What is the Difference Between Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios?

05/15/2025 • Felipe Moraes

The main differences between Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios lie in their themes, attractions, and target audiences. Here are the key distinctions between the two parks:

  1. Themes:
  • Magic Kingdom is quintessential Disney, featuring fantastical lands with a broad range of characters from classic Disney films, such as Snow White and the like.
  • Hollywood Studios is centered around the theme of movies and TV production, with attractions related to Star Wars and Pixar.
  1. Attractions:
  • Magic Kingdom has 23 rides, many of which are family-friendly and suitable for a younger audience.
  • Hollywood Studios has nine rides, including newer attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Toy Story Land.
  1. Target Audiences:
  • Magic Kingdom is often considered more child-oriented and focuses on the classic Disney experience.
  • Hollywood Studios caters more to adults and thrill-seekers, with attractions like Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and TRON Lightcycle/Run.
  1. Dining:
  • Magic Kingdom offers a variety of dining options, but character dining is limited to one location, Hollywood & Vine.
  • Hollywood Studios has a mix of restaurants, including some that serve alcoholic beverages.
  1. Crowd Volume:
  • Magic Kingdom typically experiences heavier foot traffic, with about 17.1 million visitors in 2022.
  • Hollywood Studios had 10.9 million visitors in 2022, making it less crowded than Magic Kingdom.

In summary, if you're looking for a classic Disney experience with a focus on family-friendly rides and attractions, Magic Kingdom is likely the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer thrill rides, Star Wars, and Pixar-themed attractions, Hollywood Studios may be more suitable for your preferences.

Comparative Table: Magic Kingdom vs Hollywood Studios

Here is a table comparing the differences between Magic Kingdom and Hollywood Studios:

Feature Magic Kingdom Hollywood Studios
Size (ha) 43 55
Icon Cinderella Castle None
Attractions Variety of rides, attractions, character meets Comparatively more live shows and performances
Themed Sections Main Street, USA, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventureland Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Pixar Place, Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Boulevard
Dining Options 39 dining options, including table and counter service options 30 dining options, with one character dining opportunity at Hollywood & Vine
Live Shows "Happily Ever After" fireworks show "Fantasmic!" musical
Popular Attractions Rides suitable for younger audiences Rides for thrill-seekers and Star Wars/Pixar fans

Magic Kingdom is built on a land of 43 hectares and is known for its iconic Cinderella Castle. It offers a variety of rides, attractions, and character meets, as well as six themed sections: Main Street, USA, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Adventureland. On the other hand, Hollywood Studios is built on a land of 55 hectares and has a more Hollywood and show-themed atmosphere. It features five themed sections: Hollywood Boulevard, Echo Lake, Pixar Place, Animation Courtyard, and Sunset Boulevard. Hollywood Studios is known for its live shows and performances, as well as attractions related to Star Wars.

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