|

Must Dos for Preschoolers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is easily one of our favorite parks.  It’s full of shows, and “relaxing” attractions.  We work a day in at Hollywood Studios in the middle of our trip because it’s an easy park to get through, and there are attractions there that are super fun to do over and over again.  Today, I wanted to share with you my favorite attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that make for tons of fun for little ones.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is perfect for families with younger children because you can easily tour it in one day.  This even includes taking a swim break!  And, if you are park hopping, it’s a great “half day” park toward the end of your trip after you’ve already devoted one whole day to it.  We like to go back and hit our favorites again!  Let’s look at the Must Dos for Preschoolers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Must Dos for Preschoolers at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Which attractions at Hollywood Studios will my preschooler enjoy?

  • Toy Story Midway Mania  Toy Story Land is the MUST see area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios if you have young children. Although this attraction can have a VERY long wait without a Fastpass, there are so many fun things to look at while waiting in line.  As soon as you pass through the entrance, you’re immediately surrounded by “Andy’s Toyroom”….life size toys, and you almost feel like the toy itself.  You’re surrounded by “life size” Candyland, a fun Mr. Potato Head who talks to you, Monkeys in a Barrel, crayons, Etch a Sketch, Lincoln Logs, and all your favorite toys!  This ride is great for younger children because it is fairly slow moving, and even without the 3D glasses on, it’s fun to ride.  Toy Story Midway Mania is great for the whole family to enjoy together.  Even the teenagers will love it!
  • Slinky Dog Dash: Also located in Toy Story Land, this coaster is perfect for the little ones who love a little extra adventure.  It is designed to look like it was built out of Tinker Toys. It is one of the longer coasters, and has a few really great hills.  Soaring through Toy Story Land in your Slinky Dog is so.much.fun. This is an attraction that needs a Fastpass {if possible}.  The standby line can be very, very hot.  It is mainly in the sun, with a few shade umbrellas along the way. If you can catch the standby line under an hour, then hop in line! You won’t be sorry!  Careening through Andy’s overgrown backyard, and seeing his toys in the “grass” is so fun for Toy Story fans.  

  • Alien Swirling Saucers: This is the most mild attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This one is what you want to enjoy for sure with very young children.  Guests board their vending machine style alien, and move about in a figure eight pattern.  This is very mild, and you don’t control the car yourself, like the Mad Tea Party at Magic Kingdom.  This attraction is best enjoyed with an ice cream treat and snack in hand as you get into the queue.  There are giant fans to keep you cool, but the queue is mainly outdoors.  
  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway:  This attraction is the newest in Walt Disney World, and the only one to feature Mickey and Minnie in an attraction! This replaced the Great Movie Ride.  This places you in the center of a “runaway” rail car, driven by Goofy. While you careen, gently, through the classic Mickey Mouse Cartoon scenes, Mickey and Minnie attempt to save you from disaster in each scene. There are beautiful painted sets, mixed in with animation, and so much to look at!  This is quite possibly the CUTEST attraction at Walt Disney World, and a must do for everyone. 

Are there shows at Hollywood Studios that my preschooler will enjoy?

  • Muppet Vision 3D:  This is one very entertaining show!  Kids of all ages, but especially the little ones, will enjoy this.  And, as a parent, the nostalgia of the Muppets is something I love, too!  The animatronics are great, and of course most of the jokes go right over their heads.  BUT, it is still super fun and cute for everyone in your family.  It makes a nice alternative to Voyage of the Little Mermaid, especially if you have boys in your family.
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing Along Celebration: is my favorite show in all of the Disney parks.  This show is a bit longer, 25 minutes, but it is so fun for EVERYONE! Your favorite Frozen characters take the stage, and lead the audience in a sing along to every song in the movie.  Plus, there are scenes from the movie, live actors who tell the story from there “historical” perspective.  And then your favorites, Anna & Elsa, make an appearance.  At the very end, “Let it Go” finishes the show, and by then, the entire audience is belting out this classic song. The show has a contagious spirit, makes a great break from the heat, and can be worth a Fastpass if you need to pick up an extra in the afternoon or choose one from your initial three.  

  • Disney Jr. Play and Dance:  If you have a little one who LOVES Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse, and Timon….you’re in luck.  Disney Jr., Play and Dance is a MUST DO for the younger ones in the family!  Guests are assigned a “party zone”, where your family can enjoy the dance party.  A DJ takes the stage, and starts the party!  Then, each character joins in, one by one, to dance along with your family.  In between each character’s appearance the DJ excites the audience with fun songs.  You’ll hear favorites from Moana, A Goofy Movie, and more Disney movies As bubbles float down from the ceiling, the characters make one last appearance on the stage together to finish the show.  

So there you have it, the Must Dos for Preschoolers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!  Is there more at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the little ones than you thought?  Have you enjoyed Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a young child?  I’d love to hear about it!

Carrie Hurst

Married to my high school sweetheart, we are raising two pirates and a princess. A lifelong Disney fan, lover of good food, and all things creative, I hope you will join me in sharing joy and making memories everyday.

 

 

 

One Comment

  1. Great post! It’s been awhile since my kids were preschoolers, but I fondly remember quite a few of those attractions. For me, my particular favorite is Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. We still see that every time we go. At this stage, my kids are more into Rockin’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror. Eikes! Not me!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *