3 Disney's Hollywood Studios Stores I'll Never Shop at Again

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in the middle of a massive transformation! Three major projects are changing the face of the park with thrilling, state-of-the-art attractions, the debut (and return) of popular characters, new eateries, and even NEW shopping experiences… and frankly, they can’t come soon enough.

Hollywood Studios

There are definitely some great shopping spots in Hollywood Studios. However, there are some others we won’t be heading back to anytime soon…

Droid Depot

Now, don’t get us wrong — the Droid Depot in Galaxy’s Edge is awesome, but since there are Droid Building experiences going on almost all throughout the day, it means that it’s often VERY crowded in here.

The Droid Building experience takes up about half of the store, and after builders are done, many of them check out the remainder of the store for more pieces. This, plus all the regular crowds, makes this store a hotspot nearly all the time, so we avoid it when we can.

Learn more about building a droid here!

Movieland Memorabilia

If you read the name of this store and went, “I have no clue where that is,” you’re not alone! This “store” is located right at the front of the park, literally at the front gates. Specifically, it’s by the gates where you typically exit.

This means that RIGHT as you’ve made it past the line of stores and you’ve avoided caving after your kiddo begged you for one last souvenir before you leave the park, you think you’re in the clear. Then BAM! A WALL of stuffed animals right there, and they’re hard to resist. Even if you’re not traveling with a little one or someone who wants these souvenirs, YOU yourself may be tempted one more time before walking out the gates, and that’s dangerous.

Sunset Ranch Pins and Souvenirs

Another spot that a lot of people don’t know the actual name of is Sunset Ranch Pins and Souvenirs, which is located on Sunset Boulevard. You likely walk right past this post because, well, it’s OUTSIDE in the SUN when there are perfectly good indoor shops on the same street just a few steps away.

Sunset Boulevard doesn’t have a lot of shade, meaning it gets hot really fast (as a whole, Hollywood Studios struggles with the whole idea of shade), so you’re often just thinking about walking up or down it as fast as you can to get where you’re going, not stopping to see an outdoor display of pins and souvenirs.

Those stores may not be anywhere near the top of our return list, but like we said above, Hollywood Studios is in the midst of receiving a jolt of life that’s going to change visiting — and shopping in — the park forever.

Let’s begin at the former site of Muppet Courtyard, which is currently being turned into a Monsters, Inc. land themed to Monstropolis.

After years of scaring, monsters are welcoming humans into Monstropolis with an all-new themed area inspired by the Disney and Pixar’s “Monsters, Inc.” film franchise. Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, this land will feature the first-ever suspended coaster at a Disney park, allowing guests to ride through the iconic Door Vault, just as Mike and Sulley did in the film. (DISNEY)

While this land will be headlined by the long-awaited suspended door coaster, we’re willing to bet there will be some really cool souvenir options. Just thinking about the potential amount of Monsters, Inc. toys, collectibles, and souvenirs makes us think the land could recapture the merchandise glory days of the dearly departed Studio 1 Muppet store. Speaking of the Muppets…

Construction walls for new Monsters, Inc. land

While the Muppets have been evicted from Muppet*Vision 3D for the residents of Monstropolis, the iconic characters won’t be gone for long as 2026 will see them takeover the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith. In addition to this thrilling attraction, Disney has confirmed that Muppet merchandise will be available on Sunset Boulevard. We’re hoping for everything from plush and toys to adult collectibles, clothing, and, could we dare dream of the return of custom Muppets? Time will tell.

©Disney

Finally, a new version of the Magic of Disney Animation is returning to its former home, replacing Star Wars: Launch Bay. We’re hoping that in addition to everything else coming to this new take on Animation Courtyard, there will be a new studio-centric merchandise location that includes both character plushes and animation artwork in equal measure.