Hello Couponing to Disney readers! I’m Carrie, vacation specialist with Destinations in Florida-an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner-and I visit you each week here on Couponing to Disney to answer some Disney FAQs. I love hanging out on Couponing to Disney every week with you, answering questions about the Happiest Place on Earth! This week, I am going to give you some answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
What is the secret to securing a spot at the Jedi Training Academy?
Jedi Training Academy is one of the most popular events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Which is why it takes a little bit of strategy to secure a spot for one of the shows during the day! One popular strategy is to arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios about 45 minutes before the scheduled park opening time. Occasionally they will open the park 20-30 minutes before the published time. This allows guests to walk, not run, to the popular attractions. By arriving about 45 minutes before the scheduled park opening, and heading straight to Jedi Training Academy, you should be able to get a spot in one of the shows. Another strategy is to get a pre park opening reservation for Breakfast at Hollywood and Vine. If Hollywood Studios opens at 9AM, try to get a breakfast time for 8AM or 8:30. This will put you in the park early, and gives you an opportunity to make it to JTA at a decent time.
What attractions are there at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for my preschooler to enjoy?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has several attractions and shows for the younger guests in your party. Disney, Jr. Live on Stage, as well as a breakfast or lunch at Play and Dine at Hollywood and Vine will put you and your little one up close and personal with his or her favorite Disney Jr. characters. Disney’s Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage are also perfect entertainment for younger children. Toy Story Midway Mania does not have a height requirement, so even the youngest ones in your family can enjoy it.
What is the Fantasmic Dinner Package?
The Fantasmic Dinner Package allows you a meal at one of three locations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios-Hollywood Brown Derby, Hollywood and Vine, and Mama Melrose’s. At Hollywood and Vine and Mama Melrose’s, this is counted as one table service credit on the Disney Dining Plan. Brown Derby is a signature restaurant, so it counts as two. The Fantasmic Dining Package is available on the first showing of Fantasmic that evening, and you should plan on arriving 30 minutes before the show starts.
Are there character meet and greets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Yes! In fact, there is a little “secret” to meeting several characters at once at Hollywood Studios-and they are often rare characters as well! It’s called Characterpalooza, and it is in the Animation Building at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Our family loves this part of our trip! This is where you can see Sorcerer Mickey, as well as the Incredibles, Pooh, and many others. The characters change about every 20-30 minutes. We’ve seen Chip and Dale, Gepetto and Pinocchio, Mary Poppins, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, and sometimes princesses. It’s a GREAT way to meet a lot of characters at once, and they change often! Buzz and Woody are also available for meet and greets across from Toy Story Midway Mania, and you’ll often seen Donald, Daisy, or Minnie under the Sorcerer’s Hat.
Is Hollywood Studios extra crowded during Star Wars Weekends?
Guests flock to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for select weekends in May and June to enjoy the extra special Star Wars Weekends. This is when Hollywood Studios features extra meet and greets with Star Wars characters, Storm Troopers roam freely, and sometimes there is a special parade! It does get more crowded during these weekends than others. If you’d like to enjoy Disney’s Hollywood Studios for Star Wars weekends, I suggest doing so in addition to returning to Hollywood Studios on a “non” Star Wars day during your trip to enjoy the attractions you may have missed while at Star Wars Weekends.
Are you ready to plan your next family vacation? Let the Dream Team help you plan!