In this blog post, I will list sensory-friendly attractions and activities in Disney’s Hollywood Studios that I feel will stimulate your child the least.
If you are a family with a special needs or sensory challenged child and need some guidance with planning a day at Hollywood Studios, then I am here to help! To me, these attractions are the calmest and sedate rather than wild and crazy.
Wild and crazy rides are AWESOME! IF that is what your child loves. But if you have a child that wants to steer clear of swirling motion, noise, lights and tight spaces then let me suggest the following attractions and activities.
I feel kids with sensory processing issues and special needs deserve to have a SENSE-ational day at the parks too, and I know you do too!
DISCLAIMER!
In Hollywood Studios there are limited attractions and activities that are low-sensory across the board. I will list the best options in my opinion.
Navigation
In one of my recent posts about Quiet Spaces for Sensory Challenged Kids in Hollywood Studios, I talk about the fact that Hollywood Studios is broken up in areas by streets, rather than lands, like the Magic Kingdom.
I will list attractions by streets, starting with Hollywood Boulevard. Hollywood Boulevard runs from the front entrance to the Chinese Theater.
This area has shopping, Photopass photographers and the entrance to the other streets of Hollywood Studios. There are several fun photo opportunities with props, storefronts, around Echo Lake and the theater.
Echo Lake
1. For the First Time in Forever; A Frozen Sing-a-Long Celebration
The area around Echo Lake is known for the restaurants 50’s Primetime Cafe and Hollywood and Vine, the Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular and on the other side of the lake, the auditorium for the Frozen Sing-Along.
If your prince or princess loves anything ‘Frozen’ AND they love to sing along with all the songs, they will love this activity.
My only concern for sensory challenged kids would be the noise level. However, you can sit in the back, and they can wear noise-canceling headphones if your child does not tolerate sound. Check your Times Guide for showtimes throughout the day.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Animation Courtyard
2. Walt Disney Presents
If you have an older (or an older soul) kiddo, they may be interested in this experience of traveling back in time to when Walt Disney first started as an animator all the way to the present. There are models, memorabilia, videos, and pictures of the history of Walt Disney. You will also find previews of upcoming Disney/Pixar movies as well as new attractions for Walt Disney World. If you want a little fun to add to your experience at this attraction, check out this scavenger hunt of 20 questions from The Dis website here. Take it along and see if you can find all the answers!
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
3. Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Voyage of the Little Mermaid is located in the Animation Courtyard. Guests watch a 15-minute show with animatronics from the movie The Little Mermaid. You can sing along with Ariel and Ursula to your favorite songs from the movie.
* It is dark, and there could be loud moments.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
4. Star Wars Launch Bay
Star Wars Launch Bay is located in the Animation Courtyard. Is your little rebel a Star Wars fan? They will love this heavily themed area with character interactions with Kylo Ren, BB8 and Chewbacca. You be the judge if your child would enjoy these character interactions as Kylo Ren is very tall, does not talk and can seem a bit menacing. In our experience, we were not allowed to stand too close, touch, or even face the character. Your child may like the themed area better to explore and pretend they are part of the intergalactic alliance.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Sunset Boulevard
5. Beauty and the Beast; Live on Stage
Located in an outdoor, covered stadium is the well-loved show that has been playing daily at Hollywood studios since 1991. Watch Belle, the Beast, Mrs. Potts, and all your favorite characters perform a 25-minute version of the animated classic from the year.
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Toy Story Land
6. Alien Swirling Saucers
