Years of neglect has left the studios completely void of legit entertainment, with only the most vague of theming. On top of that recent months DHS has seen the closure of the backlot tour, Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow, and The American Idol Experience. With news this week that the always popular Magic Of Disney Animation will close later this summer, it begs the question...Oh what am I to do at Disney's Hollywood Studios?
The fact is, despite all the public mocking, we still make it to Hollywood Studios a few times each trip. Here are a few things about DHS that will keep us coming back, despite its general suckiness...
Rumors are already circulation about the imminent closure of One Man's Dream...but until that day comes this remains a huge highlight at DHS. I could easily spend an hour enjoying the air-conditioned, history laden rooms. Touring this attraction is still a must do for every trip, as it puts the whole of your vacation into perspective.
Obviously, with the park in its current condition, you'll want to be drinking. Our watering hole of choice is the Tune In Lounge. This over the top, perfectly themed bar is part of the waiting room for 50's Prime Time Cafe. You can usually find a seat at the bar with little to no wait, especially if you arrive earlier in the day. The drinks are standard Disney bar menu...with an ok selection of beer and wine. However, the real treat here is that you can order the full 50's Prime Time menu. Our favorites are the peanut butter and jelly milkshake, and onion rings. Pair this with beer, and I'm in vacationers heaven.
Whether you enjoy the stomach piercing drops of Tower Of Terror or not, there is no disputing that this e-ticket attraction is a huge asset to DHS. Even disregarding the attraction itself, the eerie cast it lays on Sunset Boulevard is phenomenal...and adds to the overall feel of the park.
If you're not already stuffed full of peanut butter and jelly milkshake, you might want to head over to Brown Derby. This signature restaurant provides the best food in the park, even for vegetarians. Though it doesn't have an actual bar, the drinks here are delicious, and unique to the space. If you're SUPER LUCKY you may even get picked as the celebrities of the day...
There may only be a few attractions at Hollywood Studios, but the park makes up for it in detail. Remnants of the original "working studio" theme remain, often in the most remote corners. Don't forget to take the time, drink in hand, to explore these corners.
This park might be in dire shape at the moment, but there is still plenty to do here to round out an awesome trip to Walt Disney World. I mean, who wouldn't want to spend the afternoon drinking milkshakes, reveling in Disney history, and riding Tower of Terror? Sounds like a nice few hours to me. Please keep in mind that this park is very much in flux at the moment, and any number of things could close at a moments notice. So sheesh, no promises.
Love this post. As a local, I enjoy spending time 'doing nothing' at DHS (about all there is to do now a days, it seems...) and you hit on a few of my favorites. I'd include spending some time sitting at a table by Echo Lake, admiring Gertie and Min & Bills in the distance; having a carrot cake cookie and browsing the books in Writer's Stop; sitting on a bench along Sunset Blvd watching the sunset on Sunset and listening to the fabulous BGM (and people watching when Fantasmic lets out). Lots of sitting, huh? Maybe that's the problem.
ReplyDeleteI HOPE One Man's Dream doesn't go anywhere- it's just so damned 'Walt!' And there is sorta kinda a bar at the Brown Derby, now that they built a permanent bar. Add that to the list of must-do's: a drink and app there.
And you're so right, lot's o' boozin' is essential at the present day DHS. Cheers!
I'm so glad you wrote this post, because on my last visit to Hollywood Studio's a few weeks ago we found it so boring! I thought perhaps it was just us, but I'm glad to know other people feel the same. It really is so sad though, and I really don't want to see the Magic of Disney Animation closing down! It definitely had a lot less to do than all of the other parks but it'll be a shame if it becomes a ghost town. We went to the Sci Fi Dine in Theater and it was one of the best experiences, I'd go back for that alone!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! :)
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