How to Approach Hollywood Studios in 2025

A new year means new adventures during your Disney vacation.

With every theme park constantly evolving, you may struggle to keep up with the changing landscape.

MickeyBlog is here to help, and we’ve got a tricky subject to discuss this time.

Here’s how to approach Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2025.

Changing of the Guard

The first thing you should know is that Muppets Courtyard is closing soon.

Disney recently confirmed that it is repurposing the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser building into new office space.

At this location, Imagineers will set up base as they prepare the conversion of Muppets Courtyard into Monstropolis.

That’s a solid indicator of how significant this project is. Disney wants Imagineers onsite as much as possible.

So, they transitioned a hotel into a de facto Imagineering headquarters in the short term.

Alas, the debut of Monstropolis signifies the end of a few staples at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The most impactful one is Muppet*Vision 3D, the final project of Jim Henson’s storied career.

Disney will permanently close this location, at least at this location, on June 7^th.

Park officials have indicated the intent to preserve Muppet*Vision 3D in some form, as they should.

Still, I cannot stress this enough. Those of you who want to see the show in its original form MUST visit the park soon.

You have from now until the first week of June to get there.

During our most recent visit, we went out of our way to watch the show just in case. That’s how strongly I feel about it.

Along those lines, you should know that two restaurants in this area will close as well.

One of them is the seasonal PizzeRizzo, which is frankly one of the worst-reviewed Disney dining options.

Of course, everyone’s opinion varies about dining, especially pizza.

So, if you’ll miss this place, you have until June 7^th to eat here as well.

Finally, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano will shut down even sooner. It serves its last guests on May 10^th.

Basically, you’ve got four or five months to experience these places one last time.

Starting Your Day

I’m leaving those three options off the itinerary, but you should know they’re at the top of the list for fans.

So, let’s say that you’re starting your day at Hollywood Studios.

I always recommend Early Theme Park Entry when possible.

It’s available to guests staying at official Disney resorts, which is something you should always do anyway.

With Early Theme Park Entry, you can enter the park half an hour before it opens to regular guests. That’s a massive advantage!

Anecdotally, our dearest friends were at the park last week and told us that Cast Members let them in quite a bit early!

They’d been in the park for more than an hour before it even officially opened. That’s a guaranteed magical park day!

No matter when you choose to arrive, the basics remain the same, though.

You can choose one of four primary tactics. Enter the park and turn right to start your day at Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

Then again, you may prefer Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith.

I didn’t put this one on the extinct list, but I could have. Disney will re-theme it to a Muppets ride soon.

So, you should prioritize the Aerosmith version of this roller coaster while you still can.

Another tactic is to head due north from the entrance, which will take you to Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

I think of this strategy as the middle-out approach since the attraction is at the park’s de facto hub.

Alternately, you can do what most do and head straight to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or possibly Toy Story Land.

These two themed lands are side by side and unquestionably the most popular at the park.

The Realistic Approach

I always like to give options, but let’s be realistic. Most guests head straight to Galaxy’s Edge.

Specifically, they get in line for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, arguably the best overall attraction at Walt Disney World.

While I don’t consider this the best approach, I must admit that I did it during my most recent visit.

The advantage is that you can often beat the rush to one of the park’s most popular rides.

The downside is that you’re likely to wait at least 45 minutes unless you’re one of the first guests in the park.

Also, Rise of the Resistance is notorious for not opening on time, which can negate the advantage of Early Theme Park Entry.

Don’t get me wrong. I know you’re probably going to do it, and you’ll probably have a great time. I’m just setting expectations.

Afterward, the obvious choice is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. You’re already in the area, after all.

Plus, you can take your time and explore Galaxy’s Edge a bit, which you should.

The detail and level of immersion here are unprecedented. Please take your time and savor the wonders of Imagineering.

Afterward, you can exit the Millennium Falcon and head straight to Toy Story Land, which is a short walk from here.

At this location, you’ll find three attractions. Slinky Dog Dash is the most popular and, therefore, the one with the longest lines.

Toy Story Mania! is an old standby now, but it was the park’s most popular ride for several years in the 2010s. I love it.

Opinions are divided about Alien Swirling Saucers. Personally, I’m an ardent proponent and highly recommend it for families.

Don’t Forget the Shows!

I’ve already mentioned the majority of the E-ticket attractions at Hollywood Studios, a park that updates frequently.

Many moons ago, the best ride here was Star Tours, which became Star Tours – The Adventures Continue.

Disney updates this ride often to keep it fresh, yet it’s only the third-best Star Wars ride at the park.

Like Toy Story Mania!, it was once the top draw at Hollywood Studios.

Now, it’s just a good ride that Imagineers provide with plenty of TLC.

Similarly, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror basically saved Hollywood Studios when it opened. The park was really floundering then.

To this day, it remains one of Disney’s best thrill rides ever.

So, when you experience these three attractions, you’re paying tribute to the park’s history. Plus, they’re all still fun.

But you shouldn’t forget about the shows while you’re fixating on the rides.

This park has always deftly balanced its combination of rides and show-based attractions.

For many years, the shows were the real draw at Hollywood Studios. While that’s no longer the case, they remain fantastic.

Frozen Sing-Along Celebration has become my favorite show at Walt Disney World.

For classic park fans, that choice will always be the original show, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, the park’s oldest attraction.

You should also check out Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage while you’re here.

Also, I always recommend ending the evening with a performance of Fantasmic!, which features dozens of Disney characters.

Speaking of which, character greetings abound at Hollywood Studios. Always make sure to make time for them!

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Walt Disney Presents…, a kind of museum of Disney theme park history.

You should take a few minutes during your visit to walk through the place.

Final Thoughts

We’re in the final few weeks of the current version of Hollywood Studios.

By mid-summer, the park will start evolving into its next form.

While that’s an exciting thought, you should take time to appreciate Muppets Courtyard while you have it.

At a minimum, take some pictures with the Miss Piggy statue and watch the show.

Then, you can enjoy the rest of Hollywood Studios, comfortable in the knowledge that it’ll only get better from here.

Thanks for visiting MickeyBlog.com! Want to go to Disney? For a FREE quote on your next Disney vacation, please fill out the form below, and one of the agents from MickeyTravels, a Diamond Level Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, will be in touch soon!