Fitting everything in at HS is a struggle!

[empros]

I was nervous about this when I want, but everything worked out just fine!
The main thing that helped us out was going 1 full day and 1 evening, got there around 7pm.

The evening day, we did a lot of star wars stuff. It's mostly empty from 7pm - close. Then we waited for the star wars fireworks. We went after Animal Kingdom, which was a very quick and easy day, surprisingly.

The full day, we did everything else AND star wars stuff again. And Fantasmic. It seems overwhelming but you will get everything done if you pick a few things to skip (we skipped Disney JR stuff, Little Mermaid and most character meets). I personally prefer to have some things planned, and some things spontaneous. HS is a great park for that.

 

[BoltzNBrew]

This is my DHS plan for a Thursday in October, a recommended non EMH day. For now anyway, still a few weeks before we can get FP+. 2 adults 2 non thrill coaster boys 13,9.

9am open, 7pm close. Getting there no later than 8:30.
JTA Sign up
TSM
TSM FP+ 9:10
RnR SR Wife and I
TOT FP+ 10:20
B&TB 11:00
Starring Rolls
Launch Bay Meet Chewy & Kylo
ST FP+ 1:00
Jedi Check-in 1:40
JTA 2:10
Indy 3:00
Muppets
Sci-Fi ADR 4:00
Frozen Sing Along 5:30
GMR
TOT
F! 7:30 (4th FP+ if available)
Star Wars Fireworks if they are scheduled.

 

[Lavitz]

I've always assumed most people who say HS is a half day don't have many young kids for the reason OP mentioned. It's pretty good for the young crowd and a decent amount to do.

Same way I feel those who love Epcot don't have many young kids as well, not much for them to do compared to other places. This being our third trip we're changing Epcot to 1 day (could be half day possibly) and have HS as 1.5 days.

 

[lauris87]

Is the Beauty & the Beast show a must see?

I absolutely ADORE the Beauty and the Beast show

 

[Fire14]

I've btdt and kidless, unless Hubs counts. I like BARB stage show but it's not a must do every trip kinda thing, I could take or leave IJ show. Frozen sing a long was fun and one I'd probably do again. Never seen Disney Jr- gonna have to make time for that one. I tend to book RNRC for 9:30 ish, go ride TSMM, than do my fp for rnrc and tot back to back. I save SW stuff for after that as it's in AC and lines semmed to move pretty quick for us.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I've always assumed most people who say HS is a half day don't have many young kids for the reason OP mentioned. It's pretty good for the young crowd and a decent amount to do.

Same way I feel those who love Epcot don't have many young kids as well, not much for them to do compared to other places. This being our third trip we're changing Epcot to 1 day (could be half day possibly) and have HS as 1.5 days.

We've done many trips with extended family- so all ages.
Number one, if you look at the total number of attractions, HS and AK just don't add up to MK's totals.

Second, our family has never really been thrilled about the appearance of HS. It just doesn't have the charm of the other three parks.

As for Epcot, the kids in our family have all loved it! They can get lost in the aquariums of the Living Seas, and the post ride of SE. Visiting the Kidcot stations never got old! Personally, any time someone says Epcot isn't much fun for kids, I secretly assume they don't now about the Kidcot stations. It is a shame Epcot removed the FW Kidcot stations.

IMO the one park that didn't seem to have much for young kids was AK. Young children can see shows, but there are (were) very rides for very young kids. Toddlers could go on Triceratops Spin and the Safari. Otherwise they waited much of the day. Plus, the waiting area near EE (and others) is boring. no playground, no Kidcot, etc. the many animals partly balances this out, but only partly.

 

[Disney Mom 7272]

My family actually does 2 full days at Hollywood Studios. My kids favorite ride is tower of terror and they usually ride it around 6-8 times in one day. We always eat at Hollywood and Vine one of the days for lunch because my youngest likes Doc and Sofia. On our other day, we eat dinner at Sci Fi (the whole family loves that restaurant). Then we do all the shows between both of our days. We usually ride Toy Story multiple times too. I know other people say its a half day for them but we stay busy our entire day on both days that we go! I think it all depends on what kinds of rides that your family enjoys. Fantasmic is an absolute must for our family too. Its our favorite show at Disney!!

 

[ChasingLeslie]

@amandals2007 - PPO means pre-park open