Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a cornerstone of the Walt Disney World Resort, has been fascinating visitors since its inception in 1989. Originally known as Disney-MGM Studios, the park began as both a theme park celebrating the magic of show business and a functioning production studio. Over the years, it has undergone numerous transformations, consistently adding new attractions while retaining its original charm.
In this article, we will take you on a comprehensive tour of each of the lands in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, exploring its attractions, entertainment, and the unique experiences each land offers. Whether you’re planning your first visit or simply wish to learn more about this iconic park, this in-depth overview will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and insight into each of the lands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Unique Lands
Disney’s Hollywood Studios first opened its doors to the public on May 1st, 1989, at Walt Disney World Resort. Over many iterations, this iconic park has formed to be divided into unique lands, each offering a diverse range of attractions that will transport you into your favorite movies and TV shows.
Animation Courtyard
Animation Courtyard is dedicated to the magic of Disney animation and cinema. One of its highlights includes Walt Disney Presents, an exhibit showcasing the legacy of Walt Disney through photos, models, and rare artifacts. The courtyard also provides access to Star Wars Launch Bay, where fans can meet their favorite characters from the saga and view movie memorabilia.
Dining
- Little Mermaid Ice Cream and Beverage Cart
Attractions
- Disney Junior Play and Dance
- Star Wars Launch Bay
- Walt Disney Presents
Entertainment
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
Commissary Lane
This area of the park reflects the behind-the-scenes aspect of filmmaking. It’s a quieter street lined with studio-style buildings, giving guests a glimpse into the world of movie production.
Dining
Attractions
- Meet Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams
Echo Lake
Echo Lake is a small, yet significant area inspired by the “California Crazy” architectural movement of the 1930s. It features several attractions, including the popular Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, which showcases thrilling live-action stunts. Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction and the 50’s Prime Time Café offer unique dining experiences, while Star Tours – The Adventures Continue immerses visitors in the Star Wars universe through a 3D motion-simulated space flight.
Attractions
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
- Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie
- Meet Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
Entertainment
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
Dining
Grand Avenue
This area captures the essence of present-day downtown Los Angeles, featuring warehouses and eateries reminiscent of the city’s vibrant arts district. Muppet*Vision 3D is a key attraction, offering a comedic and entertaining 3D film experience starring Jim Henson’s Muppets. Grand Avenue also acts as a gateway to the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land, seamlessly blending urban environments with intergalactic adventure.
Attractions
Dining
- BaseLine Tap House
- Grand Avenue Food Stand
- Grand Avenue Food Stand
- Ice Cold Hydraulics
- Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
- Muppets Courtyard Ice Cream Cart
- Muppets Joffrey’s
- PizzeRizzo
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard serves as the park’s main entrance and sets the stage with its classic Hollywood charm. Modeled after the iconic streets of Los Angeles, this area is lined with shops and eateries that capture the spirit of the 1930s and 1940s. The boulevard leads directly to the park’s central hub, with its focal point being a replica of the famous Chinese Theatre. Guests can enjoy character greetings, view majestic parades, and become part of engaging street performances.
Attractions
Entertainment
- Disney Movie Magic
- Wonderful World of Animation
Dining
- DHS Hub Popcorn Cart
- The Hollywood Brown Derby
- The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
- Hollywood Junction Bar Cart
- Hollywood Junction Ice Cream and Snacks
- Hot and Fresh Popcorn – Near Runaway Railway
- Hot and Fresh Popcorn – Near Tip Board
- Ice Cold Stand
- Peevy’s Polar Pipeline
- Pretzel and Ice Cream Stand
- Runaway Railway Ice Cream Cart
Pixar Plaza
This area of Hollywood Studios is a vibrant celebration of all things Pixar. The reimagined Pixar Plaza is designed to resemble a lively Pixar animation studio campus, where guests can meet their favorite Pixar characters. The decor features bold Pixar graphics and offers several character meet-and-greet opportunities.
Entertainment
Dining
- Market
- Neighborhood Bakery
- Pixar Ave Bar Cart
- Pixar Place Food Cart
- Pixar Place Ice Cream Cart
- Pixar Place Joffrey’s
- Pixar Place Market
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is an immersive land that transports visitors to the planet Batuu, a remote outpost on the galaxy’s edge. It’s home to two major attractions: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, allowing guests to pilot the famous spacecraft, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, an epic adventure that places guests in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Themed dining and shopping experiences enhance the authenticity of the land, making it a must-visit for Star Wars fans.
Attractions
Entertainment
- First Order Searches for the Resistance
- Droid Depot
- Savi’s Workshop
Dining
- Bantu Beverage Cart
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo
- Kat Saka’s Kettle
- Milk Stand
- Oga’s Cantina
- Ronto Roasters
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is an adrenaline-pumping area of the park, home to some of the most iconic rides, such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. It also hosts the outdoor amphitheater Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage and the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic!, which features fireworks, water effects, and Disney characters.
Attractions
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Entertainment
- Fantasmic!
- Beauty and The Beast – Live on Stage
Dining
- Anaheim Produce
- Catalina Eddie’s
- Fairfax Fare
- Fantasmic Hollywood Hills Amphitheater
- Hollywood Scoops
- KRNR: The Rock Station
- Pretzel Palooza
- Racing Academy Snack Cart
- Rosie’s All-American Cafe
- Sunshine Day Bar
- Tower of Terror Ice Cream Cart
- Tower of Terror Joffrey’s
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land brings to life the beloved Pixar “Toy Story” series, allowing guests to feel as though they’ve shrunk to the size of a toy. Attractions such as Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly roller coaster, and Toy Story Mania!, an interactive 4D shooting game, provide fun for all ages. The area is adorned with oversized toys, creating a playful and whimsical setting that captures the imagination.
Attractions
Entertainment
- Green Army Drum Corps
Dining
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ
- Toy Story Land Snack Cart
- Woody’s Lunch Box
Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a diverse array of attractions, dining options, and entertainment, with each themed land providing a unique experience reflective of the rich history and creativity of film and animation.
Whether you’re stepping onto Hollywood Boulevard, exploring a galaxy far, far away, or shrinking down to the size of a toy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this dynamic park. This overview serves as a guide to what visitors can expect, making it an essential read for those planning their adventure to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Stay at Disney’s Deluxe Resort For Less
If are planning an upcoming visit to Walt Disney World, staying at either Boardwalk Villas or Beach Club Villas will put you just a walk, boat ride, or Skyliner trip away from the Hollywood Studios park entrance. You can view confirmed reservations for rent at Beach Club Villas or confirmed reservations for rent at Boardwalk villas. With DVC rentals, you can experience Disney’s Deluxe resorts for less, even without being a DVC member!
Beach Club Villas
Boardwalk Villas
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
