A surprising number of families walk into Disney’s Hollywood Studios without realizing they’re setting themselves up to spend more than $100 they don’t actually need to pay. It’s not an obvious mistake, and it’s not something Cast Members point out. It’s simply one of those quiet habits that has become so normal in the flow of a theme park day that many families don’t question it. But there is a way around it, and with a straightforward shift in timing, a family could save a lot of money—without losing any of the magic. The trick is so easy that people often overlook it.Before getting into that tip, it’s helpful to look at the bigger picture: Disney trips are already expensive. Between tickets, food, souvenirs, and transportation, families are already budgeting carefully and choosing what to splurge on. Many things feel necessary in the moment, but some “must-haves” aren’t as essential as they appear. The challenge is figuring out which extras genuinely elevate the trip and which ones quietly drain the budget.Credit: DisneyThe Park That Packs a PunchDisney’s Hollywood Studios has become one of the most exciting parks at Walt Disney World, packed with intense attractions, immersive lands, and kid-friendly fun. Families love Slinky Dog Dash—the launched family coaster that twists through Andy’s backyard—and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which continues to pull massive crowds with its eerie storytelling and thrilling drops. Then there are the shows: Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, and several others that offer cool air and a break from walking.Toy Story Land draws kids in with its bright colors and oversized props, while Galaxy’s Edge has become the crown jewel of the entire park. From the moment guests step into Batuu, they’re surrounded by familiar characters, droids, and sounds that bring Star Wars to life. The entire land is an attraction in its own right.Credit: DisneyThe Star of Galaxy’s EdgeOf course, the real star of Galaxy’s Edge is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This ride isn’t just another theme park attraction—it’s a full-blown experience. Guests move through multiple stages of storytelling, from a Resistance base to a First Order Star Destroyer. Along the way, they encounter stormtroopers, towering AT-ATs, and even Kylo Ren. The mix of trackless ride vehicles, screens, animatronics, and massive practical sets places guests right in the middle of a battle.It’s no surprise that this attraction still pulls some of the highest wait times in all of Walt Disney World. Families routinely plan their entire Hollywood Studios day around getting on Rise of the Resistance. And because its standby line can stretch past two hours during peak moments, many families feel pressured to pay for Lightning Lane access just to make sure they experience it.Credit: Jeremy Thompson, FlickrThe Lightning Lane DilemmaLightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance often costs around $25 per person, depending on the day. For a family of four, that’s more than $100—before tax—added to the cost of one ride. Because the standby wait can be long and unpredictable, it feels reasonable to pay for the shortcut. Families want to guarantee that special moment, especially if it’s a once-in-a-lifetime trip. And with a ride as in-demand as this one, shelling out that money seems like the only realistic option.But here’s where things get interesting: that extra cost might not actually be necessary.Credit: DisneyThe Secret Hiding in the Last Hour of the DayA growing number of guests have noticed a trend as Hollywood Studios approaches closing time. While Rise of the Resistance may sit at 90 minutes or longer throughout the afternoon, its wait time often drops dramatically near the end of the night. In some cases, the posted wait has fallen to 40 minutes. On lucky evenings, it has dipped to around 25 minutes.For a ride of this scale, getting a 25-minute wait without paying anything extra is a massive win. It means a family of four could save more than $100 simply by waiting until the final stretch of park hours. No need for Lightning Lane, no added cost—just brilliant timing.Credit: ITM Rebekah B.What This Means for FamiliesThis strategy doesn’t work for every ride at Hollywood Studios, but it has become surprisingly reliable for Rise of the Resistance. If a family can be flexible and willing to ride right before the park closes, they could save more than $100 and still enjoy one of Disney’s most impressive attractions.It’s also a perfect time of day for tired kids. Most crowds are leaving, the temperature is cooler, and the land looks gorgeous at night. Being part of the final wave of riders can feel almost exclusive.For families trying to stretch their vacation budget, this one shift could make a real difference. Instead of paying for Lightning Lane first thing in the morning, they can relax, explore the park, enjoy the shows, and then hop in line near closing to catch the lowest waits of the day.Credit: Josh Hallett (hyku), FlickrThe Risk That Comes With the SavingsThere is one major catch, though: Rise of the Resistance is known for going down throughout the day. Technical issues are common, and the ride may close unexpectedly. If this happens right before closing, there’s a chance guests won’t get to ride at all.This is where Lightning Lane offers a clear advantage. If a family purchases Lightning Lane and the ride breaks down during their return window, Disney will instruct them to return at a later time. That essentially guarantees they’ll get on at some point in the day. So the choice becomes: save more than $100 with a bit of risk, or pay for certainty.Credit: Sarah Larson, Inside the MagicWeighing Convenience vs. CostEvery family is different. For some, guaranteeing that ride moment is worth the money. For others, especially those facing tight budgets, waiting until the end of the day is a smart strategy that makes the trip more affordable. With Disney World becoming increasingly expensive each year, saving over $100 when possible feels worthwhile.How to Make Hollywood Studios Work for Your WalletFamilies visiting Hollywood Studios don’t always realize how quickly “optional” extras can add up. Rise of the Resistance feels like a must-do—and it is—but Lightning Lane isn’t always the only way to enjoy it. By shifting their approach and tapping into the nighttime lull, families can keep that $100+ in their pocket and still walk off the ride smiling. Disney trips are all about creating memories, and sometimes, those memories don’t need an additional price tag.The post Families Routinely “Wasting” More Than $100 Extra on a Trip to Hollywood Studios appeared first on Inside the Magic.