Welcome back to another Tip Tuesday!
In my continuing series about rain at Walt Disney World, let's head over to Disney's Hollywood Studios.
So here's the scene: it's raining buckets, but you still want to be in the park (a good idea). What do you do to stay dry? Aside from ponchos and umbrellas, how can you get around the park without getting soaked?
Previously, I examined this scenario at the
Magic Kingdom and
Epcot. Now let's look at Hollywood Studios.
Much like the Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios has it's own "Main Street" called Hollywood Boulevard. Also much like the Magic Kingdom, the Studios has a series of shops that are connected to allow guests to walk from the Crossroads of the World (just past the entrance) all the way to Echo Lake or Sunset Boulevard, depending on which side of the street you're on. While not as long as the Emporium at the Magic Kingdom, these shops nevertheless do provide shelter and are a good option to keep out of the rain.
From here, let's head down Sunset Boulevard toward the Tower of Terror. Here the new isn't as good. There are a handful of shops, some of which are connected that run about halfway down the street. After that, the amount of shelter drops dramatically. Fortunately, Disney provides cover for many of the outdoor queue areas for the Tower of Terror and Rock-n-Roller Coaster. You will probably need to make a few dashes to get to a covered spot.
Back at the intersection of Hollywood and Sunset, there are even greater challenges if guests are looking to stay dry yet reach the back areas of the park like Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, Muppets or the Backlot Tour. There are a few areas of shelter along the way, especially as you approach Star Tours, but that's about it. Pixar Place and the Streets of New York offer little in the way of cover from rain.
So if you do see a shower coming, where can you go to get out of the rain for a while?
The best location is to head to the Animation Courtyard. The Magic of Disney Animation and the associated postshow area offers lots of things to do and it's all indoors. After the animation show, there are several character meet and greet opportunities inside the Animation building including meeting Sorcerer Mickey, characters from some of the latest Disney film releases, the Incredibles and more. You never know who might show up.
Also you can try your hand at drawing a Disney character at the Animation Academy (see this
previous post for more about this often overlooked attraction).
Another good location to stay out of the rain and learn a bit about Walt Disney himself is One Man's Dream located near the entrance to Pixar Place (see this
previous post). Just recently Imagineers updated the exhibits including adding models for the soon-to-be completed Fantasyland expansion at the Magic Kingdom.
If you're on the far side the park, you can take your time at Muppets 3D. Be sure to watch the entire preshow video -- it's hilarious! The same goes for Star Tours - take your time in the queue and don't worry if guests pass you by. The queue is just as good at the attraction itself and much funnier. Try to see how many gags and references to Star Wars and other Disney history you can find.
If you time it right, you might be able to catch a show of the American Idol Experience. It's a long running show that might help you wait out a shower while enjoying some good amateur performers.
With a bit of planning, you can make a rainy day at Disney's Hollywood Studios an enjoyable one. Hopefully your next trip will be sunny and pleasant, but if Mother Nature has other ideas, you'll at least be prepared.
Guests are then given a special button signifying their clan.
Next, guests demonstrate their archery skills using a special archery set (parents, don't worry, it's very safe).
Oh, and while you're waiting in line (and you will see quite a line, especially later in the day), you can enjoy looking at an incredible sand sculpture. Don't forget to look at the backside after your games are completed -- and see if you can find the hidden Mickey!!
