No Genie? No Problem! How to Do Everything at Hollywood Studios Without Fancy Perks at Disney World

Do you wish you could do everything you wanted at Disney's Hollywood Studios without splurging on extras like Genie Plus, Extended Evening Hours, Early Entry and spending the day glued to your phone? Check out our latest guide filled with our best tips, tricks and strategies for managing Walt Disney World without any of those fancy extras.
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[@SerenityNowTS]

I LOVE that you purposely chose an extremely busy day to do this video! As always, you give the best Disney tips! 😊

[@EarScouts]

This sounds weird, but I wish we could always do our videos on the busiest days of the year - just because I think it’s more helpful to show folks worst-case scenarios rather than a slow day in mid-February. But I sure do enjoy being here on those February park days. 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@WillxWild]

See this is the helpful content that everyone asks for but no one else puts out. Another great video, Rob.

[@Donvey]

Love studying up on these videos so far for my trip later this year! Please do some more “No Genie No Problem” vids for the rest of parks soon!

[@EarScouts]

I think the only one we have left is Epcot, though we’ll probably redo Magic Kingdom when Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@Donvey]

@@EarScouts Awesome! Currently binging all your vids on the four parks rn:) Honestly probably the best guides for WDW on here!😁

[@SW-ng2kh]

I was the guy who came up to you and said hi in the entry lineup. We came to Disney with our 23 and 20 year olds who hadnt been in 15 years. My wife found your channel and we have been watching all the videos to be ready! Wow things had changed. On this day my job was midnight to get Genie plus. It was 12:05 and I was getting errors. I was so stressed - my only job! But like a miracle at 12:35 I got us our Genie+. At 6:55 my wife and son were up, phones in hand for virtual and first lightening lane. No virtual but landed Slinky Dog Dash (which we played slots on and moved way up). All thanks to your guide! Sadly we opted for Rockin Roller Coaster and wasted time without getting a pass before it closed. Despite that we saw it all and it is in large part to you - so from our family to you - THANK YOU! We did Rise of the Resistance at 8pm and waited 60 minutes. I would have waited four hours - that was unbelievable! Coolest thing ever. Closing the park out at night in that area is super cool, we took lots of photos, no people and the detail is unreal. Keep up the great work!

[@TheCareSalesman]

This is, hands down, the best Disney planning video I've ever seen. I'm an ambitious planner, and this gives me so much confidence for my upcoming trip! Thank you!

[@JCChester99]

I love your videos. they really put into perspective how to enjoy the parks even when there are roadblocks like high crowds and ride closures! You are so positive and genuine. What an amazing attitude. I'm going to DW soon and this has really helped put things in perspective. I would love to see a video on how to deal with inclement weather!

[@EarScouts]

It’s funny you should mention that. We’ve gone to the parks twice now with all our gear to film a rainy day video. Both days there was 100% chance of rain ALL DAY LONG and we got not a drop. 😂 Some day we’ll make it, but we decided to stop trying for a while because the universe was clearly telling us to hold off. 🤣

[@corinorean3616]

Thanks for showing how to navigate the parks on a crazy busy day. Best helpful content

[@natashalanghein1282]

I have just discovered your channel via recommendations on a Facebook page that someone requested and I looked through and saw your name popping up. Super impressed. I feel your video speaks very much to individuals who can only visit ad hoc and who want to try accomplish as much as possible in the day. Will definitely be working through your videos and thoughts as your advise is fantastic....

[@yadiracanocamacho6979]

I just started watching your videos yesterday and can I say THANK YOU!!! I’m a meticulous planner and you’ve helped me so much! I love you enthusiasm and tips! Thanks!!!

[@timeabarna6882]

Thanks Rob and Eric for this very helpful video. It always gives me an ease when it is shown that even on very busy days a good plan goes far. I'm learning a lot from you.

[@EarScouts]

Hello! Glad you enjoyed this one. It really is all about looking for those opportunities. If you stay on the lookout, you’re bound to have a great day. Hope your next visit to Walt Disney World is amazing! Thanks for watching!

[@veljkob]

I just came back from a Disney/Orlando vacations with my oldest son the week before christmas. It was unbelievably busy. Yet, we manage to have an incredible time and do every ride (that we wanted to do) in both Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom. This was 80% because of your tips. Your channel is the very best I’ve seen online. Without it I wouldn’t have been able to know how play the genie slots and bring our time for space mountain from 6:30pm to 2:00pm or how to make the most of the early rope drop and the second one. Or when to buy lighting lanes and when not to. THANKS Rob and Eric. You helped make this a very special trip for us.

[@tonyasports3639]

You explain this stuff extremely well. You make it easy to follow you. Thank you so much!

[@Nursejustinreviews]

What a great video love seeing how you deal with these crowds have a great time. I know my day will never go as smoothly as you are able to make it go but your tips make all of our trips that much better. 😊

[@EarScouts]

Hey Justin! We got lucky a few times in this one, but you could definitely have a great day like this at Hollywood Studios. Especially with a more normal crowd level. 😂 Thanks - as always for watching!

[@mayasworld888]

Going to WDW this August and I’ve been binge watching your videos! Thanks so much ❤

[@Meeshwell]

Oh my gosh… you are brave!! When you said that Rise was ONLY 155 minutes I was really worried for you! I swear… your never-ending positive attitude must channel good luck to come your way! Great work, and another fun video to watch!

[@melissav7401]

Fantastic content! This is so incredibly helpful for my upcoming trip. I feel way less intimidated by the whole process now.

[@jenniferhirjak2860]

Another great video with awesome tips. Including one of my favorites….always stay left at park entry (shhhh…don’t tell anyone else! 😂)

[@joolieboolie64]

I'm really glad that you mentioned the Single Riders line in this vid. I got on the Expedition Everest Yeti coaster in FIVE minutes versus a 115 minute wait time this past Fall!!!! Maybe you could do a video that informs visitors of ALL single rider lines???? Would love to see it!

[@nsac3450]

Great info. The best KZbin Disney channel.

[@zenus1619]

Hello. My wife and I just walked past you at the Moana Meet and Greet. You were talking and I didn’t want to bother you. Congratulations on the 50K subs!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much! Feel free to say hello if you see us in the parks - we always love meeting folks. Hope you have an epic Epcot day. 😃

[@zenus1619]

You’re welcome. My wife and I have meet you a couple other times. Once at All Star Sports Resort and the second time at MK when we got our daughter her annual pass. You’re always a pleasure to talk you. Keep up the great content.

[@PCL73314]

Lots of great tips! I never get genie+ if I'm soloing. This can be a series for the other parks!

[@misstubbie1313]

Thank you for sharing this 'worst case scenario' video. It will prove super useful for many people I'm sure!

[@lauramay5201]

I needed this video more than you know! We’re planning to get Genie+ for this park still, but it makes me hopeful that during the time we’re going (historically lower crowds), we might be able to either relax or even do something twice. 😊 Thanks for all your videos and tips!!

[@Giovanni_Palladino]

Finally had the time to catch up on some of your vlogs, excellent as always! It would be fun to spend the day in the park with you guys, I can only imagine the dialog away from the camera. Keep it coming!!!

[@opchick0597]

Thanks guys for actually showing a truly, extremely busy day in a park.

[@lauriebeaudette4044]

Would love to see you make a video on utilizing the DAS pass, Rob!

[@livingthedisneymomlife]

I met you last March in Epcot at rope drop. I love your videos. You got lucky with ROR. Our posted wait time was 160 but it ended up being over 3 hours waiting in stand by for that ride.

[@EarScouts]

Ouch! I hate waiting three hours for any attraction, but if any attraction is worth it, it’s probably Rise. Hope you loved every minute of it (the ride, that is - not the wait 😂)

[@amandapalicka3147]

You’ve given me so much hope for our Feb day coming up at HS ❤

[@shelbyrayleen90]

Those royal historians were so good when we had them!!

[@sagethesage3625]

I can't thank you enough for these videos! Not only are they super informational for me as an adult who has never even been to Orlando, but your positivity and smile is infectious :) As a newbie to the Disney parks genie+ has been so confusing to me and I was worried about if not getting it would be a huge mistake. I'm also not staying on property and every single other "Disney tips and tricks" post has mentioned taking advantage of resort perks. Thank you so much!!! I have to ask, should I expect posted wait times to usually be longer than they say? I've heard that they inflate them to deter people so that the wait times don't actually get that long. Or should I just play it by ear and peek in to see how long the lines really look before making a decision on those 80+ minute lines?

[@EarScouts]

You can never be sure, but I find that the wait times are typically more accurate earlier in the day, though Disney does tend to err on the side of posting a longer wait. As it gets close to park close, I find wait times are almost always inflated at the most popular attractions, sometimes to a large degree. But always be prepared for the possibility that the posted time is accurate.

[@jenmitchell9119]

Well done! Impressive!

[@jtsuno8079]

I think it would be a nice touch to add that single rider line for smuggler's run will likely put you in the engineer seat which does pretty much nothing during the ride... Better that than nothing, but pilot is the place to aim for if you can afford the wait.

[@valeriesavoie3814]

Love your videos!!! ❤️ Video idea / request: A tour of your mouse ear collection 🐭

[@dennisd2297]

Love your videos, been watching for two years. Just purchased my Ear Scout shirt for our family visit in February. Would be amazing to run into you! Do you do meet and greets!? 😂 Thanks for all you do

[@ranitha89]

This is why I always recommend your videos! 😊 Great job 👏🏼

[@Amberdavis08]

So helpful going on a busy day to show us. Thank you!!!

[@TreasuresUntoldTravels]

Great tip about when/when not to use single rider.

[@bethsanborn79]

I have about 50 more day until my next HS day! Probably won't do Genie + cause it will just me my husband and I, so this was very helpful ☺️ Also, love seeing my name on the Patreon list! 🙌

[@Majorashpayne]

Can you guys please do a “No genie” video for Epcot?? 😊

[@ryanmatthews1963]

Your videos have been exceptional of late. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@14sasst]

It would help if you would say the ride name more often instead of saying This Ride so we don’t have to rewind os much. Also we are a group and I imagine getting a group to move and sign up is a much different experience. Thank you for your videos !

[@jbrvids3923]

Hey Rob, unrelated to the video but it sucks I just missed you being at hollywood studios because I start work there this coming week. So hopefully I’ll finally get to meet you there because my sister has meet you 4 times and I’m so jealous 😭

[@wanted-33]

Once again those were excellent tips Rob. I'm hoping we don't run into crowds like that, however the tips will still be quite helpful.

[@EarScouts]

Hi Jim! It was a really fun day in spite of the crowds. I was kinda surprised how much we were able to pack into our day. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@sademcqueen7301]

My 1 problem with HS. Coffee shops etc should be available for purchase while ppl wait. Ppl were fainting.

[@loraspohn1510]

I love your videos! Thank you so much for making them❤

[@ThePancakemeow]

Hi! I've been watching your videos, love your positivity and smile :) I would love if you could do a tip video on how to use rider swap. Also some tips for people with strollers and where do you put your bags and things when going on a ride? Are there lockers? Thanks so much!

[@MrKelvin2230]

Awesome video

[@cheryls.4491]

Thank you for another helpful video!

[@shelbyrayleen90]

They have GOT to fix rise 😫😫😫

[@Benney-u5x]

Thank you for posting these. I always help out my family with the new tips I get from you😂 Also-how many differnt Mickey ears do you have? I always see you wearing a different one with the theme😂

[@EarScouts]

Hello! I get that question a lot lately - I need to do a count and make a little video about it. 😅 Thanks for watching! 😃

[@Benney-u5x]

@@EarScouts yes that would be awesome! Thank you so much for everything you do!!

[@yamelycanahuate6246]

Loveeeee you videos. Great as always ❤

[@ItsAdventureTime98]

hollywood studios for me definitely feels like a park you can get away with not buying genie plus… i got it because we were there the same weekend and i was nervous about not getting on anything but i almost felt like i didn’t even need it! if we had stayed from open to close we definitely still would’ve gotten everything done, genie plus just made it so that we could leave the park for lunch/a nap 😂

[@HerHollyness]

Yeah, the parks other than Magic Kingdom don’t really need it. There are only 9 rides at Hollywood Studios, 8 at Animal Kingdom and 11 at EPCOT. You can definitely do all the rides in one day (and some rides don’t really need doing unless you’re just filling time, like Alien Swirling Saucers at DHS or Triceratops Spin at DAK). The wait times get pretty high but you definitely don’t need Genie+ for any of those parks if you have a decent strategy (especially Animal Kingdom). And then even for Magic Kingdom, my personal strategy is to go there on a party day. The wait times never seem to get above 30 minutes even for the most popular rides. You miss out on fireworks but I then park hop across after my Animal Kingdom day to do those as Animal Kingdom closes earliest.

[@EarScouts]

I would agree that Genie is not necessary to enjoy the parks. It’s always a “nice to have” but I would never say it is something you MUST get in order to have a great day. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@lessiegeo]

Can you please rank the moderate and deluxe resorts? Love your videos!

[@EarScouts]

Hello! We actually just booked the last reservation. We needed to do the moderate resorts video - it’s in early February. Hope to have that video up soon after that, but deluxe is definitely going to take a lot longer. Those are some expensive resort stays! 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@nonnauu3977]

We LOVE Animal Kingdom Resort with a Savannah view room. Fabulous if you love animals. second is tied : between Wilderness Lodge and Beach Club. Finally is Grand Floridian and Polynesian for a bit more elegance or atmosphere. The Dolphin and Swan are ok if you want just a nice hotel atmosphere. The rest are ranked about the same except Riviera which is simply too far a walk to the bus stop. Saratoga, Old Key West, Contemporary, Boardwalk, in my humble opinion, are nice but really nothing special. I’m sure I’ve missed some but it’s because they weren’t/aren’t that special. Again, this is my opinion only and even some of my family members would disagree. (Been going to WDW since 1973 and usually go 3-4x/year. )

[@goclarks]

Please do a video about the new lightening lane/genie plus rules coming in a few days.

[@EarScouts]

Which rules are you referring to? The most recent change is that you can now park hop before 2pm, which opens up rides in your second park to be booked before that time which wasn’t previously possible. They’ve also hinted that you’ll be able to book Lightning Lanes in advance of your visit, but there have been no further details just yet. As soon as we learn more, we will definitely make a video about it! 😃

[@goclarks]

@@EarScouts oh I thought both changes went into effect. I’ll keep an eye out. Thanks!

[@weaseljavelin9443]

My name is Craig Dennis i watch your new videos all the time and i in joy all of your videos all the time and you have a great day and you have a nice safe week👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@EarScouts]

Hello Craig! We are having an awesome Sunday, I hope you and your family are as well. Hope you enjoyed this week’s video. Keep thinking happy thoughts!

[@NormFoss]

Great tips!

[@ambermiller3710]

If this was on Dec 29th, we were also at Hollywood Studios. 😊 It was crazy busy that day. We had Genie+ and managed to get everything we wanted by playing the Genie slots. Hit Rise at 8pm and waited about an hour. Originally got in line at rope drop in the 165 minute line and we got out 4 minutes later went to Smugglers instead. Still an hour wait there, but glad we didn’t wait in that crazy line!

[@EarScouts]

Yup - it was the 29th! Crazy day at Hollywood Studios for sure, but I had a great time. You got lucky on that wait time for Rise, though. Good thing you got out when you did. 👍

[@ambermiller3710]

For Rise, I planned it trying to have the least amount of people - Fantasmic was at 7:30 and 9, so I figured 8 would be ideal. Fantasmic crowds were just getting out of the first show and those that wanted to be at the 9 o’clock show wouldn’t get in line and risk missing it getting in a long line like Rise. Thanks for the videos!

[@EarScouts]

@@ambermiller3710 That was clever of you - I might have to try that strategy on a night when I’m not doing Fantasmic!

[@ShermanFamily7]

Appreciate the work you’re putting in for us brother. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos preparing for our trip this summer. Should I be up at midnight to purchase the genie plus every night or is it usually still available in the morning hours?

[@madisonacarson]

LOVE your videos!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much, Madison! 😃

[@melanieturner5665]

Can kids do the single rider line? If so let's say a dad and son did single rider line, would it be likely that they would sit behind each other? Planning our first trip. Thanks.

[@ZacharyandHolly]

I was at Hollywood Studios in January and it was a busy day! We went to do Tower of Terror and they walked us straight through to the ride, we didn’t do the pre-show room and tell the story of the hotel. Any idea how often they do that? Is it only on busy days or becoming more common?

[@ryan_e58]

Hi Rob and Erick, my dad and I have watched u since we went back to Disney after covid in 2021, my family has a 3 day park hopper plus ticket in June 2024, we r staying in the beach club, how would u recommend doing the parks, like what parks should we Rope Drop and end on, thanks so much

[@HerHollyness]

When you were talking about having to pick between [Toy Story Mania/Alien Swirling Saucers] and Fantasmic, I was like, “Is there even a choice?” Fantasmic every time! 😅 I’m glad you managed to do it all though! Quick question: did I miss you eating at some point or did you only eat twice the whole day (Ronto’s Roasters and Woody’s Lunch Box)? I would not be able to do that! I would need three meals if I’m doing all that walking from rope drop to park close!

[@marzapann]

My family and I will be there the second week of April. From what I’m understanding this is a busy time of year, can we expect the park to be just as busy?

[@matthewbaltuskonis2549]

Good video as always...good times

[@EarScouts]

Hello Matthew! Thank you so much for watching - glad you enjoyed it!

[@mairabaigorria2091]

I dont understand why Hollywood Studios closes at 10 pm and the second Fantasmic show is at 10:30 pm. Does member cast allow you to stay in?

[@deenamilner7570]

Thanks for all you do! How is crowd size usually for Mardi Gras week?

[@leahwoodward8465]

Would you be able to to a plan for Disney California? X

[@horizon42q]

Good one

[@jollygreen4662]

If genie+ is sold out. Can I stay pay for 2 lighting lane?

[@ShipsCat12345]

I wonder how those people who had Genie+ got on the same day with it being so busy? There must come a crowd level when even Genie+ isn't worth it

[@tinaflo8278]

Rob what was the weather like? im going next week and it looks like everyone has jackets on.. thank you

[@joannnorton9517]

Do you have to pay for mobile food orders ahead of time, or can you pay when you pick up the food?

[@only_son5040]

How long do we think rockin Rollercoaster will be worked on? We're going first week of May and want to ride that for sure. Love the ears this video

[@Meeshwell]

Unfortunately Disney is saying it will re open sometime this summer.

[@only_son5040]

@Meeshwell thanks. Yea I did see that but I'm hoping for earlier. Good thing we got to watch the show last October.

[@AtlantaSuburbanLiving]

I love your music choices! It’s definitely one thing that sets your channel apart from other Disney vlogs.

[@EarScouts]

Thanks! Since you can’t have the Disney music in the videos, one of the first things I did before we started the channel was research music options. We went with a company called Artlist and I really love the music they offer. Sometimes we’ll spend an hour or more listening to music to find the right clips for a video and I love it when we find a clip that matches well with a particular ride or park. I’m so glad to hear you are digging our music picks. 😃

[@pulchraaa]

I’m here to say the same thing. Really appreciate the level of detail and care taken in ES videos 😊

[@robinabutton702]

Another awesome video! You inspire me to go back again lol and if I see you there I’m just going to follow you and go through your strategy because you’re always so lucky! Lol have a great week Rob and Erick!

[@EarScouts]

Thank YOU for watching, Robina! Hope you’re able to come visit again soon. 😃

[@gprairie1]

Thanks so much for all of your content. I was at Disney with ten family members at the same time and your hints and tips videos gave me all the info I needed to do the parks in a way that was manageable and fun.

[@rachelguzman3409]

I love your videos so much!! I am a HUGE Disney adult, so content like yours is a huge percentage of what I watch, but you have so many tips that I have never heard any other channel talk about! We are going in May, and I am wondering what the odds are of getting a video in this series on Epcot!! Or potentially a Sleep In and Do Everything at Epcot video too!! 😂 I know you’re a busy guy and appreciate so much all of your content ❤

[@MaruPesuggi]

Hi, Rob! A big fan here. I saw all (maybe almost...) your videos. Let me say that you are the best video-content-creator of all I seen. And I saw a lot, trust me, while researching for my FIRST Disney journey (at my 40's!). I visiting the parks next 1/29 with my family (grandparents, brother, husband and daughter). I made this selection: MONDAY Epcot - TUESDAY free - WEDNESDAY Magic Kingdom - THURSDAY Universal Studios (both) - FRIDAY Free - SATURDAY Animal Kingdom - SUNDAY Hollywood Studios. Do I made a good choice? Do you recommend any changes? Your word Its law for me. Thank so much for your time and "keep thinking happy thoughts!".

[@mrmotivationnation]

Is there a normal que for ROTR now? I though you still had to have a boarding pass group for it?

[@allisonwolski705]

Rob, thank you for all the tips! I agree a busy day can still be fun! You guys are amazing!

[@shelbycathey3629]

All of your videos have helped to ease some of my anxiety about our upcoming trip but this one especially! We are going for Spring Break and I know that’s another SUPER busy week so I’ve been so anxious about getting to experience everything but this video has given me higher hopes! Thank you for the content! ❤

[@RebrushedByMaddison]

Hey rob!! Love your videos!! I was curious if you could do a video showing how to use Genie + while park hopping! Especially now that you can park hop at anytime! I’m curious how to schedule rides for your park later in the day while also scheduling at the park you’re currently at! Thanks!!

[@MarcusGLovesWatches]

Was shocking how much you guys did

[@EarScouts]

I was actually pretty surprised myself. 😅 I felt good about getting all the rides done, but the other stuff was a big question mark and I expected to cut it a LOT closer than we did. We did get some lucky breaks, though. Thanks for watching! 😃

[@kayjay5143]

Fantastic tips for those without Genie+! This was another great video! Thanks as always for your tips!

[@sademcqueen7301]

Rob your tips made me the pro planner of my group last August. Thank you.

[@lovestodive1879]

Great video, I love how you give us such detailed screen shots. I never use Genie+ and always get everything done I want to. Key words there are "want to" I don't do every ride in every park but I also don't want to. I do it by park hopping, works well if you have more than 4 park days. If I know what park I'm going to the next day (which I did before they let up on park reservations but I have an AP so still applies to me) usually in the late afternoon/evening of the day before I will go to that park. I can knock out two or three rides that night before and it takes the pressure off for the next day.

[@ChandlerBurtonEntertainment]

You are the man! This video is so entertaining and helpful! Much love brother!

[@EarScouts]

Thanks so much - glad you enjoyed this one. 😃

[@jenniferdarragh264]

Great tips Rob, thank you ❤

[@StarViewer68]

Thank you for doing this video! Fortunately, I only have 2 must rides at HS (Tower of Terror and MMRR), so I’m confident that I’ll be able to knock out those two rides in the morning without Genie Plus. Question: On nights that Fantasmic has 2 showings, can you attend both showings back to back or are you only allowed one entry?

[@Meeshwell]

You can do both! No one checks who enters, you don’t scan a Magic Band or anything, it’s just open to whoever would like to come in so you could definitely do both! You will probably have to exit the theater and come back in though, and it is a long hike…

[@pbs550tt9]

Hollywood is my favorite park. I can't wait to go back.

[@EarScouts]

Hello! We always have a great time in Hollywood Studios - hope you enjoyed watching this one! Thanks for checking it out. ☺️

[@magicbound]

The people behind you at the start of the video are giving you some looks.