Are you concerned about going to Disney World when you have someone with you who won't or can't ride rides? Are you worried that they will be bored or that they will feel left out? Put those fears to rest because Disney World is packed full of options for those who can't ride typical theme park rides. In this article, we discuss off of the options in detail for Hollywood Studios. For a brief overview of all of the parks, check out our general post on Disney ride-free guide.
Hollywood Studios is a park all about the magic of movies. Unfortunately, you will not find any rides without height or medical restrictions here. However, you can walk through Tower of Terror to experience the queue and exit before boarding the ride. The queue is awesomely themed and I do highly recommend doing this. In fact, you can do this with any ride, but many of the queues aren't worth the wait. If you are a die hard Star Wars fan, then a walk through of Rise of the resistance is an absolute must. However, I'm not sure where the exit point is for this ride. This is a two-part ride. If you want to see the line of storm troopers, you must complete the first part of the ride. Don't worry, on the first part, you are standing up in a "transport". We can never actually feel it moving. When we are there next week, I'll ask a CM where the exit point for non-riders is and let you guys know.
There are quite a few shows to enjoy. Most of the shows at this park feature real human actors, unlike all of the MK shows that have animatronics. All live actor shows run on set schedules. Most have the last showing hours before park closing. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience (MDE) app for show times on your travel dates. Show times are also posted at the entrance to each show. Outdoor shows include the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. These are amazing shows, but they are outside. They are covered amphitheater type stadiums and can be pretty warm in the summer and fall. However, Indiana Jones is an amazing show that shows you how they do different stunts and effects in movies. As a former theater kid, I really enjoy this show.
Don't worry, there are several indoor (air conditioned) shows to enjoy. For all of the Frozen fans, there is the show called For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Singalong Celebration. The actors in this show are hilarious. They tell different, but similar jokes each time. Jokes definitely go over a lot of the little kids heads and are there to keep the older kids and parents entertained. A show haven't seen in years, because The Kiddo has simply outgrown it, is Disney Junior Play and Dance show. I remember it being floor seating with a stage up front. The floor seating is so that the littles (or bigs) can get up and move and dance while the Disney Junior character perform on stage. Another good one for littles is the Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy. While there are no human actors in this, Lightning McQueen is there "in-person" for this show.
If you can't figure it out from the name, Muppet Vision 3D is a theater show that features the Muppets and is a screen show featured in 3D. This is a humorous show that never has a line. I'm not sure why, because it's hilarious. It's a must see for us every trip. The other screen show (no live actors) is Vacation Fun - An Original Animated Short with Mickie and Minnie. This is The Kiddo's favorite show there. It's done in the new animation style they are doing now for Mickey (I'm not a fan of this style). It's a cute show, but the best part is after you exit the theater, where you can take you picture at Potatoland. It makes a lot more sense if you've seen the shorts at home already.
Family dining optional HS are top notch. Some of our favorite restaurants are here. 50s Prime Time Cafe is one of our absolute favorites. It features meals quintessential to the 50s. The theming is also fantastic. This is an interactive restaurant where the Cast Members mess with you. Check out our video on TikTok when The Kiddo was airplaned a spoonful of corn when she didn't clean her plate. While on this topic, if you do finish all of your meal, the CM will bring you a sticker and you will officially be part of "The Clean Plate Club". If this all seems like too much pressure, or you have anxiety and interaction isn't something you can handle, just let the CM know when you check in and they will serve you without all of the shenanigans. Unlike at MK where the dining is all theming and no taste, the food here is delicious. Another Table Service restaurant that is family friendly is Sci-Fi Dine-In. Here, booths are shaped like old 50s cars and you get to watch clips of 50s movies on a huge screen, just like you are at a drive-in. The newest restaurant at Disney World is here at HS called Roundup Rodeo. This is a Toy Story themed BBQ restaurant. We ate here a couple of weeks after it opened in April and really liked it. Use this dining time to enjoy family time together and keep the non-riders engaged in your trip.
There are also quite a few character meet and greets at this park. At HS, you can meet Star Wars, The Incredibles, and Toy Story characters. If you have a Chase Disney Visa, there is a special Star Wars character meet and greet that you can do. You do have to show either your physical card or open the Chase app to prove you have one. For details on how and where to do meet and greets, check out our guide to meeting your favorite characters at Disney World. One of my favorite meet and greets is in the building that houses One Man's Dream. Toward the back of the building, there is a side door that leads to Boo's door. At different times throughout the day, you can meet Sully!!! Believe me when I tell you there is nothing like being wrapped in the arms of this loving monster.
Take time to really explore Galaxy's Edge (the Star Wars area). I'm not in any way a Star Wars fan, but I still find this area enjoyable. Here, you can build your own custom lightsaber or droid. I believe you do have to make a reservation ahead of time for these activities. While walking around Galaxy's Edge, pull out your phone and open the Play Disney app. There are lots of interactive features in this land that you can explore with your phone. Sometimes The Kiddo and I will go ride some rides and The Hubby will just go walk around Galaxy's Edge and explore. There are lots of cool shops here too. There are also some amazingly themed restaurants inside of Galaxy's Edge. If you are brave enough, try the Blue Milk, which I've been told by my Star Wars obsessed husband is a thing in Star Wars.
Every once in a while there will be some cool things to do around the park. Runaway Railway was closed for technical issues one day and the CMs had hula hoops and fun games to play in front of the ride. Always be on the lookout for fun bonus things going on in the parks.
Alright guys... I've saved the best for last. My FAVORITE thing in all of Hollywood Studios is One Man's Dream. This is located behind Runaway Railway on the walking trail toward Toy Story Land. Inside of this building you will get to see a full history of Walt Disney and his life and story. The museum part features drawings, replicas, pictures, a diorama of Disneyland, costumes worn by the actors in real movies, artwork, and lots more. At the end of the museum, there is a 15 minute long theater show called One Man's Dream. This show literally makes me cry every time I see it. Julie Andrews (one of my favorite actresses of all time) narrates the life and vision of Walt Disney. There are also clips of Mr Disney speaking. It's such an emotional experience if you are a true Disney fan. Most people walk right by this and never go inside. Don't be like most people. Be like me and go inside.
Hopefully you now have a good understanding of everything that Hollywood Studios has to offer beyond the rides. I'm sure there are even more things that I am missing. Disney is constantly changing up their offerings, so make sure you check the website or app for current, up to date offerings during your travel time.
I hope this helps to give you a starting point when trying to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation. For help booking a room and park tickets check out Jillian with Destination Dreaming Travels. She's a FREE travel agent waiting to help you book your most magical vacation ever.
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