Walt Disney World for Adults: Hollywood Studios
If you were wondering if the Hollywood Studios is for adults, let me provide you with the answer – YES, IT IS!
The question is just a more specific and fancier version of “Is Disney for adults?”.
Heck yeah, it is!
There’s a lot to do in Hollywood Studios for adults.
Its juggernauts rides, themed restaurants, and walkthroughs. The world can call it a “teenager’s park” but it has everything for an adult to have an incredible time.
So, be sure to put on your most comfortable shoes, munch on your favorite snacks, and have your perfect itinerary ready for your grown-up Disney vacation!
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What Makes Hollywood Studios Perfect for Adults?
When I first visited the formerly known as Disney MGM Studios park, I found myself overwhelmed because there were just so many unique attractions to enjoy.
There are also magical annual events that are held in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Visit the theme park during Christmas to witness the classic Tinkle Town take on this holiday.
With the launch of the Disney Skyliner, you can now even enjoy a unique, fun ride to enter the park.
And if you have never done a solo trip to Disney World, Hollywood Studios will make the best starting point. It is one of the easier parks to traverse.
Why I Love Visiting Hollywood Studios as a Disney Adult Fan
- Easy to tour, the park does not exhaust its Guests.
- You can explore the entire park, take in dozens of its attractions, and enjoy themed dining experience here without huffing and puffing.
- The park is that accommodating! Within just a half-day, you will accomplish a ton.
While the park may run low on rides, it still has plenty of them for you to make a day of it.
Not only that, there are enticing eateries dotting Hollywood Studios that will your mouth water, regardless of whether you are a foodie or not.
However, do not let the low number of rides fool you into thinking that you don’t need the Genie+ Pass.
The LOOOOONG waiting lines, especially those in front of newer rides, can ruin your entire schedule.
This way you will have all the time you need to catch the park’s classic shows, hang out, and enjoy your experience.
As you explore the park, you will notice how the Hollywood Studios has begun to cater to its adult guests.
Several bars and lounges have mushroomed throughout this magical land.
Here is a list of things to do in Hollywood Studios as an adult and enjoy it.
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5 Best Rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Adults
Although the number of rides at Disney Hollywood Studios is far less than the other parks, you will want to try all of them.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Mickey and Mickey’s Runaway Railway
As for the older rides, many, including me, say that the Tower of Terror is one of the best scream-inducing thrill rides at Disney World.
It’s the only drop tower type of ride that you’ll experience at Walt Disney World.
Even the rides Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania! make great adult attractions despite being more geared towards kids. No matter how daring you are, you might end up with split hair.
The only skippable ride for adults at Hollywood Studios is the Alien Swirling Saucers.
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Best Shows at Hollywood Studios for Adults
The park offers many live shows. Given the park is quite small and Disney shows are all entertaining, you can cover all of them in a day.
However, if you are leaning strictly towards no-kiddy entertainment, skip Disney Junior Dance Party.
You can also skip the Frozen Sing-Along unless you are a Frozen Fan. You will be surprised to notice that the show has quite a decent amount of grown-up jokes in it.
All other shows are indisputably entertaining for adults. They include:
- Beauty and the Beast Live
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular!
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid (when it returns)
- Muppet Vision 3D
There are nighttime shows also at the park. Lit with harlequin lights and musical, these shows are all like a mini concert for the guests.
There are two nighttime shows in Disney’s Hollywood Studios include:
If you ask me, I’d highly recommend you not miss Fantasmic!
If you are only going to want to catch Wonderful World of Animation for its fireworks, I’d say start with Fantasmic and then scurry your way out to catch the lit part of the Star Wars show if you can.
Nightlife at Hollywood Studios
The nightlife at Hollywood Studios has many more offerings. For example, after the sunsets, you will find that the Sunset Boulevard is awash with lights.
Even the turning point of the boulevard, the Hollywood Tower Hotel turns flickering purple with a bright neon sign.
Another gorgeous after-dark place at the Disney Hollywood Studios is its glowing Hollywood Boulevard.
It’s lined with neon lights. At the end of the boulevard is the Chinese Theatre that turns deep red at night and even lights up with a projection show.
You may also want to revisit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and the Tower of Terror to enjoy their eye-popping lit-up versions.
Some fans even argue that it is the nighttime scenes at the Hollywood Studios that make the biggest reasons to stay in the park past the sunset.
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A Must-Do Attraction for Grown Ups Going to Hollywood Studios
If you were thinking that rides and shows were it, you couldn’t be more wrong. There is another must-visit site at the Disney Hollywood Studios.
It is called the Walt Disney Presents: Exhibit, formerly known as, the One Man’s Dream.
The exhibit is more than 100 years of Disney on display!
It is practically the entire life of the One Man – Walt Disney. Here, put on display, are sketches, models, costumes, artwork, photos, and much more.
It is truly a treasure trove for all Disney fans.
Added to this educational tour are many surprising elements of entertainment. After all, the motto of Disney could not be lost at its own turf.
As you tour the century-old heritage, you get to meet some of your favorite characters. You will also get a preview of upcoming additions to the Disney World.
Watch the Film on Walt’s Life
The entire tour of this extensive library ends with a 15-minute documentary that shows the One Man behind the mouse.
Within the documentary are several of his rare footages, audio recordings, and home movies.
Note that the screenings at the Walt Disney Presents: Exhibits taking place at all times. It has a first-come, first-serve limited seating.
If there is any Disney movie that is scheduled to release in the future, you might even get a sneak-peak into it at these small screenings.
Read NEXT: Top 10 Rides and Attractions at Hollywood Studios
The Adult Food and Drink Scene at Hollywood Studios
The food scene at this Disney park may not be as eclectic as other parks, but it is certainly worthy of sampling.
There is a Carrot Cake Cookie, which is available at the Trolley Car Café and is a cult classic at DHS.
Among its classic options are the Hollywood Studios restaurants is the famous 50s Prime Time Café and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre.
While the 50s Prime Time Café/Tune In Lounge takes its cues from the eponymous glorious era of Hollywood, the Sci-Fi Dine-In boasts a darker interior with cars as tables.
Sci-Fi Dine-In also streams movies so, if you’re a film-buff or going solo, this can be the place where you go for a fun dining experience.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
If you are looking for a more picturesque setting and affordable option, head straight to the Hollywood Brown Derby.
It is the signature restaurant at Disney Hollywood Studios where you might need an advanced reservation to get a seat.
Another and dare I say, better option, to get a drink is the Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge. Again, complete with an outdoor patio, the lounge serves an array of delicious drinks.
It also serves small plates to go with each drink. And they even have martini samples! Do make a stop here!
Finding the Best Drinks in Hollywood Studios
The drink scene at the park is second best after that of Epcot.
Here you’ll get delicious craft beer version of Hollywood Studios at the Baseline Tap House. The place is replete with an outdoor patio, a perfect spot to brew a beer on a great weather day.
As the day comes to an end, stroll through the many gift shops in the park and pick up whichever merchandise pops your eyes.
Best Cocktails at Disney Hollywood Studios
- Baseline Select Margarita: Lunazul Añejo Tequila, Cointreau Liqueur, Sweet-and-Sour, and Lime Juice at Baseline Tap House
- Martini Flight: Classic Gin, Citrus Vodka and Pomegranate at Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge
- Grandma’s Picnic Punch: Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Crème de Cassis, Light Lemonade, and Pineapple Juice at 50’s Prime Time Café (ask for it at Tune-In Lounge)
- Happy Daze: Parrot Bay Coconut Rum, Melon Liqueur, Banana Liqueur and Grenadine with Orange and Pineapple Juice at ABC Commissary
- Mama’s Margarita: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila, Limoncello, Fresh Lime Juice, Sweet-and-Sour, and Orange Juice at Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
- Jedi Mind Trick: Ketel One Botanical Grapefruit and Rose Vodka, John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum, Bols Blue Curaçao, White Grape Juice, Lime Juice, and Grapefruit Bitters at Oga’s Cantina
- Orbiting Oreos: Oreo Shake mixed with Godiva Chocolate Liqueur at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
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What to Know Before You Go to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Now that you how to have the most fun grown-up trip to Disney World, let’s go over a few questions you may have.
Can I explore the entire Hollywood Studios in 1 day?
Yes, with an efficient itinerary and a tad huff-puff, you should be able to tour the entire Hollywood Studios in one day.
Get your full adult itinerary here!
Can I enjoy Hollywood Studios in less than 1 day?
If you are going to ride all the rides and watch all the shows in the park, then you may need an entire day dedicated to this park.
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On which rides should I use my Genie+ Pass on at Hollywood Studios?
I would suggest you use your Genie Plus Passes Smugglers Run, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
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Which other Disney parks are connected to Hollywood Studios?
Epcot is connected to Disney Hollywood Studios. You can walk, take the boat, or take the Skyliner to Epcot from DHS.
How Much Does Hollywood Studios Cost?
A one-day REGULAR season Hollywood Studios ticket starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).
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Which resorts are closest to Hollywood Studios?
The Swan and Dolphin Resort, Art of Animation Resort and Pop Century Resort are the Disney resorts closest to Hollywood Studios.
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Let’s Wrap It Up!
Hollywood Studios is as much available and fun for the adults as it is for kids and teenagers. Don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.
Go to this Disney park, take the disapprovers with you too, and have you all will have a blast!
To me it is small and still trying to figure out what it wants to be. Nevertheless, enjoy it during this stage because it is no less fun, easy to explore, and who knows you might miss something exciting once it transitions more.
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
(Original Article Date: April 30, 2020/Updated by Editor on April 11, 2024)