Hollywood Studios Frequently Asked Questions

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There’s usually a slew of questions the average person might have before going to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Many are outlined in different sections of this site, but some are very specific while others might be harder to find. These frequently asked questions will hopefully address the most common questions you might have. If you feel we missed one, please email me at quickgold@studioscentral.com.

There’s usually a slew of questions the average person might have before going to the Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Many are outlined in different sections of this site, but some are very specific while others might be harder to find. These frequently asked questions will hopefully address the most common questions you might have. If you feel we missed one, please email me at quickgold@studioscentral.com.

General Questions

Where is the Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Walt Disney World in Florida
Wait, what happened to the Disney-MGM Studios?
In January of 2008, the Disney-MGM Studios was renamed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to reflect a change in scope for the park as it was no longer about showcasing actual film and television production, but rather paying hommage to Hollywood.
How long have the Studios been here?
Since May of 1989.
What are the park’s operating hours?
Check out our Studio Hours page.
Where can we/my kids meet some Disney Characters?
There are many places in the Studios to meet Disney characters. 
What attractions are currently closed?
For a listing of closed attractions, go to our Ride in Rehab page.
Are there fireworks or something similiar at night?
Yes, the Studios features a light and laser show known as Fantasmic! It’s shown at least once every night.
Is there a park map available for viewing?
Yes, and are located on the Maps page.
What’s the deal with FASTPASS?
Check out our FASTPASS Information page that will answer all your questions about the FASTPASS system.
If I have a comment/concern/question/rant for Disney, who do I email?
You can email Guest Services at wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com
How early should I arrive at the Studios?
Plan on being at the gate 30-40 minutes before the officialy listed opening time.
How large/small/good/bad are the crowds on _______?
Crowd size at the Studios differ from week to week. The rule of thumb is if there is any sort of holiday period occuring, crowds will be higher. 
Okay, so what are the best days to go to the Studios?
Sunday and Wednesday are usually the best days. Be advised however, certain shows only operate on certain days of the week and the actual production aspect to the Studios only works on weekdays. Be sure to check with Guest Services as you enter the park.
What are the current ticket prices?
The Walt Disney World Resort offers a wide variety of tickets customised to fit your needs. Check with Disney or your travel agent for more details.
What time does Disney World transport begin/end running?
The monorail and buses usually starts running two hours before the official park opening times on early-entry days & an hour and half on other days. The monorail and buses usually stops running two hours after closing.
Can I visit the Studios in less than a day?
The Disney’s Hollywood Studios used to be a smaller park than the other ones in Walt Disney World. However, with recent additions to the Studios, you can now spend a full day at the Studios if you intend on seeing everything. Refer to our touring guides for detailed information.
Can I smoke at the Studios?
Smoking has been restricted to designated smoking areas. These areas are shown on the guidemaps.
What is the best speed film to bring to use for my 35mm camera?
In general, 400 speed film will do you fine. 800 speed film tends to yield better color and crisper looking pictures. Be sure to purchase your film before leaving as the price for film at the Studios tends to be much more expensive than if you were to buy it at your local Wal-Mart.
What are the ride restrictions for ______?
For a listing of ride restrictions throughout the Disney’s Hollywood Studios, check out our Ride Restrictions page.
I saw something in the park that I want to buy but I didn’t and now I do. How do I order that item?
You can order any item from the park via Disney Merchandise. Disney Merchandise’s number is 407-363-6200. If it is in stock you could have it within 5 business days.
Which attractions are you not allowed to videotape and/or photograph on?

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – No photography or videotaping
Star Tours – No video recording
Tower of Terror – No photography or videotaping(In elevator)
Toy Story Midway Mania– No photography or videotaping on ride
American Idol Experience – No photography or videotaping of the attraction
In most cases, extrernal lighting is prohibited, but actual video taping or photography is allowed. When in doubt, ask.

How far a walk is it from Beach/Yacht Club to Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
The walk can be in the ballpark of 15-30 minutes, depending on how fast you walk. Be aware, it FEELS a lot longer. Most of the walk is unshaded, and tedium sets in after the first five minutes. On a hot day, I wouldn’t recommend it. TIP: To shorten the trip a bit, cut through the BoardWalk pool area, just past the slide!
How do you determine which "hijacker" you’ll get while on cue at the Great Movie Ride?
When the Great Movie Ride is using two ride vehicles at a time, at the load area, the car in front will be hijacked by a cowboy while the car in back will be hijacked by a gangster. When there is just one car being used, the car will be hijacked by a gangster. You can request a specific show if both cars are operating by asking a Cast Member.
What movies are portrayed in the ride part of the Great Movie Ride?
— Footlight Parade (1933)
— Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
— Mary Poppins (1964)
— The Public Enemy (1931)
— The Searchers
— Pale Rider
— Alien (1979)
— Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
— Tarzan and His Mate (1934)
— Casablanca (1942)
— Fantasia (1940)
— Wizard of Oz (1939)
What movies are shown in the preshow of the Great Movie Ride?
Alien, Casablanca, Fantasia, Footlight Parade, Mary Poppins, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Searchers, Singin’ in the Rain.
What attractions should be avoided by pregnant women?
Star Tours, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror are attractions that should likely be avoided by pregnant women.
Where can I exchange my Annual Pass?
You can exchange your Annual Passes to the left of the entrances, near the lines for the parking shuttles.

Tower of Terror

How many stories do you drop on the Tower of Terror?
The fullest drop is 130 feet, with a 25 foot break run……that’s 13 stories!
How many times are you dropped in the Tower of Terror?
Currently, there is a new drop sequence program known as Tower4. The drop sequence isn’t actually randomly generated. There are four pre-programmed drop profiles (three new ones, and a slightly modified version of the existing "Twice the Fright" profile), and each time a vehicle enters the drop shaft, the ride computer randomly selects one of the four profiles, so it’s not like it’s actually making up a new ride each time, there are just many to choose from, as opposed to the same one each
time. The new profiles are enhanced by some new audio, smells, and a few other animatronics and visual effects.
Is there any way to see the Tower of Terror but not actually ride it?
Yes! If your having second thoughts or just want to experience everything except the elevator drop, just wait in line until you get all the way up to the loading of the elevators and tell the elevator operator and you’ll get to take a normal elevator to the ride exit. You’ll see everything up to the actual ride itself, pre-show and full
queue.
On the Tower of Terror, which side is better to ride so not to have the sign in your way when the door opens on the way down?
When you are in the car, looking at the doors, you want to be on the right side.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

How bad/scary/intense is the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
There is no definite answer as it varies from person to person. Your shot from 0-60 mph in around 4 or 5 seconds. That stat might scare you, but most people agree that the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the smoothest coasters. Unlike Space Mountain where your whipped around corners at a moments notice, the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is much more fluid in its motion. There are however loops and corkscrews. Again, many don’t complain about it. If your just scared of the entire notion, or one part of it, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a great way to overcome that fear.
What Aerosmith Songs can be heard on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
Dude (Looks Like a Lady), Walk this Way, Love in an Elevator(which has been changed to ‘Love in a Roller Coaster’ as you pull in to the station at the end of the ride), Sweet Emotion, Young Lust, F.I.N.E., Back in the Saddle, and Nine Lives have been heard. Plus, What Kind of Love are You On? is played in the event of a failure.
What are the license plates from Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
1. 1QKLIMO
2. UGOGIRL
3. BUHBYE
4. 2FAST4U
5. H8TRFFC
Where is the "chicken exit" on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster?
Having exited the "recording studios" walk along by the side of the fencing to where the first CM allows you to get into boarding area. Behind the CM is a door which takes you through to the shop at the end of the ride.

Fantasmic!

What times is Fantasmic! being shown?
For a full schedule, check out our Studio Hours page.
Which restaurants participate in the Fantasmic! Dinner Package?
Currently, the The Hollywood Brown Derby, Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, and Hollywood and Vine are the only restaurants participating in this program. For more information, go here.
Where is the best place to sit to view Fantasmic?
As close to dead center is the best viewing area. Try to get seats 90 minutes before the showing to get seats in that area.
In December, can I do the Osborne Lights and Fantasmic! in the same night?
Yes! Disney anticipates guests wanting to be able experience both in one night, and can be easily done.
How long is Fantasmic?
25 Minutes
Where can you park your stroller?
It’s located very close to the top of the hill (about 3/4 of the way up), which is the seating area you will find the stroller parking. Heading to your seat shouldn’t be much further, especially if you have the Fantasmic! Dinner Package seating area. Also, if you are using your own stroller, be sure to have some kind of identifying mark as it’s easy for someone to mistake your stroller for their own.

Playhouse Disney

What characters are showcased in the Playhouse Disney attraction?
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny.
Where is the best place to sit at Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage?
I would suggest not sitting towards the front. The stage is up off the ground and little ones will have a hard time seeing, especially stuff at the back of the stage. In the center section on an aisle would be a good area. Also, it’s not necessary to be first in line. The people in the front of the line are sent over to the far right section in the front.

Block Party Bash Parade

How early should I arrive to get a place for the parade?
30-45 minutes should be enough. However, keep in mind which side of the street you take up as the afternoon sun changes and by the time of the parade, can cause tremendous glare.
Any tips for viewing the afternoon parade?
For the first parade stop on Hollywood Boulevard, I would recommend seeing the parade between Mickey’s of Hollywood and Keystone Clothiers shop.

For the second parade stop, there are these half walls in front of the celebrity heads to the right of Sounds Dangerous. You can sit on the walls and no one can get infront of you. You can arrive 1/2 hour before the parade and there is usually one available.

If I have early dinner reservations but want to experience the afternoon parade as well, how can I do this?
The afternoon parade runs at 3:00pm every day. I would recommend seeing the parade at the first stop on Hollywood Boulevard and you should be done by about 3:20pm. It’s also advantageous to see the parade from the Echo Lake side of Hollywood Boulevard so you can exit the area quicker.
Which direction does the parade run?
It starts by Mickey’s of Hollywood, runs up Hollywood Boulevard, turns left at the Sorcerer’s Hat and runs down past Echo Lake and exits near Star Tours.