I like to think about Disney's Hollywood Studios as the cult favorite among Disney fans: you either love it and would argue with anyone who disagreed or you are on the outside looking in and you just cannot understand the hype. For myself and my entire family, a vacation to the Walt Disney World Resort is simply not complete without a trip to Hollywood Studios. In fact, my sister once worked on Sunset Boulevard at Studios and ever since then, the park has taken on an even extra special meaning to my family. This week, let's countdown the top five attractions at Hollywood Studios.
First of all, the two honorable mentions that just missed the cut are two unique entertainment options. The first one is Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage. As you can tell by some of my previous Friday Favorites, I truly love Beauty and the Beast, so anytime I can watch the show live on stage (albeit in a condensed format), I instantly become a child again. I sing right along with Belle and Lumiere while also scolding when Gaston struts his stuff. This show is a Studios' treasure.
Secondly, the street show The Citizens of Hollywood is easily one of the highlights of any trip to Hollywood Studios. Periodically throughout the day on Sunset Boulevard, some of the most spirited entertainers straight out of 1930s Hollywood align the street to make every guest laugh hysterically and enjoy themselves thoroughly. This show fits perfectly into the Sunset Boulevard theme and into Studios as a whole as guests are seemingly swept back in time to the golden age of cinema, which really is the heart and soul of the entire park.
Onward and upward to the top five!
5. Star Tours
As an avid and obsessive Star Wars, Star Tours is a piece of paradise right here at Hollywood Studios. Being able to be transported to that galaxy far, far away is literally a dream come true. Plus, this ride is downright exhilarating as the motion effects are top-notch and some of the best you'll find at Disney.The latest upgrade to the attraction where a Rebel spy is chosen at random is a brilliant addition to an already fantastic experience. I'm sure as The Force Awakens is released worldwide, Star Tours will only continue to get all the more impressive.
4. Rock n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Being the only roller coaster at Disney World that contains any loops, Rock n' Roller Coaster is a thrill seeker's biggest must-do at Studios and the resort as a whole. Jamming to the infectious tunes of the legendary band Aerosmith aboard our super-stretch limousine, guests can experience what it is like to go from 0 to 60 MPH in a mere three seconds. Then, awaiting at the climax of that launch is the first of four inversions. If you enjoy thrill rides, Rock n' Roller Coaster cannot be missed.
3. Fantasmic!
The quintessential show at Disney World, Fantasmic is the perfect way to cap off a visit to Hollywood Studios. Mickey Mouse himself stars in this classic nighttime spectacular as he is dreaming up a dream to end all dreams when suddenly, the Disney Villains begin to have other plans and plot to ruin Mickey and his wild imagination. The water effects along with the set pieces and lighting is some of the most impressive innovations Disney has ever concocted. With a special appearance by a handful of some of the most popular characters in the Disney canon, Fantasmic should be seen by all.
2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Even as quickly as upon entering the Hollywood Studios' parking lot, guests turn their gaze upon the Hollywood Tower Hotel and wonder what lies beyond the fifth dimension. Its presence is demanding no matter where you may be inside the park, pleading and begging guests to take the plunge into the Twilight Zone. You will quite literally never experience anything like the sensation of weightlessness as this insane elevator randomly takes you up and down rapidly without any mercy. The story and buildup to the main attraction is worth the price of admission itself, and from beginning to end, Tower of Terror is a genuine Disney classic.
1. Toy Story Midway Mania
This may very well be my favorite attraction at the Walt Disney World Resort. I love the Toy Story characters like no other Disney characters, so being able to play some addictive games lead by Buzz, Woody, and the whole gang is something that dreams are made of. Plus, being able to put bragging rights on the line with everyone in your party by keeping track of your points while playing these games is undoubtedly going to be something that you'll remember for years upon years. If you go to Disney World and only have time for one attraction, make it Toy Story Midway Mania.
Disney's Hollywood Studios is certainly a park in transition with the additions of Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land coming in the next few years, but even today, a trip to Studios will satisfy everyone of all ages. In fact, I want to go there right now!
-Cody Fleenor
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