If you’re looking for the best things to do in Hollywood Studios, then look no further! We have been to Hollywood Studios over and over again, and we have found the best ways to spend your day there!
We have some of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios at night, with kids, or even for couples looking for an adult way to spend a night at the park. We think you’ll be able to find some new favorites on our list, and maybe even some hidden gems you’ve skipped before!
Hollywood Studios is a big park, and with so many rides, shows, and restaurants it can feel overwhelming to decide how to plan your Studios day. But don’t worry! We’ve picked our favorites and made planning your day a little bit easier, and you’ll only do the best activities in Hollywood Studios while on your vacation!
So read on for the best places to grab a bite to eat, the best rides you have to get on, and the shows you can’t miss!
Relax at Baseline Taphouse
Located back on Grand Avenue on the back left of the park, Baseline Taphouse is a chill pub perfect for adults. We recommend grabbing a beer – or one of their cool mocktails – and the Bavarian Pretzel and the California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate.
These dishes are the perfect midday snack to share, or a great way to end the night at the park. Having a delicious elevated pretzel – no shade to the Mickey Pretzel! – and adult beverage is one of our favorite ways to spend some down time, and one of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios for adults.
Try Blue and Green Milk
A visit to Galaxy’s Edge isn’t complete without a trip to the milk stand and trying the iconic blue bantha milk. While there, grab both the blue and green milks, and see which you like best! This has to be one of the most fun things to do in Hollywood Studios, and one of the most polarizing.
Opinions on which milk is better are very strong, and fans are divided. Go try them and let us know which you like best! Pro tip: get an empty cup and layer or mix them – it might be the best way to actually enjoy them.
Ride Rise of the Resistance
You can’t visit this park and not ride Rise of the Resistance. It is hands down one of the best attractions in Hollywood Studios, and potentially the best thing to do in Hollywood Studios! Located back in Galaxy’s Edge, this is the newest and most technologically advanced ride at the park.
Even if you aren’t a Star Wars fan, you don’t want to skip this ride! It’s a must do for those who love a good indoor dark ride, and don’t mind a little thrill. You will definitely feel like you’re in a Star Wars movie while on Rise of the Resistance.
Eat at The Hollywood Brown Derby
Not much is more iconic than the Brown Derby restaurant, and Disney’s recreation of it in Hollywood Studios is just as iconic. If you’re in the mood for fine dining while in the park, we recommend The Hollywood Brown Derby. The menu is pure Americana with a contemporary twist – and you have to get the Famous Cobb Salad of course!
This is one of the most delicious places to eat at the park, and it’s one of our picks for things to do in Hollywood Studios for couples. It’s a great place to have a wonderful meal in an elegant atmosphere, and take some time away from the hustle and bustle of Disney. Adults will love eating here, but children may also enjoy the decorative caricatures on the walls and the delicious food!
Disney Jr. Dance Party
If you’re headed to the park with little ones, then the Disney Junior Play and Dance is one of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios with kids. You and your kids can take a dance break, and listen to the DJ play a great mix of Disney music.
Your kids will love dancing with Doc McStuffins, Timon, Vampirina, and, of course, Mickey Mouse! Burn some energy, get the little ones moving, and take a break from standing in line to enjoy one of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios.
See Fantasmic!
Looking for the best things to do in Hollywood Studios at night? Then go see Fantasmic! This nighttime show combines classic Disney characters, pyrotechnics, water, and color. Everyone in your party will enjoy watching Mickey Mouse battle Disney villains, and show you how powerful he really is.
This is such an amazing nighttime show, and the perfect way to end your day in Hollywood Studios. Lovers of classic Disney films will especially love how nostalgic this show feels, but it also has a lot of newer characters to make everyone feel connected to it. Don’t skip this show, and it’s one of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios.
Play Batuu: Bounty Hunters
If you or someone in your group has a MagicBand+, as well as a phone with the Play Disney Parks app, then you will be able to play Star Wars: Batuu Bounty Hunters in Galaxy’s Edge. This is free (as long as you already have the MagicBand+) and is a great way to learn and play while walking around Galaxy’s Edge.
You can search for bounty around Black Spire Outpost, following the vibrations on your band and using your phone to reveal the creatures you’re searching for. There are 20 bounties you can search for, so you’ll be able to do this on multiple trips, or try to get them all on one trip! This is one of the best free things to do in Hollywood Studios, and is a fun thing to do that doesn’t involve waiting in lines.
Visit Walt Disney Presents
Walt Disney Presents is one of the best places to visit in Hollywood Studios, and it’s a true hidden gem in the park! Escape the heat and go see rare artifacts from Walt Disney’s life, and learn about the legacy of both Walt and the Disney company.
After seeing the mini-museum, go watch the 15-minute film about Walt’s life: “One Man’s Dream.” This is a touching, intimate look at the man behind the mouse, and is one of the best free things to do in Hollywood Studios. It’s a great way to learn about Walt, the Disney company, and the history of the theme parks.
Ride Toy Story Mania
If you’re visiting Toy Story Land, you cannot miss Toy Story Mania. This is one of the best rides in Hollywood Studios, and a must do for your visit. This is a 4D ride where you shoot moving targets over the course of 5 games which feature your favorite Toy Story characters.
This game is FUN! You will be trying your hardest to get the best score in your car and best score of the day. We think this is a must do during your trip, and all ages are going to love this ride. It’s one of the best things to in Hollywood Studios with kids.
Eat at Woody’s Lunch Box
While in Toy Story Land, grab a meal after riding Toy Story Mania or any of the other great rides there. Woody’s Lunch Box is a Quick Service walk-up window and is a great place to grab a bite to eat while in Hollywood Studios.
Grab the grilled cheese, a lunch box tart (fancy pop tart), or even a yummy breakfast here! You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and they offer both great breakfast and lunch options, as well as some great plant-based options! If you’re looking for a comfort meal or some classic kids food, then Woody’s Lunch Box is a must.
Watch Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
If you’re looking for something completely different for your Hollywood Studios day, then carve out some time to watch the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This is one of the best attractions in Hollywood Studios, but still feels like a hidden gem.
Learn how stunts were done in the Indiana Jones movies, and enjoy watching Indiana Jones and Marion act out amazing stunts. This show is great for those who love to see what goes on behind the scenes, and these stunts are thrilling to witness. All ages will enjoy this show, and we think it’s a great way to sit down and relax, and that makes it one of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios.
Watch the Frozen Sing Along
If you’re like us and can’t say no to a sing along, or someone in your group is a huge fan of Frozen, then “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration” is for you! Go join the Royal Historians of Arendelle and listen to songs and stories from Frozen, as well as see some of your favorite characters join in on the fun.
This a one of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios because it’s lighthearted, funny, and a great way to take a break from heat and lines. Kids and adults will love this show, and it’s fun and magical, and allows you to be a part of the story from Frozen. Don’t skip this if you love a good sing along and fairytales.
Go See Muppet Vision 3D
Take some time on your way to Galaxy’s Edge to stop in Muppet Courtyard and watch “Muppet Vision 3D.” A lot of guests probably bypass this section of the park – and this attraction – while there, but we think this is actually one of the best things to do in Hollywood Studios!
Join The Muppets for a fun, hilarious, 3D adventure that is sure to please. It’s full of surprises and laughs, and all ages will love watching this hidden gem of a show. The Muppets always put on a good show, and sitting in the air conditioning and enjoying the antics of Kermit and his friends has to be on our list of what to do in Hollywood Studios.
Take a Ride on a Runaway Railway
“Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” is a fun, fast-paced dark ride that takes place inside the iconic center of Hollywood Studios, the Chinese Theater. This ride is a blast from start to finish, and your entire family will enjoy following Mickey and Minnie through a series of outrageous events.
This is a must do for your day in the park, and is absolutely one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios. Of course, this ride can be very busy and the line here can get very long. If you plan on taking a thrilling ride with Mickey and Minnie, make sure you grab a Lightning Lane!
Go Shop on Sunset Boulevard
If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend some time at Hollywood Studios, go shopping down Sunset Boulevard. Some of the best shopping in the park is here, and most people probably rush past it on their way to Tower of Terror.
“Once Upon a Time” and “Legends of Hollywood” have great merchandise – from clothing to collectibles to home goods, and even the latest Pandora jewelry. Spending a little money on souvenirs and new Disney clothes is always one of the best Hollywood Studios activities!
There’s so many fun things to do at this park, and you honestly can’t go wrong with most of the rides or restaurants here. But we clearly have our favorites.
We hope that some of our favorites will soon become some of yours! Did you find something new to do on your next trip to Hollywood Studios? Or do you already do most of these when you visit? Let us know in the comments!
