Bored with DHS

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I'd say we like it better than Animal Kingdom. That's a half day park for us. The only major attraction there is EE and safari.

Don't forget my favorite, Dinosaur!

 

[FLchick415]

I love Hollywood Studios. It has always been my favorite park every since my first visit when I was 8. I think it has the best themed restaurant (Sci Fi) and ride (Tower of Terror) in all of Walt Disney World. That said, it is such a shell of its former self and it does appear to be going through an identity crisis. Once upon a time, it was supposed to be "a Hollywood that never was and always will be." You were supposed to feel as though you entered old Hollywood. You entered the park and felt like you would see Clark Gable or Bette Davis walking down the street. Then, when you went in an attraction, you were supposed to feel as though you were transported into the show or movie. Look at Tower of Terror where you are suddenly in the show, Great Movie Ride where the scenes come to life, or Star Tours where you are flying with R2D2. They also had Superstar Television where you were put into the action, and Backlot Tour that actually was a backlot tour. Now, they have eighty-sixed Superstar television to make way for someone yelling at you to audition for American Idol. They added in some great stuff with Pixar Place, but it doesn't seem to fit. Streets of America is neat to look at, but what do you do there? They seriously need to reevaluate what is going on here.

My advice would be a major overhaul that would make the Fantasyland expansion look minute. First, you change the name. It needs to just be called "The Studios". Inside, you will have 5 sections: Hollywood Studios, Disney Studios, Pixar Studios, Muppet Studios, and Lucas Studios. As you enter the park, you should once again feel as though you are in old Hollywood with all different studios surrounding you. As you enter each area, it needs to be clear what is going on.

Hollywood Studios would contain Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard. It would still have Tower, Rock n Roller Coaster, an Great Movie Ride. Sci Fi would move over here, as would 50's Prime Time. Brown Derby is also important to keep around. I would also look into moving Mama's over here and having the waiters and waitresses sing like they do at Miceli's. Also, I would make sure to keep the streetmosphere performers as I feel they are critical to the feel of the park.

Disney Studios would have Animation Courtyard, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, One Man's Dream, and Disney Jr, Live on Stage. Hollywood and Vine would move over here and be renamed Rout 66 (travels between Hollywood, Chicago, and near Kansas City, so it encompasses the cities important to Walt), but the theming would be the same. Definitely keep the dining with the Disney Jr. characters. I would add some rides, as well. What rides? I'd add the rides that Walt helped design based on his films that are no longer in the parks. So, Snow White's Scar Adventures, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and other things like that would be added to this area. I'd add in a quick service restaurant that Clarabell is the owner of.

Pixar Studios would be where it currently is located, as well as expanding past where Backlot Tour currently is (with it no longer being a real working studio, no need for this ride anymore... especially in its current state). Along with what is currently there, we are going to bring some of Disneyland's great pixar rides and attractions. I'd bring in Mike and Sully to the Rescue, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, and a ride similar to Jumpin Jellyfish based on Up. Pizza Planet would need to move over here and I'd add in a table service restaurant that would be Remy's. If we really have the money, I would not hesitate to bring Radiator Springs Racers here, as well, as it is a truly fantastic ride. A kid's play area based on Toy Story would also work well here.

Muppet Studios would be where it currently is and would extend into Streets of America and back through the off stage area. We need a roller coaster based on The Great Gonzo that, like California Screamin' and Rock n Roller Coaster, starts off fast. But you are shooting through a cannon like Gonzo does! Sweedish Chef would get a restaurant and Gonzo and Rizzo would have a pizza and pasta quick service restaurant. A Muppets in Space ride would also be a nice addition.

Lucas Studios would be where Indy and Star Tours currently are and they would certainly be kept. A Cantina restaurant is a must and would be counter service. Maybe we could keep Sci Fi here and give it a slight American Graffiti theme, but I hate to touch the restaurant since I feel it is so perfect. A family ride based on ET and riding a bicycle through the night sky would be a good attraction. Like Peter Pan's flight, you would be suspended from above so it give the illusion that you are flying. With how popular the Indiana Jones ride is at Disneyland, I think it would be a mistake not to bring it here.


So basically, I think that it needs to be more thought out than it currently is. It is also in dire need of better counter service restaurants. If they can address these things, I think it will go a long way in repairing some of the damage done to the park.

YOU'RE HIRED. lol Seriously, these are some great ideas!

 

[ZoZo]

I'm always amazed that when people make lists of what they do at HS, those lists rarely include One Man's Dream. After all, isn't understanding Disney's history part of appreciating Disney. No, One Man's Dream is not a thrill ride or a glitzy show, but it's Disney at its core.

Many people will readily give 20 minutes to a standy line for a ride they've ridden, or a character they've met, before. But, they wouldn't 'dream' of giving the same to absorbing some Disney history.

And, for parents of children, yes, your kids may find it boring, but they may not. Give them a chance and let them decide for themselves. Each time you visit WDW, spending a little time in One Man's Dream will help strengthen your overall Disney experience.

I have to admit that, after five or six WDW trips, I never even realized that One Man's Dream existed -- until my trip a few months ago. I absolutely loved it! I would have spent even more time there, but my friend "gets bored at museums" and was getting antsy to go. I only saw about half of the exhibits and we didn't stay for the movie. Definitely next trip, I will spend at least an hour there. What a hidden gem!

Overall, for me DHS doesn't have as many things I'm interested in, compared to the other parks. I do really enjoy TSM, RnR, Muppets, and One Man's Dream, but am not interested in the other rides or the shows. I don't like Fantasmic at all! And the food options aren't the best at DHS. I guess different people like different things - I can spend two days at AK, and some people consider it a "half-day park!" To each his/her own, I guess!

 

[JennaDeeDooDah]

YOU'RE HIRED. lol Seriously, these are some great ideas!

Thanks. I probably give more thoughts to how I would improve the Disney parks than any normal, sane person should.

I have to admit that, after five or six WDW trips, I never even realized that One Man's Dream existed -- until my trip a few months ago. I absolutely loved it! I would have spent even more time there, but my friend "gets bored at museums" and was getting antsy to go. I only saw about half of the exhibits and we didn't stay for the movie. Definitely next trip, I will spend at least an hour there. What a hidden gem!

I love One Man's Dream. I never get to go through the museum area at my leisure, though, because it seems I am always 10 minutes away from showtime and I DON'T want to miss that show.

 

[crazymomof4]

I think what made this my least fav park was all the scheduled shows. I felt like I was running from show to show, sometimes from one side of DHS to the other. So this year we all agreed there was lots we could cut out.
On the chop list are: Lights, Motors, Action. Backlot Tour. Indiana Jones American Idol and probably the Little Mermaid. + all the things our kids are too old for (Playhouse etc)

We are left with JUST our favs and it should be a very relaxed, slow paced day. I'm hoping to be able to really notice the themeing and details in the park that I feel I was always too rushed to notice. I also want to catch some of the street entertainment that others say is good but we never had time to stop and take in. A drink from Tune In Lounge and a bench along Echo Lake is also in the plans. Ending with Fantasmic Dinner Pkg (a 1st for us) and Fantasmic.

Ironically, all of my family members specifically requested more time in One Man's Dream. In past years they say they've felt rushed and this time really want to spend more time looking at and reading the things in the museum type area.

 

[Karbase8]

DHS is my favorite park, it's the cleanest, the most compact and has a cool vibe at night time. I love TOT and The Great Movie Ride. TSM is just ok for me. I actually really enjoy the Backlot tour as well. The shows are ok I lke Indiana Jones and Little Mermaid. I did the last American Idol show last time and loved it. I love the Art of Animation and One Man's Dream. I am thinkng of skipping Epcot next trip but I am on the fence because I love the beauty of the park but feel that has gone downhill. And MK to me has gone down a bit and it was always my favorite park. Everyone has it's own tastes I didnt like MGM when it first came out at all but the park has grown for me.

 

[Flamingeaux]

I love DHS!!! It has the best rides. I love me some ToT and RnRc. I like to draw at the Animation Academy. Star Tours is fun. and TSMM is one of the few "rides" DW will ride. Fantasmic is my favorite nighttime show. And you can blow a few snack credits at Starring Rolls.

 

[MeanestMomEver]

I had a piece of Grapefruit cake there yesterday that made my entire trip worthwhile.




Honestly, we just came to do our favorites while DH is on a biz trip. And just a few hours was really kind of nice.

We did a few attractions, including TSM, Muppets, etc. Drew some super cute pictures of Dopey at Animation Academy, Brown Derby
Salads, hubby got some popcorn in a Darth Vader head (DH day: made) and we were back on the bus to take a beat-the-heat rest before an evening trip to MK.

 

[CinqueTerre]

Teen vibe - very true. Shame on Disney for wanting to do something for teens. Teens don't need a fun, family oriented place to spend time with their parents and sibs...they should all go back to hanging out on the street corners and in the gutter where they belong

I detest replies like this because that's not what redarrow said. The poster simply is not a fan of all the boy bands/musicals that are played near the Sorcerer's hat which create mass congestion especially middle afternoon. The poster said nothing about eliminating teens from the park or sending them back to the gutter.. c'mon.

I don't understand the rest of what you're saying in your post. You say "Teens don't need a fun, family oriented place to spend time with their parents and sibs." Isn't that what the entirety of Disney World is about? Having fun with the family. I can tell you when I was a teen I loved going to Magic with my family, to Epcot with my family, and to AK with the family. Heck, I even loved MGM back then but over the years, Disney hasn't done much of anything with this park. It seems they have almost forgotten about it besides adding toy story mania and high school musical dance offs... yay!!!

 

[TwinPrincessMermaids]

I detest replies like this because that's not what redarrow said. The poster simply is not a fan of all the boy bands/musicals that are played near the Sorcerer's hat which create mass congestion especially middle afternoon. The poster said nothing about eliminating teens from the park or sending them back to the gutter.. c'mon.

I don't understand the rest of what you're saying in your post. You say "Teens don't need a fun, family oriented place to spend time with their parents and sibs." Isn't that what the entirety of Disney World is about? Having fun with the family. I can tell you when I was a teen I loved going to Magic with my family, to Epcot with my family, and to AK with the family. Heck, I even loved MGM back then but over the years, Disney hasn't done much of anything with this park. It seems they have almost forgotten about it besides adding toy story mania and high school musical dance offs... yay!!!

I think it was a case of sarcasm...

 

[CinqueTerre]

I think it was a case of sarcasm...

I would have thought so too but the rolling eyes at the end of the comment made me think otherwise

 

[JustPeachy2014]

I never get bored in any of the Disney parks or feel like I need to leave because I've done everything I care to do. There is so much to see and do outside of the rides. I could spend hours just walking through shops probably, but that might just be my personality. And there's always little extra things to do that the typical visitor might not consider, like the animation class at HS.

On the other hand, I don't go to HS every year, and I might not be interested in going every year for a full day. So, maybe I agree with most of you more than I thought I would.

 

[lugnut33]

I have no problem spending a whole day at DHS (or AK, which people also say is a half day park). I do believe DHS needs a lot of refurbishment and upgrades though.

 

[disney is my life]

I also agree with the OP. In fact we didn't even visit Hollywood Studios at all our first 2 trips to Disney World. We went last trip because we were on a much longer trip. We had planned to stay for Fantasmic! at 6:30 but by 1:00 we had already had already done breakfast at Hollywood & Vine, Met Sofia the First, Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller coaster, eaten at the ABC Restaurant, and the back lot tour. By 1:00 we were walking around trying to find something we wanted to do since Fantasmic and Osborne lights weren't for a long time and in the end we left the park and went back to the pool and then to EPCOT. I found the layout of Hollywood Studios very confusing as well.

 

[CanadianBaldGuy]

I love Hollywood Studios. It has always been my favorite park every since my first visit when I was 8. I think it has the best themed restaurant (Sci Fi) and ride (Tower of Terror) in all of Walt Disney World. That said, it is such a shell of its former self and it does appear to be going through an identity crisis. Once upon a time, it was supposed to be "a Hollywood that never was and always will be." You were supposed to feel as though you entered old Hollywood. You entered the park and felt like you would see Clark Gable or Bette Davis walking down the street. Then, when you went in an attraction, you were supposed to feel as though you were transported into the show or movie. Look at Tower of Terror where you are suddenly in the show, Great Movie Ride where the scenes come to life, or Star Tours where you are flying with R2D2. They also had Superstar Television where you were put into the action, and Backlot Tour that actually was a backlot tour. Now, they have eighty-sixed Superstar television to make way for someone yelling at you to audition for American Idol. They added in some great stuff with Pixar Place, but it doesn't seem to fit. Streets of America is neat to look at, but what do you do there? They seriously need to reevaluate what is going on here.

My advice would be a major overhaul that would make the Fantasyland expansion look minute. First, you change the name. It needs to just be called "The Studios". Inside, you will have 5 sections: Hollywood Studios, Disney Studios, Pixar Studios, Muppet Studios, and Lucas Studios. As you enter the park, you should once again feel as though you are in old Hollywood with all different studios surrounding you. As you enter each area, it needs to be clear what is going on.

Hollywood Studios would contain Sunset and Hollywood Boulevard. It would still have Tower, Rock n Roller Coaster, an Great Movie Ride. Sci Fi would move over here, as would 50's Prime Time. Brown Derby is also important to keep around. I would also look into moving Mama's over here and having the waiters and waitresses sing like they do at Miceli's. Also, I would make sure to keep the streetmosphere performers as I feel they are critical to the feel of the park.

Disney Studios would have Animation Courtyard, Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, One Man's Dream, and Disney Jr, Live on Stage. Hollywood and Vine would move over here and be renamed Rout 66 (travels between Hollywood, Chicago, and near Kansas City, so it encompasses the cities important to Walt), but the theming would be the same. Definitely keep the dining with the Disney Jr. characters. I would add some rides, as well. What rides? I'd add the rides that Walt helped design based on his films that are no longer in the parks. So, Snow White's Scar Adventures, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and other things like that would be added to this area. I'd add in a quick service restaurant that Clarabell is the owner of.

Pixar Studios would be where it currently is located, as well as expanding past where Backlot Tour currently is (with it no longer being a real working studio, no need for this ride anymore... especially in its current state). Along with what is currently there, we are going to bring some of Disneyland's great pixar rides and attractions. I'd bring in Mike and Sully to the Rescue, Mater's Junkyard Jamboree, and a ride similar to Jumpin Jellyfish based on Up. Pizza Planet would need to move over here and I'd add in a table service restaurant that would be Remy's. If we really have the money, I would not hesitate to bring Radiator Springs Racers here, as well, as it is a truly fantastic ride. A kid's play area based on Toy Story would also work well here.

Muppet Studios would be where it currently is and would extend into Streets of America and back through the off stage area. We need a roller coaster based on The Great Gonzo that, like California Screamin' and Rock n Roller Coaster, starts off fast. But you are shooting through a cannon like Gonzo does! Sweedish Chef would get a restaurant and Gonzo and Rizzo would have a pizza and pasta quick service restaurant. A Muppets in Space ride would also be a nice addition.

Lucas Studios would be where Indy and Star Tours currently are and they would certainly be kept. A Cantina restaurant is a must and would be counter service. Maybe we could keep Sci Fi here and give it a slight American Graffiti theme, but I hate to touch the restaurant since I feel it is so perfect. A family ride based on ET and riding a bicycle through the night sky would be a good attraction. Like Peter Pan's flight, you would be suspended from above so it give the illusion that you are flying. With how popular the Indiana Jones ride is at Disneyland, I think it would be a mistake not to bring it here.


So basically, I think that it needs to be more thought out than it currently is. It is also in dire need of better counter service restaurants. If they can address these things, I think it will go a long way in repairing some of the damage done to the park.

I was thinking about posting how DHS needed a much-needed overhaul of their park in order to compete with UO...and I think a lot of your ideas (especially "The Studios" suggestion) are fantastic!

There is a ton of potential with DHS to make it a lot better than it is right now. To me, it's kind of "in limbo" between some of the classic stuff from when it opened and some of the newer thrill rides that keep people happy. It's not really moving forward or progressing. There is just so much more they could do with the whole "Disney movie" concept.

 

[ariane37]

I definitely agree HS needs some new attractions and a few current ones need to be updated. However, I just cannot skip this park and am in no way bored with it! DS12 always requests it be the first park we hit On a 7 park day visit we'll go at least twice; in Feb. we had 10 park days and we were there 2 full days and 2 half days.

We could, and often do, do this all day long: go back and forth between RnRC, TOT, Animation Class, watching Mulch, Sweat and Shears and the Streetmosphere performers. That isn't all we do but we do those things multiple times daily along with TSMM (little harder to do TS, TOT, and RnRC that way on our last trip, our first with FP+) In fact, I think HS is tied with MK as my 2nd favorite park........

 

[itchin2go]

Anyone else bored with DHS? Over the past few years, it's really taken a nose dive in terms of my desire to go. Just becoming really bored with the rides and the attractions. Not to mention, the lunch options are absolutely horrendous and since food is a big part of the experience for me, really makes DHS even more unappealing.

Yep - We spent about an hour there last trip. Just couldn't think of a reason to stay. This trip, we're going to see Osbourne Lights and eat at Brown Derby one evening. Other than that, we won't be visiting DHS.

 

[Retro Magic]

While I still love it, this is how I feel about Epcot. Epcot needs a LOT. I feel all it is now, for the most part, is admission to go spend more money at restaurants.

HS is lots of fun to me still and relaxing. Citizens of Hollywood are so underrated, they add so much to the atmosphere and fun of the park.
Granted, this park also needs a LOT. Needs full on Figment & Dreamfinder back with a re-haul of the IP, improve the backlot tour, get rid of the stunt show and build a land like Incredibles, Villains or Frozen, etc. Is the Sounds Dangerous building condemned yet? And American Idol REALLY needs to close already.

 

[mcconnellfam96]

I detest mayonnaise.

Me too.

 

[pmaurer74]

I agree. HS is my second favorite park but I feel like I am doing the same thing over and over. Pizza Planet and Sci Fi are the places we eat. We usually only spend 1/2 day there.