Disney’s Hollywood Studios: How Has It Changed In The Last Decade?

There have been many changes made to every Disney park throughout the last decade, but Disney’s Hollywood Studios in particular has seen massive transformations take place. If it has been a long time since your last visit to Hollywood Studios then you might some areas of the park to be unrecognizable. Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park that has been reimagined and re-themed in several areas, with multiple new attractions opening and new areas to explore. How has Hollywood Studios changed in the last decade? Continue reading to learn all about this park’s amazing transformation!

Removal of Sorcerer Mickey Hat

Guests who haven’t visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the last few years will notice a major change immediately upon entry to the park: The park’s previous icon of Mickey’s Sorcerer hat has been removed, with the park’s former icon of The Chinese Theatre taking back its place as the main icon at the end of the street. Many guests rejoiced at the removal of the sorcerer hat while others were sad to see the icon go.

Attractions That Have Closed

As with any change, some good things must come to an end. Hollywood Studios has seen its fair share of attraction closures within the last decade with the most notable being the closing of The Great Movie Ride, an interactive dark ride through the history of classic films,  in 2018. Other attractions that have seen their final day in the last 10 years are Pizza Planet Arcade, Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, Honey I Shrunk The Kids Movie Set Adventure, Backlot Tour, Streets of America, and Voyage of The Little Mermaid.

Toy Story Land

Although there have been several closed attractions throughout recent years there have been even more new attractions added to Hollywood Studios. Toy Story Land is a delightfully themed land that Woody and his pals put together in Andy’s backyard. Guests enter the land and find themselves to be shrunk down to the size of a toy. Toy Story Land brings two new attractions: Slinky Dog Dash, a fun family roller coaster where guests board Slinky Dog and travel throughout Andy’s backyard, and Alien Swirling Saucers, a twisting and twirling ride with the Toy Story aliens. A new entrance to Toy Story Mania was also constructed here.

Toy Story Land is also home to Woody’s Lunchbox, a quick-service dining location serving Andy’s favorite foods during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast guests can indulge in a homemade lunch box tart, and enjoy a grilled three-cheese sandwich or beef and bean chili potato barrels. If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal then you’ll enjoy Roundup Rodeo BBQ. This restaurant serves all-you-care-to-enjoy BBQ dishes while you dine in a larger than life dining room right inside Andy’s room. Don’t let your guard down though, Andy could come at any moment…be ready to freeze!

Galaxy’s Edge

Another new addition to Hollywood Studios is Galaxy’s Edge, a Star Wars themed land of the original planet Batuu. Galaxy’s Edge is home to intricate theming and several new attractions. Rise of the Resistance is a dark-ride thrill-ride on a scale that Disney has never seen before. This attraction is a fan-favorite for its intense theming and excellent Imagineering as guests are captured by the First Order. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is the attraction that exists for anyone who has ever dreamed of piloting the famous Star Wars ship. This attraction puts guests behind the controls as they interact with the ride’s path based on the decisions they make.

Galaxy’s Edge also brings guests new Star Wars experiences of creating their own lightsaber and droid. Grab a galactic drink at Oga’s Cantina, or drink fresh blue milk from the milk stand. If you are in need of a quick meal, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo serves space-inspired meals.

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Another notable new attraction is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Taking the place of the former Great Movie Ride, this dark-ride attraction is unlike anything you’ve  ever experienced before. Join Mickey and Minnie as they attempt to have a picnic in the park, but not everything goes according to plan. This attraction is humorous, fun, and suitable for guests of all ages.

Disney Skyliner Transportation

The Disney Skyliner opened in 2019 and has quickly become an integral part of the Disney transportation system. The Disney Skyliner connects EPCOT and Hollywood Studios with several Disney resorts: Caribbean Beach, Art of Animation, Pop Century, and Disney’s Riviera Resort. The Disney Skyliner’s station at Hollywood Studios is a fantastic improvement to the park, and it is fun to ride even if you don’t need to go anywhere!

Overall there have been many changes made to Hollywood Studios throughout the last decade. What is your favorite change? Let us know in the comments below!

Featured Photo: Megan Woodard