Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the most popular Walt Disney World theme parks and for good reason. It has some of the best rides across all the parks and offers guests immersive experiences. Today I am sharing my picks for the best rides at Hollywood Studios that you don’t want to miss.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of four Walt Disney World theme parks. It is a unique park in that is used to be themed to a working movie studio but over the last decade or two has turned into something a bit more complicated to pinpoint.
Today’s Hollywood Studios has Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and Monstropolis (phase 1 opening in 2027) that draw guests to the park. There are also fan favorites like Tower of Terror, Rock n’ Roller Coaster and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
All of these attractions make for an incredible experience and should be part of your Hollywood Studios itinerary, but what if you are new to the parks and don’t really know what to expect. I am here to help.
Today I am sharing the best rides and attractions at Hollywood Studios to help you decide which rides you want to prioritize, and ones you may want to skip, so you can plan an awesome day at the park.
Are you just starting your Disney World trip planning? Read my Walt Disney World Planning Guide that offers tips on where to stay, full park guides & itineraries, and how to plan your vacation.
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Best Rides at Hollywood Studios
Here is a quick guide to the Hollywood Studios best rides that you don’t want to miss!
- Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Star Tours- The Adventure Continue
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
- Toy Story Mania!
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Rock N’ Roller Coaster
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Hollywood Studios Best Rides
I have been visiting Hollywood Studios since the 90s and it has only gotten better with its unique attractions. I loved visiting as a kid and love returning with my kids to experience the rides that shape this park.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the first attraction to feature Mickey Mouse. The attraction is a classic cartoonish trackless dark ride that takes guests on an adventure with Mickey, Minnie, and friends. The special effects are very cute and there is no height requirements, making this a perfect attraction for families of all ages.
Slinky Dog Dash
Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios is located in the Toy Story Land area of the park. This coaster packs more thrills than you would think. It has surprising twists and turns, and is a great coaster for most kids as well as adults. The height requirement is 38 inches. This is one of the most popular attractions at Hollywood Studios, secure a Lightning Lane pass if possible.
Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story Mania! is an interactive classic dark ride attraction. The ride has guests playing carnival games with some of their favorite Toy Story characters. There are 5 different games to play as you go through the ride. For extra points look for hidden “Easter eggs” throughout the attractions. Guests of all ages can ride this and there is no height requirement.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Guests can be the pilot of the Millennium Falcon and fly with other guests to see if they can make it to their destination. This is a simulator attraction and may cause motion sickness. It is a fun attraction where guests can play a different part; pilot, engineer or gunner. The height requirement is 38 inches.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the most unique ride I have ever experienced. From the minute you enter the queue you will feel part of the resistance and come face to face with the first order.
The actual ride is a dark trackless attraction. It is truly a unique experience that I highly recommend. The height requirement is 40 inches. This ride is very popular! The best way to skip long lines is to purchase a Individual Lightning Lane to skip the regular line.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Thrills and scares is what make the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror such a popular attraction at Hollywood Studios. With the creepy Twilight Zone ambiance and the thrilling drops this is one of the scariest rides at Disney World. The height requirement is 40 inches but may be too scary for small children.
Rock N’ Roller Coaster
Rock N’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets replaced Aerosmith for this updated ride experience. The looping indoor roller coaster is still the same experience but with Muppets taking you on the ride. There is a 48 inch height requirement and may be scary for young children.
Things You Don’t Want to Miss at Hollywood Studios (Not Rides)
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
I included Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on this list because although it is not a ride or a show it is a fully immersive experience that is definitely worth exploring on your visit to Hollywood Studios. There are 2 great rides, guests can Build a Droid or Lightsaber, and walking around is so immersive- you should plan time to explore.
Shows
There are a handful of stage shows that are worth checking out when visiting the park. They are Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, The Little Mermaid- A Musical Adventure, Beauty & the Beast- Live on Stage, Disney Villains- Unfairly Ever After, and For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing A Long.
You may also want to stay for Fantasmic or Disney Movie Magic, the nightly shows at the park.
Walk Thru Attractions
Walt Disney Presents and The Magic of Disney Animation are two spaces that are great if you are looking for a break from the heat. Walt Disney Presents has vintage Disney memorabilia and often rotates exhibits during the year. There is a short movie to watch if you want to rest your legs.
The Magic of Disney Animation (replaced Star Wars: Launch Bay) opens September 14, 2026 and will feature Olaf Draws (Olaf will lead a drawing class for guests), Drawn to Wonderland play area, Disney Once Upon a Studio Theater, and Off the Page where guests can learn more about the animation process and meet some of their favorite animated characters.
Monstropolis (Coming Soon!)
Monstropolis is the newest land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and this is going to be a big draw for guests when it opens. I am so excited for this and can’t wait to explore the land.
Monstropolis will open in 2027 with a two phase open. Phase 1 will include Glob Theater show, Archie’s Scare Pig Pizza, Monster’s University Alumni Club, and Harryhausen’s Restaurant. Later the awaited “door coaster” will open and the land will be complete. (I will add updates here as they are announced.)
Final Thoughts- Recap on Best Rides at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite parks. I love how immersive the lands are and the attractions are so much fun. My kids have grown up visiting the park and each visit offered a new attraction as they met the height requirements.
It is a park where you can build memories and have a different experience each time you visit. Disney’s Hollywood Studios also has some of the best attractions across the Disney parks.
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Leah has been traveling with her family of 5 since 2012 and sharing her expertise on planning family vacations and visiting theme parks since 2016. Leah has been featured in Visit Rochester, Undercover Tourist, and Home Publications. She has worked with brands like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Hersheypark, Toyota, and various Tourism boards and destinations. Leah creates family travel itineraries based on real trip experiences with her family. Her guides and tips help others plan great family vacations. Learn more about Leah and Five for the Road.