Hollywood Studios vs Epcot: Which Disney Park is Right for You?

Walt Disney World

Feb 7

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you might be wondering which park to visit between Hollywood Studios and Epcot. Both parks offer unique experiences and attractions that can make the decision difficult. In this article, we'll compare Hollywood Studios and Epcot to help you decide which park is right for you.

Epcot is known for its international pavilions, delicious food, and cultural experiences. It's a great park for adults and families who want to explore different cultures and try new foods. On the other hand, Hollywood Studios is all about thrill rides and attractions. It's a great park for movie buffs and families who love action-packed rides.

In this article, we'll compare the two parks based on transportation, attractions, food, and overall experience to help you make an informed decision.

An Overview of Hollywood Studios and Epcot

If you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, you'll have to decide which parks to visit. Two popular options are Hollywood Studios and Epcot, each offering unique experiences and attractions.

Hollywood Studios is a theme park that celebrates the world of movies, television, music, and theater. It's divided into several themed areas, including Toy Story Land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and Sunset Boulevard. Some of the most popular attractions at Hollywood Studios include the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ride.

Epcot, on the other hand, is a park that celebrates innovation, culture, and international cuisine. It's divided into two main areas: Future World and World Showcase. Future World features attractions such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Spaceship Earth, Mission: SPACE, and Test Track. World Showcase features pavilions representing 11 different countries, each with its own unique dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

Both Hollywood Studios and Epcot offer a variety of entertainment options, including live shows, character meet and greets, and seasonal events. They also both offer a variety of dining options, from quick service to table service to signature dining experiences.

When deciding which park to visit, consider your interests and preferences. If you're a fan of movies, thrill rides, and immersive experiences, Hollywood Studios may be the park for you. If you're interested in learning about different cultures, trying new foods, and experiencing innovative attractions, Epcot may be the better choice.

No matter which park you choose, you're sure to have a magical time at Walt Disney World.

Iconic Attractions

When it comes to iconic attractions, both Epcot and Hollywood Studios have plenty to offer. Here are some must-see attractions at each park:

Epcot's Must-See Attractions

World Showcase: This is a must-see for anyone who loves experiencing different cultures. You can visit 11 different countries and try their food, drinks, and entertainment.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind
Test Track: This attraction allows you to design your own concept car and then test it out on a high-speed track.
Spaceship Earth: This classic Epcot attraction takes you on a journey through the history of communication.
Soarin’ Around the World: This attraction takes you on a simulated hang gliding tour of different locations around the world.
Living with the Land: This boat ride takes you through Epcot's greenhouses where you can learn about sustainable agriculture.
Mission: Space: This attraction simulates a space mission to Mars and offers both a less intense and more intense version.
Frozen Ever After: This boat ride takes you on a journey through the world of Frozen, complete with animatronics and catchy songs.
The Seas with Nemo and Friends: This ride takes you on a journey through the ocean with Nemo and his friends.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros: This boat ride takes you on a journey through Mexico with Donald Duck and his friends.

Hollywood Studios' Must-See Attractions

Tower of Terror: This iconic attraction takes you on a thrilling elevator ride through the Twilight Zone.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: This immersive land allows you to step into the world of Star Wars and even build your own lightsaber or droid.
Rise of the Resistance: This attraction is a must-do for any Star Wars fan as it takes you on a journey to join the Resistance and fight against the First Order.
Toy Story Land: This land is a must-see for any Toy Story fan and features attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Both parks offer a variety of attractions that are sure to please any Disney fan. Be sure to check out these must-see attractions during your visit.

Dining and Shopping Experience

When it comes to dining and shopping, both Epcot and Hollywood Studios have plenty to offer. Here's what you can expect at each park:

Epcot's Dining and Shopping

Epcot is known for its diverse and international dining options. The World Showcase offers a range of cuisines from around the world, including Norwegian, French, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Moroccan, Chinese, German, and Canadian. There are also plenty of options for beer and wine lovers, with several beer gardens and wine bars scattered throughout the park.

If you're looking for a quick bite, there are also plenty of counter-service options throughout the park, including the popular Sunshine Seasons in Future World. And don't forget to stop by one of the many snack kiosks for a taste of iconic Disney treats like popcorn and churros.

In terms of shopping, Epcot offers a variety of unique stores, especially in the World Showcase. Each country's pavilion has its own gift shop, offering authentic souvenirs and goods from that country. There are also several merchandise locations throughout the park, including Mouse Gear in Future World.

Hollywood Studios' Dining and Shopping

While Hollywood Studios doesn't have quite as many dining options as Epcot, it still has some standout restaurants. The Hollywood Brown Derby is a classic Hollywood-style restaurant, offering upscale dining and a menu inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood. For a more casual dining experience, check out the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, where you can enjoy classic American cuisine while sitting in a vintage car and watching clips from old sci-fi movies.

When it comes to shopping, Hollywood Studios has a few unique stores worth checking out. The main merchandise location is Once Upon a Time, which offers a variety of Disney-themed souvenirs and gifts. There are also several specialty shops throughout the park, including Tatooine Traders (featuring Star Wars merchandise) and Legends of Hollywood (offering vintage Hollywood memorabilia).

Both Epcot and Hollywood Studios offer plenty of dining and shopping options to keep you fed and entertained throughout your visit.

Entertainment and Shows

Epcot's Entertainment

Epcot is known for its diverse entertainment options, especially its festivals and shows. The park hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the International Food and Wine Festival, Flower and Garden Festival, and Festival of the Arts. These festivals offer guests the opportunity to try unique food and beverage options, attend cooking demonstrations, and enjoy live music performances.

In addition to festivals, Epcot also offers several shows, including Symphony of Us a nighttime spectacular featuring fireworks, lasers, and music. The show celebrates the history and legacy of Epcot, with classic Disney songs and images projected onto giant screens.

For those looking for a more cultural experience, the World Showcase offers several shows featuring traditional music and dance from different countries.

Hollywood Studios' Entertainment

Hollywood Studios is known for its shows, with “Fantasmic!” being the park's most popular nighttime spectacular. The show takes place on a giant stage on the water, featuring Disney characters, pyrotechnics, and water effects. The show tells the story of Mickey Mouse's imagination and his battle against Disney villains.

In addition to “Fantasmic!,” Hollywood Studios also offers several other shows, including “Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage” and “Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.” These shows offer guests the opportunity to see live performances of classic Disney stories and action-packed stunts.

For those looking for a more interactive experience, Hollywood Studios also offers several character meet and greets, including with popular Star Wars characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

Both Epcot and Hollywood Studios offer unique and entertaining shows and experiences. Whether you're looking for cultural performances or action-packed stunts, both parks have something to offer.

Character Experiences

Epcot's Character Experiences

Epcot is not known for its character experiences, but there are still a few opportunities to meet and greet some of your favorite Disney characters. The majority of the character meet and greets are located in the World Showcase. Here are a few of the highlights:

Anna and Elsa from Frozen can be found in the Norway Pavilion.
Mulan can be found in the China Pavilion.
Snow White can be found in the Germany Pavilion.

In addition to these meet and greets, there are also some character dining experiences available in Epcot. Garden Grill Restaurant in The Land Pavilion offers a character breakfast and lunch with Chip 'n Dale, Mickey Mouse, and Pluto. Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway Pavilion offers a princess character breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Hollywood Studios' Character Experiences

Hollywood Studios is the place to be for character experiences, especially with the recent addition of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land. Here are some of the highlights:

In Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and elsewhere you can meet Chewbacca, Kylo Ren, and even build your own droid or lightsaber.
In Toy Story Land, you can meet Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie.
Classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck can be found throughout the park.
For a unique experience, try the Disney Junior Dance Party where you can dance and sing along with characters from popular Disney Junior shows.

Hollywood Studios offers a wider variety of character experiences than Epcot. However, if you are interested in meeting characters from specific countries or cultures, Epcot's World Showcase offers a unique opportunity to do so.

Transportation and Accessibility

Getting around both Hollywood Studios and Epcot is easy thanks to the various transportation options available. Both parks offer bus transportation, and both have access to the Disney Skyliner - Disney's Gondola system. However, Epcot has an additional mode of transportation: the monorail.

The Disney Skyliner is a popular choice for many guests, and it provides a unique and fun way to travel between the parks and select resorts. The gondolas are air-conditioned, and the views from above are stunning. The Skyliner is especially useful for those staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort, and Art of Animation Resort.

If you're looking for a faster way to get around, the bus transportation system is your best bet. Buses run frequently and can take you to any of the Disney parks, as well as Disney Springs and the various resorts on property.

Epcot's monorail system is a classic way to travel around the park, and it offers a unique view of the park's iconic Spaceship Earth. The monorail also connects Epcot to the Magic Kingdom and select resorts.

It's worth noting that Hollywood Studios does not have its own monorail system, which is a disadvantage for those who prefer this mode of transportation. However, the park is easily accessible via bus or the Disney Skyliner.

Both Hollywood Studios and Epcot offer convenient transportation options that make getting around the parks and resorts a breeze. Whether you prefer the Skyliner, bus, or monorail, you'll be able to get where you need to go quickly and easily.

Educational Value

Both Hollywood Studios and Epcot offer educational experiences, but in different ways. Epcot is known for its emphasis on education and cultural immersion, while Hollywood Studios focuses more on entertainment.

In Epcot's Future World, you can learn about science, technology, and the environment through interactive exhibits and attractions. For example, at the Mission: SPACE attraction, you can experience what it's like to be an astronaut on a simulated space mission. At The Seas with Nemo & Friends, you can explore marine life and learn about conservation efforts.

The World Showcase is another educational highlight of Epcot, where you can experience the culture and cuisine of 11 different countries. You can learn about the history and traditions of each country through live performances, exhibits, and demonstrations.

Hollywood Studios, on the other hand, offers more entertainment-focused experiences. However, there are still some educational opportunities to be found. For instance, at the Walt Disney Presents exhibit, you can learn about the history of Walt Disney and the creation of his iconic characters and theme parks.

If you're looking for a more educational experience, Epcot is the better choice. However, if you're more interested in entertainment, Hollywood Studios may be more your style.

Who Should Visit?

If you're a fan of classic Hollywood movies and shows, then Hollywood Studios is the perfect park for you. This park is ideal for teenagers and adults who enjoy thrilling rides and attractions, as well as live entertainment. However, if you're traveling with younger kids, Epcot might be a better choice.

Epcot is known for its educational and cultural experiences, making it a great destination for families with children of all ages. The park is especially family-friendly, with plenty of attractions and activities for younger kids. Additionally, Epcot is perfect for adults who enjoy fine dining, shopping, and exploring different cultures.

Overall, both Hollywood Studios and Epcot have something to offer for everyone. It all depends on your personal preferences and the age range of your travel group. If you're looking for excitement and adventure, Hollywood Studios is the way to go. However, if you're looking for a more educational and family-friendly experience, Epcot is the better choice.

Matthew Brandabur