Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater: Restaurant Review

Name: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Backlot Area
Cuisine: American, sandwiches, burgers & such
Type: Table Service
Good For Those: Who like old, terrible science fiction movies from the 50's and 60's; miss drive-in movie theaters
Price Range: Listed in the $$ Range, which means $15 to $35.99 per person. Most things here are on the lower end of that range, some are even less than $15. Lunch and dinner prices are about the same.
Times: Lunch is 11:00am to 3:55pm, dinner is from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.
Reservations: I strongly recommend them. Seating is pretty limited in this place, especially if you have a larger party. Make one in advance if you can; reservations can be made at the WDW official website.
My Recommendation: I've only been here once, and I had the veggie burger with sweet potato fries, which was good, if you are into that sort of thing. If I go again, I will probably try something different, though. The milkshakes, however, are definitely worth trying.
Healthier Option: Said veggie burger is pretty good, I'd say. They also have a salad and some tofu dish if that is more your thing.

This is a very fun place to eat- the atmosphere is one of the most unique at Hollywood Studios. If you are a fan of old, cheesy horror flicks, you must go here.

Basically, what they do is seat you in  booths that look like old-school convertible cars (most only seat 4, which is why I think it is more difficult for larger parties to get a spot), all facing a big movie screen, on which they play trailers and clips of these old movies (they have them on a continuing loop lasting about an hour- around the time it would take for a party to finish a meal without sitting through a bunch of repeats).

An example:

They just don't make'm like they used to.

xoxo, Lily

*Note: Food prices and menu options are subject to change at any time, so I can't guarantee my information will always be accurate.

**Also, the "healthier options" I give are simply based on my knowledge of healthy eating and nutrition. I am not a doctor! For specific information regarding calories and such, I suggest contacting the individual restaurants via the Disney World website.

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show: Attraction Review

Name: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Type: Live Show
Location: Hollywood Studios, Backlot Area
The Gist: See how filmakers and stunt drivers accomplish amazing vehicle stunts with cars and motorcycles, and see some of these performed live.
A Must-Do For: Car buffs; people who love car chase scenes in movies-you'll get to see some here, live!
Avoid If: You don't like loud noises. This show gets noisy, especially if you sit near the front.
Show Times: This show runs at several set times daily. When you get to the park, pick up one of the times guides ( they're next to the maps) for the schedule.
Other Info: This show takes place in a huge outdoor stadium. It is good to get there early, but don't worry about whether or not you will find seats, they have plenty. And this is one of those times where I think being in the back is beneficial, you can kind of see what they are doing more clearly and the noise isn't as intense.

I really don't care about cars, like, at all, but this show is actually pretty interesting. I'm always just so shocked that people actually do this for a living. Hell, I can't even drive around the neighborhood without panicking, I could never jump of a ramp like these guys do! So I suppose it impresses me.

xoxo, Lily

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: Attraction Review

Name: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Type: Live Show
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Backlot area
The Gist: Stunt performers and actors demonstrate how action-movie stunts are accomplished in an Indiana Jones-themed 30-minute live show. You can even volunteer to be a part of the action yourself.
A Must-Do For: Indiana Jones fans (and really, any action-film fans, since this applies to more than just the IJ franchise), people interested in behind-the-scenes film secrets
Showtimes/Other Info: This show is offered several times daily. Pick up a times guide once you get to the park to see the schedule. Note that this show takes place outdoors, in a covered seating area. There are plenty of seats, but the closer to showtime you arrive, the less options you'll have.

I'm not into action movies, like, at all, but I do enjoy this show. There's just something about seeing the stunts live that makes it more exciting. They can't fake this shit with CGI, you know? Definitely a good choice for those of you looking to really learn something about movies at the park. Also good for those who just want to take a break and sit down for 30 minutes. Hey, I don't judge.

xoxo, Lily

Muppet Vision 3-D: Attraction Review

Name: Muppet Vision 3-D
Type: 3-D film
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Backlot area
The Gist: Allow the Muppets themselves to give you a demonstration of their new "MuppetVision" technology in this 17-minute 3-D film.
A Must-Do For: Muppet fans
Avoid If: You don't like watching things in 3-D. I wouldn't blame you; I don't like this either. But I make an exception for the Muppets, of course:)
Lines and Other Tips: The longest you might have to wait is 17 minutes, that is, until the next film starts. But the preshow is pretty funny, so I never even mind.

Studio Backlot Tour: Attraction Review

Name: Studio Backlot Tour
Type: Half show, half tram tour
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Backlot area
The Gist: See how some movie special effects are created with a fun demonstration, then take a tram tour of the functional areas of the park's backlot. Finish in a giant canyon set, and experience a fake earthquake, another demonstration of movie magic.
A Must-Do For: Film buffs and people who are interested in behind the scenes workings of movie studios.
Avoid If: You are likely to be scared by that simulated earthquake. Basically, you just shake, some water sprays out, and there are some flames (don't worry, they don't reach you!), but I've seen small kids have freak outs at this part. Also, if you are totally opposed to maybe getting splashed, you might want to stay away.

Oh, and this happens... but don't worry, it's supposed to!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: Ride Review

Name: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Type: Ride; basically a big elevator that drops you repeatedly
Location: Hollywood Studios, Sunset Boulevard area
The Gist: In this Twilight-Zone themed ride, you board an "elevator" in a haunted hotel. After seeing some ghosts, you plunge thirteen stories. Repeatedly, in a random combination.
Must Do For: Twilight Zone fans (they capture the mood of the show incredibly well- Rod Sterling and all!); people looking for a different type of thrill ride.
Avoid If: Hearing the screams from this ride from across the park unsettles you too much; you don't enjoy that feeling of flying out of your seat; don't like heights (at the top, they open the doors and you can see out across the park).
Fear Factor: 7/10. The drops are scary, but the way they create suspense with this is almost the worst part. The mood and just the build up is enough to freak people out before it anything even happens. And the fact that they do the drops randomly means you never know exactly what is going to happen when.
Lines and Other Tips: This line is sometimes crowded, sometimes not. Most times I've ridden it, I've gotten on with a very short wait. And even if you have to stand in line a little longer, there is plenty to see in the way of the creepy lobby of the "hotel", so its not too dull of a wait.I'd save your Fastpasses for things like Rock'n'rollercoaster and the Toy Story ride, unless this is absolutely your must-do.

I have mixed feelings about this ride. It scares the shit out of me, and I always have to be forced on, but once I go, I'm always glad I did. I think the unpredictable-ness is what gets to me. If I've been on a ride enough times to know exactly what is gonna happen, I start to get immune to the nerves. But not with this! Haha, I suppose that means it is doing it's job!

xoxo, Lily

Sunset Ranch Market: Restaurant Review

Name: Sunset Ranch Market. This is actually a group of 5 stands that each serve something a little different.
Location: Hollywood Studios, Sunset Boulevard area
Cuisine: American
Type: Counter Service
Good For Those Who: Want the largest selection at any HS quickservice joint; are looking for traditional park fare like turkey legs and fries; want to watch the people screaming on Tower of Terror while they eat.
Price Range: Disney lists this in the $ range, meaning everything is less than $14.99.
Times: Lunch and Dinner

Star Tours: Ride Review

Name: Star Tours
Type: Ride, Simulator-Style
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Backlot area
The Gist: This classic Star Wars-themed simulator ride was recently redesigned to include new location, characters and 3-D technology. There are over 50 different ways to ride, meaning the scenes you go through are chosen in random combination each time. I've done this ride so many times, and its never been the same twice.
A Must-Do For: Star Wars nerds- I mean, fans; people who want something more thrilling than the Great Movie Ride, but less thrilling than The Rock'n'Rollercoaster or the Tower of Terror.
Avoid if: You are prone to motion sickness. Simulator-type rides are notorious for this. Most people might be ok going once, provided they haven't eaten recently, but even I felt off after doing it twice in a row one time.

ABC Commissary: Restaurant Review

Name: ABC Commissary
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Backlot area
Cuisine: American, with some ethnic flavors thrown in
Type: Counter Service
Good For Those Who: Are looking for quickservice options beyond the standard chicken nuggets and plain hamburgers.
Price Range: Listed by Disney's system in the $ range, which is less than $14.99 per person. Entrees here run around $8-$9 each.
Times: Lunch and Dinner

The Great Movie Ride: Ride Review

Name: The Great Movie Ride
Type: Slow-Moving Tour
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Hollywood Boulevard Area
The Gist:  A "magical journey into the movies", this slow-moving narrated ride takes you through recreated scenes from some famous films.
A Must-Do For: I would say anyone, really. It is a very cool ride, and I feel like it is one of the signiture attractions at this park. No other ride is so devoted to the movie-making theme as this one.
Avoid If: I don't think there is really a reason to avoid it. Everybody has to like at least one  of the movies they feature here.
Fear Factor: 2/10This is a very tame ride, however, there are a few moments with loud noises (a shootout scene) and in the part of the ride dedicated to "Alien", one of those creepy creatures pops out from above your head. Bottom line, although most of the ride isn't scary at all, there are a few moments that small children will not like. I remember my sister used to cry at the alien part, but she was a mega crybaby anyway!

Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano: Restaurant Review

Name: Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Backlot Area
Cuisine: Uh... Italian...
Type: Table Service
Good For Those Who: Are at Hollywood Studios and want Italian food. This is really your only option for that.
Price Range: According to Disney's pricing system, this restaurant is in the $$ range, which is $15 to $35.99 per person. The entree prices here vary somewhat greatly, but the average is around $20 each.
Times: Serves lunch and dinner

Toy Story Mania!: Ride Review

Name: Toy Story Mania!
Type: Interactive, game-type thing
Location: Hollywood Studios, in the Pixar Place area
The Gist: Supposed to look like an old-timey midway with characters from all 3 "Toy Story" films, this ride zips you through different "games" you play by using the controller in your car to shoot at 3-D screens. If you are familiar with the Buzz Lightyear Space-Ranger Spin at Magic Kingdom, it is along those lines, except a HUNDRED times better and more fun.
A Must-Do For: Anyone who loves Toy Story (which, I'm pretty sure is everyone), people who like interactive rides
Avoid if: I really can't think of anyone who should avoid this, unless you just hate the franchise (do these people even exist??).