Disney SMMC Recap Day 3: Visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios

After our fun two days in South Florida (you can read that recap here), we left for Orlando that Monday morning at 9 AM. I was hoping we’d get out earlier… but my mom had two houseguests and we had to make sure we packed. I just wanted to get to the Disney Parks!

It was so amazing to go through the entrance!

We made our way to the Port Orleans resort, where we were staying. I loved staying at the Yacht Club last May for Disney SMMC, so I was confused when the lovely gentleman in front of the resort drew us a map to where we were staying (Building #82). So we drove what seemed to be another 1/2 mile to Building 82. Which looked adorable, but if you wanted to use the elevator, like with luggage, you had to walk ALL THE WAY AROUND. Plus, I didn’t see any sort of lobby (you had to go the 1/2 mile or so back to the main building for that).

I liked our room, it was a good size and the bathroom was immaculate (which is always important to me). However, I would have liked closets — we had a bench to store luggage and an area by the left of the sink. There was a curtain to separate the double sinks from the best of the room (and the bathroom had a toilet and a tub), but I didn’t love this layout.

The bus stop to the Parks was really close by. There are three stops for the parks at the Disney Port Orleans Riverside Resort. If you want to go to the main building lobby, hop the bus and ride it to the 2nd stop (or walk) or drive.

After we brought everything to the room, we quickly headed to Disney’s Hollywood Studios by catching the shuttle bus from the North Depot stop.

I love that the bus times to each park or place is clearly marked.

We used a Fast Pass for the Aerosmith Roller Coaster — wow! It was amazing. Remember to keep your head right in the headrest. Note: if you have any sort of neck or back issues, this is not the ride for you. It was exhilarating but did leave my mom with a bruise on her face. My daughter and I were fine and enjoyed it.

We went on Star Tours, which was amazing. One of the best simulator rides that I’ve ever been on.

We also caught the Beauty and the Beast Live Show. Tip: Do not use a Fast Pass for this. We were able to get into a show and even though we were far back, we saw everything.

We used a Fast Pass for Tower of Terror. My daughter, who is 9, was freaked out afterwards. It’s about the Twilight Zone and frankly, done brilliantly. It’s worth the Fast Pass.

Our afternoon at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios was amazing.

Since we had dinner reservations at Disney Springs, we went right from Hollywood Studios to Disney Springs (the bus will take you). We enjoyed a delicious dinner at the BOATHOUSE Restaurant.

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