Why Hollywood Studios has become my favorite Disney World park

I’m often asked by friends and readers about my favorite Disney park to visit, and it’s a tough question to answer. Each of the four theme parks at Walt Disney World holds its own unique charm.

Magic Kingdom evokes nostalgia; gazing at the castle still fills me with the wonder of childhood, transporting me to a realm beyond reality.

EPCOT entices with its myriad of festivals and culinary delights, not to mention the most thrilling attraction of the moment: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

Animal Kingdom satisfies my passion for animals and exploration, offering a sanctuary to wander and connect with the wildlife.

Yet, the reigning champion in my book is Hollywood Studios at Disney World.

Some may argue that the park isn’t the largest; at 135 acres, it ranks third among the four Disney parks. Surprisingly, the smallest, Magic Kingdom, spans only 107 acres. Hollywood Studios also doesn’t boast the most rides, where it is also No. 3. Nor does it offer the most entertainment options. And some might find its food offerings merely average.

Instead, this park strikes the perfect balance of thrill rides, family-friendly attractions, entertainment, and culinary delights for a full day of entertainment.

And what better time to honor the park than as it celebrates its 35th anniversary on May 1. 

What sets Hollywood Studios apart for me are its impeccably designed lands. While I have a soft spot for Animal Kingdom’s Pandora, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers a level of immersion that’s hard to beat. And the intricate details of Toy Story Land are simply remarkable.

You could easily lose yourself for several hours in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Not only does it boast two exhilarating rides—Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run—but it’s also one of the rare places where a diverse array of characters roam freely, engaging with guests along the walkways. You can meet Chewbacca and Rey, or bump into the Mandalorian and Grogu. Plus, don’t miss out on the culinary delights at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo; the Peka Tuna Poke and Fried Endorian Chicken Tip Yip are absolute must-tries. We also have a soft spot for the Ronto Wrap, especially the breakfast version.

Moreover, the land offers a plethora of adventures waiting to be discovered through the Play Disney Parks app. Uncover the secrets of Black Spire Outpost, immerse yourself in the Resistance encampment, or try your hand at some bounty hunting. And let’s not forget the shopping—every bit as immersive as the rest of the experience.

When you step into Toy Story Land, prepare to be shrunk down to the size of a toy and embark on three delightful family rides. Each one feels like it was crafted by Andy himself in his backyard: there’s a thrilling roller coaster, a classic whip-type ride, and an exciting competitive shoot-’em-up experience.

The park also boasts two of the best thrill rides on Disney property—Rock’n’Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (closed now for a lengthy refurbishment) and Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. 

And when it comes to entertainment, there’s nothing as sweet as Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage, as joyous as For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration, or as exciting as the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. For the little ones and those who want to feel like little ones, Disney Junior Play and Dance! keeps you moving with a smile. 

Let’s not overlook the iconic Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which is a fantastic family ride and a treasure trove for Hidden Mickeys.

As I mentioned earlier, while the park’s food might not rank as the best in the resort, its themed restaurants offer a unique ambiance for sit-down meals. Whether you’re dining in a parked car at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre, visiting your “cousins” at the 50s Prime Time Cafe, or taking a trip back to old Hollywood at the Brown Derby, each experience adds to the park’s charm. The newest sit-down restaurant, Round-up Rodeo BBQ, lets you enjoy a family-style meal surrounded by Andy’s toys as they play rodeo.

If you’re in search of quick-service meals, make sure not to miss out on the Totchos and the Lunch Box Tart (a sort of homemade Pot-Tart) at Woody’s Lunch Box. This is also home to some iconic Disney World snacks, including the Wookiee cookie, carrot cake cookie, and Jack Jack’s Num Num Cookie. (Not all the great snacks are cookies, even if it seems that way.)

At the end of the day, Hollywood Studios presents a true nighttime spectacular: Fantasmic! More than fireworks, this show tells the story of good and evil battling it out in Mickey Mouse’s dreams and features live performers and a host of characters to end your day. In addition, the Wonderful World of Animation offers a fun projection show on the Chinese Theatre taking you on a journey through more than 90 years of animation.

If you’re lucky enough to be here during the holidays, Hollywood Studios really comes alive with 1930s-inspired holiday decorations. Even Gertie the dinosaur is decked out for the season in a Santa hat with a Christmas ornament dangling from her mouth. And the Hollywood Tower of Terror is home to fun holiday story projections throughout the evening.

So, while each Disney park has its own allure, for me, Hollywood Studios reigns supreme with its impeccable balance of thrills, immersive lands, and unforgettable experiences, making it the ideal destination for a day of adventure.