Disney’s Hollywood Studios packs nonstop entertainment into its compact footprint, with thrilling rides, dazzling shows, and immersive lands to delight Star Wars, Pixar and Disney fans.
As one of Walt Disney World’s most ride-intensive parks, Hollywood Studios houses several of Disney’s most advanced attractions. From runaway railway trains to battles with the First Order, this park uses beloved characters to bring innovative experiences to life.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of all the rides and attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including:
- The park’s top E-Ticket thrill rides
- Family-friendly shows and entertainment
- Tips for maximizing your experience
- FAQs about Hollywood Studios attractions
Whether you’re a first-timer or a frequent visitor, read on to uncover everything Hollywood Studios has in store in 2023 and beyond!
Introduction to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney’s Hollywood Studios provides immersive adventures through the worlds of favorite Disney films, TV shows, and more. Originally Disney-MGM Studios opened in 1989, the park’s name changed in 2008 to reflect broader entertainment themes beyond movies.
Covering 135 acres just outside Orlando, Hollywood Studios’ 11 themed areas transport guests to Hollywood’s Golden Age, Star Wars planets, Toy Story’s Andy’s backyard, and more. Park highlights include:
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – The largest single-themed Disney land featuring two major rides.
- Toy Story Land – A playful land with a roller coaster and carnival rides.
- Animation Courtyard – Home to shows like Disney Junior Dance Party.
- Sunset Boulevard – The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Now let’s dive into the incredible rides and attractions across these immersive lands!
Best Rides at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios houses some of Disney World’s most advanced and thrilling attractions. Here are the top E-Ticket rides you can’t miss.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
This groundbreaking dark ride places riders in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order. After an outer space journey to a Star Destroyer, guests encounter Kylo Ren and escape a climactic showdown.
Advanced animatronics and enormous sets across multiple ride systems make Rise of the Resistance an unparalleled immersive experience. Expect epic Star Wars action!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
This accelerated drop tower ride immerses guests into an episode of The Twilight Zone TV series. After eerie passages through the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, riders are launched up and down the abandoned elevator shaft for stomach-dropping thrills.
With randomized drop sequences, the Tower of Terror offers unpredictable scares worthy of The Twilight Zone’s creepy legacy.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
In Disney’s first ride-through Mickey cartoon, guests hop aboard a train that propels them through a series of animated worlds displaying Mickey and Minnie’s magic.
This innovative trackless dark ride features dazzling visual effects that transform the cartoon hijinks into a lively experience. It’s an immersive animated spectacle for all ages.
Slinky Dog Dash
Inspired by the Toy Story films, this family-friendly roller coaster zips riders around curves, dips and hills inspired by the springy Slinky Dog toy.
The bright color scheme, playful theming, and moderate thrills make Slinky Dog Dash an ideal first coaster for younger kids. It captures Toy Story’s spirit through imaginative twists and turns.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
On this interactive motion simulator, guests pilot the iconic Millennium Falcon starship on an exciting smuggling mission orchestrated by Hondo Ohnaka.
With controls that produce real-time reactions on the ride, groups can work together piloting, shooting and repairing the Falcon through space combat and flight. It’s an immersive Star Wars story you help steer.
Muppet*Vision 3D
This 4D film experience stars the Muppets alongside animatronic characters and in-theater effects. It follows the Muppets as they prepare to demonstrate their new Muppet*Vision 3D technology, which naturally goes haywire.
From flying Muppets to cannon blasts to the hilarious antics of Statler and Waldorf, Muppet*Vision 3D has delighted families since 1991 as an innovative Disney attraction.
The Rest of the Rides at Hollywood Studios
Beyond the headliners, Hollywood Studios offers more family-friendly rides and motion simulators:
Toy Story Mania!
This interactive 3D shooting game ride features carnival-themed games where riders shoot toy darts, rings and balls at virtual targets. The ride’s addictive scorekeeping makes it a friendly competition.
Alien Swirling Saucers
Inspired by Toy Story’s Claw Aliens, this spinning ride swirls rocket ship vehicles around a multi-colored space station as upbeat electronic music plays.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
This high-speed indoor roller coaster accelerates riders from 0 to 60 mph while blasting Aerosmith tunes. With corkscrews, twists and turns in the dark, it’s a smooth, thrilling ride.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
This motion simulator sends guests on randomized journeys through various Star Wars locales with characters from across the saga. It’s a family-friendly way to explore the galaxy.
With options for all ages and thrill levels, Hollywood Studios packs excitement into every corner. But the fun doesn’t stop with the rides…
Entertainment at Hollywood Studios
In addition to attractions, Hollywood Studios delivers world-class entertainment through Broadway-style shows and nighttime spectaculars.
Daytime Entertainment at Hollywood Studios
During the day, Hollywood Studios presents stage shows celebrating Disney characters and stories:
- Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – Lightning and Friends give a fun revved-up show with high-tech effects.
- Mickey Shorts Theater – A fun film experience showing Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts.
- Beauty and the Beast Live – Belle, Gaston and enchanted objects retell the classic in a Broadway-style show.
- Frozen Sing-Along – Guests join in singing Frozen hits alongside Anna, Elsa and more.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular – Audience members witness death-defying stunts and special effects live.
- Disney Junior Play and Dance – Popular Disney Junior characters like Doc McStuffins appear for a dance party.
Nighttime Entertainment at Hollywood Studios
When the sun sets, Hollywood Studios debuts spectacular nighttime shows:
Wonderful World of Animation – The Chinese Theater comes alive with classic Disney animation scenes projected on the facade.
Disney Movie Magic – Projection mapping, lights, lasers, and fireworks set to famous Disney songs create a cinematic experience.
Fantasmic! – Mickey battles Disney villains in a musical show with water screens, pyrotechnics and more.
With nonstop entertainment from morning to night, Hollywood Studios delivers on spectacular Disney shows and experiences.
Tips for Maximizing Your Time at Hollywood Studios
To help make the most of your Hollywood Studios visit, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Early Theme Park Entry to ride headliners like Slinky Dog Dash faster.
- Make Lightning Lane reservations to bypass long waits for top rides.
- Download the Play Disney Parks app to interact with rides like Millennium Falcon.
- Catch the Fantasmic dining package to get reserved seats for the nighttime show.
- Experience Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser for ultimate park immersion.
- See the schedule to catch shows and entertainment during your visit.
- Use Rider Switch so groups with little ones can take turns riding.
With smart planning, you can experience the very best of Hollywood Studios’ rides, shows, and lands!
FAQs About Hollywood Studios Attractions
Here are answers to some common questions about Hollywood Studios rides and entertainment:
What is the best ride at Hollywood Studios?
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is considered Hollywood Studios’ top attraction thanks to its pioneering ride systems, detailed sets, and immersive experience.
What rides are at Hollywood Studios?
Top rides include Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, Millennium Falcon, Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Is Toy Story Mania a 3D ride?
Yes, Toy Story Mania uses 3D glasses and screens to create an immersive interactive carnival shooting gallery experience.
Is Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios?
Yes, the thrilling Tower of Terror accelerated drop ride is located in the park’s Sunset Boulevard area.
How many rides are at Hollywood Studios?
Hollywood Studios has around 10 main rides and attractions like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, and Muppet*Vision 3D.
Conclusion
With advanced rides, dazzling shows, and immersive theming, Disney’s Hollywood Studios delivers nonstop Disney magic across thrilling attractions and entertainment. Star Wars, Toy Story, and Mickey fans of all ages find exciting experiences throughout the park.
By planning ahead with ride reservations, maximizing extra park hours, catching shows, and using services like Rider Switch, you can experience the very best Hollywood Studios offers. The future also looks bright with attractions like Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway wowing guests in exciting new ways.
So get ready to ride, play, and be immersed in some of Disney’s most innovative storytelling on your next Hollywood Studios visit! From Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster to the streets of Batuu, this park unleashes the imagination through beloved Disney stories and characters as only Disney can.
