Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing major changes that should result in some exciting new experiences. Two new themed “lands,” Toy Story and Star Wars, are under construction and are scheduled to open in 2018 and 2019, respectively. Even with half of this park behind construction walls, I was still able to come up with a top ten list, so here are my picks! UPDATE (9/4/17): Don’t let the closures deter you, especially if you’re a Star Wars fan. I’m by no means a huge Star War fan, however I enjoyed the shows and other interactive character experiences available during the construction.
Honorable mention: Listen, I got just as tired as anyone else of hearing the song Let It Go from the Frozen movie, so this wasn’t anywhere near my radar. But let me tell you, my son and I stopped into the show For the First Time in Forever, A Frozen Celebration, simply because it was starting as we were walking by, and we have zero regrets. We laughed so hard in this show, the ‘Royal Historians’ were hilarious. They were cracking themselves up, struggling to stay in character, that’s how funny they were. I understand that you may not get the same actors as we did, but if you do, you are in for some good entertainment.
10. Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream
This is a self guided tour through a museum-like attraction, and it includes a 15 minute film that tells Walt’s story in his own words. I can hear the groans now, who wants to visit a museum at Disney World? This one is pretty interesting though. As a kid, I loved The Wonderful World of Disney television series, and this attraction, along with the film, bring back very fond memories for me. There are lots of interesting displays, to include miniature models of rides and attractions, along with original park maps, which illustrate Walt’s ideas and overall vision. In case you aren’t aware, he never got to see his Disney World dream come to fruition. Walt died of cancer in 1966, five years before the Florida park opened in 1971.
9. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Personally, I think this show should be retired, seeing as the film it’s based on came out in 1981. And maybe it will be when the new lands open up, however, I do think it’s a worthy show if you’ve never seen it before. There’s some audience participation and campy humor, and some of the stunts are pretty cool. It’s an outdoor theater (with metal benches), but it is covered, so it provides an opportunity to get out of the sun and off your feet for a bit.
8. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
If you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid, you’ll like this mix of live actors and puppets. Personally, I think the special effects could stand an update, but they hold up for those who haven’t seen the show before. Even if you’re not a fan, it’s worth a peek for the comfy seats and air conditioning.
7. 50’s Prime Time Cafe
This place is a throwback to a simpler time. The tvs show clips from 50’s era shows like I Love Lucy, and the wait staff will fuss at you if you don’t eat your vegetables or fail to clean your plate. If you’re a meat and potatoes kind of person, this place is for you. Skip breakfast and eat a late lunch here to get your money’s worth, the servings are huge (as they are a most Disney restaurants). You can even consider splitting a meal, because, like most places, they’ll happily bring you a second, empty plate. Did you catch that money-saving tip? 🙂
6. Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant
I love this place. It’s a unique concept, and the food isn’t half bad either. You eat your meal in a car, facing a drive-in screen playing clips from old, really corny sci-fi movies. Don’t care for a “booth?” No problem. You can sit at cars with regular tables instead (shown below, bottom left). FYI, unless you have a really large party, you will be sharing your “ride” with other people. It doesn’t really matter though, you’re all facing forward towards the screen anyway!
5. Fantasmic!
If you only see one show, make it this one. All your favorite (or maybe just MY favorite) Disney villains make an appearance, and the special effects are incredible. I won’t give too much away but there’s a larger than life fire-breathing dragon (Maleficent) and a huge snake with glowing eyes (Kaa, from The Jungle Book). The one thing I don’t like is the metal stadium seating. The outdoor theater opens 90 minutes prior to showtime, and the show is popular, so you may be sitting for a while. Two things you should know; there isn’t a bad seat in the house, and if the weather is questionable (i.e. there’s lightning in the area), the show will be cancelled.
TIP: You can minimize your wait time by purchasing a Fantasmic dining package. You can enjoy a meal at one of three sit down restaurants, then head to the seating area about 15 minutes prior to show time. There will be a VIP reserved section just for you (and everyone else who bought a dining package).
Do yourself a favorite and see this nighttime show. There’s no better way to end your day at Hollywood Studios.
4. Star Tours – The Adventure Continues
UPDATE (9/4/17): I love the new version of this ride. Star Tours is a 3D motion simulator based on the Star Wars movie franchise. The experience is randomized (there are 54 possible story line combinations), so you’ll never experience the same ride twice! In addition to R2-D2 and C3PO, you might run into Boba Fett or even Darth Vader! I haven’t kept up with the series so I’m not sure who Boba Fett is, but he sounds scary. We were able to experience a version that included Darth Vader, and it was as cool as it sounds. Although the imagery has been updated, the physical ride itself hasn’t been, so I will warn you it’s a little rough. You might want to skip it if you have neck or back issues.
3. Toy Story Mania!
I. Love. This. Ride. It’s so addictive. You use your cannon to earn points while shooting at 3D digital targets in a series of carnival style games. This ride is 4D, so you’ll feel things come whizzing past you (with simulated wind) and you may get a little wet when you bust a digital balloon. Don’t worry though, it’s a sprinkle so light that it’ll dry before the ride is over. FYI; the ride vehicle spins to align you with each screen. I do not do spinning rides, but this one doesn’t bother me because the spin is short and quick. However, if you’re super sensitive to motion sickness, you should probably sit this one out.
2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I don’t like drop rides. Not knowing when you’ll plummet back down to earth causes too much anxiety for me. But on my first trip to the World, my then ex-husband convinced me to ride this ride. I was so immersed in the story line and special effects that I didn’t have time to be anxious when the drop came. And I’ve been hooked (on this particular drop ride) ever since.
The neat thing about this ride is the drop is computer generated so it’s always random. On one ride you might bounce like a yo-yo, on another ride you might drop three times, and on yet another ride you might drop five times. The uncertainty intensifies the thrill. The theming for the line queue is second to none (like many Disney attractions) so be sure to pay attention to the details. If you’re a Twilight Zone fan, you might be able to spot some familiar items while you wait. Keep your eye out for the “To Serve Man” book. 😉
1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
I love roller coasters and this one doesn’t disappoint. I also love Aerosmith, so it’s no surprise that this is my number one pick. I’ll spare you the story (there’s always a story for every Disney ride) but I’ll share the best part. **Stop reading now if you’d rather be surprised.**
While you’re waiting for your ride to begin, there’s a count down (with Steven Tyler!) from ten to one. As you’re counting down, you feel the entire ride train slowly roll backwards, kind of like a sling shot, and you’re the pebble. Then, the red traffic light (shown below) turns green, and you are propelled, from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, into darkness. Yes, the entire ride takes place indoors, in the dark. Don’t worry, there are glow in the dark traffic signs to guide you along the way. This ride is not to be missed. It. Is. Awesome. 🙂
In my next post I’ll list my top 10 picks for Animal Kingdom.
This post is part of my Disney series.