Hollywood Studios is one of Walt Disney World’s most popular parks — and for good reason.
There’s a lot to see and do. But, how well do you really know each section of the park?
Yes, there’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, 2 of the busiest sections of Hollywood Studios, but what about the rest?
There are 9 lands of Hollywood Studios. That’s right, 9!
Each of these areas have their own special attractions, entertainment, dining, characters, and so much more.
So, let’s take a deep dive into each one and explore if you’re missing anything.
Here we take a walk through Grand Avenue. This land is best known for its tributes to The Muppets, including Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo.
It was even previously called “Muppets Courtyard” before becoming “Grand Avenue.”
But, there is also a popular spot to grab a brew from California. BaseLine Tap House is a great place to get a cold beer and snack. The vibe is perfection.
There are also other elements to look out for when you’re in Grand Avenue, so let’s get to it!
In this article
Overview
Location: Hollywood Studios
Restaurants: 3 Quick Service (BaseLine Tap House, PizzeRizzo, Drink and Snack Cart); 1 Table Service (Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano)
Shops: It’s A Wonderful Shop, Stage 1 Company Store
Entertainment: None
Attractions: Muppet Vision 3D
Characters: None
Popular snacks and drinks: Any beer and the Bavarian Pretzel (BaseLine Tap House)
Not-to-miss: BaseLine Tap House, Muppet*Vision 3D
Grand Avenue Map
Dining
You can enjoy both Quick Service and Table Service dining in Grand Avenue. One of the locations is also perfect for little ones or those who may be picky eaters.
Quick Service Restaurants
BaseLine Tap House
BaseLine Tap House is the place to visit on Grand Avenue, especially if you’re a beer lover.
The tap house sits on the corner of Grand Avenue and Commissary Lane. It’s a perfect spot and embodies the industrial buzz of modern-day Downtown Los Angeles.
The menu features a range of beverages, but know that the beers and wine offered are California-based. There are also different spirits available if you want something different or a cocktail.
If you need a snack, we recommend the Bavarian Pretzel served with beer-cheese fondue and spicy mustard.
The California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate also makes for a nice, light snack. You can even order it without the meat, if you prefer.
BaseLine has both indoor and outdoor seating, with most of the tables located outside.
Fun fact: BaseLine sits where the old Writer’s Stop used to be located. If you look above on the shelves of the bar, you’ll see letters that cleverly spell out “Writer’s Stop”.
PizzeRizzo
PizzeRizzo is the main Quick Service spot in Grand Avenue.
Here you can find — you guessed it — pizza! This is a good spot for kids or those who have a pickier palate.
There is also salad, a meatball sub, and a plant-based Spicy Italian “Sausage” Sub on the menu. Plus, you can order both non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. Cannolis are also usually available for purchase.
The dining spot is quite large, with plenty of indoor and outdoor tables. It can get quite busy, so plan accordingly.
Mobile Order is your friend, especially if you plan to eat at peak lunch and dinner times. Keep in mind that PizzeRizzo doesn’t stay open until park closing and closes a few hours prior.
If you choose to eat inside, you may want to venture upstairs to the banquet hall for some fun. It’s like a party upstairs. Trust us.
There’s also a portable phone charging station here (where you can swap and purchase a FuelRods).
Drink and Snack Cart
When you first enter Grand Avenue, there is a drink and snack cart located to the left. This is a good place to stop if you want something quick to drink or need a small snack.
Table Service Restaurants
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano sometimes gets lost in the mix of Table Service dining at Hollywood Studios.
It’s located all the way in the back of Grand Avenue.
The restaurant is known for serving a range of Italian offerings for lunch and dinner, including spaghetti and meatballs, shrimp campanelle, chicken parmigiana, tiramisú, gelato, cheesecake, mocktails, dessert cocktails, and more.
Reservations are accepted here and can be made up to 60 days in advance.
Seating Areas
The main seating areas you’ll find in Grand Avenue are the many tables at BaseLine Tap House and PizzeRizzo.
All of these are covered as well, so no need to sit in the direct sunlight.
PizzeRizzo also has lots of indoor seating both upstairs and downstairs. There are a few seating areas inside BaseLine, but these tend to fill up quickly.
Shops
There are a couple shops for you to explore in Grand Avenue.
It’s A Wonderful Shop (Temporarily Unavailable)
It’s A Wonderful Shop is like Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe in Magic Kingdom. You can find all kinds of Christmas items here. Plus, it’s cutely decorated inside and out.
Stage 1 Company Store (Temporarily Unavailable)
The Stage 1 Company Store is quite a large store in Grand Avenue. You can find Disney apparel, Disney cel art, sketches, and more.
The exterior of the shop is also worthy of observance. Some of it is even has paint splattered all over it thanks to The Muppets.
Attractions
There is only 1 attraction in Grand Avenue — and it’s a favorite for many. This attraction is none other than Muppet*Vision 3D.
First, the waiting/pre-show is entertaining in itself. The Muppets are hilarious and you really have to listen to what they’re saying so you don’t miss a beat.
As for the show, it’s about 15 minutes or so. You wear 3D glasses and watch the many mishaps of The Muppets as they take you on a tour of their lab and show off their new movie-making invention: Muppet*Vision 3D.
The show runs throughout the day. You can find wait times in the My Disney Experience app.
Even though you can book a Genie+ Lightning Lane selection here, we don’t recommend it — or at least making the show a top priority.
This is a good spot to take a break, cool off, and regroup. Muppet*Vision 3D does have hearing disability services for those who need them.
Activities
Do you collect pressed pennies? Grand Avenue has you covered.
Coin Press Machines
There are 2 coin presses in Grand Avenue — one inside PizzeRizzo and another at Stage 1 Company Store.
PizzeRizzo’s coin press has 3 options: PizzeRizzo, Frozen, and The Incredibles. You can either pay $1.00 for 1 themed-penny, or get 3 pressed pennies for $3.00.
The Stage 1 Company Store is currently closed, so that coin press is not accessible at the moment.
Disney PhotoPass Photographer
You should be able to find a PhotoPass photographer in Grand Avenue. Sometimes there is a photographer near the fountain featuring Miss Piggy as the Statue of Liberty.
You may even find a PhotoPass photographer in this fun area with “spilled paint” near Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano and the Stage 1 Company Store.
Don’t forget to ask if they have any fun Magic Shots!
Remember: unless you have Memory Maker, Memory Maker Day One, or a PhotoPass entitlement with your Annual Pass, you will have to pay to download or print these photos.
Restrooms
There is a set of restrooms next to PizzeRizzo. You’ll see them as soon as you enter the Muppets area of Grand Avenue. They are to the left if you’re looking at the fountain with Miss Piggy.
Grand Avenue Checklist
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What’s your favorite thing about Grand Avenue at Hollywood Studios? Tell us in the comments!
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Tiffany
Friday 16th of September 2022
I usually ask for and keep receipts and they threw out my receipt at the snack cart here. I thought it would be fine and be able to know what was what when I got back. I’m rummaging through 10 unknown charges now and have figured most out. Thanks to your picture I know now for certain. Thank you!