Are you planning on visiting Hollywood Studios with your special needs or sensory challenged child? I have 8 quiet areas in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let’s create a S.M.A.R.T. plan!
Sensory – This post is all about keeping your child’s sensory processing system well regulated!
Magical – A touring plan with sensory breaks will keep your family’s day in the parks magical instead of tearful.
Actionable – Use this guide and the Quiet Area Map to create your touring plans around Hollywood Studios.
Realistic – It can be tricky when planning a day in the parks with a sensory challenged child. However, it is sensible to know you will need areas and time to take a break.
Take It With You – Copy and print the map to help with navigating the parks.
Now, let’s get started!
Hollywood Studios has a different system of defining areas. Instead of lands like in the Magic Kingdom, they have streets, just like the old streets of Hollywood. I will focus on each street and avenue in the following post to list at least one quiet space per area for your little one to take a break.
The following map is only a general rendering of the original layout of Hollywood Studios. It is not to scale and does not include all attractions, shops, or dining. Please use only as a reference for the 8 quiet areas in Disney’s Hollywood Studios I recommend.
Quiet Areas in Hollywood Studios Map
1. Hollywood Boulevard
You will be on Hollywood Boulevard when first entering Hollywood Studios. There are many opportunities for Photopass photographers and shopping. When you arrive, and your little one isn’t feeling the love of his close-up, slip over to the Baby Care Center. This building will be to your left when first entering the park. You will find a multi-use center for moms to nurse, change diapers, and to provide their kids a break. It is relatively quiet and air-conditioned!
Hollywood Studios Guest Relations
2. Echo Lake
Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios
Once you are close to the end of Hollywood Boulevard, you can veer left onto Echo Lake’s promenade. Here you will find a quiet, wide walkway and benches. There are low-key and shaded areas for calming and re-setting before you move on to your next theatrical adventure. The restaurants, Hollywood and Vine and The 50’s Prime Time Cafe are also in this area
3. Grand Avenue
If your touring plans take you to the attraction Muppet Vision 3-D or PizzeRizzo’s restaurant, there are a few choices for quiet spaces. Grand Avenue is a boundary for Hollywood Studios, and there isn’t a lot of traffic since it is not a transitional area. There are, however, ample restrooms, shady trees, and tables for sitting. On the way to Muppet Vision 3-D, you will find several nooks and crannies to let your little Ms. Piggy or Animal wander and explore without a lot of commotion.
Grand Avenue Restroom Area
4. Commissary Lane
Coming out of Grand Avenue and moving back across Hollywood Studios to Toy Story Land or Animation Courtyard, you can walk down Commissary Lane. Here, you will find the ABC Commissary, a quick-service restaurant with several great food options. You will also see the Sci-Fine Dine-In; one of our favorites for fun dining! If your little star needs a break from shooting their movie, stroll down this Lane for shade and a relaxed atmosphere.
Commissary Lane
5.Toy Story Land
Hollywood Studios has recently made a significant update to its park with the addition of the highly anticipated Toy Story Land at the end of June of 2018. As of now, guests are not able to transition through to the other side of Toy Story Land to exit to other areas of the park. The construction wall is in place due to another highly anticipated project, Star Wars Land, coming in September 2019.
Toy Story Land boasts the new rides Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers and the older fan favorite, Toy Story Mania.
Toy Story Land isn’t large and only has one area I feel would be ideal as an option for kids to take a break. If it isn’t too busy, Woody’s Lunch Box quick-service restaurant has limited seating in the shade. However, if Toy Story Land is very crowded, and it may well be, it could be challenging to find a quiet spot.
My best suggestion would be for your family to transition out of Toy Story Land and find a calm place close to Animation Courtyard.
Woody’s Lunch Box Seating Area
6. Animation Courtyard
Here you can find the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Star Wars Launch Bay and coming soon in December 2018, the new Disney Jr. Dance Party. If your little Stormtrooper is feeling too much of the Dark Side, tuck over to the areas to the left of Star Wars Launch Bay. You will be close to bathrooms, space to move around and shade for sitting.
Animation Courtyard Restroom Area
7. Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard
The great thing about Sunset Boulevard is there are lots of areas to take a sensory break. Sunset Boulevard is popular as it has the super coaster, Rock-n-Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage. You will also see the entrance to Fantasmic, the nighttime show.
Sunset Boulevard
8. Bonus Area!
If your mini “Tower of Terror” is feeling a little up and down, tuck into the gift shop, just past the entrance to the attraction. It is open, air-conditioned, and only a few people come out at a time from the attraction. Outside, you will find shade and quiet spots under the foliage and vestibules.
Tower Hotel Gift Shop
I hope these quiet areas in Disney’s Hollywood Studios helps you create a touring plan for your special needs or sensory challenged child. Knowing where these areas are before you hit the park is an excellent strategy in preventing meltdowns and over-stimulation.
If this post was helpful, you may also like my other park planning posts such as…
