Disney's Hollywood Studios - 9/11/2025
Our first full day at Walt Disney World would be at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Sarah and I started our day with breakfast at the
hotel restaurant right as it opened at 7:00. We each had a bagel sandwich. And then we were straight in line for the opening
of Skyliner at 7:30. This gondola system connects to the park with just one transfer. And by eight we were in line at the main
gates of the park. Once the gates opened we were headed straight to the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area of the park and into the line
for Rise of the Resistance.
This massive attraction includes multiple ride systems and experiences, with multiple walkthroughs, motion simulators, an LPS-powered
trackless dark ride, and a concealed drop tower. With its detailed queue, multiple pre-shows and expansive ride experience, this is
the most immersive ride I've ever seen. We exited the ride just before nine and headed directly to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers
Run.
We walked past the impressive full scale replica of the Falcon and entered the queue. This ride also has an expertly themed
queue. We saw the fighter equipment throughout the maze and didn't truly realize we were really standing in line. Once in the
cockpit of the Millennium Falcon we were assigned one of three positions: pilot, gunner, or engineer. It really felt like we were
part of the movie. What a wonderful experience. And just like that we had conquered our second ride of the day by 9:25.
The entire area of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is more than simply a themed area of the park, but a full cinematic experience that puts you
right in the middle of the Star Wars universe. Even if you're not a star wars fan, you have to admire the architectural scenery and
the details throughout this area of the park.
Katie, Corey and Ryan then joined Sarah and I and we all headed to Toy Story Land. Sarah and I took Corey on Slinky Dog Dash while
Katie waited with Ryan. Corey was so excited. I could tell by how hard he was squeezing my finger as he talked about the ride
while we were walking to the coaster. The ride was the perfect family coaster, with fun theming and two launches. This custom
Mack roller coaster was number 285 on my track record.
Next, we all got a snack at Wood's Lunch Box. And then at 11:00 the five of us got in line for Toy Story Mania. This was an
interactive dark ride and super interesting shooting game. It is very suitable for the entire family to participate.
Next, Katie took the boys while Sarah and I rode Tower of Terror. One of the few truly thrilling rides at any Disney park, this
ride is spooky, fun and packed with amazing effects. After that we were in line for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at 12:25. This
indoor Aerosmith-themed roller coaster ride with loops, accompanied by hits from the iconic band. And with high-speed thrills, creates
an experience that's nothing short of electrifying.
The five of us got together again to watch the 1:10 performance of Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. This spellbinding show,
where you help decide which villain has been treated most unfairly. It featured Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook and Maleficent.
Then at the Hyperion Theater we saw For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Magical, fun, and full of
laughter. Sarah and I would surely have passed right by this show without giving it a second thought, but with the boys we watched the
show. We are glad that we did, as it was entertaining and very funny.
Sarah and I were off on our own one more time as Sarah had made reservations for us at Oga's Cantina at Galaxy's Edge. We checked
in at 3:45 and then as soon as we entered the door and turned the corner into the bar I was totally blown away. As immersive as
Galaxy's Edge is, Oga's Cantina takes it one step further still. We stepped up to the bar, our bartender introduced himself and
welcomed us. For our first round of drinks I ordered a Jedi Mind Trick while Sarah had a Fuzzy Tantan. Both drinks were great
but the “Buzzz” foam on Sarah's drink delivered a unique tingling and numbing sensation in our mouths. Our experience was immediately
so delightful that my original idea of simply having a drink and leaving was instantly out the window. We soon began browsing the
drink menu again for another libation. We had seen other patrons getting a drink that featured a dramatic cloud swirl effect from
the addition of a small piece of dry ice, which created a bubbling, smoky cloud that slowly rose from the tall glass. So for our
second round Sarah ordered the Bespin Fizz and I had the Outer Rim. Each drink was around $18, and with a well deserved generous
tip, the tab was over $100. I was very willing to pay for this fantastic experience.
Jedi Mind Trick and Fuzzy Tantan.
Outer Rim and Bespin Fizz.
Since we were so close, we decided to go on Smugglers Run once again. This time it was essentially a walk on.
We met up with Katie and the boys then attended the 4:30 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. This live show is based on the first
Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark. It included various stunts and live reenactments of three scenes from the film.
As the afternoon wore on and the boys were beginning to run out of energy, Katie thought it was a good time to head back home. We
said our goodbyes, then Sarah and I continued our visit at the park.
We thought it was time to get a real sit down meal and luckily nearby was the Prime Time Cafe. I didn't know what type of cuisine
they might offer, but the modernism of midcentury architecture gave me a good idea. Inside was themed as a 1950s classic 'mom's
kitchen' and diner. It featured a kitschy style with a layout of small rooms, vibrant patterns, pastel colors, and decor like
Bakelite, Fiestaware, and boomerang Formica. It was about 5:20 and I ordered cornbread, fried chicken, corn, mashed potatoes and
gravy, while Sarah had a large Caesar salad. The fried chicken was outstanding. Possibly one of the best I've had. It
reminded me very much of that at Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant at Knott's Berry Farm in California. Sarah completed her
salad and was given an 'Official Member Clean Plate Club' sticker.
Next, we returned to Galaxy's Edge for another exciting Star Wars adventure on Rise of the Resistance and were in line at 6:10.
About an hour later at 7:15 we were in line for Star Tours - The Adventures Continue which was a walk on. The ride is a 3D,
motion-simulated flight to exotic locales from the Star Wars Saga. Riders experience one of more than 250 storyline variations.
As the evening moved along, Sarah and I made our way to the far side of the park to see Fantasmic at 8:30. Sarah really loved this
show and holds a special place in her heart with the memories from the visit with the high school band in 2014.
We braved the crowds and made our way out of Disney's Hollywood Studios and to the Skyliner for the trip back to our hotel. Today
was a great time with family, full of exciting adventures, tasty food and entertaining shows. Tomorrow we'll head to EPCOT for more
Disney adventures.
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