Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes guests into the middle of their favorite movies. From fast thrill rides to fantastic live shows, there’s much to do in the park. However, there are some things you probably shouldn’t do when it comes to visiting this Walt Disney World theme park. Here are the 5 things that I would never do when spending a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Sleep in  Normally, I absolutely love sleeping in, even during my Disney vacations.  This is not the case for when I visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios. There is a high number of heavy hitter attractions that draw long lines at Studios. One of the best rides at Hollywood Studios is Rise of the Resistance. I’m not even a Star Wars fan, and that ride blew my mind. Naturally, a ride as cool as this one will draw long lines. It is not uncommon to see over an hour long wait time. One of the best ways to beat the crowds is to take advantage of early entry. I will never skip Rise, even if I have to wake up earl...

 Frequent r eaders of Disney Darling blog are familiar with my annual series where I explain all of the new things coming to Walt Disney World at the start of each new year. I've sat down to complete the series for 2025 multiple times, and each time my heart becomes heavy with disappointment.  I've got to get the disclaimer out of the way: I love Disney. I love Walt Disney World. And as a former cast member, I've seen first-hand the magic created there. This negativity is not coming from a place of hatred, but a place of love. I'm disappointed because I know Disney can be better than what it has become.  And Disney Darling readers know that I am normally not one to complain. I generally am an advocate for the new changes in the parks, even if they are controversial amongst other stans. I was more pumped for Pandora land than anyone else. I wrote two posts in 2020 about how excited I was for Splash Mountain (Tiana's Version). Unfortu...

  Disney's Hollywood Studios, one of the four major theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, has been an iconic destination for entertainment enthusiasts since its opening in 1989. As we look ahead to 2025, the park continues to evolve and captivate visitors with its unique blend of movie magic, immersive experiences, and beloved characters. 2025 will see some new shows and possibly some new characters.  I’ve got to be honest - I am not excited about the new changes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park. The choices just do not make sense to me. Nevertheless, I will still be reporting on those changes, just with a heavy dose of my own biases.  Disney Villians: Unfairly Ever After Live show featuring your favorite villains like Cruella Devil, Captain, Hook, and Maleficent (no word on if Mal and Evie will join yet). You will be able to find this show at the dead end of Sunset Boulevard, next to Rock’n’Rollercoaster.  Why Disney isn’t saving ...

  Epcot has long been a symbol of innovation and imagination. As visitors step foot into this futuristic utopia, they are transported to a world where technology and culture seamlessly intertwine. 2025 will bring Epcot a new attraction, a new lounge, and some updates along with returning favorites.  Test Track Reopens The most exciting thing coming to Epcot in 2025 is an all new Test Track attraction! Test Trak closed last year to undergo a serious upgrade Dubbed Test Track 3.0 by fans, this ride will combine nostalgic elements with technological plussing. This attraction is reported to open on September 20th. Test Track is a fun thrill ride and the park has surely missed it - I know I have. Gran Fiesta Tour Closing for Refurbishment It is common for many attractions to close during the beginning quarter of the year for refurbishment, and the Gran Fiesta Tour is no exception. This boat ride located in the Mexican pyramid will be closed from January 6th until March 15th. Thankf...

It’s the most magical time of the year! Disney during Christmas can be quite chaotic, but it’s also unbelievably beautiful. Are you planning on spending the holiday at Walt Disney World? Here are the top 5 things you should do to have a holly jolly time!  5.  Take a pick with a character in holiday gear! Meeting a character is a quintessential part of any Disney trip. During Christmas, the characters get decked out in their holiday best. Characters in special Christmas costumes include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Daisy Duck, Goofy, Pluto, Stitch, Winnie the Pooh and friends, Belle, Woody and Jessie, the Seven Dwarfs, the Country Bears, and more. Be sure to check the My Disney Experience App or ask a Cast Member for greeting locations and times.  4. See the parks all decked out One of the most magical parts of Christmas at Disney is seeing all of the decorations! Disney does theming well anytime of the year, and Christmas is no exception. Each park has something...

  Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is a Walt Disney World tradition. From 4:00 in the evening until the clock strikes at midnight, Magic Kingdom is full of festivities. If you're planning on attending this special ticketed event this year, here are some things to know before you go: Wait to take pictures until late at night, after the firework show. There will be less of line. And less people in the background of your shots.   Some pictures you may want to take at the party are along Main Street, in front of the Christmas tree, in front of the castle, on the sleigh in front of Ye Old Christmas Shop in Liberty Square, and in front of the train station.  The second parade at 11:00pm is usually a lot less crowded than the first parade.   If seeing the shows are your top priority, camp out in front of the Cinderella Castle. The Castle lighting ceremony, Mikey's Most Merriest Celebration (a short show with classic characters) will be on the castle stage....

  Buy Year-Specific Merch Early Have a Disney vacation planned in late 2024? Are you wanting to buy some 2024 merchandise? Good luck trying to find any after Halloween. Working in Merchandise at Walt Disney World, I personally had to take down some 2015 merchandise in order to make room for holiday merchandise the day of October 31 st . Disney is always a month or two ahead of the actual calendar when it comes to merchandise. If you are fortunate enough to take two Disney vacations a year, I highly suggest you plan to buy year specific merchandise during your earlier trip. If you can only go late in the year, but still want year-specific merchandise, I suggest you order it before your vacation. You can use the Shop Disney Parks app to order merchandise before your trip. Or you can buy the following year’s merchandise, as it will probably be out on shelves in late December.  Use the Shop Disney Parks App Disney during Christmas is craz...

  Hello, readers! I finally have my own merch!  My Disney-inspired merch is available to purchase on Redbubble, under the shop name “ DarlingxDesigns ”.  My design comes in several different options. Of course, you can get it on a classic t-shirt .  There’s hoodies for the current season. And tank tops for the Florida Humidity. You can even get these cute stickers , including this sick holograph one. If you are a writer like me, check out this notebook . My favorite is probably this cute coffee mug .  And I even put my design on a drawstring bag , which is perfect for your next day at the parks.  This is the best time to browse Disney Darling’s shop because Redbubble is currently running a Black Friday sale. You can snag t-shirts for 25% off, notebooks for 40% off, and stickers for 50% off. I’ve used Redbubble myself to find unique Christmas gifts for my friends and family. I’ve always had great experiences as a Redbubble shopper, and I am excited to f...