Disney's Hollywood Studios Interactive Map

Here is an interactive map of Disney Hollywood Studios. Click on a land to start.

Video from YouTube:

Disclaimer: This interactive park map and video are the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

Location:  Sunset Boulevard

Ride Type:  Musical

Capacity:  1500 guests

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  This attraction is a 25 minute Broadway style musical based on the 1991 Disney movie "Beauty and the Beast".  The storyline has been compressed but the music hasn't been - all of your favorite songs from the movie are included in this musical show.  All of the actors are live, and the action is magical.  Enjoy watching Belle, Beast, Gaston, Maurice, and all of the enchanted castle servants tell the classic story for your entertainment.

Comments:  Even though many children are familiar with the movie, there are times when the action on stage may be overwhelming to children.  As with most shows, if you are not sure how your child may react, speak with a cast member about sitting close to an exit in case you need to leave early.  At 25 minutes, plus waiting time, the show may be too long for younger children.

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To see Beauty and the Beast Image Gallery, click here

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Location:  Sunset Boulevard

Ride Type:  Inverted Roller Coaster

Passengers:  2 per row, 24 per car

Fastpass?  Yes

Minimum Height:  48 inches minimum to ride

Summary:  Live the life of a rock band roadie in this high speed thrill ride.  During the pre-show, you find out that the rock band, Aerosmith, is late for their concert.  If you want your backstage passes, you have to get across town pronto.  The band helps you out by ordering you a super-stretch limo, and you're off into the wild Los Angeles traffic.  The ride vehicle is equipped with over-the-shoulder restraints because this is one of the few Disney rides that is inverted.  When you launch, you go zero-to-sixty miles per hour in less than 3 seconds using a unique launch system.  The ride corkscrews, inverts, and loops it's way through the Los Angeles freeway system at night.  The entire ride is synchronized to a soundtrack of classic Aerosmith tunes.

Comments:  This is an overstimulating high speed roller-coaster, and may not be suitable for children with autism.  Except for the pre-show and launch area, the ride is totally dark, with brief flashes of light as freeway signs streak by.  The rock music is loud and comes from your seat, which can be too much for audio-sensitive children.  The rollercoaster reaches a top speed fo 57 miles per hour, and averages about 30 miles per hour during the rest of the ride.  The ride goes upside-down twice, and has tight turns and high G-forces.  Children may be uncomfortable with the over-the-shoulder restraint system.  We recommend that an adult in your party evaluate the ride first to determine if it's appropriate for your child.

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To see Rock 'n' Rollercoaster Image Gallery, click here

The Great Movie Ride

Location:  Hollywood Blvd

Ride Type:  Indoor Tram Ride with Audio-Animatronics

Passengers:  6 to row

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  The Great Movie Ride is an audio-animatronic journey through scenes from many classic Hollywood films.  While waiting in line to board the tram, a movie screen plays a montage of film clips from decades of movies.  Once seated on the tram, your live character guide takes you into the movie scenes.  A few scenes in and the tram is hijacked by a renegade actor (a ganster or a cowboy) who calmly takes over the narration.  During the ride you'll see audio-animatronic scenes from such classics as "Casablanca", "The Wizard of Oz", "Mary Poppins", "Raiders of the Lost Ark", and "Alien" (one of the most frightening scenes in the ride).

Comments:  This is an intense attraction filled with lots of sensory stimulation.  In addition to the overlapping narration and audio from the movie scenes, there is at least one explosion and an intense fire (you can feel the heat as you pass by).  The ride is "hijacked", during which gunfire is exchanged.  The scene from the movie "Alien" is very dark and frightening as the Alien attacks from overhead.  The ride is about twenty minutes long, and once started you cannot get off.  We recommend you preview the ride before taking your child with autism on it to ensure it is appropriate for them.

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Images:

To see The Great Movie Ride Image Gallery, click here

Video from YouTube:

Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

The Twilight Zone of Tower of Terror

Location:  Sunset Boulevard

Ride Type:  Free Fall Thrill Ride

Passengers:  7 per Row and 3 Rows per Elevator

Fastpass?  Yes

Minimum Height:  40 inches minimum to ride

Summary:  Based on the classic TV show "The Twilight Zone", this ride is themed around the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, which has recently re-opened for business.  In 1939, five guests disappeared in a freak accident.  Will you suffer the same fate?  As you work your way through the ride line, you learn more about the tragedy from long ago.  Eventually, your are encouraged to ride a rusty old service elevator up to the 13th floor.  Your elevator is pushed forward, following the ghosts of the lost elevator passengers.  Eventually, the ride freefalls down, and then is lifted back up again, and again, and again, using a unique system that actually pulls you down faster than the speed of gravity (and invoking a weightless sensation as you fall).  Each ride is unique, and offers a unique view of the park when doors suddenly open during your free-fall experience.

Comments:  This ride is not only an extreme thrill ride, but is themed with an eerie and creepy feel.  Children may not understand that what they are seeing is make-believe.  This can be an overstimulating ride, and very frightening for children of all ages and abilities.  The ride is physically demanding with the free-fall experience.  We recommend that you have an adult in your party pre-view the ride to determine if it is appropriate for your child.

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Images:

To see Tower of Terror Image Gallery, click here

Video from YouTube:

Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Location:  Echo Lake

Ride Type:  Live Stunt Show

Capacity:  2,000 guests per show

Fastpass?  Yes

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  This 30 minute show is staged as a live film shoot of scenes from the classic Indiana Jones movie "Raiders of the Lost Ark".  During the show, live actors portray Indy's escape from the booby-traps and giant rolling borders of the Mayan ruins, Indy and Marions fights in Cairo, and their battle against the Nazi soldiers in the North African airfield.  There are at least two major explosions, lots of gunfire and fighting scenes, and intense action. 

Comments:  This is a very sensory stimulating show, and may be overwhelming for children with autism.  The children may not understand that the action is "make believe", especially when the scenes seem very realistic.  If you have issues with your child attempting stunts seen in movies or on TV, you may wish to avoid this stunt show.  The explosions, gunfire, and other noises may overwhelm a child.  The 30 minute length of the show is also difficult for younger children to sit through, unless they are familiar with the story of "Raiders of the Lost Ark".  If you decide to attend, the first show of the day is usually the least crowded.  We recommend you ask a cast member for assistance sitting near an exit in case you need to leave before the show is over.

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To see Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular Image Gallery, click here

Sounds Dangerous with Drew Carey

Location:  Echo Lake

Ride Type:  Audio Show

Capacity:  240 guests per show

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  When host Drew Carey breaks his camera, the audience is plunged into darkness and have only their hearing to rely on.  Through the headsets provided for the show, guests have to listen closely to determine what Drew Carey is doing until the lights come back on.  The show runs about 12 minutes long.  As you exit the show, you can enter the Soundworks post-show, where you can try your hand at dubbing your voice and creating sound clips, just like in the movies.

Comments:  Because the show is dark and is almost completely audio, it may be inappropriate for children with autism.  Children with sensory issues may find it difficult to wear the headphones.  If you child is interested in the Soundworks post-show, speak to a cast member about by-passing the main show.

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The American Idol Experience

Location:  Echo Lake

Ride Type:  Musical Show

Capacity:  1,040 per show

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Guests now have an opportunity to try their singing talent or to simply watch the competition at the American Idol Experience.  The hourly show has three contestants who undergo a pre-screening process before being selected to compete.  The audience gets to vote for their favorite singer, and the winners of each of the seven hourly shows come back to compete in the finale at the end of the day. 

Comments:  Unless your child enjoys watching "American Idol" on television, they will probably not be interested in this attraction.  Each daily show is about 25 minutes long, and the finale show can run up to 45 minutes.  If you attend the show, we recommend you ask a cast member about getting a seat near an exit in case you need to leave early.

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To see American Idol Experience Image Gallery, click here

Backlot Tour

Location:  Backlot

Ride Type:  Show/Tram Ride

Passengers:  6-8 per Row

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Disney's Hollywood Studios used to be a working production studio, and you can still tour several remnants of the movie making days.  The Studio Backlot Tour begins with a demonstration of water special effects by simulating an attack on a PT Boat.  Audience members get the chance to participate in this demonstration - and get very wet in the process!  You board the tram next for a trip to Catastrophe Canyon - an area of the park where earthquake, flood, and fire special effects are demonstrated.  You end the tour with a walk-through exhibit of costumes and props.  The tour lasts about 40 minutes.

Comments:  The Catastrophe Canyon portion of the tour can be overwhelming with noise and simulated disasters.  This can be overstimulating and overwhelming for children with sensory issues and low-functioning autism  The children may not understand that the action is "make believe", especially when the scenes seem very realistic.  Once you are on the tram, you cannot get off until you are back at the exit.  You may wish for an adult to preview this attraction to determine if it is appropriate for your child.

Hidden Mickeys: Look for two hidden Mickeys in the prop room as you exit the attraction.

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To see Backlot Tour, click here

Video from YouTube:

Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure

Location:  Backlot

Ride Type:  Playground

Capacity:  240 guests

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Based on the 1989 movie "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" (starring Rick Moranis), the playground contains oversized items you might find strewn about a family lawn.  In the movie, the inventor accidentally shrinks his children to the size of insects, and they are lost in the family's front yard.  In this play area, children can play in ant tunnels, cookie boxes, and a water gun.  The area has water fountains, slides, and lots of cushion on the ground to protect children from hard landings and falls.

Comments:  The playground can get hot and crowded during peak times.  There is little seating for adults in the playground, and it can be difficult to keep visual contact with your children.  Some children can get a bit wild when playing, but overall children have a great time running off energy in this attraction.

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To see Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Play Set, click here

Jim Henson's Muppet Vision 3-D

Location: Backlot

Ride Type:  3D Movie

Capacity:  584 guests per show

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Welcome to the classic Muppet Theatre, where all of your old friends hang out, and the last major project undertaken by Muppet creator Jim Henson.  Kermit the Frog is your host for a tour of the lab of Dr. Bunsen Honeydew, who has created a new film technology.  Of course, everything goes wrong in traditional Muppet fashion, but it's a fun visit with old friends, including the grouchy old guys who heckle the performance from the balcony.  You start the attraction in the pre-show area, where Fozzy Bear and other characters rush around to prepare for the show.  It's fun to watch them "jump screens" between three TV monitors.  You then enter the theatre for the 3D portion of the show.  In addition to the 3D movie, characters can be found all around the auditorium, and you are treated to a special guest appearance by the character "Sweetums".  Total time for the attraction is about 25 minutes, including the pre-show.

Comments:  Special glasses are required to view the 3-D effects.  The movie contains loud noises and bright flashes, which may overwhelm children with sensory issues.  Ask a cast member for a seat near the exit if you feel you might need to leave early.

Hidden Mickeys: In the fountain, look at the inflatable ring that Gonzo is on for a hidden view of Mickey Mouse.

Fun Fact:  As you enter, there is a sign that says “Key Under Mat”.  Check under the mat to see the key.

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To see Muppets Vision 3D Image Gallery, click here

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show

Location:  Backlot

Ride Type:  Stunt Show

Capacity:  5,000 guests

Fastpass?  Yes

Minimum Height:  None

Summary: Learn how visual effects and stunts are done in the movies in this explosion extravaganza!  You can watch as a film crew shoots a European spy thriller filled with car chases, explosions, and lots and lots of action.  Custom-built cars and motorcycles jump over ramps, spin around, and even maneuver backwards at full speed.  During the finale, gas fed explosions shoot fireballs nearly 40 feet into the air.

Comments:  This show is filled with pyrotechnics fed by an underground gas reservoir.  Although you are away from the action, the noise, explosions, and car chases may be difficult for children to handle.  The show runs 40 minutes, so you might ask a cast member for seating near the exit in case you need to leave before the show is over.  This is a very sensory stimulating show, and may be overwhelming for children with autism.  The child may not understand that the action is "make believe", especially when the scenes seem very realistic.  If you have issues with your child attempting stunts seen in movies or on TV, you may wish to avoid this stunt show.

Hidden Mickeys: Look in the top right corner of the motorcycle shop window for a hidden Mickey made of a gear and belts.

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To see Lights, Motor, Action Image Gallery, click here

Star Tours

Location:  Backlot

Ride Type:  Motion Simulator

Passengers:  8-10 per row

Fastpass?  Yes

Minimum Height:  40 Inches

Summary:  Based on the classic film "Star Wars", this ride starts off in a space port, where you are waiting to board a tourist shuttle to the forest moon of Endor.  Your pilot is a rookie droid, designation RX-24 (or "Rex" for short), but the navigation droid is our old friend R2-D2.  Chaos ensues from the moment the shuttle starts to taxi out of the spaceport - and straight into a restricted area.  You clear the shuttle and it's "lightspeed to Endor".  However, you overshoot the moon and head right into a field of icy comets!  No sooner have you cleared that hurdle than the Empire has you in a tractor beam.  Rescued by Wedge Antilles, you get the ultimate thrill of taking a run at the Death Star before safely returning to the Star Tours hangar. 

Comments:  The ride is a motion simulator with a 2-D movie screen.  During the ride your seat moves in response to the action on the screen.  This motion can be intense and rough.  The noise during the movie can be overwhelming at times.  Children who love the "Star Wars" movies tend to enjoy this ride more than children who aren't familiar with the story line.  If you have doubts about how your child will react to the motion simulator, you may wish for an adult to ride first and evaluate the appropriateness for your child.

Note: Star Tours is planned to be closed in the fall of 2010 and open up in late spring/early summer with an upgrade to the attraction.

Hidden Mickeys: Look for the Mickey doll in the pre-show.

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Images:

To see Star Tours Image Gallery, click here

Video from YouTube:

Disclaimer: This video is the sole intellectual property of the YouTube contributor, and not WDWAutism.com. We thank the contributor for their posting.

Journey Into Narnia: Prince Caspian

Location:  Animation Court

Ride Type: Walk-Through Attraction with Movie Clips

Capacity:  100 guests

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Enter the magical world of Narnia with this walk-through attraction.  You start in a replica of Aslan's How - complete with the table upon which Aslan was sacrificed in the first Narnia movie "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe".  As you stand there, you view clips from the 2008 movie "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian".  After the flim clips, you proceed at your own pace through a walk-through exhibit of costumes and props from the movie.  As you exit, Prince Caspian may be on hand for photographs and autographs.

Comments:  There is very little to interest a low functioning or younger child with autism in this exhibit.  The film clips contain some disturbing images and the sound is loud.  It is difficult to exit during the film clips because the previous group is ahead of you in the exhibit hall.  Be sure and ask the cast members where the nearest exits are in case you need to leave during the film clips.

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To see Journey into Narnia: Prince Caspian Image Gallery, click here

Toy Story Mania!

Location:  Pixar Place

Ride Type:  Interactive 3-D Game Ride

Passengers:  2-3 per Row, 2 rows per car

Fastpass?  Yes (and highly recommended!)

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Similar to the "Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin" at the Magic Kingdom, Toy Story Mania puts you in the drivers seat for an interactive arcade experience.  Based on common carnival rides, like a ring toss or dart throw, the ride becomes an interactive 3-D experience allowing you to rack up points as you participate in the games.  Each row is equipped with two spring-action cannons that shoot virtual rings, darts, pies, balls, and more in several games hosted by "Toy Story" characters.  The unique ride vehicles allow you to compete in your own virtual game.  The theming in the ride line is phenomenal - you are a toy sized character in a child's playroom.  Enjoy seeing the larger than life Lincoln Log Cabin, View-Master Slides, Scrabble Games, and more.  You even get some great tips from Mr. Potato-Head in the regular queue.

Comments:  This is fun and interactive 3-D ride.  To get the most of the ride visuals, children will have to wear the plastic 3-D glasses.  The ride can be overstimulating with loud carnival and arcade type noise and with puffs of air (when you pop virtual balloons).  Children have to manipulate the spring-action cannon in order to participate in the game, but many (like our son) enjoy watching their ride partner play instead. Wait times at this ride can exceed two hours in the regular line, and 30 minutes in the Fastpass (alternate entrance) line.  Huge crowds can gather after the park opens to get Fastpasses and get in line for the ride.  You may want to wait until after the crush has passed before navigating the narrow alleyway where the ride is located.

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To see Toy Story Mania Image Gallery, click here

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Walt Disney: One Man's Dream

Location:  Animation Court

Ride Type: Movie and Walk-Through Attraction

Capacity:  200 guests

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Guests interested in the history and memorabilia of Walt Disney will enjoy this interactive walking tour and short film on Walt Disney's life and contributions.  The displays contain many items from Walt Disney's life as well as early designs for theme park rides.

Comments:  There is very little to interest a low functioning or younger child with autism in this exhibit.  However, because you can move at your own pace, you may wish to try it, and skip the film if your child is restless.   

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To see One Man's Dream Image Gallery, click here

Magic of Disney Animation

Location:  Animation Court

Ride Type:  Movie and Self-Guided Tour

Capacity:  No Limits

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  Mushu, the guardian dragon of the 1998 Disney movie "Mulan" is your host for the 10 minute film "Drawn to Animation".  The movie shows how animators created the character of Mushu using various animation techniques.  After the film, you have several options:  learn to draw Mickey Mouse with step-by-step techniques given by a live instructor; play the computer games; or meet Disney characters.  As you exit, you can walk through the Animation Gallery and see conceptual drawings of several Disney animated characters.

Comments:  This can be a great attraction for children who love art and animation/cartooning techniques and hands on practice.  Because you can go at your own pace, you can try the attraction out with little risk.  Children usually enjoy the movie (especially if they are familiar with the story of "Mulan") and the pre-school level computer games.  Meeting the characters can also be fun if your child enjoys that interaction.

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To see Magic of Disney Animation Image Gallery, click here

Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage

Location:  Animation Court

Ride Type: Live Action Show

Capacity:  600 guests

Fastpass?  No

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  When Mickey Mouse wants to throw a surprise party for Minnie Mouse, he calls on his friends from "Playhouse Disney" for help.  Chacters from "Handy Manny", "My Friends Tigger and Pooh", "Little Einsteins", and of course the "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" show learn to work together to pull of the party plans.  Children and adults sit on a carpeted floor (sorry - no seats!), but are encouraged to jump up and sing, dance, and interact with the characters during the 22 minute show.

Comments:  Children who are familiar with the Playhouse Disney TV shows (on the Disney Channel) will recognize many of their favorites.  The show encourages children to sing and be active in this show, so it can get loud and overstimulating.  It's a great opportunity for children with autism to participate alongside neuro-typical children and Disney characters.  As with any live show, if you are uncertain how your child will react, please consult a cast member about sitting near an exit, or in a quieter spot away from the action. 

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To see Playhouse Disney Image Gallery, click here

Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Location:  Animation Court

Ride Type: Live Action and Audio-Animatronic Show

Capacity:  600 guests

Fastpass?  Yes

Minimum Height:  None

Summary:  The Voyage of the Little Mermaid is a show that incorporates live actors, audio-animatronics, and video from the Disney movie "The Little Mermaid".  The 17 minute-long show incorporates the memorable songs from the movie into the story of the mermaid who wishes she were a human, and her love story with Prince Eric.  Ariel and Prince Eric are played by live actors, but all of the other favorite characters (or not so favorite in the case of Ursula) are portrayed by audio-animatronic robotic figures.

Comments:  Even though many children are familiar with the movie, there are times when the action on stage may be overwhelming to children.  As with most shows, if you are not sure how your child may react, speak with a cast member about sitting close to an exit in case you need to leave early.   

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To see Voyage of the Little Mermaid Image Gallery, click here