Disney’ s Hollywood Studios has a good number of attractions that are probably more geared to adults, but there are still plenty of wonderful experiences for your toddlers to share in as well. It won’t take you the full day to experience all the toddler-friendly attractions at Hollywood Studios, so don’t feel the need to get there bright and early unless you plan to take a break mid-day and head back to your accommodation for nap-time. Your day will not be fast-paced or hurried, so allow your children time for hugs and photos with their favorite Disney characters that you may encounter throughout the park and make sure you take in the parade! Find a good spot at least a half hour before the parade begins and have refreshments, books and toys handy to entertain the children while you wait.
But, let’s start at the beginning! First I should clue you in to avoid 3-D movies (my kids were always terrified of these! ) and also the flight simulators are too intense though your toddlers will be too small to be allowed on anyway! If the adults choose to do the intense rides in the park, you can take advantage of the baby-swap that Disney offers for families with small children. You will avoid having to split up and wait in line twice. When one of you disembarks, you swap the children and the other can get right on!
Upon entering the park, you will come to “Hollywood Boulevard” where you will encounter “The Great Movie Ride”. There are scenes that could be disturbing to young children, so it is my recommendation to avoid this one.
Next you will come to “Echo Lake”. Avoid “Sounds Dangerous” as parts of this show are in complete darkness with special effects that will surely upset young children. The only attraction in this area that you may want to consider is the “Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular” which is full of live action and adventure. Sit as far back as possible since there are fires and explosions causing some of the scenes to be a bit frightening for youngsters. If you sit far back enough, this will decrease the intensity. Use your judgement here as well as consider their attention span as this show is 30 minutes in duration. “Hollywood and Vine” is in this area and this is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner as they serve a very family-friendly buffet. For an extra special meal with the Playhouse Disney characters, I would recommend calling ahead to book “Play ‘N Dine at Hollywood and Vine”.
In “Streets of America”, if you have a little guy who loves fast cars, then make sure you see “Lights, Motors, Action! ” It may be a lot of stimulation for some children, but this one should hold their attention! Afterwards, let them expend some energy at the “Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure. " It’s a larger than life playground that the kids are sure to enjoy!
Don’t miss “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” and “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage” in “Animation Courtyard. " These performances are geared to the younger set.
“Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” on “Sunset Boulevard” is a 30-minute live musical performance that the whole family should really enjoy. Again, take into consideration your child’s attention span.
The grand finale at Hollywood Studios is “Fantasmic” which is one of my all time favorite Walt Disney performances. Most of this program is delightful for all age groups. Unfortunately, though, there are some larger than life encounters with the Disney villains that will probably terrify youngsters, so I’m sorry to say that this is best left to when the children are a bit older!
But, let’s start at the beginning! First I should clue you in to avoid 3-D movies (my kids were always terrified of these! ) and also the flight simulators are too intense though your toddlers will be too small to be allowed on anyway! If the adults choose to do the intense rides in the park, you can take advantage of the baby-swap that Disney offers for families with small children. You will avoid having to split up and wait in line twice. When one of you disembarks, you swap the children and the other can get right on!
Upon entering the park, you will come to “Hollywood Boulevard” where you will encounter “The Great Movie Ride”. There are scenes that could be disturbing to young children, so it is my recommendation to avoid this one.
Next you will come to “Echo Lake”. Avoid “Sounds Dangerous” as parts of this show are in complete darkness with special effects that will surely upset young children. The only attraction in this area that you may want to consider is the “Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular” which is full of live action and adventure. Sit as far back as possible since there are fires and explosions causing some of the scenes to be a bit frightening for youngsters. If you sit far back enough, this will decrease the intensity. Use your judgement here as well as consider their attention span as this show is 30 minutes in duration. “Hollywood and Vine” is in this area and this is an excellent choice for lunch or dinner as they serve a very family-friendly buffet. For an extra special meal with the Playhouse Disney characters, I would recommend calling ahead to book “Play ‘N Dine at Hollywood and Vine”.
In “Streets of America”, if you have a little guy who loves fast cars, then make sure you see “Lights, Motors, Action! ” It may be a lot of stimulation for some children, but this one should hold their attention! Afterwards, let them expend some energy at the “Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure. " It’s a larger than life playground that the kids are sure to enjoy!
Don’t miss “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” and “Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage” in “Animation Courtyard. " These performances are geared to the younger set.
“Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage” on “Sunset Boulevard” is a 30-minute live musical performance that the whole family should really enjoy. Again, take into consideration your child’s attention span.
The grand finale at Hollywood Studios is “Fantasmic” which is one of my all time favorite Walt Disney performances. Most of this program is delightful for all age groups. Unfortunately, though, there are some larger than life encounters with the Disney villains that will probably terrify youngsters, so I’m sorry to say that this is best left to when the children are a bit older!