I Am an Introverted Disney Adult. These Are My 7 Favorite Spots to Decompress in Hollywood Studios

Sometimes we all need a break… even at Hollywood Studios. 

Over the last several decade, the theme park once known as Disney/MGM Studios has become one of Walt Disney World’s most in-demand destinations. With the the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey and Minnie’s Runway Railway, and Toy Story Land, the park has become home to some of the resort’s newest in-demand attractions… and the crowds that come with them. For those of us who are somewhat introverted by nature, this can be a bit overwhelming, but fear not, there are still certain areas in Hollywood Studios that provide a safe space away from crowds, perfect to decompress.

Echo Lake Benches

One of my favorite areas to decompress at Hollywood Studios is smack dab in the middle of one the park’s original areas. Just on the shore of Echo Lake, right near the Hollywood & Vine and 50’s Prime Time Cafe restaurants, there are a series of benches on a small outcropping. They’re off the main path, so they’re removed from the main crowds, and provide views for people-watching or of Gertie the Dinosaur in the lake. 

PizzeRizzo’s Top Floor

While PizzeRizzo has a… mixed reputation, for both its food and theming, I can’t deny that there are a couple of areas that are go-tos for me to decompress. First off, on the top floor, there’s the party room. Themed after a somewhat cheap event venue, the room features dim lighting, music, and is usually not-all-that-crowded, providing a cool area to relax. 

If I’m more in the mood for fresh air than air conditioning, the top floor of the restaurant also as a covered balcony area that presents the opportunity to look out over Grand Avenue while being away from the park’s crowds. 

Animation Courtyard 

With a lack – – to put it kindly – – of go-to attractions, the Animation Courtyard area of the park is a bit of a ghost town these days. While I certainly hope for the park that that’s not the case longterm, for right now it makes the area a good one to head if I need a few minutes away from the park’s more crowded areas.

Star Wars Launch Bay

Located in the aforementioned Animation Courtyard – – formerly the home of the Magic of Disney Animation – – the Star Wars Launch Bay provides an air-conditioned darkly-lit space to escape from the crowds and the heat. Plus, who can resist checking out some cool Star Wars displays and memorabilia. 

Walt Disney Presents Gallery 

Located near the Animation Courtyard, the Walt Disney Presents Gallery provides another air-conditioned space to get away from the crowds and heat, with a litany of interesting museum style exhibits focusing on Walt himself as well as the Disney company overall. The best place to decompress here is the theater however, as many often choose to skip the film presented at the end of the exhibit. It’s a dark, cool, soothing space.

Tower of Terror Exit Area 

The grounds of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror could be one of the most serene – – if creepy – – locations at Hollywood Studios… if it wasn’t always so crowded. However, there’s a small area near the attraction’s exit that retains the eerie solitude of most of the queue, while not leading to massive gatherings for the queue.

In Front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

This one may seem weird at first. Yes, the park’s replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre serves as the home of Mickey & Minnie’s Runway Railway, and often the queue extends to areas of the front courtyard. However, there are certain areas of the courtyard where the queue never goes. They’re covered in shade, not crowded, and provide access to look at some of the more obscure hand and foot prints on display in the ground in front of the theater.

These are my go-to spots at Hollywood Studios for times when crowds, the heat, or a mix of everything gets to me, leading to a need for some slight decompression. Stay tuned to AllEars for further Walt Disney World tips. 

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Where are you favorite decompression spots at Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below. 

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