Disney’s Hollywood Studios has probably had more transformations than any other Disney World theme park. Heck, half the time I still refer to it as MGM Studios.  These days, it’s half demolished in preparation for Star Wars and Toy Story lands.  Please, please check the official Disney site to confirm anything regarding Hollywood Studios!

 

RIP Writer’s Stop

Before anything else, I’d like to pay respect to one of my all time favorite ‘dining’ locations at Disney.  I didn’t realize it was part of the construction and missed visiting it during out most recent trip.  This was a great air conditioned break where you could grab a coffee and baked good, sit, and relax before heading back into the chaos of the park.

 

Hollywood Studios has fewer dining options than some of the other parks.  That’s okay!!  Here are your best dining options at Hollywood Studios.

 

Quick Service

Catalina Eddies/Fairfax Fare/Rosie’s All American

What I love:  These quick service locations share common outdoor seating.  Between these locations there is a huge variety of menu options.  This location is very close to Fantasmic.

What I order:  Chicken and spareribs.  It comes with baked beans and corn and is definitely large enough to share.  Free ice water!

Other info:  This is a collection of quick service dining locations along Sunset Blvd.  It’s almost directly across from Beauty and the Beast, near Tower of Terror, Rock n Roller Coaster, and Fantasmic.  You order at each counter individually, but they share a common seating area.

What’s not so great:  You have to order separately for each location and there is outdoor seating only.

 

 

Backlot Express

What I love:  It’s open!  Backlot Express serves standard park fare with a Star Wars twist.  If you have picky eaters, you can’t go wrong here.

What I order:  I love the Caprese Sandwich because it’s something unique, but my kids love the standard chicken nuggets.  The chicken and waffles is good too!

Other info:  The theming here is quiet fun.  Now that there’s no backlot tour, this is THE place to get your backlot fix.

The Bad:  Lack of air conditioning.

 

Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner

What I love:  I love the central location here.  If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, you’ll have nice views of the Chinese theater and possibly some streetsmosphere.

What I order:  Macaroni and Cheese with Pulled Pork

Other info:  Min and Bill’s is known to close during slower parts of the year.  That being said, this can be a great meeting place or somewhere to just take a break from your touring.

The Bad:  As much as I love Min and Bills, there are some downsides.  Seating is limited and outdoors only.  The menu (while amazing) is limited and is only opened seasonally.

 

Starring Rolls Cafe

What I love:  I feel like Starring Rolls isn’t too well known compared to some of the others

What I order:  Turkey Sandwich and Cappuccino

Other info:  Portions here are large!  Don’t expect traditional theme park fare here.

The Bad:  Hours here are limited.  Typically, it is open for breakfast and lunch.  Also, seating is limited and outdoors.

 

Trolley Car Cafe

What I love:  It’s easy to zip in here upon entering the park.  No surprises here; the menu is typical for Starbucks.  Dining plan users can find decent value in a snack credit here.

What I order:  My preferred drinks vary by season.  My favorites include (hot or iced) cinnamon dolce latte, caramel macchiato, pumpkin spiced latte, and peppermint mocha.

Other info:  You can use Starbucks gift cards and the Starbucks app here!

The Bad:  While there is food here, this isn’t really a stop for a full meal.

 

Honorable Mention

ABC Commissary

One thing that sets ABC Commissary apart from some of the others on my top five is air conditioning.  I typically do not eat lunch in the theme parks so this doesn’t impact me as much as some others, but AC is important during Florida summers.  Other than that, ABC Commissary has Kosher options and rumor is that there is a toppings bar for burgers (wasn’t there the last time I was there).