Disney's Hollywood Studio

Lights, Camera, Action!  We are off to Hollywood Studios!  Disney's Hollywood Studios, formerly MGM Studios, is the last of the four major Disney parks we are visiting this year.  Walt Disney World also has two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon) and an indoor amusement park (Disney Quest), but because of the kids' ages and the temperatures in November, we've skipped them this year.  Hollywood Studios invites its guests to join them in the movies.  Whether you are enjoying a street production, ride, or show, you are immersed into the magic of movie making.

Hollywood Studio is not known for its rides, but there are few you will definitely love.  Toy Story Mania is loved by all, and I mean all.  If you want a chance to ride this, head over first thing in the morning and grab your family a fast pass.  In November, it is usually not as crowded in the morning, so we grab a fast pass for the afternoon and jump in line for a morning ride.  This way we wait about 20 minutes each time rather than an hour and twenty minutes.  Hollywood Studios is also the home of my husband's favorite ride at Disney, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, starring Aerosmith.  This fast paced roller coaster takes you on a trip with the band and includes many twists, turns, and loops.  Right next to the Rock 'n' Roller coaster is the Tower of Terror.  Based off the CBS show, The Twilight Zone, the Tower of Terror takes place in an old abandoned 13 -story hotel.  Once you reach the top of the elevator, beware.  You will be falling back down to the ground.

Disney's Hollywood Studios is best know for its shows.  By far, our favorite is the onstage production of Beauty and the Beast.  Everything from the music, costumes, and atmosphere makes you feel like you are watching a Broadway production.  My girls also love the Voyage of The Little Mermaid.  This show mixes live performances with animation and puppetry.  It captivates its audience with its multi-sensory effects and music.  If you have young ones, you also won't want to miss Playhouse Disney.  This live, interactive musical, features your kids' favorite Playhouse Disney friends, including Mickey Mouse.  This show offers carpet seating only and is sometimes a little hard on the parents' backs.  Try not to sit too close to the stage or your kids won't be able to see the characters who pop out of the floor.

Hollywood Studio also has a few fast paced, action pack shows.  The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is a 30 minutes show that invites you to share the magic of the movies.  Throughout the show, they demonstrate numerous stunts while filming various scenes.  And who knows, they may just ask you to join the fun.  Next to Indiana Jones is Star Tours.  Although, this is not a typical show, the simulator type ride, takes you on a thrilling adventure.  Just past Star Tours is the Muppet 3-D show.  But if you keep walking you will reach the location of the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show.  Make sure to grab a show schedule when you first arrive at the studios.  The Extreme Stunt Show usually only plays a couple of times a day and you wouldn't want to miss it.  This show demonstrates how big time vehicle stunts are done for Blockbuster Hollywood films.

There are many more things to explore and see at Hollywood Studios.  However, I think this post is already getting too long. ;)  Have you ever been to Hollywood Studios?  What were your favorite parts?  My kids' trip wouldn't be complete without visiting the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids movie set.  The set, taken from the outside scene of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, has been transformed into a fun oversized playground.  Can't wait to hear your stories!  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!