It's an action packed day at Hollywood Studios!!!

Hollywood Studios!

Visiting Hollywood Studios has always been one of the highlights of our Disney trip. Maybe it is the fact that despite the park not being as huge as others, there is so much to do, but yet you can take the time to enjoy some of the shows offered in the park instead of racing the clock to get from one end of the place to the other. Maybe it also has something to do with the fact that I think it truly has three of the most innovative rides out of anyplace I have ever been!

Now before I get to far into discussing Hollywood Studios, lets talk food! We really like to hit up as many character meals as possible, so as early as we can in the morning we make reservations at Cape May Cafe, a delicious breakfast buffet located at the Beach Club hotel. This buffet is so fun because Micky, Minnie, Donald and the gang all our dressed in fun beach gear! It is a fun, lively atmosphere that for some reason never feels very crowded! We also love visiting the hotels of the restaurants because you can really then see what accommodations are out there.

Waiting in line at Toy Story Mania!

The green army men from Toy Story!

Now after eating far too much, we always still try and make it over to Hollywood Studios before "rope drop," aka park opening. Why you ask? Three words...Toy Story Mania. Toy Story Mania is probably the funnest ride out there and keeps getting better because it is a game where you actually get a score on how well you play the "amusement park" style games while riding a tram through numerous 3D interactive screens. It is so hard to describe just how amazing this game is, but all I can say is my husband Brian loves it as much as my daughter Paige...so there you have it. It truly is a FAMILY ride. Now here's the kicker...because of its popularity it is CRUCIAL you get to this ride as quickly as possible and do one of two things. Grab a fast pass or hop in line and ride immediately! The Fast Passes for this ride, I must warn you, go super fast. I am talking if you are there even an hour past rope drop, you are likely either going to get a pass for late that evening or will be waiting in a 2 hour line!

On the ride!

So the route we take is get to the ride as quickly as possible, have Brian grab our fast passes, then hop in the regular line so we can for sure get at least two rides on it for the day. Like I said, this ride is fun and addicting!! One thing I forgot to note about Fast Passes...give your Keys to the World cards (which is basically your admission ticket, hotel key, dining card and more) to one person. That person can then race ahead, put each card through the Fast Pass machine, and get your return tickets for the ride, and catch back up with you! Saves a bit of time!

Aerosmith!

On to our two other favorite rides at Hollywood Studios. Aerosmith's Rockin Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror! Aerosmith's ride is the only upside down coaster in Disney World...and so much fun! It is a completely indoor coaster as you travel through a black lit wonderland, with music blasting in your ears from speakers built into each seat. Truly an experience! The best part is the beginning, as a countdown starts and then you are shot off from zero to 60 mpg in 2.8 seconds! Yep...it is truly mind blowing!!

Our "pixie dust" on this ride was as we were getting off after riding front row (truly the only way we like to roll), we were pulled aside by a Cast Member. They asked how we liked it, and then said, "Well ride again!" and led us through some doors and right to the front of the line again!!! Oh yeah!!!!

Last, but certainly not least, is my absolute favorite ride out of any Disney ride...Tower of Terror! Walking up to the hotel is so menacing, you get that nervous excited feeling...but all well worth it!! I don't want to give too much away about this ride, because it truly has to be experienced...but how does getting on an elevator that then falls to the brink of death MORE than once sound? I thought so. It sounds amazing, doesn't it?? :) There is so much to this ride, from the moment you walk through the hotel doors it truly is so much an experience.

Tower of Terror!

A funny side note, my parents met up with us for a bit last time we went, and before actually boarding an elevator you are ushered into a room to stand all together and watch a video. My mom kept whispering that I wasn't holding Paige tight enough, and wouldn't let it go. Well...turns out, she thought that WAS the ride, and that all of a sudden from a random standing position in a huddle the floor was just going to drop! Sounds a bit dangerous to me! I think she was relieved to see we actually are seated and buckled in for the true ride! :)

Not to be missed throughout this park is also numerous shows like Beauty and the Beast as well as an American Idol experience using actual guests at the park who audition during the day. You truly feel like you are part of the television show!!!

American Idol Experience

Ahh Hollywood Studios...how I love you so. Everything about you makes me smile!!!

My next post will be all about the final park, Animal Kingdom, where we will go on an Exhibition to meet up with a Yeti, as well as go on an African Safari! Stay tuned! :)