Hollywood Studios touring plan/questions

[cgh]

We are traveling with our 7 year old and 2 year old (boys). We will be in Orlando for 2 weeks in August, with 10 day park tickets. My husband is going to be at a conference so I'll be taking the boys into the parks on my own for 3 of those days. Last time, we skipped HS because we only had 5 park days and I didn't see much that my then 5 year old would be interested in. So, now that I'm starting to work on the nitty gritty of fast passes for each day, and I'm really thinking 2 days are a waste. We also only go to the park until lunch time, then leave. (2 year old takes naps). We have lunch reservations both days. (DS2 has food allergies so we prefer sit downs). I have an AP. DH does NOT have a park hopper. DS7 does not like roller coasters and still tends to get scared.

We are most interested in Playhouse Disney, Toy Story (basically DH and I), Twilight Zone of Terror (just DH and I), perhaps Beauty and the Beast and maybe Little mermaid? (both of those are shows, not rides, right?) Maybe start tours (again, DH and I)


So here are my questions:
1. Are Beauty at the Beast and Little Mermaid in air conditioned facilities or are they outside?
2. Does Hollywood Studios have any play grounds or anything to entertain the youngest set?
3. Can I sit with a 7 year old and a 2 year old on Toy Story? Or can I only ride this ride if my husband is with me?
4. If we are doing ride swap, where would we take the 2 (and probably 7 year old while the other parent is riding).

My original plan was to go 1 day when my DH was at his conference-do Playhouse Disney and maybe another show? or Toy story, lunch and back to the hotel. Then, come back a second day and do the rides I need DH for.

Now, I'm thinking that perhaps it makes more sense to get a sitter and head to HS on our own one night to do the rides the kids don't want to do. This would entail getting a park hopper for my husband.

We have a sitter already planned for one night to go to Narcoosees. Reservation at 7:30. Do you think we could Drop DS7 at the neverland club at 4, then head to HS, ride Twilight Zone of Terror and Toy Story and be back for our 7:30 reservation?

Thoughts?

 

[JimmyV]

So here are my questions:
1. Are Beauty at the Beast and Little Mermaid in air conditioned facilities or are they outside?
2. Does Hollywood Studios have any play grounds or anything to entertain the youngest set?
3. Can I sit with a 7 year old and a 2 year old on Toy Story? Or can I only ride this ride if my husband is with me?
4. If we are doing ride swap, where would we take the 2 (and probably 7 year old while the other parent is riding).

1. Beauty and the Beast is a covered, but outdoor theater. It can get very hot. Little Mermaid is indoors in a theater that is much like It's Tough To Be A Bug (minus the 3-D glasses) if you are familiar with that.

2. Not any more. Playhouse Disney, which you have on your list of things to do, is as good as it gets for the really young ones.

3. You are allowed 3 people to a car, but obviously only 2 can fire the cannons.

4. Per the answer to #3, you shouldn't need to swap.

 

[cgh]

Ugh. Okay, thanks that is very helpful. I'm thinking August is NOT the time for Beauty and the beast. i think with that we (DH and I) need to plan our own trip to HS to do those rides.

For swap-I was thinking when DH and I ride Tower of Terror what would the other parent do with the kids.

 

[JimmyV]

Most "swappers" tend to wait in the gift shop, or on the cement seating benches just outside of the gift shop. That particular gift shop has some unique, not-found-elsewhere stuff that is worth a look.

 

[cassie58]

I think you could go one morning with the boys and do TSMM which they would love, is great for all ages. You could FP it or do 1st thing if you will go at RD, while the line is still short. Muppets 3D is good for both boys, and is inside and air conditioned. If you do either of the shows in the morning (Indiana Jones or B & B) before it gets too hot they might be doable(can always play it by ear, or get a FP for one if you might do it). The playhouse Disney show is good as well, and the Little Mermaid. You could also do some character meet and greets - not sure if 7 yr. old is into Star Wars yet, you can meet Chewy, and see movie memorabilia inside the Launch Bay. Or you could meet any other characters you are into - Kenny the Pirate's site has a map that tells what characters meet where in each park. Then you could head to lunch( not sure if your ADR was in the park or not). You and DH could then also do a visit another nt. for the rides you enjoy, as you mentioned. If you can FP for TSMM and ToT for your night out, it will be easier for you, since TSMM is always at least an hr.. wait throughout the day, and ToT can vary depending on the crowds from 15 min. to 45 min. or more.