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Insider’s Secret

If you’re intrigued by the Segways zipping around Epcot, guests 16 and up can sign up to learn how to ride and take a lap around the World Showcase—in the morning, before the park opens to the general public. Call 407/WDW–TOUR for details.

Afternoon Resting Places

The American Adventure

Circle of Life in the Land pavilion

Captain E-O

Impressions de France

Universe of Energy

Helpful Hint

Epcot has many shows, so if the kids need to run off a little energy between presentations, check out the play fountains. One set is near Mission: SPACE and the others are just to the right of the bridge leading to the World Showcase. They’re a great place to cool off on a hot afternoon, especially if you bring along bathing suits or waterproof diapers.

Tips for Your Last Hour at Epcot

If you’re staying for IllumiNations, find a spot around the World Showcase lagoon 30 minutes in advance during the off-season, 45 to 60 minutes in advance during the on-season. Have a snack to help pass the time.

When staking out the perfect spot to watch IllumiNations, remember that much of the show takes place above you. If you sit beneath a tree or awning you’ll have trouble seeing the fireworks in their full glory.

Not staying for IllumiNations? This is the perfect chance to swing back through Future World and ride Soarin’, Mission: SPACE, or Test Track on your way out. Just be sure you’re at the exit gates by the time the fireworks end and the onslaught of people begins.

Lights are kept low during closing time to accentuate the effects of IllumiNations. This makes it easy to get separated from your party, so hang on tight to younger kids and make plans to meet at a certain place in case you lose each other in the exiting crowd.

List of Maps

18 American Idol | 10 Backlot Tour | 2 Beauty and the Beast | 5 Disney Junior | 19 Fantasmic! | 1 The Great Movie Ride | 12 Honey, I Shrunk the Kids | 17 Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular | 15 Jedi Training Academy | 11 Lights, Motor, Action! | 6 The Magic of Disney Animation | 13 Muppet*Vision 3-D | 4 Rock 'n' Roller Coaster | 16 Sounds Dangerous Starring Drew Carey | 14 Star Tours | 9 Toy Story Mania | 3 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | 7 Voyage of the Little Mermaid | 8 Walt Disney: One Man's Dream

Getting to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Compared with the Magic Kingdom, getting to Disney’s Hollywood Studios—formerly Disney-MGM Studios—is a snap. Shuttle buses run approximately every 15–20 minutes from all on-site hotels. Guests staying at the Swan, Dolphin, and BoardWalk resorts or the Yacht and Beach Clubs are a 15-minute water taxi ride from the Hollywood gate.

If you’re driving to the parks, note that the Hollywood parking lot is small. If you get there at opening time and park close to the entrance, then you can forgo the parking lot tram and walk to the front gate.

Getting Around Hollywood

Hollywood is a relatively small park with no trains, boats, or buses. In other words, you’ll walk.

Tips for Your First Hour at Hollywood

Pick up a map and entertainment schedule as you enter. If you need a stroller, rent one at Oscar’s Super Service Station.

If you’re at Hollywood on an Extra Magic Hour morning, the tip board at the end of Hollywood Boulevard will let you know which attractions are operative; the whole park doesn’t open early but several major rides do.

Toy Story Mania appeals to all age groups so visit it as early as possible. Ditto with the revamped Star Tours. Fastpasses for the day are often gone by mid-morning.

After riding Toy Story Mania and Star Tours, ask yourself: Are your kids old and bold enough for a couple of big-deal rides? If so, turn onto Sunset Boulevard and head straight toward Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Waits are usually minimal in the morning but if it’s a busy day, get a Fastpass for one attraction, then immediately board the other. If your kids are younger, move on to Disney Junior or Voyage of the Little