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Planning a Day at Disney's Hollywood Studios? Here's What You Need to Know About This Popular Park

Note from Mommy Frog: Beginning Feb. 17, 2022, masks will be optional for fully vaccinated guests in most indoor and outdoor locations. Those not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks in all indoor locations. All guests will still be required to wear masks on enclosed Disney transportation, including buses, monorails and the Skyliner. For the most up-to-date information, check out our guide on mask policies at the theme parks).

Guide to Hollywood Studios – PinterestDisney's Hollywood Studios is one hoppin' park! With the additions of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, it's no surprise that the park has a high demand at the moment. In fact, Disney Park Pass reservations tend to fill up faster for Hollywood Studios than the other Disney World theme parks. Of all the parks, Hollywood Studios continues to see high wait times, and we expect this trend will continue, especially during peak periods. While that might be worrying for those of you with upcoming visits, we're here to take the stress off.

As of Sept. 23, Disney World has paused the use of virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, and guests at Disney’s Hollywood Studios may now experience this incredible attraction using a traditional standby queue for the first time. Boarding Groups may return to Rise of the Resistance at a later date, or from time to time as needed. This epic attraction is also offered as an Individual Lightning Lane selection — and with the recent addition of Genie+ service, how you plan your day at Hollywood Studios may be a little different.

We frogs are also very excited that more entertainment is returning to Hollywood Studios! "Disney Movie Magic," the projection show on the Chinese Theatre featuring Disney live-action films, made a comeback Nov. 7, and the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular will return Dec. 19! Individualized character greetings have returned (though at a distance) with Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams and Disney Junior characters in Animation Courtyard. And best of all — Fantasmic! will return in 2022, with some all-new scenes!

There is no question Hollywood Studios will continue to be a big draw for guests who are still looking to experience the newer attractions for their first time, and of course, frogs who just can't get enough (like us!). For those of you planning visits for the rest of the year, now is definitely the time to purchase tickets and make your Disney Park Pass reservations if you haven't already! We know there will be even more demand after the opening of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, the immersive Star Wars hotel, that is expected to open March 1, 2022.

If you have questions about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or catching sight of your favorite Toy Story pals, you've hopped to the right spot! We're here to help if you plan to visit Hollywood Studios during this time.

Getting into Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Guide – Security entrance

We understand that most of you will want to try your luck at getting a Boarding Group for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. But as of Sept. 23, Disney World paused the virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance, so there is now a traditional standby queue. Yipee! Just keep in mind there is a chance that it could return at a later date or from time to time as needed.

In case the virtual queue is utilized at certain peak times, you'll want to try for a Boarding Group before you even arrive at the park! The virtual queue typically opens at 7 a.m. each day, and guests can check for an available Boarding Group as long as each person in their party has valid admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation for Hollywood Studios. (Note: You can only try joining a Boarding Group on the day of your visit — it cannot be made in advance.) This can be done in your Disney hotel room, or wherever else nearby you may be at that time (we have successfully gotten a Boarding Group off-site about 20 miles away). The virtual queue reopens at 1 p.m. as a second chance for anyone who didn't get a Boarding Group in the morning. For this second distribution time, guests must be inside the park.

Historically, Boarding Groups filled quickly (and by quickly, we mean within seconds), so we suggest taking advantage of both distribution times if the ride is a top priority.

The parking lot opens about an hour before the park is scheduled to open; parking trams are not currently available. The Disney Skyliner is usually up and running an hour before the park's official opening time from Disney's Caribbean Beach station, which is a great option for anyone staying at the resorts along the Skyliner route. When we stayed at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort, the buses started running by 8:50 a.m. for a 10 a.m. opening (typically, bus service is supposed to start an hour before park open).

Security check and the park entrance's touchpoints were a breeze, and we passed through with minimal waits. Security is now using touchless detectors that you simply walk through. Note that finger scans at the touchpoints have returned.

If you're planning to hop to any of the three other parks, park-to-park buses are now available, starting at 1:30 p.m. so you're able to arrive at your second park right when Park Hopper hours start at 2 p.m. Cast members will be scanning either your MagicBands or park tickets to confirm that you have Park Hopper access. You can also take a Friendship Boat or Disney Skyliner (or a bus when it's busy) if you're heading over to EPCOT.

For a look at current health and safety policies, check out our guide to mask policies at theme parks.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Attractions and Wait Times

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Slinky Dog Dash

As the crowds have steadily come back to Hollywood Studios, so have the long lines and high wait times. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land specifically feel more crowded in the morning as those pathways are more narrow. However, the lines generally keep moving. We've noticed that now the wait times remain the same throughout the day, only dropping at night an hour or two before park close. The popular attractions are often over an hour wait, sometimes peaking at 100 minutes.

In terms of accuracy when it comes to the posted wait times, we've noticed it can be a hit or miss. Sometimes, the actual wait time is considerably less than what is posted. For instance, Toy Story Mania! has had a 45-minute wait with the line starting outside of Toy Story Land, but it only took 14 minutes before we boarded the ride vehicle! For other rides, the posted wait time was more accurate, but we've rarely waited longer than expected (and if we did, it was only by a few minutes).

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

Every attraction and show is now filling all rows, so prepare to be seated with another party. Only the standby queue is currently being utilized — FastPass has retired, and the new Disney Genie system has arrived! That means the newly branded Lightning Lanes are the place to pay to skip the lines (or access the ride if you have a Disability Access Service card or are utilizing Rider Switch). The process may vary by ride, so if you're looking to utilize Rider Switch or DAS, be sure to ask the cast member at the attraction for instructions. Specific safety measures vary by ride or show and are subject to change.

For shows, Frozen Sing-Along Celebration and Beauty and the Beast — Live are open, with Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular returning Dec. 19. Voyage of the Little Mermaid and the Jedi Training experience remain closed. Wonderful World of Animation returned as of Aug. 1, and Disney Movie Magic projection show returned Nov. 7. The nighttime spectacular Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular remains temporarily suspended, but we are hoppy to say Fantasmic! will return in 2022 with an all-new sequence!

Using Disney Genie+ Service at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Like we mentioned, the paid skip the line benefit, called Disney Genie+, has officially replaced FastPass+. For $15 per person, per day, guests can wait in a shorter line to experience a variety of rides. At Hollywood Studios, those attractions include:

  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
  • Disney Jr. Play and Dance!
  • Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular - Returns Dec. 19, 2021
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Muppet*Vision 3D
  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Toy Story Mania

There are two rides in each park that are excluded from Genie+; these rides are called Individual Lighting Lane selections and are available for an additional fee. This cost varies by day and can be anywhere from $7 to $15 per person, per ride. Hollywood Studios' Individual Lightning Lane selections include:

Disney World Resort hotel guests have two distinct advantages at this time. Early Theme Park Entry allows guests to enter any theme park 30 minutes early, every day of their stay. If you have this perk, our suggestion is to head to either Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash during this time, followed by Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Rollercoaster. The other perk to on-site guests is the ability to book Individual Lightning Lane selections at 7 a.m. — that means if you want to skip the line for Rise, you can pay to do so. Much like Boarding Groups, these slots go faster than you can say "stormtrooper." (There have even been days when off-site guests have not had the chance to reserve Rise because all slots were filled for the day by park open.)

Character Experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Mickey & Friends Motorcade: Minnie

We've been loving the character cavalcades and boat cruises at other Disney World parks, and we also really enjoyed the motorcades for the Hollywood Studios' reopening! Instead of traditional meet and greets, you'll be able to spot Disney's very own stars and celebrities strut down Hollywood Boulevard. There are two motorcades with different characters:

  • Mickey & Friends Motorcade: Mickey, Minnie, Donald Duck, Daisy, Pluto and Chip 'n' Dale
  • Pixar Motorcade: Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, Edna Mode, Sulley, Green Army Soldiers, Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Pixar Motorcade: Mr. Incredible

Both of the motorcades begin near Guest Relations at the park entrance, proceed down the street to the Chinese Theater and turn left, ending near the Jedi Training Academy stage. You can now find the times when the motorcades will appear in the My Disney Experience app! Don't worry if you catch the end of one ... the motorcades hoppen often throughout the day, though the Mickey & Friends Motorcade usually only appears in the afternoon. Nothing can stop us now!

There used to be a Disney Junior Pals motorcade, but now you can catch the Disney Junior characters at the Disney Junior Play and Dance! show in Animation Courtyard.

Hollywood Studios Reopening - New Chip 'N' Dale Character Experience

Recently, characters have started making short pop-up appearances in the grassy areas in front of the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant. On a recent visit, we watched Chip 'n' Dale have a picnic lunch (with acorns, of course)! The duo stayed out for about 10 minutes to greet guests, and appeared randomly throughout the day. We've seen Minnie waving from the rooftops, Donald and Daisy watering plants and Goofy and Max fishing at Echo Lake.

Hollywood & Vine offers two modified character dining experiences. For breakfast, join the Disney Junior Pals, and for lunch or dinner, Minnie hosts Minnie's Seasonal Dining and is accompanied by Mickey, Pluto and Goofy.

Traditional character greetings have returned, with a slight modification! Though still distanced, you will be able to have an individual interaction and pose for a photo with your favorite character. Guests can meet Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams and Disney Junior characters in Animation Courtyard.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Kid in Stormtrooper Costume

Don't you worry ... we didn't froget about Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and the rest of Batuu! Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is quite literally its own separate universe, so we thought it'd be best to have an entire section of this guide dedicated to the land.

As of Sept. 23, Disney World paused the use of virtual queue for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. That means there are two ways to access Rise currently: via the standby line, and by purchasing an Individual Lightning Lane selection.

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Millennium Falcon Photo Pass Op

As for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, the line is generally much longer in the morning and decreases as the day goes on. The pre-show with Hondo Ohnaka has returned and plexiglass has been removed from the ship. The Single Rider line is open once again, so you can save even more time if you don't mind that your party is split up.

Hungry after battling the First Order or piloting the Millennium Falcon? It's best to come prepared if you want to eat in Batuu. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, Ronto Roasters and the Milk Stand require mobile ordering. While most locations used to only allow mobile ordering, we've noticed more areas are allowing either. While getting Blue Milk, the cast member heavily promoted mobile order but would let you join the regular line as well. We recommend mobile ordering either way as it saves time. You'll also need a reservation for Oga's Cantina (walk-ins were not accepted when we asked). Note that some mobile ordering locations in Galaxy's Edge are unavailable later in the day. However, Oga's and Savi's have recently had some reservations available after park close, so keep an eye out!

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge – Dok Ondors

For shopping in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, you'll want to head to the Black Spire Outpost Marketplace and Dok Ondar's Den of Antiquities for unique merchandise any "Star Wars" fan will love!

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Droid Depot

You can build your own droid at Droid Depot! The building experience is $99.99 plus tax, and reservations are highly recommended. When we passed by on a busy day, they were not accepting walk-ins, but they told us to check back later in case there are any cancellations.

The ever-popular Savi's Workshop allows you to build your own lightsaber! This unique experience is $219.99 plus tax, and reservations are available 60 days in advance. Spots fill up very quickly so we recommend booking well ahead of time if building a lightsaber is a priority. The Gatherers outside have told us that they have a standby waitlist, but it can also fill up quickly if the park is too busy.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge – Kylo Ren

Chewbacca, Rey and Vi Moradi may not be roaming around Batuu actively recruiting Resistance members, but it doesn't mean they've stopped their secret missions entirely! You may be able to spot the spies hanging out at the speeder garage (across from Droid Depot). Meanwhile, Kylo Ren and his Stormtroopers interrogate Batuu citizens and intergalactic travelers at the First Order's TIE Echelon (across from the Milk Stand).

Restaurants at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios guide – Woody's Lunchbox

Out of all the parks, we find the most quick-service options for mobile ordering are at Hollywood Studios. In addition to Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, Ronto Roasters and the Milk Stand in Batuu, you may be required to use mobile ordering at ABC Commissary, Backlot Express and PizzeRizzo. Mobile ordering is recommended but generally not required at Fairfax Fare, PizzeRizzo, Woody's Lunch Box, Dockside Diner and Rosie's All-American Cafe. If you plan to eat at a quick-service restaurant, we still suggest avoiding peak dining periods. You can choose the arrival window when you place your order, but once you hit "Prepare My Order," it may take a bit before you can pick up your food, as there are many mobile orders being processed. We personally haven't had issues with mobile ordering, but we have heard from other frogs that it can take a while. We've waited up to 10 minutes. Likewise, keep in mind that you can create your mobile in advance. For hoppenin' spots such as Woody's Lunch Box, available pick-up times can book up quickly; if you know it's a must-do, we recommend getting your order in as soon as you get in the park.

If you want to dine at a table-service restaurant, you need to prepare in advance by picking up an Advance Dining Reservation (ADR) up to 60 days before your trip starts. You can always check the Walk-Up List availability through My Disney Experience or at the restaurant once you're there, but more often than not, the table-service restaurants will not have availability. We've had luck with Walk-Ups in other parks, but Hollywood Studios has proved more difficult to snag. Keep in mind if you're making a reservation that you'll need valid admission and a Disney Park Pass reservation and ADR for the same park, on the same day; a dining reservation does not guarantee entry.

We've had luck with getting reservations at both Mama Melrose's and 50's Prime Time Cafe a few days before. Here's what the check-in process looked like for us, though processes are subject to change. About 10 minutes before our reservation, we received a notification via the My Disney Experience app that it was time to check in. Then, we answered questions about our party mix (how many adults, children and infants would be dining), mobility accessibility, dietary requests and special occasions. We provided our phone number, which was used to notify us that our table was ready via text message. After briefly checking in with the host outside, we were given a QR code to access the digital menu when we sat at our table.

Touring Advice for Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios Reopening - Toy Story Land crowds

As we've mentioned before, narrower pathways make the crowds seem a little more amplified — most notably along Hollywood Boulevard upon entering at park open, as well as inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land in the first couple of hours. Because there's a lower amount of shows, there are more frogs dispersed in the queues. If arriving early, we suggest you don't waste time hopping around the park trying to decide what to ride. There is often a delay in the Disney World app updating with accurate wait times right after opening, and the app doesn't show wait times at all prior to opening  — so know what you want to ride and hop in line (they're all going to be lengthy at first).

When we don't have Early Theme Park Entry or Genie+, we prefer starting out near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster or Tower of Terror because we feel that Sunset Boulevard provides more room to accommodate the long lines. (And if they get super long, the queues use overflow space along the pathway to the Fantasmic! stadium, so it's not spilling out on the main thoroughfare.) Plus crowds usually decrease in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land later in the afternoon. We highly suggest waiting to hop in line for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway until the afternoon or evening. The queue reached a low of 35 minutes at around 5:30 p.m. the last time we visited.

Overall, while busier compared to the other parks, we've still managed to get a lot accomplished each time we've visited, although the visits have been long days with a lot of hopping around!

In regards to park hopping, we expect that the mornings will continue to be busy with guests rope dropping for Rise of the Resistance. When we hopped to Hollywood Studios right at 2 p.m., we were able to get into the park without any long lines, so there were fewer people hopping along with us than we expected.

Hollywood Studios guide – Tower of Terror family photo

Additional Disney's Hollywood Studios Reopening Tips and Tidbits

  • Lines for popcorn carts and food stands such as Anaheim Produce do not have mobile ordering, so they may have long lines around mealtimes.
  • Keep in mind that you can often jump in the ride queue as long as it's before the park's posted closing time. If you have a post-park closure reservation for Savi's or Oga's, it's generally just enough time to hop into a longer ride queue prior to hopping back to Galaxy's Edge for your cantina or saber experience.
  • Out of the four parks, it's the hardest to see characters (via the special motorcades) at Hollywood Studios. Also, if you're in Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land or on Sunset Boulevard (where the majority of rides are), you would not be able to see them. But now that the motorcade times are posted in My Disney Experience app, you can plan to watch them whenever it's most convenient for you!

It felt good to be reunited with Rey, Chewbacca, Woody, Jessie and friends! Do you have any additional questions about the Hollywood Studios reopening? Let us know if you're planning a trip soon. 

Related: All of the ~Magical~ Details about Disney World Reopening

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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Nov 10, 2021 at 8:56 p.m. Need A Nap Says...

The Disney calendar doesn't list the 9 PM fireworks/show Wonderful World of Animation past Nov 30, 2021. Do you think that's a temporary oversight or will there be no show or are they replacing it? Thanks!

Reply
Nov 12, 2021 at 1:06 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Need A Nap! (We do too ;) )

We think this is likely an oversight, but we've got our eyes on it!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Nov 18, 2021 at 4:55 a.m. Need A Nap Says...

Okay, thanks! I hope you get a nap tomorrow, I got one today. :)

Reply
Oct 19, 2021 at 11:47 a.m. Bev Hill Says...

Great articles and tips! Love reading them all. Going January 12 2022 on a Wednesday. Only one day unfortunately but have already been to Epcot and Magic Kingdom. Staying off site and would like to see world of Avatar and Star Wars. Which park should we start at and which entrance? If Animal Kingdom closes early and we start there do have to leave before AK closes? Thank you for your insight!!

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Oct 19, 2021 at 7:30 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Bev!

Thanks so much! We're hoppy you stopped by :) Our strategy would be to start with Avatar and then hop over to Hollywood Studios - if you wanted, you could stay until Animal Kingdom closed then hop over (as long as Hollywood Studios is open)! There is lots to see at Galaxy's Edge so we'd budget more time of your day to be spent there than in Pandora :) Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
May 16, 2021 at 3:40 a.m. jocelyn Says...

How will I be able to make a park reservation for HS if they say they’re unavailable for Thursday 6/17-Wednesday 6/23??? do they need to fully open or are they booked. This will be my first time going to HS and coming from NY for this trip

Reply
May 17, 2021 at 8:52 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jocelyn,

At this time, the Disney Park Pass Availability Calendar shows unavailability for Hollywood Studios those days, which does mean they are booked. However, spots can open up due to cancelations, so we recommend checking back regularly before your trip. Sometimes the calendar will say that none are available, but spots do quickly pop up from time to time (this is usually by chance and is not guaranteed). If you have Park Hopper tickets, you would also be able to hop after 2 p.m.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 28, 2021 at 3:22 p.m. Deb Says...

Hello! Thank you for all the tips!! We will be going to Hollywood Studios May 3. We have a 3 day park hopper. I've read that park hopper passes can't get a virtual queue for Rise of the Resistance. Am I reading this right? Thank you!!

Reply
Apr 28, 2021 at 1:44 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Deb!

Yes, that's correct; you cannot get a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance if you are hopping to Hollywood Studios rather than starting there (so if your Park Pass for the day is Hollywood Studios, and you're starting your day at Hollywood Studios but hopping elsewhere later in the afternoon, you can still try for a Boarding Group). Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 21, 2021 at 10:26 a.m. Colleen Says...

We are going to Hollywood studios and we want to go to Epcot with our hopper pass in the afternoon. How do we reserve that/when do we do that? Thank you!

Reply
Apr 21, 2021 at 7:46 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Colleen!

You can enter EPCOT at 2 p.m. if you have hoppers - you don't need a reservation for your second park, so you're welcome to hop on the Skyliner or bus and head over when you're ready!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 4, 2021 at 9:07 p.m. Elgin Standing Cloud Says...

One question, its my first time visiting Disney World and I want to know something. Do I need to buy a certain type of ticket to access Disney Hollywood studios, I only want to go to Savi's workshop.

Reply
Apr 5, 2021 at 12:44 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi there!

You would need park admission in order to do the lightsaber-building experience at Savi's Workshop, so your best option would be the 1-Day Disney Theme Park Base Ticket.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Apr 4, 2021 at 1:02 p.m. Jen Says...

Love the article! If you had to pick a park to visit on Saturday and Sunday, which one (or two) would it be...realizing that weekends are generally the busiest? Also, how do you manage the parks in the August sun? Hope you have a magical day...and, I look forward to your reply.

Reply
Apr 5, 2021 at 8:15 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jen!

We would aim for a Sunday and hope it's a little less crowded :) The sun, like you noted, can be tough in Florida! We try to arrive early, when it's the coolest, and take lots of breaks. Plan to have lots of water (you can even bring a water bottle with you if you'd like) - we find that we are thirsty more often in masks, so make sure you take adequate time to rehydrate! If you can swing it, plan lunch in the AC so that you get a nice reprieve (and you may even want to save some indoor rides or queues for the hottest times of the day). If you're comfortable, we may even suggest leaving the park around lunchtime to head back to your hotel (if you're staying on-site) to take a nap, eat some lunch or take a dip in the pool. Then, you can return to the park in the early evening when things begin cooling down again (and take some amazing nighttime photos, especially in Batuu!). Sunscreen is a must, and many people recommend small neck fans to help cool off. We hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 31, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. Joe Says...

We have been putting off buying tickets and making reservations due to work issues. I see that Hollywood studios is not available during our stay now. UGH. Is it possible that while we are there, that a reservation opens up, or are there any same day options. thanks

Reply
Mar 31, 2021 at 12:39 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Joe!

It's definitely worth it to keep checking back for park passes! There's no guarantee, but it DOES happen, even same-day as guests drop their pass if they don't get a Boarding Group at 7 a.m. We'd make a pass at another park in the meantime. Did you happen to get park hopper tickets? While you wouldn't be able to get a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance with a hopper, you'd still be able to hop to the park to partake in the other fun after 2 p.m. :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 25, 2021 at 1:58 p.m. Priscilla Gutierrez Says...

Thank you for all the tips! We are planning our first visit to Disney World in August. We have 6 day passes. We plan on going to Magic Kingdom for 2 days but can’t decide which other park to visit twice. I’m thinking Hollywood Studios might be worth 2 days. Any other advice you have is much appreciated!

Reply
Mar 25, 2021 at 9:46 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Priscilla!

You are so welcome - thank you for taking the time to hop by! Our pick would also be Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom — but Hollywood Studios Park Passes have been more difficult to come by, so we'd recommend planning for 2 days at Hollywood Studios. Then, if you do decide you'd rather hop to Animal Kingdom a second time, changing your Park Pass should be easier than it would be to switch from Animal Kingdom to Hollywood Studios, if that makes sense :) Have a great trip!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 12, 2021 at 6:19 p.m. Chauncee Says...

Your blog post is amazing! Thank you! We are going to Hollywood Studios, specifically for Star Wars, on March the 19th. It's a Friday. Any suggestions? I'm so nervous about missing out on the experience, since we are really going for that! Any advice welcomed, Thank you<3

Reply
Mar 12, 2021 at 3:07 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

You are so welcome, Chauncee - thank YOU for the high praise! :) We have a whole post dedicated to snagging a Boarding Group for Rise of the Resistance that has all of our tips - but our best advice is to make sure you are trying to get into the queue just before it opens, rather than at the appointed time on the dot (i.e., have things open and ready at 6:58 rather than 7!). Make sure you plan in advance for any experiences you'd like to take part in, such as Oga's Cantina, Droid Depot or Savi's Workshop. We are huge Ronto Wrap fans — highly recommend the food in the land. And be sure you take advantage of PhotoPass stops in Galaxy's Edge - there's even one with Baby Yoda (just to the left when you enter from Toy Story Land). Have a great time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 6, 2021 at 5:59 p.m. Kelsey Riccio Says...

I am planning a weekend trip for 15 in June and it will be our first time including a day at HS, suggestions for attractions and rides for kids 2 to 5? And is Sunday slower than Friday in any of the parks? We are tentatively planning MK Friday, Epcot Saturday, and HS on Sunday.

Reply
Mar 8, 2021 at 3:13 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kelsey!

Weekends in general tend to be busier times across the board, so you'll likely experience similar crowds each day of your visit. At Hollywood Studios, your tadpoles may enjoy Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers. If they are Disney Junior Fans, there's also a dance party and a character dining experience available at Hollywood & Vine! They may also enjoy the character cavalcades. That said, since it's your last day and there aren't as many tadpole-friendly rides here, if you've been looking for some pool or shopping time, this would be a great day to plan it in the afternoon :) Have a great time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 5, 2021 at 6:35 p.m. Debbie Says...

We are thinking of coming for Spring break with tickets we bought a few years ago and never used. HS shows unavailable that whole week. Is it possible that changes and availability opens up?

Reply
Mar 5, 2021 at 2:35 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Debbie!

Yes, it's possible - we'd suggest continuing to check back just in case!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Mar 1, 2021 at 1:30 a.m. Elizabeth Says...

We are staying off property and doing one day at the parks, which will be HS. What is our best option for getting to the parks prior to opening? We will have a car, but I read somewhere that Peking lots are not open early? We could Uber, If that will get us to security check faster. Thanks for your help.

Reply
Mar 1, 2021 at 8:17 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Elizabeth!

The parking lot opens about an hour before the park does, even for ride share services. Disney transportation, including the Skyliner, have had longer waits at peak times. If you'll have your own car, we still think driving is the fastest way to get there; we'd recommend planning to be at the toll booth an hour before the park is scheduled to open. Once things do open up, in our experience, they move pretty quickly! If you want less of a walk, and are willing to pay a little extra, you can opt for Preferred Parking, which gets you a little closer to the front entrance. Hope this helps - have a great time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

Reply
Feb 23, 2021 at 3:50 p.m. Jamie Says...

Thank you for this super helpful info!! We are planning to go to Disney for my son's 10th birthday the weekend of Apr. 23-25. We've currently made reservations to go to Epcot on Friday 4/23 and to HS on Saturday 4/24. My son is also a little interested in AK, but his BIGGEST interest and excitement are Epcot's different countries and all things Star Wars. So we're trying to decide - on Sunday Apr. 25th, do we add a 2nd day of HS to maximize all the Star Wars stuff, or do we go to AK? Do you think that Saturday is sufficient to fill my son's Star Wars heart? LOL Or is it worth booking a 2nd day? I haven't been there since it was MGM, but I don't remember there being a TON of stuff to do to fill 2 full days there. I know a LOT has changed though. Any advice? Thank you in advance! :-)

Reply
Feb 23, 2021 at 3:20 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Jamie!

You are so welcome - what a fun 10th birthday! Do you have park hoppers? If so, my suggestion would be to go to Animal Kingdom on Sunday and then hop back to Hollywood Studios if he wants to. For us, one day at Hollywood Studios is plenty, but that's definitely where the most Star Wars action is! Animal Kingdom tends to open earlier, and hopping away in the afternoon is a breeze ... plus Hollywood Studios tends to get a little less crowded in the evenings :) If you don't have hoppers, our suggestion would be to make a Park Pass for Hollywood Studios for Sunday if you're able to, since it tends to be the most popular park for Park Passes. Then, Saturday night, you can decide whether or not you want to hop back to Hollywood Studios again, or if you'd rather hit Animal Kingdom (which generally is widely available in terms of Park Passes, so switching shouldn't be an issue). Hope this helps! Hoppy birthday!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Feb 19, 2021 at 12:21 a.m. Kathleen Says...

Hello! Great article! We are staying at the swan from May 1 to May 8. We will have 5 day salute to service tickets with the park hopper option. We want to visit Hollywood studios twice. What days to you suggest? I want to go for May the fourth, but afraid it may be crazy. I was thinking Sun AK, Mon HS, Tues MK, wed pool/ DS, Thrs Eptoc then Fri HS again? What do you think?

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Feb 19, 2021 at 9:10 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Kathleen!

Those days look great! We agree that May the Fourth will be a busy time, so we'd avoid Hollywood Studios unless you're a die-hard Star Wars fan :) The only adjustment we might suggest is switching your second Hollywood Studios and pool day - weekdays are generally much slower than weekends (including Fridays), so you'll see lower wait times on a Wednesday than a Friday. But we also understand the need for a break day ;) Have a great time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Feb 8, 2021 at 10:09 p.m. Melanie Says...

Question: My family usually stays in a resort and uses Magic Bands when we visit. However, this trip, we have 1 day tickets and are staying off property. I can't seem to find info on what we will show to enter the park. There are no mailed ticket cards or printable tickets that I can find. Can you help?

P.S. Thanks for the Hollywood tips! That is where we are headed!

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Feb 8, 2021 at 4:16 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Melanie!

You can link your tickets to the My Disney Experience app and can scan your ticket from the app on your phone at the gate - if you run into any issues, you can also visit Will Call and they can help get you the credentials you'll need to enter :) If you purchased through us, we have a step-by-step guide to linking your ticket to make things as simple as possible :) If you purchased directly through Disney, the tickets may already be linked in your My Disney Experience app (or you may have information in your confirmation email to help walk you through the steps). If you'd prefer a physical card, you can also visit Guest Relations or Will Call and they'll help you out. Hope this helps - have a great time!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Feb 3, 2021 at 4:50 p.m. Levdiniho12 Says...

So me and my family are hopefully going in 2022 (were supposed to be going this may but it’s highly unlikely) and I was wondering, as I plan on getting a lot of stuff from Galaxys edge (mainly lightsabers) can you go back to your car to drop stuff off and go back into the park or can you not do that?

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Feb 3, 2021 at 11:05 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hey there!

Yes, you can toadally take your things to your car and re-enter! Previously, there have been options to hold your purchases in the park or even have them sent to your room - while those are currently unavailable, there's a chance those may return by your trip. Hope this helps!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Feb 2, 2021 at 8:52 p.m. LAURIE Says...

We are taking our 5 grandchildren to Disney the week of February 15th. They are 9, 10, 12, 12, and 14. We haven't been in years. We took the 14 year old to Magic Kingdom when she was 3. I am a nervous wreck trying to figure out how to maneuver through all of this and wanting to be sure they "see it all" as this may be the only time they will be there. Thanks for the tips. We reserved Hollywood Studios for our first day and last day just in case we couldn't get on Rise of the Resistance the first day.

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Feb 3, 2021 at 8:21 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Laurie!

How wonderful - wishing you and your grandkids a hoppy trip! (And don't stress too much; the trip itself will make for magical memories, even if you don't get everything you'd like done :) )

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Nov 24, 2020 at 8:35 p.m. Cristina Says...

Heading over to HS and WDW in December. My family and I were at the parks pre-pandemic (Feb.) and during (Aug.). We have yet to visit HS during the pandemic, so this was most helpful, especially for the Star Wars bit. Thanks for the article :)

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Nov 24, 2020 at 2:38 p.m. FrogBlog Says...

Thank YOU, Cristina — have such a fun time! :)

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 30, 2020 at 9:42 p.m. Debra Says...

Hello. Can you please advise what Star Wars rides and attractions there are at Hollywood Studios and what exactly is at Magic Kingdom. Is there more at HS than MK? Thank you!

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Nov 2, 2020 at 7:13 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Hi Debra!

Star Tours and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (the Star Wars themed land), featuring Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, are all in Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll find all of the Star Wars attractions are at Hollywood Studios :) You can see a full list of the attractions available at Magic Kingdom here.

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 21, 2020 at 11:22 p.m. The Allens Says...

Thank you for the information on visiting SW at HW. We have ONE day to do it on our vacation, TOMORROW!!!! Wish us luck. May the force be with us. Better yet, may the force be with my phone while trying to maneuver the app at 10am!

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Oct 22, 2020 at 8:25 a.m. FrogBlog Says...

Good luck, Allens! Let us know how it goes! Crossing our froggy fingers for you!

Hoppy planning!

Mommy Frog

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Oct 20, 2020 at 5:56 p.m. Pamela Says...

We are leaving for WDW on November 12th. This was extremely helpful, informative and enjoyable to read. Thank you!

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Oct 20, 2020 at 4:11 p.m. Jen Says...

Great information! Thank you.

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