Hi Joe,
Welcome to
planDisney! I’m so glad you stopped by with a question about how to maximize your Disney experience, you’ve come to the right place! My family always rope drops the theme parks and arrives early so we can take advantage of lower wait times. While only Guests staying at specific hotels can begin experiencing attractions during the designated
Early Theme Park Entry time, it can still be beneficial to arrive early.
Early Entry works slightly differently at each theme park. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, all Guests with a valid park admission can enter the park and will be held at one of three checkpoints for Resort Guests. Non-resort Guests can take in the atmosphere on Hollywood Boulevard, pop into a shop for some browsing or grab a coffee from The Trolly Car Café. If you want to experience the rides sooner, you can plan where you’re headed first and wait at that checkpoint until the park opens at 9AM.
I recommend checking out the new
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After show (near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith), spending time wandering the streets of Batuu and after you’ve enjoyed your day exploring the park - end with Fantasmic!
I hope this is helpful to your planning, Joe. Enjoy your day at Hollywood Studios! Oh and be sure to stop and see
Disney PhotoPass photographers at various spots around the park - ask if they do any Magic Shots, there are currently some very neat ones!
Enjoy making magical memories,
Candace