As much as we love Hollywood Studios, it was difficult to attend with a toddler. The reason it was so difficult is that currently this park only has 5 rides operating. Three of those rides (Tower of Terror, Rock n'Roller Coaster, and Star Tours) have a height requirement of 40" to ride. My son is quite tall for his age, but he is not 40" tall so those three are out for Hollywood Studios. This leaves us with little options when attending that particular park as a family. Those options decrease because the Toy Story line is never less than an hour and we are not fans of The Great Movie Ride. Now, we are able to get by because of character meet and greets, and the Disney Jr. show, but the park needs to increase it's level of family entertainment for this park to reach its full potential. We always make sure we get a Toy Story Midway Mania fastpass+ before we go here so we have as many options as possible. Unfortunately, everyone else can not be so lucky. Other great offerings at the studios are Character Palooza and The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. However, Palooza isn't advertised (for good reason) and the Light show is only during Christmas. Those going can see Fantasmic, but often have to wait close to an hour for seats on many occasions. It is no wonder why this is the least crowded park at Walt Disney World and there obviously needs to be some changes about it.
Knowing there is an issue in this regard, Disney has decided to make some adjustments at this park. First, Disney decided to remove the Sorcerer's hat. This move is appealing to those who like the classic look of Disney before they get shocked by all the changes. It makes it more difficult for young families that grew up with the hat like myself, but those who remember the previous view of the Chinese Theater love it. That is the group Disney was trying to appease with this move. Not only that, but moving the hat symbolizes that this park is upgrading and heading in a new direction. The upgrades are something that I think everyone is excited about.
After removing the hat, Disney will continue the transformation of the park. The most significant talk is around doubling the size of Toy Story Midway Mania and Pixar Place in general. By doubling the size they would cut down wait time significantly. Opening a larger portion of the ride would be a huge boost by allowing more people to ride the park's biggest attraction. Expanding the entire Pixar section which certainly seems to be happening, would allow the Studios to add rides from popular movies such as Finding Nemo, Cars, and Monsters Inc. Additionally, they would be able to add more from the fantastic Toy Story franchise. Since Toy Story has been gold in the parks, this would be the strongest idea IMO. Rumored future attractions include an Army Men Drop, Slinky ride, Radiator Springs Racers, and a Monsters Inc. Door Coaster. All of those rides would be exciting, but any Pixar attractions would be sure to spice up the parks.
One other expansion that has been confirmed is a Stars Wars section being made at the park. While this expansion was put on hold last year, it will be happening at some point in the not too distant future. It was put on hold to include elements from the Episode 7 movie among other things. There is no doubt that Hollywood Studios will have an increased Star Wars presence. Talk exists that one new attraction could be a Star Wars Speeder Bike Coaster. The new coaster would be a fantastic attraction. It would seem that the Pixar section would be more family friendly and at least one major coaster would go in this Star Wars section. Additional rumors exist that the Indiana Jones stunt show will close for a Star Wars themed show. If that happens though, it will be far down the road. No doubt that Star Wars will add a much needed punch to the parks.
Finally, there are several rumors surrounding the shows at Hollywood Studios. People love the shows at Hollywood Studios and they have helped keep the park afloat all these years. However, they seem to be outdated. These shows are simply not as good as the Finding Nemo and Lion King shows at Animal Kingdom. Considering the name of the park is Hollywood Studios, this park NEEDS better shows. Not only do they need better shows, but the shows should be the best in the parks. I personally love the Indiana Jones show, but it gets old after a while. Meanwhile the shows at AK never get old. There are definitely better options out there for shows. This is certainly true about the Little Mermaid show which is not as cool as the ride at MK and the overrated Beauty and the Beast show. In fact, the Beauty and the Beast show was listed on my overrated attraction list. Now, there has been talk that Beauty and the Beast would be replaced by either a Tangled show or a Frozen show. Sign me up for Tangled, that show has an incredible amount of potential. If they got Mandy Moore to do it once and a while, I would be quite happy. Besides the fact that Jenna and I enjoy Tangled more, Anna and Elsa are being pushed far too hard on people. Personally, we understand all the Frozen updates, but a show with the rides and everything else could easily be overkill. Meanwhile, Tangled is not represented at all.
Removing that Indiana Jones show is on the backburner with all of these other updates, but will happen eventually. The question is what show replaces it? My guess would be that a show around Star Wars will eventually take its place, but I would enjoy a Monsters Inc. show or another Disney movie show. Personally, I believe a Jungle Book show would be the best idea in its spot. However, I realize that is quite unlikely. The Little Mermaid show is likely also on the backburner to be removed. This should happen though because it doesn't fit with the theme of that part of the park. It is all Disney Jr. stuff over there. I suggest either an additional Meet N' Greet with the other Disney Jr. characters (Sheriff Callie, Henry Hugglemonster, Handy Manny, Little Einsteins, etc.) or another Disney Jr. themed attraction. If they do a show, a cool idea that won't be considered is a Tinga Tinga Tales show! That was mine and Jenna's favorite cartoon on Disney Jr. to watch with our Jr. Another Disney Jr. attraction either a ride, a Meet N' Greet, or show would help make this park even more family friendly. Making it more family friendly would surely increase park attendance.
Hollywood Studios is a fantastic park, but it will get even better and that is exciting!!!
Here are some fun pictures of us at Hollywood Studios during our year with passes.
Hollywood Studios @ Christmas Time
Hollywood Studios is the 1st Park Jr. Walked In
Have a fantastic weekend people!
-Noland
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