Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Full Overview
Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened its gates on May 1, 1989, originally named Disney-MGM Studios.
The park was strongly backed by the duo Michael Eisner and Frank Wells, respectively CEO and President of The Walt Disney Company.
The idea had been in the air since the construction of EPCOT. This third park was originally intended to be just a land focused on entertainment, but Eisner saw its potential and decided to make it a full-fledged theme park.
It’s also worth mentioning that, at the time, plans for Universal Studios Orlando had already been announced—who copied who?
We’ll never know 😅
When the park opened in 1989, it also featured two working production studios. The first was Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida, where Disney produced *Mulan*, *Lilo & Stitch*, and others.
The second was Walt Disney Studios Florida, made up of three sound stages used for TV productions like Disney Channel’s *Mickey Mouse Club*.
To make sure you don’t miss any detail from my explanation, download the park map.
Areas
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is made up of 7 themed areas:
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Echo Lake
- Commissary Lane
- Grand Avenue
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Toy Story Land
- Animation Courtyard
- Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard
This land is the park’s Main Street. In the background, you’ll see a replica of the famous Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, which houses the area’s only attraction.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a true tech powerhouse (you’ll read this phrase a lot in this article!) and currently the newest attraction to open in all of Walt Disney World.
There’s not much else in Hollywood Boulevard except for two strategically placed shops along the entrance avenue.
Echo Lake
Here you’ll find the first of many Star Wars-themed experiences in the park: Star Tours!
It’s not much different from the one at Disneyland Paris, except for the entrance theming—where you’ll walk beneath the legs of a massive AT-AT.
The must-see show in this area is undoubtedly For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration.
It’s the most-watched Frozen show in the world! Luckily, I have a son 😅
Commissary Lane
This is not really a full land, but if you love 1950s cars and sci-fi movies, the Sci-Fi Dine-In will win you over.
Even though the food isn’t the main attraction here, the atmosphere will transport you to a time of slicked-back hair and souped-up engines.
Grand Avenue
This land used to be much bigger before construction began on Galaxy’s Edge, but its signature attraction has remained untouched.
Muppet*Vision 3D will have you laughing out loud and feeling nostalgic—especially if you grew up in the ’70s like I did 😍
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
I won’t go into detail describing this massive land—you can read my full article here—but I’ll highlight my three favorite experiences.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is every Star Wars fan’s dream. Sitting in the cockpit and flying the most famous ship in the galaxy? Priceless.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the most immersive, most technologically advanced, and most expensive attraction Disney has ever built.
Okay, maybe it breaks down sometimes, but it’s totally worth the wait—it alone justifies the park ticket.
Enjoy a spacey drink at the bar inside Oga’s Cantina while listening to the beats of DJ R-3X and you’ll feel like a true galactic traveler.
Toy Story Land
This land features one of the smoothest family coasters I’ve ever been on.
Slinky Dog Dash is the perfect thrill touch—like the cherry on top of this fun-filled land. Unmissable.
Another must-do is Toy Story Mania!—the first major success in interactive 4D attractions.
Animation Courtyard
Walt Disney Presents was originally opened to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Walt’s birth. The gallery tells his life story—from small-town America to Hollywood.
You’ll see unique sketches, photos, models, costumes, artwork, and more.
After touring the gallery, watch Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream, a 15-minute documentary showcasing the life and legacy of this visionary creator.
With rare audio, historic footage, and home videos seldom seen, this film retraces how Walt turned his dreams into reality.
Sunset Boulevard
This was the park’s first major expansion, home to some of its most iconic attractions.
Tower of Terror needs no introduction—but don’t even think of skipping it. This is the original, the very first ever built, and it includes exclusive motion sequences you won’t find at any other Tower of Terror in the world.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was for many years the only roller coaster in the entire resort. Its soundtrack and countdown before launch have become legendary.
Fun Fact
Before Sunset Boulevard was built, if you looked at the park from above, you could spot a giant “hidden” Mickey face clearly visible to visitors.
