As a former Disney’s Hollywood Studios Cast Member, I have a soft spot for the park.
What’s not to love about stepping into your favorite movies and exploring Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge…not to mention the retro Hollywood vibes of the front of the park?! But if I’m completely honest, there are two things that really bother me about this park.
They NEED More Filler Attractions
One of the biggest problems with Hollywood Studios these days is that it has TOO many good rides. Yes, there is such a thing. When almost all of your rides are bangers, then the wait times can get unreasonably high.
It’s important to have “filler” rides and shows to eat up some of the crowds in the park. This problem is particularly evident right now with the closure of Muppet*Vision 3D and the Animation Courtyard area under construction. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is going to close for updates as well, and then you’re down a major attraction.
Take a look at the other parks, for instance. Animal Kingdom has plenty of animal exhibits and trails to explore, as well as the entire Conservation Station section of the park. Magic Kingdom has several 10-minute shows like Country Bear Musical Jamboree, Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room. EPCOT is perhaps the king of filler attractions with cultural exhibits or short films in many of the World Showcase Pavilions, as well as the existence of Journey of Water — Inspired by Moana.
Hopefully, we’ll get some more filler options as Animation Courtyard reopens and Monstropolis is constructed. It’s one of Disney World’s most popular parks at this point, but it’s also fairly small compared to some others. We just need more to do to balance those waits!
The Kylo Debacle
My other complaint? That dang Kylo Ren animatronic! I swear that thing is never working when I ride Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge, and for a ride that’s supposed to be the park’s crown jewel, it’s disappointing. Something like a broken animatronic can really remove you from the immersion of the experience.
Rise of the Resistance opened in 2019, and after 6 years of operation, it might be time for a little refurbishment to get some of that technology back up to speed. The main problem is that visitors would be SO upset if this ride closed for construction during their once-in-a-lifetime trip.
But let’s be honest here…even without the Kylo Ren animatronic working, this is still one of the best attractions Disney has ever done. It’s so immersive, and the storytelling is amazing. I’m in awe every time I ride it!
So those are my current problems with Hollywood Studios. They can be frustrating, but ultimately they’re fixable in the future. I’m excited about what’s to come in this park…as long as my beloved Alien Swirling Saucers sticks around forever!
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I Was a Disney Cast Member, and Even I’m Not Ready for These 5 Changes
What do you want to see changed in Hollywood Studios? Tell me in the comments!
It’s fascinating to hear from a former CM who still loves the park despite its flaws! As someone who also enjoys HS, I’m really curious what the two “absolute worst things” are, especially since you appreciate the immersion of Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land so much. Looking forward to the reveal!