Hollywood Studios Attractions We Love

Hollywood Studios is one of my favourite places on Earth. It feels funny saying that, frankly I’d much rather be raving about my time in Fiji or hanging with the locals in some exotic location but it is what it is. I adore Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World.

I was first introduced to Hollywood Studios two years ago and had been expecting to feel as I do at most amusement parks. Little did I know that I’d be pulled into the old Hollywood magic within minutes.

Disney has really hit the ball out of the park with this park, the retro feel combined with today’s technology hits the mark with me and my family each time we visit.

This year once again we planned our trip with a CAA Magical Planner. I cannot recommend this enough, she really took our dreams and made them come true. Honestly, it was amazing how she was able to take our list of wishes and organize it all into a well planned out holiday at Walt Disney World. Every detail was taken care of, right down to planning the schedule around Hollywood Studios so we avoided the busiest places and had rest areas available.

Star Tours

Photo: www.wdwnews.com

Please don’t tell anyone but I have a new favourite ride at Walt Disney World!! Star Tours was AMAZING.

Living in a house with a Star Wars loving husband I have to admit it was hilarious to see the excitement on his face as we approached this attraction. Sydney and my husband were chattering away about the new Star Wars feature when their attention was caught by something which was apparently “AWESOME”…..and a photo op took place immediately!

Star Tours took us on a ride in Starspeeder 1000 (which meant nothing to me but had hubby all jazzed up) with C3Po as our pilot. As we strapped into the simulator R2D2 appeared on screen to inform us that there is a spy onboard whom the enemy is determined to capture. On the same screen an image of the “spy” appeared and it was our daughter!!! Who knew?

The ride reached past my doubts and pulled me into the realm of childhood appreciation. Using brilliant 3d technology, sound and gentle movements I felt like I was genuinely streaking through space avoiding the enemy chasing us. This ride is now my favourite and I wish I could go on it again!!

Photo: www.wdwnews.com

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

If you’re looking for a thrill ride, Tower of Terror is for you! I was unable to go on this ride because of my physical condition but my husband and daughter were seen to be running across the park to get their Fast-Passes for this one.

The story is that Hollywood stars loved to go to the beautiful Hollywood Hotel to rest and relax. But rest and relaxation were the last thing that 5 unlucky souls found one fateful Halloween in 1939.

On that night these 5 people were riding down the Hotel’s maintenance service elevator when a violent storm struck the building… and they were never seen again. Black scorch marks still scar The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror facade where lightning left its autograph.

The ride itself takes you on that freight elevator, past the eerie boiler room in the hotel basement could be down, then up, or maybe down again, or up and up—every experience is different and randomly selected by the Tower itself. There’s no way of knowing which direction you’ll go on the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

This was our first time seeing Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and I wasn’t sure it would appeal to our littlest princess who normally prefers more “girlie” attractions. Boy was I wrong!

We were seated in a covered viewing area for this 30 minute show that had us on the edge of our seats. It was an interactive experience; at the beginning a Casting Director came out and asked for volunteers. You know I was sitting on my hands sighing with relief as he chose people who helped as extras during the show.

The show opened with a live scene which could have come directly from an Indiana Jones film. Indy was jumping fires, whipping snakes and running from a huge rolling boulder right before our eyes. After making it to safety and retrieving the golden idol a director appeared and explained in detail how each of the stunts was performed.

I won’t ruin it for you at this point by telling all but there were more intense scenes, explosions, motorcycles, airplanes and more. This is one attraction that is packed with energy and information.

Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade

When planning our day at Hollywood Studios our CAA Magical Planner recommended we make time to watch the Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade. I was hesitant, after all what could be different with this parade but in the end I’m glad we did make the time to see it.

We were close to the front gates watching Sydney (8) play some games with Disney staff when parade time rolled around. This ended up being the right spot at the right time because the Disney staff person chose us as their VIP family and we were placed in a prime location to view the parade!

The parade opened with one of our favourite characters, Mr Incredible!

The parade was wonderful, lively and full of characters our family has enjoyed over the years.

It was wonderful to see Sully in the parade but I must admit I was getting more amusement from the skywriter above!

I have so many beautiful shots of the parade but I’ll leave you with the ones above and just say that you won’t be disappointed!

Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre

This was one restaurant which hadn’t made my list until our CAA Magical Planner suggested it. I had no interest in sitting in a car watching old movies on a big screen while struggling to see my food. Once again I was proven wrong!

Photo: www.wdwnews.com

After a day of excitement at Hollywood Studios I was shocked to find the lovely dim, quite atmosphere that greeted us. Something had come over our rowdy children, they somehow knew to hush and take it all in. I’m not joking, my husband and I looked at each other in disbelief as our bodies began to relax while being led to our car/table.

The food was delicious, the movies brought my husband and I back to our childhood and the girls were surprised when the waiter brought over special desserts to celebrate their December birthdays at the request of our CAA Magical Planner.

 There are far too many attractions at Hollywood Studios to list them all but I’d love to hear which ones you have enjoyed.