9 First Timer Tips for Doing Hollywood Studios Alone (Disney Solo Trip)

Is Disney World Hollywood Studios for solo travelers?

Absolutely!

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

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 the coming addition of Star Wars Land, has made Hollywood Studios a competitive theme park.

Star Wars Galaxy Edge Smugglers Run Entrance at Disney Hollywood Studios

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO. 

One of the first questions you may have is…

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.

The Solo Theme Park Traveler's Guide
You can get your Solo Theme Park Guide Today!

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

Is traveling alone scary?

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.

How to do Disney Hollywood solo with the famous WDW Where Dreams Come True entrance sign.
Welcome home!

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
Beauty and the Beast Auditorium Entrance at Hollywood Studios
Beauty and the Beast Auditorium Entrance at Hollywood Studios

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!

Disney one-day game plan itinerary
Download your Disney one-day game plan itinerary by clicking image!

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: 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.

Have a DIFFERENT kind of Orlando vacation with a Resort home next to Disney World. Find Your Disney Resort Vacation Rental here!

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!

Christmas at Hollywood Studios Decorate Dinosaur in Santa Hat on Lake Echo

 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.

Toy Story Land
Hanging out in Toy Story Land!

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

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.

Hollywood Studios Map 2020 and 2021
Hollywood Studios Map

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

3 – Get Your Hollywood Studios FastPasses and Reservations ASAP

FastPasses to the hottest attractions such as the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster in Hollywood Studios need to be booked like yesterday!

Toy Story Land Slinky Dog Dash
Toy Story Land Slinky Dog Dash

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

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

In addition to booking your FastPasses, 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.

hollywood studios fastpass+ tier infograph 2020
Hollywood Studios FastPass+ Tier with the NEW Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Train added to tier 1

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: 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.

themeparkhipster at toy story land

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.

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.

Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios looking eerie
Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Ride

Here Are the Best Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions

  • Beauty and the Beast, Sunset Boulevard
  • Dining with an Imagineer, American Food, Hollywood Brown Derby
  • Encounter Kylo Ren at Star Wars Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Echo Lake
  • March of the First Order, Star Wars,
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Sunset Boulevard
  • Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular- Fireworks, Stage Show
  • 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
  • Voyage of The Little Mermaid, Animation Courtyard
  • Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, Animation Courtyard

Read: 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.

ThemeParkHipster Community Group on Facebook

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.

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).

Buzz Lightyear and NikkyJ of ThemeParkHipster in Toy Story Land
Buzz and ThemeParkHipster

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!

Minnie Mouse character meet at Disney Hollywood Studios solo trip

Where to Find Characters at Hollywood Studios?

  • Bolt at Center Stage Courtyard
  • Buzz Lightyear and Woody at Toy Story Land
  • Chewbacca at Star Wars TM Launch Bay
  • Chip and Dale near Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater at Commissary Lane
  • Daisy Duck near entrance inside Sid Cahuenga’s
  • Doc McStuffins at Animation Courtyard
  • Donald Duck near entrance inside Sid Cahuenga’s
  • Goofy at Center Stage Courtyard
  • Green Army Men at Pixar Place
  • Jake the Never Land Pirate at Animation Courtyard
  • Kylo Ren at Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Mickey Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams
  • Minnie Mouse at Red Carpet Dreams
  • Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight
  • Pluto at Animation Courtyard
  • Sofia in the Animation Courtyard
  • Woody at Toy Story Land

*Locations subject to change without notice.

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.

Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios
Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios

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.

Star Wars Galaxys Decor at Hollywood Studios

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.

Top Villas Orlando Vacation Home.

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

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

What to Know Before You Go

Everything you must do at Hollywood Studios with Mickey Mouse atop Hollywood Boulevard. #DisneyTips #HollywoodStudios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios

What ride should I ride first at Hollywood Studios?

For now, you should knock out all the rides in Star Wars: Galaxy’s 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).

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.

Dolphin Hotel Resort with Lagoon
Windsor Hills Resort Vacation Home near Walt Disney World

What are the best Disney resorts for Solo Travelers?

Read: 5 Best Disney Resorts for Solo Travelers

What rides at Disney World have single rider line?

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

Long line on a busy day at Hollywood Studios Rockin Roller Coaster
Rockin Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Disney World Single Rider Attractions

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

Final Thoughts

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?

Be courageous, take the leap and go!

Don’t spend your life waiting for others schedule to line up with yours in order for you to make that solo trek.

If you want to go to a Disney park, then go!

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

How to plan your Disney Solo Hollywood Studios trip!
Pin for later!

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!

NikkyJ

UP NEXT: 9 Safety Tips for Women Traveling Alone to Disney World

(Original Article Date: June 17, 2019/Updated: May 26, 2020)

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