Visiting Hollywood Studios in 2026 means navigating a more complicated landscape than in years past. Three overlapping factors — an ongoing construction closure, a virtual queue requirement for a newer experience, and a separately ticketed holiday event — are combining to change what a standard park ticket actually covers.
The biggest physical change comes from the construction of Monstropolis, Disney's upcoming Monsters, Inc.-themed land. Building that new area required closing an entire section of Hollywood Studios, which is notable at a park that already has fewer total attractions than some other Walt Disney World destinations. With less usable space, the crowds that remain have fewer places to spread out, which can add pressure to popular rides and increase standby wait times across the board.
On the experience side, the recently opened Magic of Disney Animation — which includes a Draw with Olaf offering — reportedly uses a virtual queue rather than a traditional standby line. That means guests can't simply walk up and join a queue; they need to understand and successfully use a separate system to secure a spot. It's one more planning step that can catch less-prepared visitors off guard.
Later in the year, Hollywood Studios will also host Disney Jollywood Nights during the holiday season, a separately ticketed evening event. Guests who want to take part will need to purchase an event ticket on top of whatever they've already spent on park admission and other vacation costs. Families traveling during the Christmas period will want to factor that into their budgets and scheduling well in advance.
Planning Your Trip
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None of this makes Hollywood Studios a place to skip — the park still offers major attractions, dining, and entertainment — but 2026 visitors are arriving during a transitional stretch when the future version of the park isn't ready yet and parts of the current experience come with extra conditions. Thorough planning ahead of arrival will make a meaningful difference. This report was originally published by Inside the Magic.
