Its no secret that Hollywood Studios has been a lower attendance park at Walt Disney World for a while now. Even with the addition of all of the Star Wars entertainment in recent years, the Park just hasn’t been drawing a lot of people or sparking interest. 
And with all of the construction currently in the Hollywood Studios, it would seem people have even less reason to venture there.
Bring on the holiday season and bring on the crowds. But then it would seem that Hollywood Studios has eliminated Osborne Lights from the Park, giving people another reason to skip Hollywood Studios altogether.
Let me start by saying this- guys, this is Walt Disney World. They don’t generally just eliminate entertainment without a plan. And while I don’t know what the plan is for the big picture or future endeavors is, I will say they haven’t forgotten about Hollywood Studios.
So why should you visit Hollywood Studios this holiday season? Lets take a minute to admire the throwback vintage-y retro-y Christmas decorations that will take you back to the memories of being at Grandma’s for Christmas, shall we?
Add in some holiday music to match the vibe and its enough to get even the biggest Scrooge to convert to a Christmas fan. These postcard perfect decorations are just what you need for your family Christmas photo or a swoon worthy Instagram picture to bring some holiday cheer to your social media feed.
I know you didn’t come all the way from (fill in the blank- wherever you came from) just for Christmas decorations, and kudos to you if you did, because I definitely would. But if you’re not as Christmas obsessed as we are, then you’re going to need more than holiday music and Christmas photo opps to get you into Hollywood Studios.
So what did you come here for? The food? That’s usually my second reason for coming to Walt Disney World, so its possible that it also tops your list. Well, you’re in luck because Hollywood Studios has lots of goodies and treats throughout the Park that are just as festive as they are delicious.
And the best part is, if you’re using the Disney Dining Plan, many of these snacks are available to be used as a snack credit. Just look for the DDP notation next to the item on the menu. Some of them are not widely publicized, however you can look for signs at the counters to see what each location is offering.
And if you’re really looking for full out holiday meal fun, be sure to check out Hollywood and Vine for Minnie’s holiday dine. Not only can you meet some of your favorite characters during this character meal, you get to meet them in their HOLIDAY OUTFITS. Did someone say Santa Goofy?? You bet I did. And while we didn’t get to experience this yet, you’d better believe when we come back in December, we will be there.
If character meals aren’t your thing, never fear, the holiday décor carries throughout other dining settings too. Love 50s Prime Time Café? Yep its decked out, complete with vintage Christmas tree.
Vintage decorations, holiday snacks, festive meals, what more could you want? Ahhh yes, the entertainment. I have to preface this with this disclaimer: We have never seen the Osborne lights. I have nothing to compare it to and all I really know about it is that a lot of people were very sad to see it go.
But Hollywood Studios currently has two separate holiday shows that we really enjoyed. New this year, Sunset Greetings premieres on Sunset Blvd. and is essentially a projection show on the Hollywood Tower of Terror(ToT).
It uses billboards, ToT and lights to spread holiday cheer throughout Sunset Blvd. And guys, there’s snow! Ok, its actually snoap, but still fun! I had heard mixed reviews on this, we loved it, you may not. Again, we have nothing to compare it to. So don’t hate on us for loving it.
And then there’s Jingle Bell, Jingle Bam! Which is another projection show set to music, pyrotechnics and fireworks set on the Chinese theater. Last year, I heard a ton of whining about this show. We actually liked it! Its a little cheesy, but its Christmas, so its acceptable. And definitely a nice change from the massive crowds and waiting an hour for a good seat over at Magic Kingdom. We got there 5 mins before the show started and still had a decent viewing spot.
AND! They end the night with more snow. Sorry, not sorry, I love the fake snow. In Ohio, it snows and its usually so cold your eyes freeze and you can’t see the snow anyway.(Just kidding-but not really) So to us, fake snow in 70 degree weather is fantastic.
So, have we convinced you to venture out to Hollywood Studios for your trip? Have you been there yet this season? Tell us what you loved in the comments!
