Excitement abounds at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Unfortunately, we do not know when we will be able to “step in” the lands to some of our favorite movies. I’m very excited about the direction of the park and feel certain that many of us will not recognize it upon completion. Many fans know the history of the park and that it was to compete directly with Universal Studios. It was also Disney’s attempt to let you see how the magic was made, rather than be immersed in magical lands and foreign countries.
I’ve recently heard comments that guests should stay clear of the park during this time, and maybe they should. Disney is not earning a great reputation with efficiency and construction. Pandora: The World of Avatar was first announced in 2011 and still has a few months to go before opening. There are plenty of questions about the additions to Hollywood Studios, but certainly a lot of excitement as well.
I’ve recently planned a visit to Walt Disney World and will take a day to visit Hollywood Studios. Here are my top 5 reasons to visit Hollywood Studios despite ongoing construction:
5 – Citizens of Hollywood
These “streetmosphere” characters add a lot of laughs along portions of Sunset and Hollywood Boulevards. Most people pass these characters by, but I would encourage you to hang around for a while. I am always impressed with their improvisation and ability to stay in character.
4 – Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
This show opened in 1989 and has been around ever since. Why does this make my list? When construction was announced, this attraction was rumored to be one of the first things to go. So far, this attraction seems to be safe; however, if this is true, I want to make it one more time to see this show. I’ve seen it numerous times, but still enjoy watching it as much as I did the first time. It will also live on through replays of Full House. Any fan of the show will remember Steve playing Indiana Jones during the episode “The House Meets the Mouse”.
This is one of the best restaurants on Disney property. A meal here is an experience in itself. You could quickly forget about the construction walls while enjoying a Cobb Salad.
2- Stage Shows
Hollywood Studios offers great live entertainment. If you have a small child, it is one of the only places where you can find your favorite Disney Jr characters at Disney Junior: Live On Stage. No trip to Hollywood Studios is complete without watching Fantasmic.
1 – Thrill Rides
Hollywood Studios contains three of WDW’s most well-known attractions. Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster, Tower of Terror, and Toy Story Midway Mania are must-do WDW attractions. Soon, these three will get some company in the expanded areas of the park, but if you have time now, these are worth the visit.
There are certainly good arguments to be made about spending close to a hundred bucks to enter the park despite the number of open attractions. Toy Story Land will add much needed family friendly rides and Star Wars Land should bring some more thrills to the park, but there are many aspects of the park to enjoy now. Also, when we finally know what attractions will close permanently (there could possibly be more changes after new attractions open), you may want to spend some time enjoying that attraction just one more time.
When will you visit Hollywood Studios again?
