From its humble beginnings as a working studio celebrating the golden age of Hollywood, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has transformed into a dynamic theme park that immerses guests in the captivating worlds of film and television. While initially smaller and offering fewer attractions than its sister parks, the Magic Kingdom and Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has continuously evolved, expanding its footprint and broadening its appeal. The park’s focus has shifted from demonstrating the mechanics of filmmaking to allowing visitors to step directly into the stories they love. Landmark additions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land have significantly elevated the park’s offerings, introducing groundbreaking attractions that push the boundaries of themed entertainment.
This article will explore ten must-experience attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, showcasing the diversity and innovation that define this iconic theme park. From thrilling adventures to heartwarming experiences, these rides offer something for every visitor seeking to create lasting memories. These are the 10 Rides You Have to Try at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Arguably the pinnacle of theme park attraction design, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance transcends the typical ride experience to become a fully immersive narrative adventure. Spanning approximately 17 minutes and unfolding across four distinct acts, this ambitious attraction seamlessly blends multiple ride systems to create a truly epic and unforgettable journey. Guests are not merely spectators; they are active participants in a "Star Wars" saga, thrust into the heart of a conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.
The meticulous attention to detail is astounding, from the meticulously crafted sets and animatronics to the seamless integration of live actors who interact with guests throughout the experience. The attraction incorporates a trackless dark ride system, a motion simulator, and even a brief walk-through segment, ensuring that guests are constantly engaged and surprised.
Due to its immense popularity, securing a spot on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance can be challenging. Consider purchasing individual Lightning Lane passes to guarantee entry and minimize wait times, especially during peak season. This extraordinary attraction is a testament to Disney’s commitment to innovation and storytelling, and it is an absolute must-do for any visitor to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Standing as an iconic sentinel on Sunset Boulevard, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is more than just a thrill ride; it’s a masterclass in immersive storytelling and atmospheric design. This E-Ticket attraction plunges guests into a chilling episode of the classic television series, "The Twilight Zone," transporting them to the dilapidated Hollywood Tower Hotel, a once-glamorous landmark now shrouded in mystery and paranormal activity.
The pre-show, featuring Rod Serling’s iconic narration and eerie archival footage, sets the stage for the impending terror. As guests board the seemingly ordinary elevator, they are unaware of the harrowing experience that awaits them. The ride system itself is a marvel of engineering, delivering a series of unpredictable drops and ascents that generate intense G-forces and a palpable sense of weightlessness.
However, the Tower of Terror’s brilliance lies in its ability to blend physical thrills with psychological suspense. The haunted hotel’s decaying grandeur, the unsettling sound effects, and the glimpses into the Twilight Zone create an atmosphere of genuine unease. The randomized drop sequences ensure that each ride is a unique and unpredictable experience, adding to the attraction’s enduring appeal. This is one of the rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that truly embodies Disney’s imagineering at its finest.
3. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Before Galaxy’s Edge, Star Tours paved the way for "Star Wars" immersion at Disney parks. Originally debuting at Disneyland, this groundbreaking motion simulator attraction has been continuously updated and enhanced, remaining a beloved classic for generations of fans. In 2011, Star Tours underwent a significant overhaul, incorporating high-definition media and a random sequence generator that allows for multiple possible storylines and destinations.
Guests board a Starspeeder 1000, piloted by the ever-bumbling Captain Rex (or, in later iterations, a more competent pilot), and embark on a turbulent journey through the galaxy. The motion simulator synchronizes perfectly with the visuals on the screen, creating a convincing sensation of flight and movement. The randomized scenarios ensure that each ride is a unique experience, with potential encounters with iconic "Star Wars" characters and visits to familiar planets.
Star Tours is a delightful and nostalgic romp through the "Star Wars" universe, offering a thrilling and unpredictable adventure for guests of all ages. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its innovative design and its ability to capture the spirit of the beloved sci-fi franchise.
4. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Taking the motion simulator experience to the next level, Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run places guests directly in the cockpit of the most iconic ship in the galaxy. This interactive attraction allows guests to assume one of three critical roles – pilot, gunner, or engineer – and participate in a thrilling smuggling mission under the guidance of the dubious pirate, Hondo Ohnaka.
The level of immersion is remarkable, from the meticulously recreated interior of the Millennium Falcon to the interactive controls that allow guests to directly influence the ride’s outcome. Pilots are responsible for steering the ship through treacherous asteroid fields and dodging enemy fire, while gunners must defend the Falcon from pursuing TIE fighters. Engineers work to repair the ship’s systems and keep it operational throughout the mission.
The success of the mission depends on the teamwork and coordination of the entire crew, making Smuggler’s Run a truly collaborative and engaging experience. The ride’s outcome varies depending on the crew’s performance, adding replayability and encouraging guests to try different roles. For "Star Wars" fans, the chance to pilot the Millennium Falcon is an irresistible draw, making this one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
5. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Breaking new ground as the first Disney park ride-through attraction dedicated to Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a whimsical and innovative experience that transports guests into the vibrant world of a classic Mickey Mouse cartoon short. Housed within the iconic Chinese Theatre, the attraction utilizes a combination of trackless ride technology, projection mapping, animatronics, and practical sets to create a truly immersive and surreal environment.
Guests board a train driven by Goofy and embark on a zany adventure that quickly spirals out of control. The ride embraces the cartoon laws of physics, with characters and objects behaving in unpredictable and often hilarious ways. The trackless ride system allows the train to move freely and seamlessly between scenes, creating a sense of disorientation and surprise.
The attraction’s use of projection mapping is particularly impressive, transforming the enormous show building into a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a joyful and lighthearted celebration of Disney’s most beloved characters, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for guests of all ages.
6. Toy Story Mania!
More than just a ride, Toy Story Mania! is an interactive, 4D gaming experience that immerses guests in the playful world of "Toy Story." Passengers board spinning vehicles and travel through a series of virtual carnival games, using "spring-action shooters" to blast away at 3D targets.
The gameplay is intuitive and engaging, making it easy for guests of all ages to participate and compete for high scores. The attraction features a variety of different games, each themed to a specific "Toy Story" character or scenario. From throwing virtual pies at Woody to shooting rings at Buzz Lightyear, the games are both challenging and entertaining.
Toy Story Mania! is a highly competitive and addictive experience, encouraging guests to return again and again to improve their scores and challenge their friends and family. Its blend of physical activity and virtual gameplay makes it a unique and memorable attraction.
7. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
For thrill-seekers, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith delivers an adrenaline-pumping experience with a rock ‘n’ roll twist. This launched coaster catapults riders from 0 to 57 mph in a mere 2.8 seconds, sending them hurtling through the darkened streets of Los Angeles to make it to the Aerosmith concert on time.
The ride features multiple inversions, including a corkscrew and a loop, that turn passengers upside down and create a sensation of weightlessness. The coaster’s soundtrack is comprised of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, adding to the high-energy and immersive atmosphere.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the most thrilling rides at Disney World, offering a high-speed and heart-pounding adventure for those who dare to ride.
8. Slinky Dog Dash
As the centerpiece of Toy Story Land, Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly coaster that offers a thrilling yet accessible experience for guests of all ages. This launched coaster features two separate launches, propelling riders along a winding track that mimics the playful movements of Slinky Dog.
The coaster’s theming is charming and whimsical, with colorful scenery and playful details that evoke the spirit of the "Toy Story" films. While Slinky Dog Dash offers a thrilling ride experience, it is gentle enough for most children and adults to enjoy.
Due to its popularity, wait times for Slinky Dog Dash can be long. Consider using Disney Genie+ to reserve a ride time and minimize your wait.
9. Fantasmic!
More than just a ride, Fantasmic! is a spectacular nighttime show that combines water projections, pyrotechnics, live performers, and classic Disney animation to create a truly breathtaking experience. Presented in a dedicated outdoor theater, Fantasmic! tells the story of Mickey Mouse as he battles against the forces of evil in a dreamlike world.
The show features clips from beloved Disney films projected onto enormous water screens, creating a mesmerizing visual display. Magnificent fountains dance in time with the music, while pyrotechnics illuminate the night sky. Live performers interact with the water projections, bringing the story to life in a dynamic and engaging way.
Fantasmic! is a tour-de-force of theatrical artistry and technological innovation, offering a grand finale to a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
10. Muppet*Vision 3D
Rounding out the top ten is Muppet*Vision 3D, a hilarious and irreverent theater show that celebrates the Muppets’ trademark humor and self-deprecating wit. This engaging show combines 3D film technology with in-theater animatronics and effects to create a truly immersive and laugh-out-loud experience.
The Muppets poke fun at everything, including the entire genre of 3D movies. The show features a series of skits and musical numbers, all delivered with the Muppets’ signature blend of chaos and charm. Look for Statler and Waldorf, the two inveterate hecklers, in the balcony for their sarcastic commentary.
Muppet*Vision 3D is a lighthearted and entertaining show that offers a refreshing dose of Muppet madness.
These Are the 10 Rides You Have to Try at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and they offer a diverse range of experiences, from thrilling adventures to heartwarming celebrations of Disney’s most beloved characters. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a "Star Wars" fan, or simply looking for a fun-filled day with your family, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has something to offer everyone.
