Hollywood Studios has a lot of great attractions and shows. With the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge touring Hollywood Studios has gotten a bit trickier without a proper game plan. I hate this but it is what it is. Here are my Hollywood Studios Touring Tips with the new Genie+ service.
Hollywood Studios Touring Plan Tips
Buy the Individual Lightning Lane Attraction for Rise of the Resistance.
If you are a Disney resort guest, purchase this at 7am. This attraction sells out fast. The Lightning Lane windows offered will be one hour long and you can choose your own time throughout the day, subject to availability and park hopping limitations. If you are not a resort guest you can’t purchase until 9am and there may not be many times left, if any. Be quick as they sell out minutes after 9 am.
Rope Drop Hollywood Studios.
What does rope drop mean? Rope drop means that you are there at park opening. I don’t mean pulling into the parking lot or getting off the bus when the park opens. I mean getting there with enough time to get through security and lined up at the ticket entry points. Disney Cast Members hold a rope across the entrance to prevent guests from coming in early. When the park opens they “drop” the rope and let guests enter in an orderly fashion, meaning no running.
So what time should you get to the park for Hollywood Studios rope drop? I usually get to the Studios about an hour before the park opens. If you have to pick up tickets at will-call then give yourself another 15-20 minutes.
Stay Onsite and Use the Extra Magic Half-Hour.
If you are staying onsite, take advantage of those extra 30 minutes. That will be the best way to ensure you get to see and ride the most attractions in the park. Yes, those opening times are early, but they will be worth it. Plan on being there about an hour before the park open time.
Recommended Order of Genie+ Lightning Lane Selections.
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Toy Story Mania
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Schedule Shows for the Middle of the Day.
Especially during the hot months sitting down for a show in a shaded and/or air-conditioned theater will be very welcomed.
Don’t Waste Genie+ Lightning Lane selections on the Following Attractions.
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- Disney Junior Play & Dance!
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Muppet*Vision 3D
Choose a Popular Ride To Do Near Park Closing. A lot of rides have low wait times near park closing. This is a great plan if you are not too interested in the nighttime shows.
Have a Plan It does not have to be a militant plan but a rough idea of characters, rides, and shows you want to catch. Leave room for unexpected moments and magic.
Have Realistic Expectations. If you are staying off-property and not wanting to purchase Genie+ or can’t make it to the park opening then you will probably not be able to do everything or even all the top newer attractions at Hollywood Studios.
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