Moving on from last week’s blog, “The Magic Kingdom: What Can We Do?“, wherein I was answering a question asked by a reader, Stacy:

Any hints and ideas of some uniquely adult fun at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom are appreciated… I’ve all ready over done Epcot ( and know it inside and out). . .ideas? Emphasis added.

I figured I would move onto a different park this week!

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Just like last week, when I was talking about the Magic Kingdom (“MK”) and how it epitomizes what people think when you say Walt Disney World (“WDW”), I really think that Disney’s Hollywood Studios (“DHS”) does the same thing when you quietly sing, “Hollywood!” in your head (of course, as with most things going on in my head, this could be just me!). But for argument’s sake, we’re going to agree to agree!

DHS definitely provides entertainment strictly unique to the park, and surprisingly, I think, it’s pretty adult-oriented; Disney-style, of course!

I mean where else can you actually hop in a limo with Aerosmith? Take a trip to Endor? Or how about taking an elevator trip to the Twilight Zone? Because I’m pretty sure most kids think about a different “Twilight” when they hear the word and/or don’t faint from fright at the sight of…the bill when checking out! LOL

But any adventure-seeking adult will find all of these possibilities at DHS — and these are some of my “musts” when in the park!

You Can Do It!

Two of my all-time favorite rides are at DHS! Anytime we make it to the park, we ride (or try to!) each of these, even though we’re not always successful – 90+ minute waits are not fun for kids or adults! But we’re usually pretty lucky at getting on a few of these without too much time in line.

Let Go!

Like I already mentioned, visiting the Twilight Zone, or more specifically, “The Twilight Zone’s Tower of Terror” (“ToT”), is a favorite and a must! I get so giddy at the anticipation you feel right in the pit of your stomach when those doors first open…

ToT * photo taken by Ryans Mom

But like the heading states, remember to let go! It’s soooooo much more fun! I promise!

The same can be said for our resident rock stars on their “Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith;” however, I’m not going to lie. This is one of the worst places to get my picture from the ride! G-forces and my face = BAD photo op! LOL And no I’m not posting one here!

Aerosmith's Rock 'n' Rollercoaster * photo taken by Meggera

You Spin Me ‘Round! And I Win!

“Toy Story Mania” has got to be way up there for one of my favorite rides in all of WDW — and that’s saying a lot since we’ve only gotten to ride it two times to date! Yep, it seems a lot of other people have the same thought since the line is always ridiculously long — and Fastpasses don’t last very long! Note to you all: Get them EARLY!– because it’s a super spinney, super fun 4D ride that is not to be missed…if you like that sort of thing.

Toy Story Mania * photo taken by Dopey007

Yep, May the Force Be With You!

DH and I love this ride, even moreso now! Last trip, which was our first since the extensive rehab, we rode “Star Tours” over and over trying to get as many as combinations as we could; i.e. for the beginning, middle, and end, because each time you load in and ride the attraction, the version you get is completely random — although we actually had one complete duplicate — and we rode it 6 times in a row! (Thanks no line and a quick unload and re-entry into the queue!)

Star Tours * photo taken by tinker_me_happy

Just note that it’s a pretty bumpy ride, but so much fun!

Remember Us!

There are a couple oldie, but goody rides and attractions that we definitely head to every now and then as well — because they are so “essential” DHS to us.

The Show Must Go On!

One thing DHS is not lacking is live-action entertainment! Although some shows are outdoors or are run only on certain nights or at certain times of the year, so definitely make sure to consult the Times Guide when you first arrive so you know what you can plan to possibly see while you’re in the park.

And, again, admittedly, DH and I are probably in the minority in that we haven’t seen many of these shows and parades ourselves — but that doesn’t mean we won’t eventually!

Live and on Stage!

“Fantasmic!” is probably one of the most popular of all the shows at the park, and, yes, this is one we have yet to experience…I know!

Fantasmic! * photo taken by wendybell

“Light, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show!” is great fun and offers a break from the walking with a thrilling stunt and pyrotechnics show — and is especially exciting if you’re a fan of Cars!

Lights, Motors, Action! * photo taken by mahons99

Think you can sing? Want to tryout for a chance to perform in front of the whole park? Then make sure you head over to “The American Idol Experience! Oh yea, I’ve never been here…and you’re welcome.

American Idol Experience * photo taken by Dopey007

Some of the other shows you can check out include:

You’re a Star!

I have to say though that I definitely saved the best for last! If you ever get the chance to catch some of the “Citizens of Hollywood” (“CoH”) performers — who go out several times a day and act out hilarious skits, as well as do a lot of improvising with guests on the spot — do it! They are simply amazing and one of our absolute favorite “shows” at DHS!

Citizens of Hollywood * photo taken by aliceinwdw

That being said, Ms. Victoria Throckmorton is my all-time favorite Citizen! The Goddess of the Silver Screen and Queen of a Thousand Faces; wherever you are Ms. Throckmorton, I love you! No really, we were separated at birth — or so she told me!

What are your must do/see rides, attractions, and/or shows at DHS?

I’m betting some of them are mentioned above!

Like I Said, You Have to Eat!

I can’t say that there as many write-home-about eateries in this park as there are in Epcot, for example, but there are a few worth mentioning — and worth making an advance dining reservation (“ADR”) at, if you’re thinking of trying one (or all!) of them on your next trip!

The 50′s Prime Time Cafe has got to be one of the neatest (great word for here, right?!) restaurants in the park if you’re looking for hands-on entertainment with very public, very attention-getting-not-afraid-to-get-into-the-character service! (However, I have to put in a disclaimer that, just like any service at WDW, you’re not guaranteed super enthusiastic CMs, but it’s such great fun if you get one!)

(Borrowing my picture from a previous blog, “Celebrating…You (at Walt Disney World)!“, here is one with our “cousin” who was simply fantastic!)

It's been a few years, but still many thanks to Cousin Christopher!

Good Tip: Try asking for a “TV table” if being at a table with your own television is something you’d prefer! It’s one of the spiffier (LOL!) seating options available.

On the other hand, if you think watching 50′s B-movies at the drive-in is more up your alley, then definitely check out the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater! Nothing is as unique as eating in your very own car.

Another Good Tip: Try asking, if you’re a party of 2, for a front seat! DH and I both feel like there’s way more table room than in the back.

Sci-Fi Drive-In * photo taken by LizardCop

There a couple other sit-down restaurants in the park, some of which are definitely on our “To Dine At List,” including:

There are a number of counter service restaurants as well in the event you’re looking for a quick bite to eat!

What a Show!

Just like at the MK, there are some very popular events that take place exclusively at DHS that draws in fans (ok and the crowds!) from all over the world!

Star Wars Weekends — which take place in June (specifically from May 18-June 10, 2012)! — offer Star Wars fans the opportunity to “join celebrities and characters for special shows, panels, presentations and more!” Definitely plan on getting to the park EARLY if this is something you just have to be a part of!

Darth Vader @ SWW * photo taken by Cam22

However, if you make it back to DHS during the holidays, it is mandatory — no really it is! — that you make your way back to the Streets of America for the The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights. Millions, yes, millions of lights line every nook and cranny and every now and then put on a show where they literally dance to the holiday music that fills the air — along with a little snow! It is simply breathtaking, so don’t forget to take a few (dozen!) pictures!

Osborne Lights * photo taken by Tigger1221

Last year, the lights were first turned on right around the first full week of November and were lit through right after the first of the year; however, this year’s dates have not yet been released (but should be soon!).

If you happen to be there mid-summer, right around Independence Day, the park puts on a holiday fireworks display called Disney’s Hollywood Studios Special July 4th Fireworks Presentation! If the fireworks show here is anything like it is elsewhere around the resort, it’s definitely not to be missed!

Can I Have Your Autograph Too?

As in any WDW park (or resort or restaurant!), there are usually quite a few opportunities to meet some of your favorite characters — because it doesn’t matter how big (or small) you are — they are just as happy to meet you as you are to meet them! I mean fans have no age limit, right?

Pluto & Goofy M&G * photo taken by aliceinwdw

Again, just make sure to check the Times Guide for locations and times — and, of course, don’t forget your camera!

Have You Seen This?

Here is something that I didn’t mention that you could do around the MK, as several are available, but I’ll do so here for DHS: Take a tour! There are several tours (as well as celebratory experiences) available for guests, at an additional cost and which should be booked in advance, if you’re looking for something interesting to do…you know, other than riding the rides and eating your way around the park! DH and I are looking to do some of these on future trips, but if you happen to book one — or more! — definitely feel free to report back on how it went! I’d love to hear about your experience(s)!

Have you done any of the tours at DHS? How was it and would you recommend it to others?

Shop ’til You Drop

Ok, so I know most DHs out there just yelled at their computer screens, “NO!” But, I’m sorry guys, WDW has some fabulous shopping and the stores and shops at DHS are no different — some are so neatly themed that even if you just “window shop,” they’re worth a stroll through — especially if you need to beat the heat for a minute — or 20!

Some of my favorites that I just have to pop into (because you just never know if they’ll actually have a new Cheshire Cat something!) are:

Hollywood Blvd. Shops:

Sunset Blvd. Shops (these are definitely my must-stroll-though shops every trip):

Then you have the shops found elsewhere around the parks, well mainly the ones found at the exit to many of the rides. I love meandering around all of these because some of the merchandise found in them are so unique to (or easily found at!) these specific stores!

That’s a Wrap!

So, as you can tell, there’s quite a bit to do here in DHS, although, admittedly, it’s not a park I would suggest you rush through! It’s smaller than the other theme parks and obviously packs a lot into it’s real estate, but depending on the lines, time of day, weather, etc., these factors can make trying to do everything or a good majority of the above not quite doable. This, in turn, can very possibly create a shorter day than at some of the other parks.

So, if you find yourself “done” after only a few hours, don’t despair. You can either park hop, if you can, or if you can’t hop or are waiting on an ADR time, my advice would be to stop, grab a drink or a snack, find a bench somewhere, and simply people watch. Sometimes, a CoH troupe will be by anyway (if you’re lucky!), but, if not, simply enjoying a quiet spot is a nice break from the crowds, weather, and busy activity of the park!

So, what do you love about DHS?

I know I can’t pick just one — as evidenced above! — and I also know that you will definitely discover some of your very own favorites too! It’s kind of hard not to!

So, until next time…