Best Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions

by Dom
June 7, 2023
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance scene

Welcome to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the ultimate destination for a magical stepping into the movies!

Inaugurated in 1989, visitors perceived it as a half-day trip at max, with dull rides and limited attractions. But boy, have things changed since then! Shows and rides have come and gone, some original and others innovative additions. However, with so much to do, it’s challenging to pick the best.

2018 saw the opening of Toy Story Land, with crowd-pleasers like Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania! Specifically designed for younger visitors, it’s one of the numerous sections that Hollywood Studios is divided into. Another recent addition is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which debuted in 2019, teleporting Star Wars fanatics onto the planet of Batuu.

But let’s get to the exciting stuff! Here’s a complete list of the rides and attractions at Hollywood Studios, categorized by the section of the park where you can find them. Get ready for an entertaining adventure!

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Starcruiser Stormtroopers scene
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance

All Hollywood Studios Rides and Attractions

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

  • Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
  • Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Toy Story Land

  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Toy Story Mania!

Sunset Boulevard

  • Beauty and The Beast – Live on Stage
  • Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Echo Lake

  • A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
  • Star Tours – The Adventure Continues

Grand Avenue

  • Muppet-Vision 3D

Commissary Lane

  • Meet Mickey & Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams

Animation Courtyard

  • Disney Junior Dance Party!
  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Walt Disney Presents

View Hollywood Studios Park Map

Hollywood Studios boasts a fine collection of classic and thrilling rides, but let’s cut to the chase and focus on the top six that you simply cannot miss.

Brace yourselves for the ultimate adrenaline rush with The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster; frolic with your favorite toys in Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania!; last but certainly not least, indulge in the magical world of Beauty and the Beast with their epic live performance.

Come peak season, lines can stretch out for miles, so make sure to snipe yourself a Lightning Lane! Stick around for more information on each ride’s ranking and what to anticipate.

1. Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Disney World’s Tower of Terror is an attraction that’ll literally take your breath away. The ride stands at a staggering 199 feet tall and features a 13-story elevator car drop, making it one of the park’s tallest and most iconic structures. You can spot it from the monorails and ferries surrounding Hollywood Studios for miles!

The ride’s theme is inspired by the classic TV show “The Twilight Zone.” It transports riders to Halloween night in 1939 when the haunted hotel was struck by a fierce storm, and its guests went missing. Since then, it’s been abandoned, and the only remaining occupants are ghosts.

But before you board the ride, brace yourself for the spine-chilling wait line, which has an eerie ambiance that sets the scene for the ride’s overall theme. Whether it’s the hotel staff’s stony faces, cobwebs, or the antique-style lobby, every detail is meticulously crafted to leave you awestruck.

The ride itself is just as captivating as the wait line. Once you’re seated movie theatre style, all facing one direction, you’ll be strapped in with a lap seat belt. The sequence of drops is completely random, so every ride experience is unique, making it a must-repeat attraction.

Be forewarned that the majority of the wait is outdoors, so if you’re visiting in summer, securing a Lightning Lane is your best bet. It’s one of the most popular rides in the park. While it’s not for the faint-hearted, guests above 40″ can take on the Tower of Terror.

2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Transporter
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Transporter

Prepare for a one-of-a-kind, thrilling adventure on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. This massive attraction boasts multiple ride systems and is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced at Walt Disney World Resort—or any other galaxy, for that matter.

But, it’s not all fun and games. The Resistance is in trouble and needs your help. Recruiting for a secret mission on the forest’s outskirts, your mission won’t only have unexpected twists and turns but it involves Kylo Ren and his henchmen!

When your transport is held captive by the towering First Order Star Destroyer and its battalion of stormtroopers, you’ll need all the assistance you can get. Luckily, the Resistance has a secret team of fighters, led by Rey and BB-8, ready to give you a fighting chance to escape and fling the Resistance back into action.

Join the Resistance today, and embark on an adventure like no other!

3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Experience the thrill of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, an indoor attraction that takes you on the ride of a lifetime. Based on the legendary rock band Aerosmith, you’ll enter the queue as the band’s manager interrupts their recording session, telling them they’re late for a gig. Before rushing out, the band invites the line to join them in the limo – and buckle up for the ride of their lives.

Once inside, rows of two are secured with an overhead buckle before the limo launches from 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. The limo twists and turns while blasting some of Aerosmith’s biggest hits like “Walk This Way,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Sweet Emotion,” “Back in the Saddle,” and “Love in a Roller Coaster.” It’s a high-speed race to make the concert, and you’re along for the ride.

Clocking in at just 1 minute and 22 seconds, the wait is worth it. The line moves quickly, and the décor makes you feel like you’re in an actual recording studio. Rain or shine, this indoor coaster will thrill you. With a typical wait time of over an hour, make sure to reserve a Lightning Lane. The ride has a height restriction of 48”, but is perfect for anyone who loves the wind in their hair. Get ready to rock!

4. Slinky Dog Dash

First drop hill on Slinky Dog Dash.
First drop hill on Slinky Dog Dash.

Hang on! Tucked away in Hollywood Studios lies a thrilling ride bursting with color and charm. Slinky Dog Dash, located in Toy Story Land, takes you on a ride through a world of Tinkertoys that’ll leave you barking for more.

To ensure you don’t miss out on this ride’s barking-good fun, make sure to reserve your Lightning Lane, as wait times can stretch well over an hour. If things get particularly wild, you might even be able to spot the line following the course around Toy Story Land. But don’t worry – there are usually umbrellas along the way to help block out the heat.

Once you’re through the line, your reward is an amazing atmosphere complete with photo ops and interactive games that’ll take your breath away. When you finally get on the ride, prepare for a smooth experience with dips and turns that’ll leave you feeling like you’re on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom.

But what makes this ride even more paw-some? It’s a great option for families, with a minimum height requirement of 38″. And at the 95th percentile of peak weights and being a top tier ride, it’s a Lightning Lane must.

Want to make your ride even more unforgettable? Ride it at night to see the glow of Toy Story Land illuminated by gigantic Christmas bulbs. Just watch out for poor weather, as this coaster is in the great outdoors.

Read more: Is Slinky Dog Dash Really as Scary as They Say?

5. Toy Story Mania!

Toy Story Mania! at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Join the toy box for an interactive, fun-filled ride of your life with Toy Story Mania! Whether you’re traveling with the whole family, friends, or solo, this competitive ride is a must go for an amazing experience.

And have no fear if you’re traveling with small children – there are no height restrictions and parents can ride with their little ones tucked next to them. The cart seats four people, but you won’t be staring at each other awkwardly – you’ll be back to back, ready to take on the five games that Toy Story Mania has to offer.

Each game is unique and will test your skills:

  1. Hamm & Eggs: shoot eggs at moving targets in a barnyard
  2. Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts: aim your dart gun at balloons with a prehistoric backdrop
  3. Green Army Men Shoot Camp: fire your way through stacks of plates
  4. Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers: toss rings on little green aliens
  5. Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery: aim suction-cupped darts just like in Woody’s TV show

But wait, there’s more! While you’re waiting in the line, don’t forget to grab your 3D glasses. And once you’re on the ride, get ready to sweat – you’ll need to flick your wrist really fast to use the firing mechanism, which is a pulley string.

So come to Toy Story Mania, and see why this ride isn’t just about winning – it’s about having as much fun as a toy!

6. Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage!

Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage.

Looking for a quick break from all the walking around at the park? Look no further than the live iteration of Beauty and the Beast – a must-see for any Disney enthusiast. The show runs five times a day (11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, and 5pm), so plan accordingly to secure your spot. Pro-tip: arrive 20-30 minutes early for the best seats in the outdoor theater, which can hold up to 1,500 people.

Now, let’s talk about the seating. It’s all bench-style with ample legroom, but we won’t sugarcoat it – after a while it can be tough on the back. The downward slope of the theater ensures that you can see the stage from pretty much anywhere, so no need to worry about a bad view. And if you did happen to miss out on a seat, don’t fret – there’s plenty of standing room in the back.

The show is a speedy 25 minutes long and it not only captures the full story of Beauty and the Beast but also has all the main songs played over loudspeakers, ensuring that you can sing along to your heart’s content. The performance is truly a live action experience, with none of the action missing thanks to the microphones the main characters have. Just keep an eye on the app for any cancellations, as the rain can put a damper on what is otherwise a perfect show.

New Rides and Attractions at Hollywood Studios

Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run cockpit
Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run

In Fall 2019, Hollywood Studios underwent major improvements with the addition of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge – a sprawling 14-acre immersive experience featuring exciting new attractions, iconic features, and specialty shops. Fuel up for your adventure at the famous eatery offering the infamous “blue milk” and “green milk.” Don’t miss the rides that ‘Force’ their way onto your list of must-sees – Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance both opened in 2019.

Other Noteworthy Spots

Hollywood Studios is an absolute treasure trove of fun. And guess what? There’s a lot more to enjoy than just the rides. If you’re looking for some fresh, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, why not check out the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and the 50’s Prime Time Cafe?

At the Sci-Fi Dine-In, you’ll be transported into an indoor space that looks like the lot of an old-time drive-in theater, complete with high ceilings and a starry sky. As for the food, it’s pretty good, but you’ll be paying for the incredible atmosphere.

And if you’re looking for an unconventional and hilarious dining experience, the 50’s Prime Time Cafe has got you covered. The staff will treat you like they’re your grandparents: “Get your elbows off the table”, “Finish your vegetables”, all part of the theatrics.

Feeling whimsical? Don’t forget to check out the one-of-a-kind Sid Cahuenga’s shop before you leave the park – you never know what art or collectibles you’ll find there!

What is Genie+/Lightning Lane and how do they work?

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane queue entrance
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Lightning Lane queue entrance

Disney Genie+ offers Lightning Lane entrances for faster access with reduced queue wait time. The average guest can enjoy 2 to 3 attractions/experiences per day by making an early selection.

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Mentioned in this post: Hollywood Studios

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