Just eighteen years after Magic Kingdom opened its doors, Walt Disney World introduced another theme park to the world: Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
There are many important details that go into booking a trip to Walt Disney World, namely, the time of year you’d like to travel, your mode of transportation, and your accommodations. But, arguably, the next key decision to make is: Which theme parks are you going to visit? We’re here to say Hollywood Studios is a must-do!
About Hollywood Studios
Opening in 1989, it was the third Disney park to be constructed in Orlando, just after EPCOT. On opening day, it was known as MGM Studios, and it later became Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008.
Stepping into Disney’s Hollywood Studios is stepping into the magical world of motion pictures. It’s Lights, Camera, Action! the moment you stroll down Hollywood Boulevard. From iconic Star Wars stormtroopers to larger-than-life Toy Story Land. From Indiana Jones’ thrilling stunts to the fabulous Fantasmic!, this theme park sets the stage for adventure!
Tips on Planning
Now that you’ve decided on Hollywood Studios park passes, it’s time to pick your rides! Making a daily itinerary in advance is helpful in order to make the most of your time! Once you factor in transportation, dining experiences, shopping, character meet-and-greets, and wait times, you realize the need to prioritize the best rides.
With so many great rides, how do you pick? Glad you asked! We’ve put together a list of the best rides at Hollywood Studios. Check it out and decide for yourself which seem like the best option for you and your traveling crew!
Best Rides at Hollywood Studios
1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Ride rules: 40 inches or taller
- What to expect: Dark ride, scary, thrill ride, big drops
- Approximate ride time: 15 minutes
When you think of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you likely picture the Tower of Terror. Standing at 199 feet tall, it truly “towers” over the rest of the theme park and is a staple. Brave riders will kick off their eerie experience by collectively watching footage of the history of the hotel and how it came to its dilapidated state.
Once you’re good and spooked, you’ll wind through the haunting hotel toward the elevators. The final step in your journey is taking a seat in the infamous elevator, only to have it drop 130 feet at 39 mph. There are multiple drops, so hold on tight!
Fun Fact: The Tower of Terror stands 199 feet tall due to a law in Orlando, Florida: Any building that is at least 200 feet tall requires a blinking red light at the top. To maintain the hotel’s aesthetic, the tower was constructed to be just shy of 200 feet.
2. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Ride rules: 48 inches or taller
- What to expect: Thrill ride, big drops, loud
- Approximate ride time: 1.5 minutes
Undoubtedly, one of the most popular rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster. Its statement red electric guitar beckons thrill-seekers and is a great photo-op.
What the ride may lack in length certainly makes up for in speed. Passengers will have a breathtaking blast-off from 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds. The zipping corkscrews and electrifying colors, all set to Aerosmith’s greatest hits–what’s not to love?
This ride will be undergoing a design renovation, and although we do not yet have details on when this transformation will take place, we do know that we can look forward to another fun, iconic theme: The Muppets! Disney’s MuppetVision 3D will permanently close in the summer of 2025 to make room for the creation of Monster’s Inc. Land, but our favorite colorful bunch will make their exciting debut appearance on a theme park ride in the highly-anticipated future version of the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster!
3. Slinky Dog Dash
Photo Credit: FocalFinder
- Ride rules: 38 inches or taller
- What to expect: Thrill ride, small drops
- Approximate ride time: 4 minutes
The colorful characters from Toy Story have been stealing our hearts since 1995. With each passing year and the release of additional films and shorts over the decades, new generations are constantly being introduced to Woody and the gang. Unsurprisingly, the Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land is a Pixar paradise. The vibrant design and attention to detail allow visitors of all ages to bask in the innocence and imagination of childhood. And, the Slinky Dog Dash is located in–you guessed it–Toy Story Land!
Slip between the coils of the slinky dog himself on this playful, family-friendly roller coaster and zoom through Andy’s backyard, spotting all of your favorite toys along the way. Enjoy the ups and downs, twists and turns, and the spectacular views. This ride is a delight from start to finish!
4. Toy Story Mania!
Photo Credit: Owen and Aki via Flick CC 2.0
- Ride rules: Any height, all ages
- What to expect: Spinning
- Approximate ride time: 8 minutes
Toy Story Mania! is one of a handful of 4D rides at Walt Disney World, and it’s packed with colorful detail and nostalgic animatronics. During your carnival-themed journey, swivel your seat to engage in an interactive game similar to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Magic Kingdom.
You’ll put on your 4D glasses and blast all the targets when prompted. For the competitive ones out there, don’t worry–the scores are revealed at the end of the ride. May the best blaster win!
Fun Fact: This is one of two rides at Hollywood Studios that has no height requirement. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the other one.
5. Alien Swirling Saucers
Photo Credit: Jeremy Thompson via Flick CC 2.0
- Ride rules: 32 inches or taller
- What to expect: Spinning
- Approximate ride time: 3 minutes
The Toy Story aliens have been loved for decades. Their bright green coloring, three eyes, and galactic voices are unmistakable. Riders of all ages will be eternally grateful after hopping on the Alien Swirling Saucers ride.
Enjoy this pleasant spin through space with everyone’s favorite cosmic characters. You’ll get great views of the Slinky Dog Dash speeding through Toy Story Land as you twirl through the galaxy.
6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Ride rules: Any height, all ages
- What to expect: Slow ride, dark, loud
- Approximate ride time: 7 minutes
This is a precious ride for those traveling with little ones. Mickey and Minnie are headed to a picnic with Goofy’s train trailing behind, and surprise, things don’t go according to plan. Fans young and old will be entertained by the delightful animatronics and the quirky crew as Mickey and Minnie try to save the day!
7. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Photo Credit: Wirestock Creators
- Ride rules: 40 inches or taller
- What to expect: Dark ride, thrill ride, small drops, loud
- Approximate ride time: 18 minutes
If you are a Star Wars fan and this is your first time at Hollywood Studios, prepare for the Rise of the Resistance. This is one of the most popular rides at the theme park, and once you’ve been on it, you’ll know why! Although the wait time may be lengthy, the nearly 20-minute, immersive ride will make it worthwhile.
The impressive technology and design complexities amplify the experience of an extensive battle between the First Order and the Resistance. Motion simulators, audio-animatronics, projections, drops, walk-throughs, and intricate sets weave together to tell the storyline of this epic battle in a land far, far away.
8. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Photo Credit: jpellgen (@1105_jp) via Flick CC 2.0
- Ride rules: 38 inches or taller
- What to expect: Thrill ride, small drops, dark, loud
- Approximate ride time: 4.5 minutes
Another Star Wars fan favorite! Who doesn’t want to fly one of the greatest spaceships of all time–the Millennium Falcon? Each ride will assign its passengers a pilot, an engineer, and a gunner to help with its mission. Climb into the cockpit of this famous ship and blast through the stars, dodging the unavoidable dangers of the galaxy at all costs. No flight training required!
Helpful Tip: If you struggle with motion sickness, try being the pilot! If you’re the one in control of the ride and engaging in all the movements, it may lessen your chance of feeling sick.
9. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
- Ride rules: 40 inches or taller
- What to expect: Small drops
- Approximate ride time: 7 minutes
This is not your average blast into space. Passengers will prepare to embark on the Starspeeder 1000, only to discover it launching too early, leaving the droid C-3PO to nervously pilot. Things start off grim, only to discover that the First Order is right at your back, on the hunt for a Rebel spy. Can you get away?
Fun Fact: Star Tours likes to switch things up–you never know which well-known characters you’ll come in contact with on your journey. From Princess Leia to Master Yoda or Boba Fett to Kylo Ren, there’s no telling who you will encounter. Enjoy!
Where to Stay Near Hollywood Studios
After you’ve had a full day at Hollywood Studios, sit back and enjoy the outdoor musical and firework show Fantasmic! Step inside Mickey Mouse’s dream and watch the battle between good and evil come to life. Lights, music, lasers, water, fireworks–Fantasmic pulls out all the stops.
But, the best thing after an eventful day at any Disney theme park is to return to an inviting, comfortable abode to wind down and recharge. At Element Vacation Homes, we have luxury lodging to meet a variety of accommodation expectations. Our guests enjoy a quality stay with impressive amenities and a less-than-30-minute drive to Walt Disney World.
