What to do in a Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a park where there's something for everyone, whether you're a thrill seeker or more of a sit back and relax kind of guest. It's also one of our favorite places to spend a day.

And while everyone has their own method of touring the theme parks of Walt Disney World it never hurts to talk about tips for making the most of your day. So, we're going to spend the next few minutes talking about what we think are must do attractions, must see shows, and must eat foods at the Hollywood Studios.

In the days before MyMagic+ and FastPass+ this is where we would talk about the Toy Story Midway Mania Dash, but now that you can reserve a FastPass+ time before your visit, we recommend a nice, leisurely stroll up Hollywood Blvd after entering the park.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios has 12 attractions where FastPass+ can be utilized, and currently it has the attractions listed as "Group A" and "Group B."

Guests can choose one attraction from Group A (Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, Fantasmic!, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, or Toy Story Midway Mania), and two from Group B (including Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Star Tours: The Adventure Continues, The Great Movie Ride, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show).

The list of Group B attractions includes 10 attractions in total. Now that park guests can add additional FastPass+ selections after using the first three, you can visit a FastPass+ kiosk in the park and have a chance to ride another attraction in Group A or Group B!

The queue of Toy Story Midway Mania

If we had to choose, our first three FastPass+ selections would be Toy Story Midway Mania, Star Tours: The Adventure continues, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Those are three of our must-do attractions while visiting the Studios.

Some of the other "must-do" attractions on our list include: The Great Movie Ride (even though it needs an update we still love it!), One Man's Dream, the Studio Backlot Tour, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and the Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

The Studio Backlot tour is a favorite because it's a great place to rest your weary feet for a while. Plus, Catastrophe Canyon is fun no matter how many times you've seen it. If you're looking for some real excitement we suggest adding the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular and Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show into your plans.

If you have any youngsters in your travel group they'll enjoy Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage or Disney Junior Live on Stage.

Of course with all this walking, you're going to need food, and Disney's Hollywood Studios has some great places to grab a bite to eat.

Hollywood & Vine

One of our favorite character meals happens at Hollywood & Vine for breakfast or lunch. The kids can meet their favorite Disney Junior characters and the grownups can nosh on some rather delicious eats. Another great sit-down meal happens at the 50's Prime Time Cafe. There are no characters at this meal, but it's a great place to eat.

Other great options include the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater, Mama Melrose's, and the Hollywood Brown Derby.

If you're looking for just a snack, we suggest stopping by Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of Extinction for a soft serve cone, or maybe swing by the Writer's Stop for a world-famous carrot cake cookie. And of course the cupcake selection at the Starring Roles Cafe is out of this world.

Dinosaur Gertie on the shores of Echo Lake

After a full day of attractions, shows, and food there's no better way to end your visit than with a viewing of Fantasmic!

The show brings guests into the imagination of Mickey Mouse in the role of the Sorcerer's Apprentice and features laser lights, pyrotechnics, live actors, and one million gallons of dancing water.

It should be noted that Fantasmic is performed on select nights, so be sure to check the Times Guide for scheduled show times. And if you'd like to dine before the show, three restaurants at DHS offer the Fantasmic Dining Package. You can dine at Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano, The Hollywood Brown Derby, or Hollywood and Vine. Our friends at the Disney Food Blog have all the details!

Fantasmic billboard

What are your must-do attractions, shows, or dining experiences when you're visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios? Leave us a comment and let us know.