Howdy Erin
Thanks for stopping by planDisney. I see one of my fellow panelists recently assisted you with some questions about purchasing
Lightning Lane Premier Passes, and you have a couple more. I hope lightning strikes twice, and we can help you get set up with all the answers you need for an amazing vacation.
Alrighty, it looks like you have your theme park tickets with the park hopper option and plan to visit the
Magic Kingdom and
Hollywood Studios. You will also have the Lightning Lane Premier Pass for the Magic Kingdom, and you would like some guidance on how to best maximize your day. I looked up the park hours for the Thursday you plan to visit, and it looks like both parks open to the public at 9:00 am. If you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, you also get the added benefit of early park entry at 8:30 am at both parks.
Here is what I would consider when deciding which order to visit the parks. Hollywood Studios currently has around 9 rides and attractions. It also has some fun and exciting Hollywood shows like Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, which takes you behind the scenes of movie-making magic. It also features Fantasmic, one of my favorite nighttime spectaculars. In comparison, the Magic Kingdom currently has around 25 rides and attractions. It has numerous shows, parades, and entertainment all throughout the day. It also ends the night with the popular Happily Ever After fireworks show. With all of the following information, and it being me, I would plan to rope drop Hollywood Studios and enjoy everything the park has to offer. I would then take the bus over to the Magic Kingdom for the rest of the day, since your Lightning Lane Premier Pass gives you access to the Lightning Lane once per attraction. To many, this might seem like a lot in one day, but I have to say that I absolutely love it. My daughter and I set out to visit all 4 parks in one day during our last trip and ride as many rides as possible, and although it was a long and busy day, we had the most amazing time together.
One last thing I would like to leave you with is a couple of lunch ideas, since you have such a busy and fun day. When my family is on the go, and we’re looking to keep the magic moving, we always stop at a quick-service dining restaurant for lunch. If you would like to eat before leaving Hollywood Studios, I would consider Backlot Express. I love their hamburgers, and using Mobile Order makes things even faster. If you decide to eat at the Magic Kingdom, I really like Casey’s Corner for a quick hot dog on the go.
Erin, it sounds like you're all ready to go for your magical day at Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom. If anything else pops up, please stop back by, and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.
See ya real soon,
Robert