RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS
Tower of Terror
So this is one I would consider an "obvious" choice, BUT I am including it for one big reason: not everyone who has been to Disneyland realizes that the Disney World version is not only different, but staggeringly superior to its West Coast sister. I don't want to give away in what way it is different or better, because if you haven't had that spoiled for you then I would love for you to go and discover it for yourself.
This spot feels a bit out of the way--it's at the back of the Animation Courtyard in the Art of Animation building, to the right as you face the "Big Sorcerer's Hat", past the Voyage of the Little Mermaid. We stumbled upon this by accident on our first trip to Walt Disney World, and now we make it a point to visit it multiple times every tip--it's just so fun! In short, you are lead through a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a Disney animated character. Which character is taught changes throughout the day, never the same two in a row. They post a list of the characters they plan to do during the day and an approximate time the lesson will begin, so if there is one you particularly want to get to do, refer to the board and plan ahead. At the end, you have your own self-created souvenir. We often get right back in line for the next lesson when we finish the last one!
Jedi Training Academy
For us, half the fun of Disney is the people-watching. And in particular, kids being happy little bundles of unadulterated joy, immersed in the full magic of Disney, pretty much make our day. Jedi Training Academy facilitates such happy little bundle-ness by allowing kids to become padawans under the tutelage of Jedi masters. Pre-schoolers up to tweens participate, dressing in their robes and wielding light sabers as they learn some fast moves. Before you know it, they have to put these new tricks to good use...but I don't want to spoil it if you haven't seen it. Just go. Given that kids are incredibly unpredictable, every show is different and you'll be grinning from beginning to end.
FOOD
In my opinion, Hollywood Studios is one of the trickiest parks to dine at. There are many table service restaurants that are good, but so popular they are difficult to get advanced dining reservations at. And the quick-service dining runs a short gamut of "okay" to "awful". So here's my take on your best bets:
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Foodies take note, this is a top location for you in this park. Modeled after (and officially licensing the name and concepts from) the famous Brown Derby in L.A., the atmosphere is upscale retro. Reaching back in time to the 1930's and 40's, where famous stars and starlets used to rub elbows, the restaurant is a replica of the original with dark wood, crescent-shaped leather booths, and iron and glass lamps. Don't want to go whole hog? You can half-hog it, sans any reservations, enjoying small bites at the new Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge.
It's a meal! It's entertainment! The whole restaurant is designed to look like you are out under the stars at a 50's drive-in theater. You even sit in your "convertible" while the big screen runs a loop of clips from old B-movies. The food is decent and the drink menu (alcoholic and non) is creative, but the real reason to go is the atmosphere. This is a very popular restaurant, so plan ahead and make reservations. If you try to go 'stand-by', expect to wait a long time in a crowded lobby.
Fairfax Fare
One of the only counter-service places at DHS I would say we "frequent". We just feel it's pretty slim pickin's for counter service options, so when we found a place that works, we return. We usually split a half of a BBQ chicken which is plenty big to share; but if you're feeling gastronomically adventurous, try one of the gourmet hot dog offerings, such as macaroni and cheese with truffle oil, or BBQ pork and coleslaw (yes, ON a hot dog). Bonus, this is one of two locations in DHS which sells our beloved turkey legs.
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| Grilled Vegetable Sandwich at Backlot Express Photo by DisneyFoodBlog.com |
Backlot Express has this delicious grilled vegetable sandwich that is a vegetarian's delight. Basil asiago artisan bread, mushrooms, red peppers, zucchini, tomato, watercress, cheese, and sun-dried tomato pesto served with carrot sticks or french fries. This restaurant has a nicely shaded outdoor eating area that is comfortable to hang out even mid-day.
AVOID the ABC Commissary. We have had awful experiences every time we have given it a chance, including incredibly dirty tables (so rare in Disney in other places), greasy-as-hell food, and generally overcrowded and noisy. In addition to counter-service options being limited, there are nearly none which are indoors with air-conditioning; only two in fact offer indoor seating:ABC Commissary and Pizza Planet. Just as you might imagine, in the Florida heat with no other options, people flock to them. I don't warn you off Pizza Planet, but we don't prefer it. As the name implies, this location offers pizza, plus one salad, coffee, soft drinks, and some desserts. It is also an arcade, so it can be quite noisy, but otherwise the pizza is fine.
So that's it for Disney Hollywood Studios. What are some of your favorites? Clue me in!
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