Anyone who says that
Hollywood Studios has seen a lot of changes in the past few years. First we lost the Backlot Studio Tour than the Great Movie Ride! But what we got in their places – pure perfection. Let’s take a look at all there is to do in this high speed park – grown up style.
This is not a guide for families or anyone visiting with small kids. No, we’re planning a day just for the grown ups. With all the big-kid attractions, foods, and beverages any kid-at-heart could dream of.
Attractions
It’s no secret that Hollywood Studios may not be for the faint of heart. While it has far fewer attractions than Magic Kingdom, they pack far more of a punch. Strap in for these high-flying thrills.
Rockin’ Rollercoaster Featuring Areosmith
Thrill seekers look no further! Rockin’ Rollercoaster is an indoor rollercoaster, where you’ll take a stretch limo to meet Areosmith backstage for a show. The ride boasts not 1, not 2, but thee inversions including a corkscrew. It is a fast launch coaster that immediately throws guests into the first inversion, kicking things off with a big bang!
With a 48” height requirement, major drops, and total darkness – it’s definitely for the grown-ups in the group. Thank goodness for the single-rider queue so you can break away from a group to take this one on, if not everyone’s quite ready for it.
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
As an opening day attraction, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror has been around for a while. And it’s for a good reason, this ride is awesome. The immersive theming plops you right into a turn of the century luxury resort built in the Hollywood hills. Until something went wrong and, well now the elevators don’t behave quite like they should.
This free-fall drop attraction raises you high above the park, providing you with a picturesque view. Only to send your cart dropping down all 13 stories of the Hollywood Hills Hotel.
Fun Facts – You’re actually not falling on Tower of Terror. Imagineers wanted to capture real thrills and decided the drop needed to be faster than gravity. The elevator carts are actually pulled back down to the ground.
Rise of the Resistance
Disney’s newest and most innovative ride in the United States, Rise of the Resistance is no joke. The dark ride takes you into the world of Star Wars like nothing before. There may not be big drops, or loops that send you upside down – but there are stormtroopers. Lots and lots of Stormtroopers.
Rise of the Resistance is completely kid friendly, and perfect for even the youngest Star Wars fans. But the long line and nearly necessary Individual Lightening Lane means it could be a tough wait.
Slinky Dog Dash
Nestled in the middle of Toy Story Land, Slinky Dog Dash is a classic coaster. You won’t find any inversions here, but there are some big hills with steep slopes that might catch you off guard.
With a 36” heigh requirement it’s not limited to just big kids, but could be a bit scary for littles. The epic hangtime during the first hill makes it a must do for adults too. It does get bust throughout the day, so consider purchasing Genie+ to ensure you spot in line.
Dining
Hollywood Studios is mid-tier when it comes to
You’ll find a quality mix of quick service, table service, and even character dining here. And a few of these options are great for a grown-ups only day away at the parks.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Whether you’re dropping in unexpectedly to the lounge, or managed to snag a coveted reservation – The Hollywood Brown Derby is a classy choice. An expansive menu including filet mingnon, halibut, and even a plant based option (yay!) are available to both the quick service and table service sides of this location.
These meals are pricey, though, with the average entree costing more than $30. Yes, they do have a kids meal (including mac and cheese). But with price tags like this it’s a bit of a splurge. Not to mention the wide array of top-shelf liquors and wine, The Hollywood Brown Derby is best reserved for an adult adventure
Baseline Tap House
Yes, most of the grown-up guide dining recommendations do center around drinks. And that’s where Baseline Tap House fits in perfectly. This cozy quick service **location is situated just across from Muppet’s 3D and is one of our favorite spots for a mid-day break.
While there are a few quality snacks, we strongly emphasize the beer and beverage menu here. The tap list changes pretty frequently, so even if you’ve been here before it’s worth checking out again.
Pro tip: Non-alcoholic drinks get free refills! Order the Hibiscus Soda or Strawberry Lemonade to take advantage of this deal.
Oga’s Cantina
Our final food and beverage choice for a grown up day at Hollywood Studios has to be Oga’s Cantina. It’s literally a dream come true for us millennials who grew up with the original trilogy. You feel like you’re walking into the films when you enter Oga’s Cantina.
Plus, drinks!
Oga’s has one of the most extensive, and creative, cocktail menus at
Something that shocked us during our first Oga’s visit though, is that you will be placed at a shared table. And that could be a seated or standing table. This happens with or without a reservation, unless you’re with a large party, so be prepared to get to know your neighbors.
Exciting Entertainment
It wouldn’t be a day at Hollywood Studios without a few shows to round out the experience. This is still an adults day though – so we’re not talking about the
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Hands down one of the best productions in
Pro Tip: Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is food and drink friendly. So you can bring your coffee, cocktail, or churro along to the show!
Beauty and the Beast Live! Onstage
Is it explicitly ‘grown-up,’ no. Beauty and the Beast is family friendly and fun for everyone. But if you’re reading this list – chances are you lived through the
So feed that nostalgia with a Broadway worthy stage show, starring your favorite
Fantasmic!
At the end of the day, when you’re wishing you had packed more Advil, kick up your feet with a treat at Fantasmic!
The thirty minute show features Mickey Mouse as he battles the villains of his nightmares. Hollywood Studios version of Fantasmic! is often overshadowed by it’s Disneyland counterpart, but it’s truly a standout on it’s own.
With a character filled steamboat and special appearance by Maleficent herself. Everyone should experience this nighttime show, and round out a full day (grown-up or not) at
What are your favorite things to do at DHS?
