Lifestyle

Dear Diary - Let’s Explore - Disney’s Hollywood Studios

By Katrina - January 20, 2025

If there’s one thing our family loves, it’s a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Thanks to our annual passes, we have the privilege of popping in whenever we want—and this last visit was one for the books! From Buzz Lightyear dresses to intergalactic adventures, Sofia (our little Disney princess) had a day full of magic, and giggles.


The day began with Sofia proudly donning her adorable Buzz Lightyear dress. She was all set to take on Toy Story Land! Or so we thought. As soon as we approached the life-sized Woody and Jessie for a photo op, Sofia clung to us tighter than Slinky Dog’s coils. Meeting giant characters? Not her thing (yet).

Instead, we opted for the rides! Toy Story Mania was an absolute blast—literally. With Sofia riding shotgun, we battled it out in the 3D carnival games, trying to rack up points by popping balloons and smashing plates. Let’s just say the scoreboards weren’t kind to me, but Sofia’s laugh every time she hit a target was worth losing my arcade crown. I was so proud of my score, 189,000, but then when I saw that the day's high score was in the 400,000s I was taken aback. I wonder what their tactic is? 

Next, we hopped onto the Alien Swirling Saucers, where Sofia’s Buzz Lightyear dress felt right at home. Those little green aliens sure know how to spin, and we were all grinning ear to ear by the end.

One ride we absolutely couldn’t miss was Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. It’s a family favorite and for good reason! The trackless ride system is like nothing else, seamlessly transitioning from scene to scene as if by magic. From a relaxing picnic to a chaotic waterfall plunge, we were immersed in the world of Mickey Mouse cartoons like never before. The way the ride uses projection mapping to turn the walls into moving, changing landscapes is mind-blowing. Sofia loved the dance scene with Daisy, while I couldn’t get over how clever the whole experience was.


Next, we cooled off (literally and figuratively) with For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. This might have been Sofia’s favorite part of the day. She sang her heart out with Elsa, Anna, and the entire crowd, and the snow falling at the end was pure magic. Sofia twirled around like she was in Arendelle, her Buzz Lightyear dress swirling with her.

We breezed through Star Wars Galaxy on this trip, but I do want to spend some more time there next time we visit Hollywood Studios. Sofia kept asking to get to the Skyliner by this time of the evening and the sun was setting so we didn't really feel like getting caught out in the cold since the temps were dropping. 

To wrap up our magical day, we decided to hop on the Disney Skyliner for a nighttime joyride. There’s something so serene about gliding above the parks and resorts, with the twinkling lights of Hollywood Studios below. Sofia pointed out everything she could see—"Look, it’s Tower of Terror!"—and we all just soaked in the views. We rode to the transportation hub and then back to Hollywood Studios, enjoying every second of the ride.

Having annual passes makes these spontaneous Disney days so special. Knowing we can come back anytime takes the pressure off and lets us enjoy the little moments, like Sofia’s excitement on a ride or her laugh during a sing-along. Hollywood Studios has a way of blending nostalgia and innovation, creating a perfect day every time we visit.

Until next time, Disney! We’re ready for our next adventure—whether it’s on a flying elephant, a runaway train, or even another intergalactic spaceship.

xoxo,

Katrina






 

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