Hollywood Studios is compact and ride-heavy, so crowds feel bigger here. Go on a weekday, arrive for opening to ride Star Wars and Toy Story Land favorites first, and avoid holiday weeks.
Hollywood Studios is compact and ride-heavy, so crowds feel bigger here. Go on a weekday, arrive for opening to ride Star Wars and Toy Story Land favorites first, and avoid holiday weeks.
Hollywood Studios packs some of Disney's most popular rides into a smaller footprint: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and more. Because there is less space to spread out, timing your visit matters, and a good morning plan makes the whole day easier.
Disney's Hollywood Studios at a glance
- Opened: May 1, 1989, as Disney-MGM Studios
- Where: Walt Disney World, connected to EPCOT and several resorts by the Skyliner and by boat
- Hours: vary by day and season. Always check the official park calendar for your date.
Disney's Hollywood Studios calendar: month by month
| Month | Crowds | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low to moderate | Very busy New Year's week, then one of the quietest stretches of the year |
| February | Moderate | Presidents' Day week is busy; the rest of the month is comfortable |
| March | High | Spring break weeks bring big crowds |
| April | High | Easter and spring break early in the month, calmer late April |
| May | Low to moderate | A sweet spot until Memorial Day weekend |
| June | High | Summer break starts; hot, with afternoon storms |
| July | High | Peak summer; the week of July 4 is among the busiest of the year |
| August | Moderate | Crowds drop once Florida schools go back in mid-August |
| September | Low | Usually the quietest month; peak of hurricane season |
| October | Moderate | Fall breaks and Halloween events; pleasant weather returns |
| November | Moderate | Thanksgiving week is very busy; early November is calmer. Holiday season begins; Jollywood Nights after-hours event on select nights |
| December | Moderate | Early December is manageable; about December 20 to New Year's is peak. Holiday decorations and Jollywood Nights on select nights |
Crowd levels are the typical pattern. Holidays, school breaks and special events can shift them, so check the official calendar for your dates.
The best days of the week to go
| Day | Crowds | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Moderate | Busier after long weekends |
| Tuesday | Low to moderate | Often one of the calmer days |
| Wednesday | Low to moderate | Often one of the calmer days |
| Thursday | Moderate | Weekend arrivals start |
| Friday | Moderate to high | Long-weekend visitors arrive |
| Saturday | High | Florida residents and passholders join the crowds |
| Sunday | Moderate to high | Busy morning, often easing by evening |
The best time of day
- Opening: the biggest rides build long lines quickly, so rope drop is the most valuable hour of the day here.
- Midday: shows such as those in the Animation Courtyard and on Sunset Boulevard are a good break from the heat.
- Evening: the nighttime shows, including Fantasmic! on scheduled nights, draw big crowds; ride lines often ease while they run.
Disney's Hollywood Studios seasonal events
- Disney Jollywood Nights (Select nights, November and December): A separately ticketed holiday after-hours event.
- Fantasmic! (Scheduled nights year round): Disney's nighttime spectacular. Check the schedule, it does not run every night.
Event dates are announced by the park each year, so confirm them on the official calendar before you book.
Weather to plan around
- Summer (June to September): hot and humid, with short afternoon thunderstorms most days. Outdoor rides pause for lightning, usually for under an hour.
- Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30. Most days are unaffected, but watch the forecast and consider travel insurance.
- Winter (December to February): mild and dry, with the occasional cold snap. Great for walking, chilly for water rides.
- Spring and fall: warm, comfortable and usually drier.
See our guide to the best time to visit Orlando for more.
Local tips
- Stay at a Skyliner resort, Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach or Riviera, for an easy ride to the gate.
- Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are at opposite ends of the park. Pick one for rope drop and head there first.
- It is a popular half day for park hoppers, which can make afternoons busier. Mornings are the best time to be here.
Disney's Hollywood Studios tickets
Compare tickets with live prices and traveler reviews below.
Bookings are covered by Viator's Lowest Price Guarantee: find the same tour cheaper elsewhere and Viator refunds the difference. Terms
1. Walt Disney World Orlando Resort Base Ticket
Escape into a place where magic has the power to transport us into stunning worlds, favorite stories and far-off galaxies. With this Walt Disney World® Base Ticket, you can do Walt Disney World® at your own pace.
Why it made our list
- Rated 2.6 out of 5 by 177 travelers
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Takes about 1 day to 10 days
2. Walt Disney World Orlando Park Hopper Tickets
Gather friends and family in a place where all are welcome, and the memories made together last forever and ever. With a Walt Disney World® Park Hopper Ticket, you can visit multiple magical parks on the same day.
Why it made our list
- Rated 2.8 out of 5 by 116 travelers
- Flagged by Viator for excellent quality
- Takes about 1 day to 10 days
3. Walt Disney World Admission with Water Park and Sports Option
With a Walt Disney World Ticket with Water Park and Sports Options, you can do Walt Disney World® at your own pace. These tickets allow you to visit one park per day, as well as visits to Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon, a selection of both full size and mini golf courses and more!
Why it made our list
- Rated 2.7 out of 5 by 34 travelers
- Takes about 1 day to 10 days
Frequently asked questions
What is the best day to visit Hollywood Studios?
A weekday outside school holidays, arriving for opening. Tuesday through Thursday are usually calmer than weekends.
Can you do Hollywood Studios in half a day?
Many people do, but the most popular rides have long waits. A full day or a well-planned morning gives you the best chance to ride everything.
What is Jollywood Nights?
A separately ticketed holiday evening event at Hollywood Studios on select nights in November and December.
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