Disney’s Hollywood Studios, originally conceived as Disney-MGM Studios, stands as a vibrant testament to the allure and energy of the filmmaking world within the sprawling expanse of Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. This captivating theme park invites guests to step behind the silver screen and immerse themselves in the magic of cinematic creation. Since its inception, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has undergone a significant transformation, nearly doubling in size to accommodate a diverse array of attractions. Today, it boasts a rich tapestry of live performances and immersive "reel-life" adventures, designed to captivate and entertain visitors of all ages.
At the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios lies a commitment to showcasing the cutting-edge techniques that have defined Disney’s legacy in animation, 3-D technology, and the immersive Circle-Vision 360 experience. Live shows and parades erupt with star-studded performances and breathtaking stunts, transforming the park into a stage for unforgettable entertainment. For thrill-seekers, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a collection of adrenaline-pumping experiences, from unique roller coasters to gravity-defying drop towers.
While conquering every attraction within the park in a single day presents a considerable challenge, prioritizing a selection of must-see experiences is key to maximizing your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The following list highlights some of the most captivating and memorable attractions that should be included in your itinerary.
1. Head for a Galaxy Far, Far Away in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The arrival of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in August 2019 marked a monumental addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, igniting the imaginations of Star Wars enthusiasts of all generations. This immersive land transports visitors to the remote planet of Batuu, a bustling outpost on the Outer Rim, brimming with authentic details and thrilling experiences that bring the Star Wars universe to life.
One of the land’s premier attractions, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, invites guests to step into the cockpit of the iconic Millennium Falcon and embark on a thrilling mission. As pilots, gunners, or engineers, participants work together to navigate the ship through treacherous hyperspace routes, encountering unexpected challenges and exhilarating encounters along the way.
For an even more immersive adventure, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance plunges guests into the heart of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. This multi-stage attraction seamlessly blends ride elements, walk-through environments, and captivating storytelling to create a truly unforgettable experience. Guests will find themselves captured by the First Order, interrogated by Kylo Ren, and ultimately rescued by the heroic members of the Resistance.
The Star Wars experience extends beyond the rides, offering opportunities to craft custom lightsabers at Savi’s Workshop and design personalized droids at the Droid Depot. When hunger strikes, Oga’s Cantina and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo provide immersive dining experiences, serving up unique and flavorful dishes inspired by the Star Wars films. A wide array of Star Wars-themed merchandise, including clothing, toys, and collectibles, can be found throughout the land, allowing guests to express their allegiance to the First Order or the Resistance. No trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is complete without a journey to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
2. Let It Go at the Frozen Sing-Along Show
For fans of the beloved animated film Frozen, the Frozen Sing-Along Show is an absolute must-see. This lively and interactive performance invites audiences to sing along to their favorite Frozen songs alongside Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and other iconic characters from the film. The show features enchanting scenes from the movie projected on a large screen, complete with on-screen lyrics, making it easy for everyone to join in the fun. Shows are presented hourly on the half hour, from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The Frozen Sing-Along show is a fun place to be at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
3. Compete in Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story Mania! is a wildly popular attraction that immerses guests in the whimsical world of Toy Story. Inspired by the Disney Pixar films Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and Toy Story 3, the ride takes place within Andy’s "Midway Games Play Set," where guests are magically transformed to toy-size.
The attraction features a series of interactive 3-D carnival games, where guests compete against each other for the highest score. Spinning from game to game, riders use spring-action shooters to aim at virtual targets, racking up points and enjoying the thrill of friendly competition.
Since its opening in 2008, Toy Story Mania! has gained a reputation for long wait times. While FastPass+ reservations are available, they are often claimed quickly after the park opens. Despite the potential wait, the ride is well worth experiencing, offering a fun and engaging activity for guests of all ages.
Disney’s Rider Switch Program allows families with infants or toddlers to take turns riding while the other parent waits with the child. The attraction is wheelchair accessible, with the option for guests to remain in their wheelchairs or transfer to a carnival tram vehicle. Toy Story Mania! is a must for a fun visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
4. Ride Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue builds upon the legacy of the original Star Tours attraction, which debuted at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 1990. Reopened in 2011, the revamped attraction features 3-D technology, a dramatic musical score, and motion simulator-based technology to create an even more immersive and thrilling experience.
Guests board a Starspeeder 1000 and embark on a randomized journey through the Star Wars galaxy, encountering iconic characters and visiting familiar planets. With over 50 different story combinations, each ride offers a unique and unpredictable adventure.
Due to its popularity, Star Tours often experiences long wait times. Arriving early in the morning or securing a FastPass+ reservation is recommended. A height restriction of 40 inches applies. Disney’s Star Wars weekends enhance the Star Tours experience, offering celebrity appearances, autograph sessions, and themed merchandise.
5. Get Your Thrills on the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith provides a high-octane experience for thrill-seekers and music lovers alike. This indoor roller coaster catapults riders from 0 to approximately 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, launching them into a series of inversions, high-speed turns, and dramatic drops.
The ride is set to a specially recorded Aerosmith soundtrack, blasting from 120 onboard speakers in each "super stretch" limousine-themed coaster car. Rock concert lighting and special effects further enhance the experience, creating a sensory overload that will leave riders breathless. The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a fast and fun experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
6. Start Your Engines at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
For fans of the Cars franchise, Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy offers an interactive and engaging experience. Guests learn about racing from Lightning McQueen himself, the champion racer starring in the show.
A state-of-the-art racing simulator with a wraparound screen provides a captivating visual experience, allowing guests to follow the progress of the race. After the show, guests can meet and take photos with Cruz Ramirez, Lightning McQueen’s race trainer.
7. Become a Toy in Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is a vibrant and immersive land that shrinks guests down to toy-size, placing them in the middle of Andy’s backyard. The land features oversized building blocks, board games, and other iconic Toy Story elements, creating a whimsical and nostalgic atmosphere.
Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster that winds its way through the land, offering thrilling twists, turns, and drops. Guests ride in Slinky Dog as he stretches and coils around the track.
8. Ride the Rails with Minnie and Mickey
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway invites guests to step through the movie screen and join Mickey Mouse and his friends on a zany and unpredictable adventure. This innovative dark ride utilizes cutting-edge technology and immersive environments to bring the world of classic Disney cartoons to life. The twists and turns are unpredictable on this new attraction. No 3D goggles are needed for this unique experience. This is a must do at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
These are just a few of the many incredible experiences that await visitors to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With its captivating attractions, live entertainment, and immersive environments, the park offers something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for Disney fans of all ages.
