Disney’s Hollywood Studios has changed a LOT over the past decade.
We might even argue that before all the changes we’ve seen, Hollywood Studios was — more or less — a half-day park. But then entire new lands arrived, along with new rides, and now Hollywood Studios has become more popular than ever. But one particular thing has made Hollywood Studios what it is today.
That one thing is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which opened in Hollywood Studios in 2019 and changed everything for the park.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge was a 14-acre addition to Hollywood Studios that brought an entirely new land to the park, as well as two new attractions, a marketplace, several new experiences, and unique dining. It was sure to be a draw for Star Wars fans, but it seems to be a hit with all Disney World visitors.
Not only did the new land give would-be space pilots a chance to get behind the wheel of the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon, but Disney also created one of its most technologically advanced rides, Rise of the Resistance. Rise of the Resistance STILL remains one of the most popular rides in Disney World, and often has multi-hour wait times.
The ride is not just a ride, though — it’s an experience that involves several different types of attraction types, popular Star Wars characters, and a classic Star Wars light side vs. dark side battle and escape.
Not only that but Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge also gives fans a chance to visit the planet of Batuu in an immersive land that looks like it stepped right out of the movies. There’s a chance to drink the infamous Blue Milk, as well as eat space food, plus shopping opportunities with merchandise you can’t find anywhere else. Needless to say, even for the most casual Star Wars fan, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a must (and it’s usually a part of Hollywood Studios that is always crowded).
However, we do have a few honorable mentions because several other things helped turn Hollywood Studios from a half-day park into a park you might want to visit on multiple days during your Disney World trip. First, we’re going to offer a controversial opinion, but the addition of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway in 2020 has also made Hollywood Studios a MUST.
We know many older Disney-goers were upset when Disney chose to close The Great Movie Ride to replace it with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, but we think even those visitors can’t deny that Runaway Railway is a solidly fun ride (which is why it also generally has longer lines). Plus it’s the first Disney attraction EVER to feature Mickey Mouse and his friends.
We also have to give credit to the addition of Toy Story Land in 2018, which gives parents a place to take their kids for rides and entertainment. Believe it or not, Hollywood Studios didn’t have a lot of rides for smaller kids, so the addition of Alien Swirling Saucers was a big deal.
The entire land is great for kids, but we also have to mention Woody’s Lunch Box, which added a new counter-service dining option to Hollywood Studios. There’s a reason this spot is always crowded (and places to sit are hard to come by) — the food is tasty and relatively inexpensive. Most recently, a table service restaurant opened in Toy Story Land, Roundup Rodeo BBQ.
Hollywood Studios has come a long way over the past 10 years and we can’t wait to see what Disney dreams up for the park next.
Be sure to check back with AllEars again soon for more Disney news.
What do you think is the best thing that’s been added to Hollywood studios in the past decade? Sound off in the comments!
There still aren’t enough attractions. You can spend all day waiting in line at the few they do have, because again, there just aren’t enough attractions. Everything has a long line here.
If they want to add something to Hollywood Studios, they need to add more shaded areas and seating.
The Great Movie Ride was one of our family’s top favorites—-in part because we could relax and enjoy its slower pace when we needed a break from the frenzy of fast rides. We also love old movies! The longer line now is probably due to the newness of the ride; you won’t find us in it.
Not a day goes by that I don’t mourn The Great Movie Ride! I understand completely!
I miss The Great Movie ride also and enjoyed the cool air and slower pace. With the guides patter, set pieces, and cheesy interactions it reminded me of Jungle Cruise.
I’m happy they added new rides but they didn’t expand the size of the park or ride capacity. Both Catastrophe Canyon with the stunt show and the Great Movie Ride had a greater capacity and helped to bleed off part of the crowd.
The only reason this isn’t a half day park is because the lines are so long for the remaining rides. They should have added the new rides without losing the older rides. They have changed Hollywood Studios to Star Wars Land and I don’t think it was for the better.