My Ranking of all the Hollywood Studios Lands

Hollywood Studios has never been my favorite Walt Disney World park. However, recent updates have turned Hollywood Studios into a very exciting place to visit. Where do the newer lands stack up against the old ones?  

7. Animation Courtyard 

The Animation Courtyard is in a bit of an identity crisis. No longer is the area about animation, but a mish-mash of The Little Mermaid, Disney Junior, and Star Wars. Well, kind of. At the time of wiring, the Voyage of the Little Mermaid show is still down. So the area is basically just a photo op for tots and Star Wars nerds. 

I briefly expereinced the Animation Courtyard pre-Star Wars, and it was much better. The Animation Building actually showcased - gasp - animation! There were drawing classes held in the building where guests could learn how to draw an iconic Disney character and then take their picture home for a unique souvenir. This experience still exists, but has been moved to Animal Kingdom. 

I had hoped that after Star Wars Land opened, the Launch Bay would transform back into the Animation Academy. But it seems as if Hollywood Studios is waiting to fully commit to a standard theme in this area. I don't expect this to happen until they make another round of updates throughout each of the four parks. It's still EPCOT's turn, so it might be another decade before something happens to make the Animation Courtyard worth visiting. 

6. Echo Lake/ Commisionary Lane

There is a lot tucked into this tiny area of the park. Echo Lake is home to 4 restaurants, 3 character meet-and-greets, 2 attractions, and 1 dinosaur. Plus, a potato!

Objectively, this is a great area of the park. Personally, I never spend much time in it during my visits. Everything in this area is worth doing at least once, but it's never top priority. 

I'm also not a big fan of the theming in this area. It's not cohesive. The tiny area that holds Star Tours is Star Wars themed (which seems a bit disjointed now that it's outside of a whole land dedicated to Star Wars) and the tiny area that holds the Indiana Jones show is Indiana Jones themed. I wish the old Hollywood theme would have been more consistent throughout this land. 

 

5. Grand Avenue

Grand Avenue has a special place in my heart as it is the last remaining bit of the Streets of America. And if I was making this ranking list 7 years ago, Streets of America absolutely would've made the top spot. 

Currently, this area is home to the Muppets, of which I am not a big fan of (sorry, Bricker!) and the Baseline Tap House. And 90s kids can delight in the recently added Max Goof/ Powerline meet and greet! 

RIP Streets of America. I still miss you. 

4. Galaxy's Edge

I thought I would hate this land. I hate Star Wars. And I especially HATE it for ruining Streets of America. 

 But I have to admit, this land is really well themed. It feels less like you're on a movie studio lot and more like you're inside the Star Wars movies.  

And I really like Rise of the Resistance. That ride alone bumps up this land in my rankings.

I would still trade Streets of America for this land 10 times over. But, it's not a horrible land. It's better than Animation Courtyard, at least. 

3. Hollywood Boulevard

Speaking of theming, Hollywood Boulevard is pretty perfect. Hollywood Boulevard is the Main Street of Hollywood Studios, so it shouldn't be shocking that I ranked this land so highly. 

I adore the old Hollywood aesthetics this land has to offer. I love the references to Hollywood pre-movie industry with the Guest Services log cabin, the retro gas station, the neon signs, and the Art Deco gift shop facades. 

Instead of the castle at the end of the street, Hollywood Boulevard leads up to the Chinese Theater.  The attraction inside - Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway - is delightful. 

Also, Hollywood Boulevard is home to my favorite Starbucks location on Walt Disney World Resort property. 

2. Toy Story Land/ Pixar Place

When Hollywood Studio's makeover was announced in 2015, most people were busy freaking out over Star Wars Land. I, however, was more excited for Toy Story Land. I hold great sentiment for Toy Story, so of course this area is going to be one of my favorites. 

Toy Story Midway Mania is a top priority attraction for every visit. Slinky Dog is short, yet fun. 

1. Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard is a combination of my favorite elements of a theme park - the aestetics and the attractions. This street is very similarly themed like Hollywood Boulevard - but extra California-y. The street is lined with giant palm trees and cool gift shops. Although, I do miss when the gift shops were more unique. I especially miss the Villains in Vogue shop and the Sweet Spells confectionary. 

What luckily hasn't changed about Sunset Boulevard over the years is Tower of Terror. Yes, the original is still standing 199 feet tall. This iconic attraction, along with Rock'n'Rollercoaster, make this area the top priority of the park for every single visit. 

Additionally, this area is home to the greatest nighttime show on Walt Disney World Resort property - Fantasmic.  

With the some of the best attractions and shows intertwined with intricate theming, I could easily spend the majority of my day at Hollywood Studios on Sunset Boulevard. 

What's your favorite land of Hollywood Studios? Comment below!