Hollywood Studios is an incredible park, but there’s room for improvement when it comes to the dining options. 50’s Prime Time is one of the sit-down options at the park, and can definitely use some updating.
Our family has dined at this location many times over the years, with the most recent being last summer. Overall our dinner experience was mediocre, so I don’t think we will be going back any time soon.
In a nutshell, 50’s Prime Time transports you back to – you guessed it – the 1950’s. Your group sits at a table where your waiter “yells” at you to put your phones away, keep your elbows off the table and chew with your mouth closed. Some waiters are funnier/better at the etiquette lessons than others, but it can be a little uncomfortable and annoying at times. It definitely is not a relaxing meal. The menu is focused on home-style cooking and comfort-food, which is okay for dinner but too heavy for lunch. The food itself is okay, but again, there’s some room for improvement.
I truly hope Hollywood Studios starts to swap out a few of their sit-down restaurants in the park or just add some new ones (maybe once Galaxy’s Edge is complete?!). We love this park but struggle to find a good meal.
WDW Park Planners Tip:
Hollywood Studios has some great walk-up options for lunch and dinner. Try out mobile ordering on the app to cut back on your wait times! We love the Backlot Express near the Indiana Jones – tons of indoor and outdoor seating options and good food choices, too!
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is always changing, but one thing that’s constant is that it offers some of the best thrill rides and shows in all of Walt Disney World.
These are my Top 5 Must Do rides and attractions when we visit the park!
5. March of the First Order
As Star Wars slowly takes over Hollywood Studios (who is else is excited for Galaxy’s Edge?!), this show is by far one of the coolest. Line up on Hollywood Boulevard to watch the First Order come storming through the park. It’s exhilarating to watch, even if you aren’t a huge fan (I wasn’t initially and still loved seeing this). The march takes place every hour in the afternoon, so lots of chances to catch it!
WDW Park Planners Recommendation: for all ages and levels of Star Wars fandom!
4. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Who doesn’t love this tale as old as time?! This Broadway-esque stage show is just a feel-good attraction for the family and one of my favorite shows in WDW. Sit back and relax as you are whisked away into the classic story of Beauty and the Beast. Singing along is always encouraged 🙂
WDW Park Planners Recommendation: for all ages!
3. Tower of Terror
This Hollywood Studios icon is a must do, if you’re feeling brave! Step aboard if you dare into the Twilight Zone, where you will experience drops and darkness like never before. For an even more thrilling experience, we love to ride this one at night!
WDW Park Planners Recommendation: for the “big” kids and adults
Height requirement: 40 in. or taller
2. Toy Story Mania
This 4D interactive game is so much fun! It’s a step up from the Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, which we also love. Ride through different games, all featuring your favorite Toy Story characters and scenes. Scores are tallied along the way and a winner is announced at the end. If you’re competitive, you won’t want to miss this one!
WDW Park Planners Recommendation: for the whole family!
Height requirement: None
1. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
My all-time favorite ride at Hollywood Studios is this famous coaster featuring the one and only Aerosmith band. Everything about this ride is awesome – the theming, the queue and the ride itself. Shoot off in your super-stretch limo from 0 to 60 in about 2 seconds. You have to make it all the way across town for the big show!
WDW Park Planners Recommendation: for the “big” kids and adults
Walt Disney World is fun for adults (and you don’t have to have kids to go)!
Since launching WDW Park Planners, I’ve had more people say to me, “I never thought about going to Disney as an adult until I read your blog and newsletter!”
I love hearing this! I feel like I’ve done my job if I’ve successfully persuaded non-Disney people to just consider going to Disney.
Aside from the fact that adult beverages are now served at all of the parks, there are TONS of other great reasons to visit The Most Magical Place on Earth without kiddos. Read my top picks for adults at each location!
Magic Kingdom
This here’s the wildest ride in the wilderness! -Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Walt Disney World is so much more than Dumbo and It’s a Small World. Magic Kingdom is home to what we fondly call “the mountains:” Space, Big Thunder and Splash. These are some of the best thrill rides in all of the parks, so try all three if you’re brave enough!
Or, stay for some late night fun and enjoy the breathtaking fireworks show “Happily Ever After.” Disney does fireworks better than anyone, and this show in particular really tugs on the heart strings (it gets me every time!).
Epcot
France has the best Grey Goose slushie drink!
The first place I usually tell adult groups to go is Epcot. World Showcase has 11 different countries (soon to be 12!) with a variety of culture – from food to drinks to entertainment – it really the best. Spend at least one night here enjoying everything it has to offer. If you didn’t do drinks around the world, did you even go to Epcot? Don’t forget to check out my post “Top 5 Must Do Rides at Epcot.”
Hollywood Studios
“I got you a really fast car!” -Rock ‘n” Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
Hollywood Studios has some of the best thrill rides in all four parks – Tower of Terror, Rock “n” Roller Coaster, and Star Tours. The restaurants here are mediocre, but one newer bar we like to visit it Baseline Tap. Sit outside with a drink and just take in the sights and sounds of this incredible park. With the upcoming opening of Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, this park is going to be huge hit for that adult fan base. If you’re any type of movie fan, this is the park to hit.
Animal Kingdom
Pandora is truly spectacular. Be sure to watch Avatar before you go!
Personally, I am a huge fan of Animal Kingdom. We typically don’t spend more than a half day here at a time (usually rope drop through lunch), but that’s all you need to get in the good rides and attractions. Check out my post “Top 5 Must Do Attractions at Animal Kingdom” for my list of favorites. If you like the movie Avatar, you NEED to check out the new Pandora area and rides. We also recently discovered our new favorite spot – Nomad Lounge. Check out my review for why we love this relaxing bar so much!
Disney Springs
This Irish pub is a family favorite of ours! Enjoy live music and world class Irish Dancing.
Formerly known as Downtown Disney, this non-park area has been renovated and expanded to a new level. It is an absolutely massive entertainment space with tons of foodie restaurants, fun bars and the best shopping in all of WDW. The live music everywhere at night is bumping, and the best part is, you don’t need a park ticket to visit here!
There is SO MUCH to do in Walt Disney World for families, adults and kids of all ages – and it’s easy to be overwhelmed by it all. I’m here to answer your questions, so send me a message today!
