What to Do in Disney's Hollywood Studios If You AREN'T a Star Wars Fan

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has shot up in popularity recently, and a lot of that has to do with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Sure, there’s plenty to do in Disney’s newest land: you can pilot the Millennium Falcon, fight with the Resistance, or try a variety of incredibly themed food. But what if you’re just not a Star Wars fan?

Luckily, Hollywood Studios has lots more to do. After all, the park existed long before Galaxy’s Edge! Here are our must-dos that don’t involve Star Wars.

Meet Some Characters!

Even though meet and greets are temporarily suspended to align with Disney’s health and safety guidelines, you can still see your favorite characters out and about in the parks! And Disney’s Hollywood Studios has lots of places to smile and wave.

You can often spot Chip ‘n’ Dale and Donald (separately) outside of the Hollywood Brown Derby. Chip ‘n’ Dale are hosting a picnic, and you may catch Donald doing some gardening!

You’ll also be able to see Pixar pals, Disney Junior characters, and Mickey and friends during their cavalcades. These run down Hollywood Boulevard, turn left at the Chinese Theater, and end near Star Tours!

Keep in mind that there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to see any given character while you’re in the park. They’ll appear at random times throughout the day — although their location usually stays the same. Good luck if you’re trying to catch them!

Check Out These Characters in More Detail!

Visit Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is home to two iconic Hollywood Studios rides: Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. And while Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers plenty of thrills, the real screams are at the end of this street.

Both attractions are for the braver in your group: the Tower of Terror will plummet you down 13 stories in an elevator, while Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is an indoor coaster that’ll twist you upside-down three times (although you may be too busy singing along to Aerosmith to notice).

If you’re a fan of “bigger” rides, no day in Hollywood Studios is complete without giving them a try!

Check Out the Best Thrill Rides in Each Park!

Grab a Snack

There are lots of places to grab a bite around the park — and some of the food is so unique to Hollywood Studios that it’s definitely worth a try! We’re big fans of the Carrot Cake Cookie at Trolley Car Cafe, the Charcuterie Board at BaseLine Tap House, the Num Num Cookie at Neighborhood Bakery (that’s near the entrance to Toy Story Land!), and the Lunch Box Tarts at Woody’s Lunch Box.

If you’re in the mood to munch, skip making a Table Service reservation, and try some of these snack options! Your taste buds will thank you.

Here Are Our Favorite Snacks in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Look for Tributes to Hollywood

Hollywood Studios earned its name for a reason: it’s all about celebrating the glitzy, glamorous era of movies! And throughout the park, you’ll see references to various films. For example, you’ll find the Rocketeer’s jetpack and helmet at Peevy’s Polar Pipeline…

…and Roger Rabbit’s silhouette from Who Framed Roger Rabbit above Hollywood and Vine!

Roger Rabbit Windows above Hollywood and Vine

And in the Tower of Terror, you’ll notice plenty of tributes to The Twilight Zone, from an elevator certificate referencing the day the show first aired to a ventriloquist doll straight from a famous episode.

Spend a few hours wandering the park to see how many Easter eggs you can find!

Learn About More Hidden Details in Disney World!

Have a Little Competition

Sure, you may find yourself getting competitive with friends and family on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, but there’s another fun battle in Hollywood Studios! Toy Story Mania, located in (you guessed it) Toy Story Land, is an arcade-style game that gets the whole family involved.

You’ll be placed four to a ride vehicle and two per row — so figure out who you want to be your direct competition! Then, you’ll shoot 3D targets and rack up points to try to be the best in your vehicle. At the end of the ride, you’ll even get a 3D prize.

If you’re looking for a hands-on activity, this is it! And good news: since the addition of Slinky Dog Dash to Toy Story Land, the wait time doesn’t creep up quite as high as it used to.

Click for Our Top Tips for Scoring High on Toy Story Mania!

Learn About Disney History

If you want a quiet activity (that’s in the air conditioning!), you’ll want to head over to Walt Disney Presents. You’ll find it in Animation Courtyard!

The walk-through exhibit will take you through a gallery of Walt Disney’s sketches, models, and costumes — and you’ll even get a peek at his animation desk! It’s a great way to learn the story of the Disney parks and how they came to be.

At the end of your self-guided tour, you’ll have the option to watch Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream. That’s a 15-minute documentary that will tell you all about his life!