What pops into your mind when you think about Hollywood Studios in Disney World?

Hollywood Studios is home to some pretty iconic rides like Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and Rise of the Resistance. And those aren’t even half of all you can explore and do. That being said, there are some hard truths you need to know about this park.

Let’s talk about some of the hard truths about Hollywood Studios that may cause you a bit of frustration, but don’t worry — We are here to help make sure your Hollywood Studios trip is the best ever!

The Parking Lot Is Massive

Hollywood Studios has a HUGE parking lot (it’s seriously massive). Think big like, “I can’t remember where I parked my car” big! This makes getting back to your car after a long day feel like an eternity, especially if you’re lugging around tired kiddos.

The best way to overcome this hard truth is to be prepared. If you need to be at Hollywood Studios by a certain time, make sure to leave early so you aren’t trying to rush from one end to the other. Also, if you want to avoid the parking lot altogether, you might want to consider other options like the Skyliner, Disney buses, or even rideshare.

Disney World Transportation RULES You Need To Know Before Your Trip

The Ride You Want to Ride May Not Be Open

This almost goes without saying for any of the Disney World theme parks, the ride you’re dying to go on might not be open. Keep in mind that you can always check for scheduled refurbishments in advance since Disney World usually announces when a ride will be down for a while. But sometimes rides can go down due to technical issues or even the weather at the last moment.

We’re not going to lie. It can be super frustrating when the ride you’ve been heading to is closed. It’s especially annoying if you’re rope dropping (being one of the first people at the park) only to find out the ride isn’t open. So make sure that you always have a backup plan if your go-to ride isn’t available. Just roll with the punches because sometimes those unexpected changes lead to some pretty cool experiences!

Be Prepared If You Want to Ride Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash is one of the hottest rides in Hollywood Studios, and for good reason. It’s a fun, family-friendly coaster that throws you back to your childhood “Andy’s room” days. But as we all know, with great popularity comes great responsibility (long wait times). Just be prepared to spend a good chunk of your day in line.

In order to beat the line, here are your options: use a Genie+ reservation, rope drop so you can hit the ride early in the morning, or strategize your park day to minimize wait times.

Book These Rides FIRST With Disney World’s New Lightning Lane Multi Pass System!

If You’re Looking For Fireworks Like At Magic Kingdom, Don’t Bother

Look, Hollywood Studios has some awesome nighttime offerings, like “Fantasmic!” which is incredibly popular. But when it comes to the sheer majesty of a proper fireworks spectacle, you’ll need to either head to EPCOT or Magic Kingdom (where it reigns supreme in terms of fireworks).

If those classic Disney fireworks (like at EPCOT or Magic Kingdom) are a must-have, you’ll want to plan on having your Hollywood Studios day earlier in the trip and save the Magic Kingdom or EPCOT for a nighttime excursion.

Read our tips for getting the best view of the fireworks!

The Sun Is Brutal

Let’s be real, Hollywood Studios feels like a giant concrete jungle. While the aesthetics are on point, all that open space means there’s not a lot of shade to escape the brutal Florida heat. Make sure to pack a hat, sunglasses, and enough sunscreen for you and your crew. Also, don’t forget about the power of a well-timed Mickey’s premium ice cream bar too!

Also, it’s a good idea to download a weather app and use it when making plans for how to spend your park time. The early mornings and evenings are your best bet if you want to avoid the midday sun. Don’t forget to hit up indoor attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or Muppet*Vision 3D when you need to cool down and recharge.

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If You Are Looking For Princess Elsa, You Are Going to Be Disappointed

Hey, so not every character you dream of meeting is hanging out at Hollywood Studios. Some of your faves only pop up in specific parks. Also, not all of them are regulars. So what are you to do? You’ll want to check out the My Disney Experience app and navigate to the “Characters” section. There you’ll get the lowdown on who’s meeting where.

We’d hate for you to rock up to Hollywood Studios in your finest Elsa gear, only to find out that she’s chilling somewhere else (you can usually meet Olaf, though!). Also, every now and again, you might stumble upon a rare character just roaming around, but there’s no guarantee unless they’ve got a scheduled meet and greet. So, plan ahead and save yourself any disappointment!

There’s a NEW Character Meet-and-Greet at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

These are just a few of the tips we have for your Hollywood Studios trip. We know there is a lot to know about planning a trip to Hollywood Studios, so make sure you check out our Ultimate Guide to Hollywood Studios for 2024:

We are in the parks every day to make sure you have the best Disney vacation. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney World tips, updates, and reviews!

Check out our favorite meal at EVERY Hollywood Studios restaurant!

What is your must-do ride in Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments!

The post 6 Hollywood Studios Truths that Hit Hard and Make You Regret Your Decisions first appeared on the disney food blog.