I went to Hollywood Studios Alone and you SHOULD too! (9 Beginner Tips for Your Solo Disney Trip)

Is Disney World Hollywood Studios for solo travelers?

Absolutely!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a solo theme park traveler’s must-do!

Hollywood Studios was once known as Disney-MGM Studios when it opened in 1989.

It has always been a great half-day theme park for those visiting Walt Disney World solo; however, it is now a park that is spectacular to discover for over a whole day.

The addition of Toy Story Land and Star Wars Land, has made Hollywood Studios a competitive theme park.

Today I want to show you how to go to this Disney theme park alone. And trust me, you can do it!

So before I give you the tips, let me answer a few questions that may be holding you back from an EPIC vacation.

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How do you do Disney’s Hollywood Studios solo?

Now that’s a big question to answer.

In today’s article I will show you how to do one of Disney’s parks by yourself. If you want to learn how you can go to all other theme parks alone, then your own copy of The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide.

This handbook will walk you step-by-step to planning that first solo Disney World vacation.

Is traveling to Disney World alone scary?

Absolutely not! Doing Hollywood Studios solo doesn’t have to be scary.

Since I started traveling to Disney parks alone, I’ve noticed I’m confident meeting new people. I’m also able to let go just a little bit of my introverted side.

The Disney parks are suited just for solo adult travelers. You will never have to worry about feeling isolated or scared when going at it alone.

As a solo park hopper, Hollywood Studios offers many activities that can be thoroughly enjoyed, such as:

• Hollywood-inspired theatrical shows
• Terrifying yet amazing rides
• The all-in dining–entertainment experiences offered at such places as: 50’s Prime Time Café and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

How do you do Hollywood Studios by yourself in one day?

It’s definitely doable if you have a good game plan. Save the Hollywood Studios one-day cheat sheet to your phone below!

One of the cool thing about Hollywood Studios is that the attractions and shows are not too far apart. This makes it easy to navigate the park and do everything in one day. 

Listen NEXT: How to Do Hollywood Studios in One-Day with Itinerary

Do you think people will notice that you’re alone at Disney?

Or, do you feel you will not have as good of a time going to Orlando alone?

If this sounds like you, then I’m here to help guide you into the perfect solo day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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9 First Timer Tips to Jump-start Your Hollywood Studios Solo Quest!

Now that we have the basics out-of-the-way, allow me to welcome you to Disney’s version of the historic Hollywood, California!

1. Don’t Jump Right into Solo Travel

Traveling this way can be daunting to some Disney fans so, I recommend starting small when it comes to solo travel.

Let’s say you arrive to Disney one day prior to your whole family getting there, then try to do a section of Hollywood Studios to see if that makes you feel comfortable with traveling alone.

This may just convince you to try a whole day at one of the Walt Disney World parks on your own.

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2. Plan out Your Day at Hollywood Studios

The thought of going to a Disney park alone may already be too stressful, so I recommend mapping out your day.

Having an itinerary relieves travel anxiety and keeps your mind occupied with all the fun stops you plan on doing at Hollywood Studios.

Be sure to go over the park map in the My Disney Experience App.

3. Get Your Hollywood Studios Genie+ and Reservations ASAP

Genie+ to the hottest attractions such as the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster in Hollywood Studios get booked up quickly so on your day of arrival to the park, be sure to get on the app at 7 a.m. to choose the best rides.

You will thank me later for this and your solo day at Hollywood Studios will be EPIC!

Hipster Power Tip: When choosing Genie+/Lightning Lane Passes for Hollywood Studios be sure to choose at least one of the following attractions due to popularity: Rise of Resistance, Smugglers Run, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.

In addition to booking your Genie+ Passes, you’ll want to make other reservations early too. Walt Disney World is the top tourist destination in the world.

This is an advantage for you, because you will never have to think of what to do.

You’ll want to book your dining or special event reservation as soon as you know your Disney vacation dates. Popular Hollywood Studios restaurants and annual events book up quickly.

Read NEXT: Hollywood Studios for Adults (Definitive Guide)

4. Discover All the Lands of Hollywood Studios

Learn the different history of each land or area in Hollywood Studios. There are so many unique hidden gems and facts that you’ll love learning about as you walk through each highly themed area.

Toy Story Land is a gem in its own right. Being shrunk in Andy’s backyard, sends you into a fun sense of nostalgic charm.

It’s sooo magical! I also recommend exploring the Hollywood Tower Hotel. An attraction with a story told with deep and intensely terrifying details.

WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!

5. Experience Your Hollywood Studios Must Do Attractions

Since this is your solo Disney trip, it’s a time to do Hollywood Studios your way!

This is the MAIN PERK of going to Walt Disney World alone.

In order to get all your Hollywood Studios must do’s, I suggest doing a bit of researching on the web and writing everything down you want to accomplish.

Here Are the Best Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions

• Beauty and the Beast, Sunset Boulevard
• Encounter Darth Vader at Star Wars Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard
• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Echo Lake
• Fantasmic!
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Sunset Boulevard
• Star Wars Land
• The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, American Food, Hollywood Boulevard
• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Sunset Boulevard
• Toy Story Land
• Tune-In Lounge, Lounge, American Food, Echo Lake

Read NEXT: Solo Dining: Tips for Eating Alone at Disney World

6. Don’t be Afraid to Socialize

I know firsthand what it’s like to be an introvert, but get out of your comfort zone and introduce yourself to at least one person on your day at Hollywood Studios.

Get familiar with your social media community. There are lots of Facebook groups dedicated to Disney enthusiasts.

These groups usually have people in it who frequently travel to Disney parks solo.

They will become your very own theme park family and they will also help you out with the latest park news and their own personal theme park hacks.

Your Instagram community is another place to get to know your Disney family. Once these relationships are formed online, they may lead to long-term friendships.

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7. Take Lots of Photos at Hollywood Studios

Take advantage of the PhotoPass system at Disney, where Cast Members will take photos for you that can later be retrieved digitally (on your computer or your phone).

Don’t forget to take photos with characters in the park.

Now that I’m a bit older, I love meeting all the characters in Hollywood Studios, such as, Woody and Jessie.

I also love watching others dress like the characters they plan on meeting in the parks. It always makes for amazing photos!

Read NEXT: Disney World Characters: Where to Find Them ALL at Walt Disney World? 

8. Know the Reasons Why doing Hollywood Studios Solo is Incredible!

Perk #1: Freedom.

There’s an incredible sense of independence when you’re exploring the parks by yourself.

You can watch Belle and all of her magical friends perform on stage at Hollywood Studios without anyone mocking you about your choice in entertainment.

A big plus is that your day will move a lot faster, meaning that you’ll do more without the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Perk #2: You Become a Better Problem Solver.

With the solo experience you gain the advantage of becoming a better problem solver.

Because it’s just you on this vacation path, you will have to come up with plan A, plan B, and plan C for some of the theme park events.

When you’re with a group of people you may have many different opinions or solutions to problems that arise. However, when it’s just you, you become the sole problem solver.

Perk #3: You Meet Incredible Solo ThemeParkHipsters

Since I started going to Disney by myself, I’ve noticed that I’ve become more confident in other social settings.

Traveling solo to Walt Disney World makes me happy, which makes me more comfortable introducing myself to others.

Join the Conversation on the Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Community on Facebook!

9. Remember You’re Home and Never Truly Alone

When you arrive at Walt Disney World you are home. The cast members, the characters, the Disney guests are all your family.

This is the most magical family reunion!

Read NEXT: How to Be Alone at Disney Without Feeling Lonely (Alone vs. Lonely)

What to Know Before You Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Now that you know how to go to Hollywood Studios alone, let’s go over a few questions you may have.

What ride should I ride first at Hollywood Studios?

For now, you should knock out all the rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge since it’s the most popular area at the moment.

Once you finish your galactic adventure, you’ll want to head over to Toy Story Land.

How much is a day pass at Hollywood Studios?

A one-day REGULAR season Hollywood Studios ticket starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).

Save on your Disney World tickets with Tripadvisor TODAY!

What day of the week is best to go to Hollywood Studios?

Tuesday is the best day of the week to have your solo Disney day. If Tuesday doesn’t work, Wednesday and Thursday are good as well.

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What rides at Disney World have Single Rider Line?

While planning out your day, you’ll want to have your Genie+ Passes booked as mentioned earlier in this guide and arrive early to the park.

Disney World Single Rider Attractions

• Test Track – Epcot
• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Hollywood Studios
• Expedition Everest – Animal Kingdom
• Smugglers Run – Hollywood Studios

Recommended: The Solo Theme Park Traveler’s Guide

My Final Thoughts on Having a Solo Trip to Hollywood Studios

As you can see, Hollywood Studios has so many hidden gems ready for you to discover. On your next solo Disney trip, make it a fun game to discover each little secret.

Have I convinced you to go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios solo yet?

Traveling solo to theme parks is my Theme Park Therapy and I want it to become yours.

Let me know below if you’ve ever went to Hollywood Studios by yourself or if you’re thinking about going at it alone in the comments below?

Are you planning a Disney vacation soon? Read the Disney Vacation Planning Guide for your next dream trip!

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

(Original Article Date: June 17, 2019/Updated: April 10, 2024)

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