Contents
Visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Toddlers
Hi everyone. It’s Tyler here from TheTravelingToddler.com. So you’ve probably been reading my articles about our recent Disney trip, including my top Disney attractions for toddlers and my advice on bringing a stroller to Disney. Today I’m going to give you my thoughts on Hollywood Studios (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/hollywood-studios/).
Best Attractions for Toddlers
There are two attractions that will appeal to toddlers: Toy Story Mania and Disney Junior Live.
Toy Story Mania is a 4-D virtual carnival game. Your toddler can either sit on your lap or in their own seat. Even if your toddler won’t be able to aim the “shooting” stick, it’s still a visually and physically stimulating ride.
Disney Junior Live is a live stage/puppet show based on the Disney Junior characters. It’s a must do if your child likes Disney Junior. Be aware that this attraction is inside in a fairly dark theater and does last around 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, many of the other attractions at Hollywood Studios are outdoor stage shows (which may or may not appeal to your specific toddler) and thrill rides with height restrictions.
The park’s nighttime spectacular, Fantasmic, is incredible but may be too loud, scary, and/or late for young children.
Dining Options for Toddlers
Sci Fi Dinein Theater and Hollywood and Vine are very different but good options for table service dining with your toddler.
Hollywood and Vine is a character buffet which means that you get as much of the (American) food as you want and the characters come to meet you at your table! In fact, if you dine here you can skip the official outdoors meet and greet for the same Disney Junior characters. Be aware that Hollywood and Vine is quite pricey (as are all Disney property buffets) but kids under 3 do eat free.
Sci Fi Dinein Theater is a very different experience that may appeal to slightly older toddlers. Here, there restaurant is themed to an old fashioned drive in movie theater and you eat in replica automobiles from the 1950s. The food here is quite affordable by Disney table service standards. Reservations are a must for both restaurants.
Meeting Characters
The main characters that will appeal to toddlers are Jake, Sofia, Doc McStuffins, and BB8. The first three are characters from the Disney Junior series and most toddlers will recognize them.
BB8 is the robot form the newest incarnation of the Star Wars movies and will be a fun photo op for your toddler whether or not your toddler knows of BB8.
Other characters are available, but they might be too big and scary for your toddler, like Chewbacca and Kylo Ren.
Summary
Unfortunately, Hollywood Studios is not a very attractive park for toddlers. There are very few attractions that will appeal to toddlers.
My suggestion for Hollywood Studios (if you even visit at all) is to arrive early in the morning and ride Toy Story Mania, see Disney Junior Live, meet some of the characters, and have a sit-down meal at either the Dinein Theater or Hollywood and Vine, and then head back to the hotel for a nap.
Related Content
I have more information about Walt Disney World if you’re interested, including a review of my favorite value resort Pop Century.
Also, if you’re planning a trip to Disney, Undercover Tourist is hands down the best place for discount Walt Disney World tickets. The tickets are cheaper than what you can get through Disney, plus they have the same FastPass+ booking privileges.
Thanks for reading.
Have you visited Hollywood Studios? What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.