Escaping the Elements at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Given that we are in the middle of summer and Walt Disney World is teaming with families vacationing before the kids go back to school, I’ve decided to write 4 separate blogs on where to avoid the heat. Some hideaways can also double in the winter as locations to warm up. I’ll be printing this out and handing it to my co-worker who along with his wife and 6 year old son will be braving the heat in a few days. Share this with friends, family, and co-workers and help lessen their chances of getting sun poisoning or worse, heat stroke.

Sunset Blvd
Although Twilight Zone Tower of Terror itself creates screams of panic and twisted happiness, the building and surrounding area offer three spots to sit down and relax. The first looks like it was built out of clay and faces the gift shop/attraction exit. Two curved rows of seating have limited shade.

The next option is very limited seating but will keep you out of the rain and provides better shade. You can find the bench and I think there’s another facing it from the other end, right beside the gift shop’s display windows.

Your absolute best way out of the sun here is to walk from the outside straight through the gift shop. There are multiple benches inside near where they sell photos from the scary ride. It’s not only cooling but it’s a little bit darker than an average room.

Animation Courtyard
The Magic of Disney Animation is probably the best place to cool off with several seating options. In the Animation Gallery, you’ll find a couple of cushioned benches.

Go into the room with character meet and greets and on the upper level you’ll also find multiple benches. Head into another room with art from recent movies where people wait to see Drawn to Animation. You’ll discover a room of collapsed teens. Don’t worry, there are benches here as well. If you want to watch the show, you’ll be treated to theater style seating for about 15 minutes.

Mickey Avenue
Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream is worth listing because it’s not a ride requiring that you leave immediately. After passing by artifacts, and before entering the theater, there’s a waiting area with limited places to plop. Watch the movie in a cool dark theater, again, in a real seat and when it’s over, ask the Cast Member if you can stay. It’s one of the lesser visited attractions and if you put yourself in the back or front, you won’t be in the way.

Streets of America
Why would I list an area that’s open to direct sun? Should it rain or not be brutally hot, there is shade to be found at what looks like a the entrance to a grand hotel. Long numerous steps and a platform can keep a good crowd dry and cool.

Veteran Walt Disney World visitors know that Writer’s Stop serves as 3 benefits in one. Here you can shop for books, DVDs, and kitchen accessories. It’s a coffee and bake shop serving rice cereal treats, large cookies, cupcakes, and more. Best of all, it’s another place to get out of the sun or escape the cold. Cushy chairs and high table tops with stools await.

Many people recommend taking in attractions like The Great Movie Ride (18 minutes once seated), Muppet Vision 3D (13 minutes not including pre-show which is standing room only), Voyage of the Little Mermaid (17 minutes), American Idol Experience (at least 20 minutes), or Disney Junior – Live on Stage (24 minutes).

Those are all helpful suggestions but if you don’t want to wait for a show to start, head into the following eateries and find a place to sit.

ABC Commissary
Toy Story Pizza Planet
Backlot Express – head upstairs and to the back, away from windows
50’s Prime Time Cafe – there’s a bar and a waiting area for restaurant guests. Grab a milkshake and a seat.

Don’t forget, First Aid is the place to go if you feel sick and/or are showing signs of heat exhaustion. First Aid is located at the front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios beside Guest Relations and is staffed by nurses.

Have a great time and be safe. Share this with anyone you know who’s heading down to Walt Disney World.

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