Hollywood Studios for half a day?

[Carolyn Louise]

Can I take in most of Hollywood Studios arriving possibly as late as 3pm? Any suggestions/strategies for making the most of my time there? I'm doing a 4-night solo trip the first week of March, arriving Monday 3/2 around 1pm via Amtrak. My resort is AKL, and I expect by the time I get to the resort, check in and head out to the park it could be getting pretty late. My three full days are going to be at AK, MK and Epcot, and then on Friday my train departs Orlando around 1:30. I was originally going to skip HS, but I do have a 4-day park pass so it would be shame to waste it. I also have the park hopper option.

At HS I'm mainly interested in Toy Story Mania and dining at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. I would skip ToT and the roller coaster.

What else is a must-do there?

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

Can I take in most of Hollywood Studios arriving possibly as late as 3pm? Any suggestions/strategies for making the most of my time there? I'm doing a 4-night solo trip the first week of March, arriving Monday 3/2 around 1pm via Amtrak. My resort is AKL, and I expect by the time I get to the resort, check in and head out to the park it could be getting pretty late. My three full days are going to be at AK, MK and Epcot, and then on Friday my train departs Orlando around 1:30. I was originally going to skip HS, but I do have a 4-day park pass so it would be shame to waste it. I also have the park hopper option.

At HS I'm mainly interested in Toy Story Mania and dining at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. I would skip ToT and the roller coaster.

What else is a must-do there?

I would say if you can get FP for TSM and at least one of TOT and RC then very likely. I can do it as I just go on four rides and leave (I don't do shows)

 

[Mikie]

hmmm. . . Definitely use that extra park day somewhere on arrival day!

I used to only do half or 3/4 days at DHS, but this year we spent open to close there. For me, Tower of Terror and Rockin a Roller coaster are must-do, and my kids love Star Tours. If you're not into those, that leaves Great Movie ride (which I did the first time this year and enjoyed) and shows. I'd look at show descriptions and reviews if I were you, as well as checking show schedules, to see if you're interested in much there.

I find DHS a little tricky because of trying to gauge show times.

If you're not real interested in shows or the schedules don't look promising to you, I'd consider using that extra half day at Epcot instead.

 

[nighttowll]

If you:

A. Can get a FP+ for TSM, and this is a must do.
B. Have an extra ticket that will go to waste anyway.

then, yes, I would go.


You will only have 4 hours; though, since the park closes early at 7 that night.

Some of the things I like at HS are the Car Stunt show, the Indiana Jones Stunt show, the Animation Academy, the Star Wars ride and the Jedi Training Academy.

Indiana Jones isn't playing, but the car show will be on at 4, so you could hit that. The Animation Academy is fun. They walk you through drawing a character. You don't need any real art skills to pull it off, just good listening and following direction skills. A lot of people don't know about this class either, so you can usually get in without too much of an issue even during a crowded afternoon. I think the Star Wars ride is fun, and we usually try to do it more than once, as it is a different story every time you ride. We also usually try to make time to watch the little kids fight Vader at the Jedi Academy. It is so cute and entertaining. We normally use this time for a snack or a lunch break at the QS place next door. It’s the perfect viewing spot to sit and watch them.

If none of that appeals to you, there is also a Little Mermaid show, a Beauty and the Beast show, and a Frozen Sing-a-long as well. I’m not a big fan of first two. I like the Little Mermaid show, but it is more because of nostalgia, then anything, and I really don’t care very much for the Beauty and the Beast show. I find it underwhelming and feel I have seen better high school plays; however, the rest of my family and friends just love it.

I would suggest that if you do the sit down meal, you skip Fantasmic and make the reservation for as close to 7:00 as possible. This was the one restaurant that took us forever. We spent about 4 hours here one lunch which I don't think is normal, but still I'd think 1.5 hrs to 2 hrs would not be unreasonable. Since, you only have 4 hours to begin with, I wouldn't want to chance the meal taking up the majority of my time.

Another option, would be to save HS for a different trip when you could devote a full day to it, and just use the 4th day ticket to go to one of the parks you are already planning on visiting. You can't even see half of what there is at MK or Epcot in one day alone, so using the ticket to add a second day to either of those parks makes sense. Epcot is open to 9, and MK to 10, so you would have quite a bit more time to spend at either of those parks. For instance, you could watch the parades and fireworks at MK that first night, and then during the parade/firework time on your second night, you could skip those and take advantage of shorter lines while everyone else is watching.

 

[RustManFan]

If I skip any park it is DHS. Do not do thrill rides so that limits the possibilities for me. I would use this day at Epcot or AK myself... with family along it would probably be Epcot or MK. I'm a "stop and smell the roses" type of person so a leisurely pace and sitting to do some people watching is very relaxing.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

Most certainly you should try to go to park that day.

One idea- you are assuming an on-time arrival. Since HS closes at 7pm, then I'd mentally keep that day flexible. Should it happen that you are late or anything, you could quite easily go to a park that is open past 7pm (MK?). We easily spend 2 days in MK.

In HS, the new Frozen show is cute. I also second a TSM FP, + Frozen, and Star Tours or GMR. In addition to the Frozen sing-along, the Frozen ice skating area is pretty cute to see: see the pros, and take special photos. We didn't wait to build a snowman, and maybe that is less appealing in winter, but in FL the idea is fun.

Among the things we like to do in HS: TSM, Muppets, RNRC, GMR, Stunt Show, animation class, Star Tours, VotLM, see characters in Animation Studio (bypass the Animation tour). Many folks rave about Fantasmic!


If you haven't been to Star Tours in a few years, it was re-made not all that long ago, so now it has multiple versions and endings.

 

[Carolyn Louise]

This is incredibly helpful, I had no idea HS closes at 7 that day! I suppose I'll have a "backup" park in mind like MK with later hours in case my arrival ends up being delayed. Or go to HS and then parkhop over to MK after it closes. There's not a lot in HS that I feel I really HAVE to do. I would be happy just wandering around taking in the sights. The only thing I really want to do there is eat at the 50's Prime Time Cafe or Tune In Lounge, and then maybe just see what attractions I can get onto while everyone is at Fantasmic.

 

[kwdw]

So - I've done almost exactly your plan as a solo - arrive at resort - and hit DHS in the afternoon to early close - then park hop to the park open latest. Without ToT, RnRc, and Fantasmic - you can do alot. You do need to watch show times though - they tend to stop early. Definitely plan 50's Prime Time as late as possible, though - otherwise it will eat up alot of your time when shows are still happening. Get FP for TS, Star Tours, and GMR. I always seem to get seated late at 50's - like 15-30 minutes past my ADR time. I've had a great time there as a solo - and a crappy time there as a solo - depends on your server and the folks around you.

I did find it a longer day than I expected - my plane flight meant I had to be up at 4 am - and while everything went smooth and as planned - I was tuckered out at the MK by about 11 pm - and it was open until 1am that day. I didn't make it as long as I expected at the second park. BUT - I had a blast that solo trip overall.

 

[JRawkSteady]

I think it really depends on what you want to accomplish. Hollywood Studios is not what it used to be. If you've never seen it, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is always amazing. Great Movie Ride is a staple of the park and pretty much the only thing left that actually still keeps the backstage movie theme. Muppetvision 3D is always a good time as well... Besides that, I would DEFINITELY catch Fantasmic! because..well...it's Fantasmic! hehe. If that's all you were hitting plus your dinner at 50s, you should be fine. (As long as you have a TSM FP...if you don't, then you'll be seeing one attraction that night. )

Edit: I noticed you cut out Tot and RNRC...I assume that means you're not into thrill rides. But if you like simulators, the new Star Tours is really nothing less than amazing.

 

[mjhannaf]

...then maybe just see what attractions I can get onto while everyone is at Fantasmic.

That's when you'll find the lowest wait times! Good strategy

 

[mickeyluv'r]

This is incredibly helpful, I had no idea HS closes at 7 that day! I suppose I'll have a "backup" park in mind like MK with later hours in case my arrival ends up being delayed. Or go to HS and then parkhop over to MK after it closes. There's not a lot in HS that I feel I really HAVE to do. I would be happy just wandering around taking in the sights. The only thing I really want to do there is eat at the 50's Prime Time Cafe or Tune In Lounge, and then maybe just see what attractions I can get onto while everyone is at Fantasmic.

Another low key option is to take the Epcot resort boat/walk around the BWK/Swan/BC area. It is really pretty at night. You could pop into the WS Showcase in time to see Illuminations, or just watch it from the BWK area. There are many snack options, including ice cream and candy at the BWK Bakery area. There are also more substantial dining options as well. I think the Dolphin cafeteria is open 24 hours, and I know the sushi bar at the Swan is open late which is a good option for a solo diner. Many of the TS are also options. At the high end, you could probably find a seat at the counter in the Flying Fish, where you cold watch the chefs. Off the top of my head, I'm not sure which other places have similar seating, but I think several places do. I think the new Italian place still has pizza slices. We also always love looking in the Wyland Gallery, and the Bwk gift shop is pretty big.

There are also a number of places to enjoy an adult beverage, like the piano bar, ESPN, the brewpub, or at any of the hotels.

 

[Tonyz]

Personally, unless you're gonna eat there, I think you can get through HS in like two hours. Toy Story Mania, Tower of Terror (even if you don't like the ride, the queue is amazing), One Man's Dream, and maybe a quick trip through the Frozen store. Oh, maybe the Muppets, too.

 

[mikeyg1479]

Just depends what you want to do.

For me,

Indiana Jones, Star Tours, Movie Ride, Lights Motors Action, Little Mermaid, Disney Jr. Show (if you have little ones) Tower of Terror, Rock n roller coaster, Toy Story, Fantasmic, plus dinner at 50's prime time are all must do (and I'm there to experience all the place has to offer). So an entire day is spent easily.

Of course you can do 1/3 of these and bang the place out in a single morning or evening if you would rather spend more time at Magic Kingdom or Epcot which are both larger and have more attractions, but its up to you.

For me, I still very much enjoy my day at Hollywood studios, and it will be can't miss once Cars Land and Star Wars land (rumored) go in.

 

[kay1864]

I would say if you can get FP for TSM and at least one of TOT and RC then very likely.

If by "RC" you mean RNRC, you can't get TSM and RNRC, since they're both Tier 1. And that late in the day, after your 3 FPs you can't get either one as a 4th FP.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

If by "RC" you mean RNRC, you can't get TSM and RNRC, since they're both Tier 1. And that late in the day, after your 3 FPs you can't get either one as a 4th FP.

That's right, then TOT and one of the others. And yes what you will have left are tier 2 rides at best.

 

[CTDisneyfan816]

For me, I just go on RRC, TOT, Star Tours and the Great Movie Ride. I don't like shows or parades. So if I get there at 9 for rope drop I am done by 11-11:30 and then I can do AK, my other half day park.

 

[Ohio louie]

Can I take in most of Hollywood Studios arriving possibly as late as 3pm? Any suggestions/strategies for making the most of my time there? I'm doing a 4-night solo trip the first week of March, arriving Monday 3/2 around 1pm via Amtrak. My resort is AKL, and I expect by the time I get to the resort, check in and head out to the park it could be getting pretty late. My three full days are going to be at AK, MK and Epcot, and then on Friday my train departs Orlando around 1:30. I was originally going to skip HS, but I do have a 4-day park pass so it would be shame to waste it. I also have the park hopper option.

At HS I'm mainly interested in Toy Story Mania and dining at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. I would skip ToT and the roller coaster.

What else is a must-do there?

make sure to check out the characters inside the animation building, in backlot and by exit of TOT (ask about the character a poolooza parade 240, 350, 440.)