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by Soarin’ Diva

I have an 11 year-old son who is very vocal about the fact that he does NOT enjoy scary coasters. We are slowly breaking him in, having him ride a new ride each time he goes, but he has yet to brave Rockin’ Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror no matter how many times we plead and beg.  So, how do we pass the time at Hollywood Studios while my husband and 14 year-old son are rocking out in a limo & being terrified on towers?

There are many shows and attractions at Hollywood Studios that are “must do’s” on our list.  The first attraction we hit would naturally be Toy Story Midway Mania- this is a given.  We always try to catch the live show, Beauty and the Beast at least once a trip.  We also must hit up Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! as well as Lights, Motors, Action!  Both of these are exciting and excellent stunt shows that must not be missed.  We love Muppet Vision 3D as well, but these are all things we have to enjoy as a family together.  What do my 11 year-old and I do while we are waiting for my two daredevils to return?  I’ll give you my top three “must do’s” for my youngest Devo and I.

Muppet Vision 3D

Muppet Vision 3D

 

They found the key under the mat at Muppet Vision 3D

They found the key under the mat at Muppet Vision 3D

One way we have fun is by riding The Great Movie Ride.  This attraction is located in the Chinese Theater.  It’s a slow-moving ride that will take you through the history of great movies, such as Singin’ In The Rain, Mary Poppins, Casablanca and many more.  We can probably quote the whole dialogue by now, yet for some reason, it never gets old. We will ride it at least three times in one day. They do mix it up a little, so it’s a mystery as to whether you will be involved in a gangster heist or being held at gun point by the rogue cowboy. We like to try to predict which scene we will get, which is always great fun.

Outside Chinese Theater and Great Movie Ride

Outside Chinese Theater and Great Movie Ride

Another attraction we hit a lot is Star Tours. This is a 3D simulated attraction that boasts over fifty different combinations of beginning and ending scenes. The fun thing about Star Tours is that, no matter how many times you go, you will be swerving and gliding through a different version of the story every time. I remember one trip we rode ST eleven times back to back, and each time it was different. My son has also been picked as the “Rebel Spy” before too, which has made him determined to be picked every time since that one (but alas, he has yet to be picked again.) Even walking through the queue to get to the attraction is fun for any Star Wars fan.

015Our newest absolute favorite, yet underappreciated attraction, is none other than the Citizens of Hollywood. My son has come to LOVE stopping and just watching the interaction between the guests and the Citizens of Hollywood. They perform various times throughout the day between 10:30am-6:00pm, usually along Hollywood Boulevard. This group is a uniquely talented gang who will involve the guests in their interactive dialogue. They are hilarious and very quick-witted. My son constantly begs me throughout the day to check and see if we can find the Citizens of Hollywood to see what they are up to at the moment. Young and old alike will enjoy the Citizens of Hollywood.  These are just a few suggestions if you are in the same situation as I am and have a child who is terrified of the fast furious Rockin’ Rollercoaster and Tower of Terror.

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