On this edition of Escapes & Strolls, I’m going to cover an often-overlooked spot in Hollywood Studios. Hollywood Studios has been a crowded hotspot since the addition of new attractions like Galaxy’s Edge, Slinky Dog Dash, and Runaway Railway. It’s not going to get any less busy either, with Monster’s Inc. Land coming in to replace a primarily uncrowded area. 

The Problem

I was at Hollywood Studios on a Friday around 1 pm, prime lunchtime. I walked down Hollywood Blvd to the Sunset Ranch Market, which has shaded eating areas for Rosie’s All American, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Faire, and more. There were a lot of tables there, and every single one was full. The lines for all the restaurants were also full of people. Where will those guests sit and eat their food? 

A Stroll to an Escape

Less than a 3-minute walk and essentially the length of two stores sits a hidden, shaded, abandoned seating area. The centrally located spot I’m talking about pretty much has it all. It’s behind the fountain and back from the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Sunset Blvd. 

The place was formerly the seating area for Starring Rolls Cafe which closed in 2017. The seating area backs up to The Brown Derby building and is just outside of the Brown Derby Lounge entrance. 

Planning to walk your food over and sit here is worth your time. That may not be an option for everyone, depending on what you’re carrying, but it’s better than standing and trying to eat and a nicer option than sitting on a planter in the sun. There were multiple open tables in the shade the entire time I was around the Starring Rolls seating.

Abundant Amenities 

While this escape is an excellent solution for those looking for a place to bring their lunch, it also has many valuable amenities. The only thing it doesn’t have is a restroom. The closest one is only a few minutes walk by The Majestic Theater on unset Blvd.

I already mentioned the shade, but just in case umbrellas don’t cut it, there are some tables under the awnings of the former cafe building. There are two table options here. 

There are standard tables with free-standing chairs to accommodate whatever party size you have, or there are high-top standing tables like those around Epcot and its festivals. So if you don’t feel like sitting, perhaps because you may not get back up, or you like having a drink and leaning while you chat, like me, you have the option. 

Plugs

We’re in the age of filming everything, checking social media, and, when in Disney, using the My Disney Experience app to make reservations or Mobile Order food without standing in line. By the way, this is a great spot to sit in the shade and Mobile Order from any restaurant in the park.

Constantly using the phone, though, can lead to a low battery. Many people plan ahead and are always on the lookout for a place to plug in their phone charger. 

On the wall of the Brown Derby, around the corner to the entrance to the Lounge, there are two outdoor wall outlets that you can plug into. You can also move one of the chairs over to it and sit while you charge. 

Location Location Location

The spot is on the corner of an intersection, so there’s a lot around. As mentioned, the seating area is essentially connected to the Brown Derby Lounge walkup bar. You can grab a drink from the full liquor location and sit in the shade out of the way.

FREE at Disney!

Just past The Brown Derby Lounge, in view from the seating, is a water fountain for those who don’t want to spend and don’t want to collapse in the Florida heat. 

Snacks

Popcorn

A little further, just past the water fountain, is a popcorn stand continuously making hot, delicious-smelling popcorn. The stand also serves Mickey soft pretzels and fountain drinks. 

Ice Cream

Essentially, Hollywood Junction is directly in front of the seating area center. This walkup serves ice cream bars(including Mickey bars), cotton candy, brownies, and beer of the draft variety, which the slightly closer Brown Derby Lounge does not have.

Coffee

Past Hollywood Junction, directly across the street from the seating area, is Starbucks for those who love coffee, even in the afternoon, like I do. It usually has a decent line, so the seating area is a good spot for someone who can’t stand all that time or doesn’t like the crowd to wait. 

Breathe

Even if you don’t want snacks or drinks, this is the spot to stop and sit for a moment. It’s out of the way, so no guests are bumping into you. 

The Starring Rolls building seems to be a back area for Cast Members, so they walk through the seating area. It’s a good thing, too, because other cast members, such as Chip and Dale, also walk through here when coming and going from a meet and greet. I caught them walking in and mingling with a kid just after I had left. 

It’s also a pretty quiet and calm spot which is the base for E&S posts. You can hear the old Hollywood classic music, but it’s not loud in the distance on Sunset Blvd. It’d be a good place to take someone who needs to break from the noise and rushing that often accompanies Disney on a crowded day. 

Imagine if you will…

Next time you’re in Hollywood Studios, remember this quiet escape where you can grab popcorn, plug in your phone, and munch while you people-watch the passing crowds on Sunset Blvd from a safe distance.