Going Behind the Scenes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Orlando, FL

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Our trip to Orlando, FL is coming to an end. It’s insane to think that we have only been here 4 nights. We have done so much in that time that it really feels like we’ve been here a lot longer.  We’ve made some awesome friends, both bloggers and not, and have done some really exciting things, but before I get too ahead of myself, I thought I would just start with day one of our trip, with our first park visit: Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Formerly, MGM Studios, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four parks in Walt Disney World Resort, and offers a behind-the-scenes Hollywood theme to visitors. Some of the stuff you can find there are live shows, attractions, backstage tours, and special events.

The day we were there was extremely sunny and hot. We had a chance to get on one of my favorite rides, the Rock n’Rollercoaster starring Aerosmith. Our hosts, the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau had given us 3 fast passes to start with, but we quickly signed up for more  fast passes to continue riding afterwards. I was so excited about this ride, I happily rode with my son more than once, and even got a cute Aerosmith t-shirt at the gift shop.

Another favorite of ours, which I didn’t expect to be, was the Toy Story Mania! We tend to be pretty competitive in my family, and this was a perfect way to put that into fun play. The live shows are also pretty great. Our favorite was the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

With an entire day to explore the park there was very little we didn’t do.  I even got to audition for the American Idol Experience! and watch the Block Party Bash (my absolute favorite character parade) a couple of times. The High School Musical 3 live performance is another popular show, which is 15-minutes long and takes place several times throughout the day on Hollywood Boulevard.

The park offers several dining options. There are fast food options, as well as full-service dining. The latter are my favorites and we ate at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, where reservations are required. The hostess Nicole, seamed to be having a bad day when we arrived for dinner there, her customer service skills leaving a lot to be desired, but the waiter was wonderful, and the food was really good (I had the steak). However, I heard that the absolute best place to go eat at this theme park is 50’s Prime Time Cafe, which is good, but small and unable to accommodate large groups.

Character greeting, shopping, games, tours, and special experiences are offered here. I think children 5 and up would definitely enjoy it. There is a lot for them to do and keep them entertained, especially if they are not the crazy roller coaster riding types.

An entire day spent there might be too much. You might be fine with just a half day, depending on the time of year. Lines can get pretty long during the busy season, however, so you plan it well, and take advantage of the fast passes. This way you can easily enjoy all the park has to offer.

For more information about Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including hours, info on tours, attractions, dining, and more, please visit there website here.

Disclosure: This review is based on a complimentary, all-expense paid visit to Orlando, FL by the Orlando/Orange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, including two complimentary access passes to selected theme parks. I received no other compensation and no requirements that I express a particular point of view.

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