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7. This park will see some dramatic changes as pandemic policies lift

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular actors
Image: Disney

Walt Disney World is continuing to change rapidly as pandemic policies adjust and capacity increases. These shifts will be particularly noticeable at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

For one thing, much of the park’s appeal has long surrounded live shows like Fantasmic, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Voyage of the Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. There is no question that the park has been missing something without these shows, and as mentioned, this is affecting wait times throughout the park. When the live shows return, guests will not only have a fuller experience to enjoy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but opportunities to catch lower lines will increase.

The park will also benefit greatly from the return of wandering character encounters. Spontaneous encounters with characters in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge played a huge part in the immersive elements of that land—it was a regular occurrence for guests to potentially be approached by Stormtroopers or kids to be recruited into Resistance missions by Rey and Chewbacca. The Animation Courtyard also featured regular character encounters. Seeing these come back will breathe some much-needed excitement into the park.

8. The food options have improved over the last few years

Felucian Garden Spread at Docking Bay 7
Image: Disney

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: food is part of the magic at Walt Disney World.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has always had some uniquely fun restaurant offerings. Some of its most popular restaurants include the Sci-Fi Dine in Theater, The 50’s Prime Time Café, and The Hollywood Brown Derby steakhouse.

The one area the park fell somewhat short in was variety for its counter-service food. While burgers, chicken tenders, and other American favorites are necessary staples at theme parks, it sometimes felt difficult to find other options at this park.

A few things have changed. For one thing, more variety has been introduced into the park’s restaurants overall.  Locations like the ABC Commissary have introduced new plant-based options, and the park also houses an Italian restaurant now.

The biggest shift in dining options came thanks to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. If you want to enjoy a meal you can only enjoy at Walt Disney World, both Ronto Roasters and Docking Bay 7 offer delicious meals made to feel like they came straight out of Star Wars. We’ve particularly enjoyed the plant-based options at Docking Bay 7. You can also enjoy unique Star Wars-themed beverages at Oga’s Cantina or the Milk Stand (most people prefer the blue milk; I’m a fan of the green).

9. There are lots of ways to get to this park easily

Family in Disney Skyliner
Image: Disney

When it comes to transportation options, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the easiest Disney parks to visit. Guests visiting with their own vehicles don’t have to worry about the hassles common to visiting Magic Kingdom: the parking lot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is right next to the park, and even on a busy day, you will almost never need preferred parking since the walk isn’t far. Rideshare services are also able to drop guests off fairly close.

Guests staying at Walt Disney World resorts have several options to reach the park. Epcot resort guests can take either Friendship Boats or a convenient walking path to reach the park gate. Guests at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century, Riviera, and Disney’s Art of Animation resorts can use the Disney Skyliner. Finally, guests at all other Disney resorts have access to busses running throughout the day.

10. It may be worth getting a park hopper pass

Image: David Vega
Image: David Vega

If you’re a more-seasoned Disney guest or you prefer flexibility, you may want to consider getting a park hopper option added to your ticket when visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The reason why is that Disney’s Hollywood Studios very close to Epcot. Guests can easily get from one park to the other by Skyliner, Friendship Boats, or the walking path. Usually, the journey takes about 15-20 minutes.

For many Disney visitors, having the option to hop between Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios is extremely appealing. You’re able to enjoy a very full day of Disney fun with extra options for attractions, dining, shopping, and exploration. While Epcot is the easiest park to reach, you could easily also visit the Magic Kingdom or Disney’s Animal Kingdom by car or bus.

While this approach may not be for everyone (some people just prefer one-park-a-day), park hopping provides wonderful flexibility. If you’re just not feeling one Disney park, you can easily head to another. Right now, park hopping is only available after 2 PM, but we suspect Disney may adjust this policy in the near future as they continue to roll back pandemic limitations.

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