Not staying for the night.
All Disney Parks are great at night, but Hollywood Studios has fantastic nighttime shows.
You will not want to miss the sensational projections in Wonderful World of Animation or the legendary Fantasmic.
Visiting on major holidays
Unfortunately, this might be unavoidable, but don’t visit Hollywood Studios during major holidays when crowds will be at their highest. While you will have a great time no matter when you visit, lower crowds mean less stress and more fun.
Learn More about Walt Disney World
Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a great starting place to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation. Our Guide has tips, hints, and tricks to plan a perfect vacation.
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