The Star Wars presence is in full force at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. During the day, Captain Phasma leads First Order stormtroopers on a march from Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage, and “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” highlights iconic moments from the celebrated saga, featuring appearances by Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, BB-8 and more. The real showstopper, though, is the nighttime show Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular! You might need a little more than Jedi mind tricks to navigate the park as cast members prepare for this nightly Star Wars fireworks show, but hoppily we’re here to help!
The original Star Wars fireworks show, Symphony in the Stars, has transformed into a bigger, bolder show full of projections, pyrotechnics and of course, the unmistakable Star Wars themes. It has essentially become THE Hollywood Studios fireworks. This galaxy-sized show journeys through the entire Star Wars saga as favorite characters and moments surround the audience along with a 180-degree fireworks display. From the twin suns of Tattooine to the swamps of Dagobah, the Death Star to Starkiller Base, this is certainly one show Star Wars fans will not want to miss! Here are our tips for getting around Hollywood Studios for fireworks viewing.
Mind the closures and changes in traffic flow. Unlike its predecessor, the new fireworks show does not require any attractions to close. The park has an all-new fireworks launch area that removes the fallout zone that previously had to close for fireworks displays. However, the new show does affect some areas, including the former Great Movie Ride/forthcoming Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway courtyard. This traffic flow on Commissary Lane may also be slightly altered prior to and during the show, with cast members directing guests away from the exit and courtyard of the (former) Great Movie Ride. Because of the projections, the Hollywood Boulevard and Center Stage areas become congested very quickly. To get a viewing spot in these areas, plan to arrive early!
Look out for tape lines and roped off areas. Although attractions no longer close, there are still a few roped off areas and taped walkways to allow guests to safely navigate through the park and viewing areas during the Hollywood Studios fireworks. Take note of taped lines that designate walkways from viewing areas. Guests are not permitted to watch the show from the walkways.
Scope out your viewing spot early. This is even more important than it was previously due to the addition of the projections. It is a smart idea to know where you intend to watch the show so you don’t waste time fighting through the crowd for the perfect viewing spot. Try to arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to the show for prime viewing near Center Stage, and at least 20 minutes early for viewing anywhere further back on Hollywood Boulevard or left/right of stage. If you’re coming from Fantasmic!, we recommend following Sunset Boulevard up to the main street, then follow the pathway over to Echo Lake to the viewing area near Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner.
Note the time(s) for Fantasmic! Speaking of Fantasmic!, it’s hopful to know the showtimes for the park’s nighttime show, whether you plan to attend or not. Fantasmic! is the nightly stage performance held in the amphitheater near Tower of Terror. The half-hour show tends to let out shortly before the fireworks begin. This means those waiting to view the fireworks on Hollywood Boulevard will likely experience a massive influx of people around the time the show lets out. For those coming from Fantasmic!, note that the viewing areas on Hollywood Boulevard and up to Center Stage do fill very quickly. Your best bet for good viewing is to follow the path in front of the Brown Derby toward the Animation Courtyard or follow the walkway around toward Echo Lake up to the Hyperion Theater (home of the Frozen Sing-Along).
Try a Dessert Package for reserved viewing. This show has proven to be extremely popular, making it somewhat difficult to secure a great view without waiting for quite some time. To avoid the hassle of claiming a spot early, try the Dessert Party Package. Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a fireworks dessert package, where guests can enjoy different Star Wars-inspired sweets indoors at the Disney Junior Live building before heading over to their reserved viewing area near Center Stage. For details and reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE or visit your resort concierge or guest relations.
