Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly known as Disney-MGM Studios) used to be a working studio lot but in the last decade production closed down. This park has mainly been show heavy with short performances of well known Disney movies. A handful of rides are scattered through out the park. The park when we visited this trip was undergoing extensive renovations creating 2 new lands for guests to enjoy (based on Star Wars and Toy Story).

Allie's good friend, Bear joined us for a couple of our visits to this park. She met him and his wife in 2009 on an Adventures by Disney trip and they have stayed close friends. We even stayed at their house on this vacation. They are lucky enough to be locals and Allie is extremely jealous of their close proximity to the parks.

The 2 thrill rides are located next to each other. They are the Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. Tower of Terror is based on a Twilight Zone episode where you are in an elevator that plunges 13 floors, and gives you multiple drops. This is randomised so your next ride may differ. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is an indoor roller coaster themed to look like a stretch limousine that takes you through the streets of LA to get to an Aerosmith concert. Aerosmith music plays through out the ride and each ride vehicle has a different song.

On one of the days we had lunch at PizzeRizzo, a restaurant that has an Italian feel and is run by Rizzo the Rat from the Muppets. This is a quick service location so no reservations are necessary. This restaurant recently went under refurbishment and changed themes. On Allie's previous trips it was based on toy Story's Pizza Planet. Allie got a cheese pizza (her favourite thing to eat while at Disney) and tried her first Canoli, while Dave opted for a much healthier salad.

One of the must see's at Hollywood Studios is an exhibit based on Walt Disneys life called One Mans Dream. There are props and plenty of information about all that this wonderful man has accomplished. At the end of the exhibit, their is a short video and chances are Allie will get teary eyed (Oh, I'd bet money on it - A). This is a must see for Allie and her favourite thing to do at the Studios.




Even though Star Wars isn't scheduled to open until 2019, there are still quite a large Star Wars presence in the park, including a Speeder which you can take photos on and also a meet-n-greet with a few of the characters. Allie really only wanted to meet BB-8.

Hollywood Studios has a character meal at the Hollywood and Vine. Breakfast is Disney Junior characters and for lunch and dinner it is Minnie's Seasonal Dine. This restaurant is classified as Table Service and reservations are recommended. During the seasonal dine, the theming changes as well as the characters costumes. Below is a list of the theming throughout the year:


Minnie’s Silver Screen Dine – January to February,

Minnie’s Springtime Dine – March to May, Minnie’s Summertime Dine – June to August, Minnie’s Halloween Dine – September to October, Minnie’s Holiday Dine – November to December and they can be found dressed up for Halloween, Easter, Summer, Christmas.

We dined here in October so had the characters dressed up in their Trick or Treat outfits. Dave loves a buffet restaurant for the huge selection of food and well Allie loves a good dessert spread. We enjoyed this restaurant and will definitely go back on our 2018 trip when the characters will be wearing different outfits.

Dave didn't want to be left out of holding dresses.

On another day, for lunch we had a reservation for 50' Primetime Cafe. This table service restaurant has a 50's theme and the premise is that you are visiting family and the waitress is your cousin. It is fun if you get a good server, otherwise dining here is not worth it, the food is sub-par. The drinks are good but they can be purchased at the bar without needing a reservation.

Allie got 2 cocktails which were delicious. She can't remember what she got for her meal and opted to not have dessert as she was full from her drinks. Dave got allergy friendly chicken fillets and a brownie dessert.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/