The Star Wars presence is in
full force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the day, Captain Phasma leads
First Order stormtroopers on a march from Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage,
and “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” highlights iconic moments from the
celebrated saga, featuring appearances by Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, BB-8 and more.
The real showstopper, though, is the nighttime show Star Wars: A Galactic
Spectacular! You might need a little more than Jedi mind tricks to navigate the
park as cast members prepare for this nightly Star Wars fireworks show,
but hoppily we’re here to help!
The
original Star Wars fireworks show, Symphony in the Stars, has transformed into
a bigger, bolder show full of projections, pyrotechnics and of course, the
unmistakable Star Wars themes. It has essentially become THE Hollywood Studios
fireworks. This galaxy-sized show journeys through the entire Star Wars saga as
favorite characters and moments surround the audience along with a 180-degree
fireworks display. From the twin suns of Tattooine to the swamps of Dagobah,
the Death Star to Starkiller Base, this is certainly one show Star Wars fans
will not want to miss! Here are our tips for getting around Hollywood Studios
for fireworks viewing.
Mind the closures and changes in traffic flow. Unlike its predecessor, the new
fireworks show does not require any attractions to close. The park has an
all-new fireworks launch area that removes the fallout zone that previously had
to close for fireworks displays. However, the new show does affect some areas,
including the former Great Movie Ride/forthcoming Mickey & Minnie’s
Runaway Railway courtyard. This traffic flow on Commissary Lane may also be
slightly altered prior to and during the show, with cast members directing
guests away from the exit and courtyard of the (former) Great Movie Ride.
Because of the projections, the Hollywood Boulevard and Center Stage areas
become congested very quickly. To get a viewing spot in these areas, plan to
arrive early!
Look out for tape lines and roped off areas. Although attractions no longer close,
there are still a few roped off areas and taped walkways to allow guests to
safely navigate through the park and viewing areas during the Hollywood Studios
fireworks. Take note of taped lines that designate walkways from viewing areas.
Guests are not permitted to watch the show from the walkways.
Scope out your viewing spot early. This is even more important than it was
previously due to the addition of the projections. It is a smart idea to know
where you intend to watch the show so you don’t waste time fighting through the
crowd for the perfect viewing spot. Try to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the
show for prime viewing near Center Stage, and at least 20 minutes early for
viewing anywhere further back on Hollywood Boulevard or left/right of stage. If
you’re coming from Fantasmic!, we recommend following Sunset Boulevard up to
the main street, then follow the pathway over to Echo Lake to the viewing area
near Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner.
Note the time(s) for
Fantasmic! Speaking of Fantasmic!, it’s hopful to
know the showtimes for the park’s nighttime show, whether you plan to attend or
not. Fantasmic! is the nightly stage performance held in the amphitheater near
Tower of Terror. The half-hour show tends to let out shortly before the
fireworks begin. This means those waiting to view the fireworks on Hollywood
Boulevard will likely experience a massive influx of people around the time the
show lets out. For those coming from Fantasmic!, note that the viewing areas on
Hollywood Boulevard and up to Center Stage do fill very quickly. Your best bet
for good viewing is to follow the path in front of the Brown Derby toward the
Animation Courtyard or follow the walkway around toward Echo Lake up to the
Hyperion Theater (home of the Frozen Sing-Along).
Try a Dessert Package
for reserved viewing. This show has proven to be extremely popular, making it
somewhat difficult to secure a great view without waiting for quite some time.
To avoid the hassle of claiming a spot early, try the Dessert Party Package.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a fireworks dessert package, where guests can
enjoy different Star Wars-inspired sweets indoors at the Disney Junior Live
building before heading over to their reserved viewing area near Center Stage.
For details and reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or visit your resort concierge
or guest relations.