Planning our Hollywood Studios day

[alac1980]

Hi there everyone,

I'm heading to disney in April with my family of four. Myself, spouse, and two daughters, ages 9 and 11.

We've been there before...a year and a half ago. We spent one day at Hollywood Studios, and the kids wound up bored for most of our time spent there. However, they are older now, and more likely to go on the 'scary' rides like tower of terror, which we skipped last time. They were very nervous children...funny how much they change in such a short time. This, combined with the fact that there are new attractions, specifically the frozen show...I figure it's worth spending some time there. But...I know we won't have enough to do there to make it a full day. So I've booked our fastpasses for the morning. Should be done our rides and shows by early afternoon, based on what appeals to us. We'd like to go back for fantasmic later that evening. My question is, what could we do to fill the rest of the day? I'm thinking of leaving the park. Is HS close enough to another park that it would be worth our time to park hop for the afternoon? What about a water park? They close at 5 though so I'm not sure that makes much sense. How about downtown disney? Of course going back to the hotel to have a relaxing swim is an option but we are going to be doing a lot of that as it is.

Any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks!

 

[Robo]

Hi there everyone,

I'm heading to disney in April with my family of four. Myself, spouse, and two daughters, ages 9 and 11.

We've been there before...a year and a half ago. We spent one day at Hollywood Studios, and the kids wound up bored for most of our time spent there. However, they are older now, and more likely to go on the 'scary' rides like tower of terror, which we skipped last time. They were very nervous children...funny how much they change in such a short time. This, combined with the fact that there are new attractions, specifically the frozen show...I figure it's worth spending some time there. But...I know we won't have enough to do there to make it a full day. So I've booked our fastpasses for the morning. Should be done our rides and shows by early afternoon, based on what appeals to us. We'd like to go back for fantasmic later that evening. My question is, what could we do to fill the rest of the day? I'm thinking of leaving the park.

1. Is HS close enough to another park that it would be worth our time to park hop for the afternoon?

2. What about a water park? They close at 5 though so I'm not sure that makes much sense.

3. How about downtown disney?

Any suggestions would be awesome! Thanks!

1. Epcot is nearly "next door."

2. You can certainly do that.

3.DTD is not very far.

 

[alac1980]

They loved DTD in terms of shopping. Two little girls...they browsed those shops for hours.

 

[RenaissanceBabe]

Epcot is not too far away so you could easily take one of the friendship boats over there. Maybe tour the world showcase?

 

[OB1]

If you have a car, it also may be worthwhile to eat away from Disney, and then come back later for shows & stuff. IMHO, the studios is the worst park to eat at unless you spend big bucks at the Brown Derby.
The Premium outlet mall may also be calling, and there is a Disney store there.

 

[kbmartin]

If you don't want to park hop, you could take the ferry (right outside Hollywood Studios) to the Epcot area resorts and check those out. How about dinner and dessert at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club? Yum! If you go in the evening, the Boardwalk has many entertainers and some shops to peruse. You could also play mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens. I'm pretty sure that's at the Swan/Dolphin.

 

[Robo]

If you don't want to park hop, you could take the ferry (right outside Hollywood Studios) to the Epcot area resorts and check those out. How about dinner and dessert at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club? Yum! If you go in the evening, the Boardwalk has many entertainers and some shops to peruse.

You could also play mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens. I'm pretty sure that's at the Swan/Dolphin.

 

[alac1980]

Are these maps outlining bus routes? I'm really interested in having dinner and dessert at beaches and cream, that was on my to do list last time but I didn't get a chance to go. If we wanted to be back at Hollywood studios by say 530 pm, how much time would we need to travel back from the restaurant? I'm thinking of doing a late lunch/early supper. Can you take disney transportation to the restaurant? We don't have a car.

 

[alac1980]

Oh wait now, I see, it's a ferry from hs to beach club? Is there a schedule of times anywhere online?

 

[OurLaughingPlace]

If you don't want to park hop, you could take the ferry (right outside Hollywood Studios) to the Epcot area resorts and check those out. How about dinner and dessert at Beaches and Cream at the Beach Club? Yum! If you go in the evening, the Boardwalk has many entertainers and some shops to peruse. You could also play mini-golf at Fantasia Gardens. I'm pretty sure that's at the Swan/Dolphin.

This is what we've done. Mini golf at Fantasia Gardens and ice cream from Beaches and Cream - yum! The Boardwalk is a very pleasant way to spend a few hours. Also, all of these are within walking distance of DHS.

 

[mesaboy2]

Oh wait now, I see, it's a ferry from hs to beach club? Is there a schedule of times anywhere online?

The boats run continuously between DHS and Epcot (making several stops along the way) during the day, expect them to arrive at any particular stop every 20-25 minutes or so.

 

[siskaren]

Are these maps outlining bus routes?

No, walking routes.

Oh wait now, I see, it's a ferry from hs to beach club? Is there a schedule of times anywhere online?[/QUOTE

There isn't a set schedule; the boat comes about every 20 minutes.