Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of my favorite parks at Walt Disney World. It started as a behind-the-scenes movie experience and has evolved into a full celebration of the Disney films and characters we love, with two of the most immersive themed lands in any Disney park anywhere in the world.
From Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios has incredible rides, unforgettable shows, and unique character experiences. It also has one of the most challenging layouts to navigate, with the most popular rides scattered in opposite corners of the park. A little planning goes a long way here.
In this guide I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the park, plus a detailed 1-day itinerary to help you ride the most, wait the least, and still have time to breathe.
Planning a full Walt Disney World vacation? Check out my complete Walt Disney World Guide for everything you need — from tickets and resorts to park-by-park tips.
Disney Hollywood Studios Basics: What to Know Before You Arrive
Like all of the Disney parks you need to do things before you arrive to set yourself up for a great visit.
Tickets & Cost
Hollywood Studios one-day tickets start at $150.00+ per day. Prices fluctuate based on the date of your visit. Standard parking starts at $35.00 per day.
I always compare prices before buying. Start with the Walt Disney World website for special offers, then check Disney ticket deals and Undercover Tourist deals. If you’d rather have someone handle all the planning, reach out to our friend Nikki at Royal Treatment Travel — her service is complimentary for most theme park vacations.
Park Hours
Hollywood Studios is typically open 9:00am–9:00pm, though hours vary by season. Always confirm your specific dates on the Disney World website.
Resort guest perks:
- All Disney resort guests get Early Entry, 30 minutes before official park opening.
- Deluxe resort guests can take advantage of Extended Evening Hours on select nights, typically 2 hours after official park close.
Plan to arrive at the gates at least 30 minutes before the park opens. The most popular rides at rope drop are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Cast members will direct guests to each of these at park open.
Rope Drop Hollywood Studios
Rope drop is the official park opening when cast members “drop a rope” to open the park. This allows you to be some of the first visitors in the park. Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before park opening (if you are an on-site guest this will be 30 minutes before early entry.)
Hollywood Studios rope drop strategy is really dependent on what your ride priorities are, and what lighting lanes you secured. Slinky Dog Dash is probably the best choice for rope drop if you don’t have a Lightning Lane. If have a lightning lane, you might want to consider Rock n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Rise of the Resistance is the best ride at the park but everyone goes there first. We like to wait until the crowds dip a bit by keeping an eye of the My Disney Experience app. We have also used single rider for Rise of the Resistance.
If this is your first visit and Rise of the Resistance is your top priority rope drop it. Hollywood Studios can be a challenge on high crowd days because they have some of the best rides at all of the Disney World parks. Expect some longer wait times on busy days.
How to Get There
- Bus: Available from all Disney resorts.
- Disney Skyliner: Connects Skyliner resorts (Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Riviera Resort) directly to Hollywood Studios.
- Friendship boats: Available for guests staying at Epcot-area hotels (BoardWalk, Yacht Club, Beach Club, Dolphin, Swan).
- Walking: Guests at several Epcot-area resorts can walk to the park via a dedicated path.
Park Layout
Hollywood Studios does not have the most intuitive layout. Unlike Magic Kingdom’s spoke-and-wheel design, the lands here can require backtracking. Before you go, spend a few minutes studying the map in the My Disney Experience app so you know roughly where everything is.
No Time to Read? Disney’s Hollywood Studios Attractions
-> Hollywood Boulevard: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
-> Sunset Boulevard: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Disney Villains” Unfairly Ever After, Rock n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets, Beauty and the Beast-Live on Stage
-> Echo Lake: For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, Star Tours-The Adventures Continue, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
-> Animation Courtyard: Walt Disney Presents, The Little Mermaid-A Musical Adventure
-> Toy Story Land: Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Mania!, Alien Saucer Swirl
-> Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Lightning Lane at Hollywood Studios
Lightning Lane is Disney World’s paid line-skipping system and I strongly recommend it for Hollywood Studios. There are only 9 rides in the park, but the most popular ones can have wait times of 60–120+ minutes on busy days. Skipping lines here makes a significant difference.
Three tiers are available:
- Lightning Lane Multi-Pass: Book up to 3 rides at a time. After you use one, you can book another. Available 7 days before check-in for resort guests or 3 days before for day guests, starting at 7:00am in the My Disney Experience app. Costs $29–$37 per person per day.
- Lightning Lane Single Pass: A one-time reservation for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance ($22/person). Prices vary by date.
- Lightning Lane Premier Pass: Access to every attraction one time without advance reservations. Costs $159 per person per day.
Lightning Lane Tier Structure at Hollywood Studios
Choose one from Group 1 (most in-demand):
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets (Open May 26)
- Slinky Dog Dash
Choose two from Group 2:
- Alien Swirling Saucers
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live (Open May 26)
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
- Star Tours- The Adventures Continue
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
- Toy Story Mania!
My Lightning Lane strategy for Hollywood Studios: Book a Group 2 ride early, like Star Tours at 9:10am, than you can use it early and book a Tier 1 attraction next. As soon as you scan in, you’ll free up a slot to book a Group 1 ride like Slinky Dog Dash or Runaway Railway for later in the morning. Rise of the Resistance is sold separately as a Single Pass and is worth purchasing if it’s on your must-do list.
Read more: How to Use Lightning Lane at Disney World
What to Expect: The Lands of Hollywood Studios
The lands are not as pronounced as you will find at Magic Kingdom and other parks but once you become familiar with the layout it is easy to get around the park.
Hollywood Boulevard
The main entrance street of the park, lined with shops and themed to the golden age of Hollywood. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, one of the park’s most beloved rides, is located here inside the Chinese Theater at the end of the boulevard.
- Rides & Attractions: Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Dining: The Hollywood Brown Derby (reservations recommended), The Hollywood Brown Derby Lounge, The Trolley Car Cafe (Starbucks)
- Shopping: Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind, Mickey’s of Hollywood, Keystone Clothiers, Celebrity 5 & 10, Oscar’s Super Service
Echo Lake
A mismatched but fun area surrounding the small lake near the park entrance. Some of Hollywood Studios’ best shows and classic attractions live here, including the Indiana Jones stunt show and the fan-favorite Frozen Sing-Along.
- Rides & Attractions: Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, Star Tours: The Adventures Continue, Meet Olaf, Vacation Fun (animated short), For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Dining: Hollywood & Vine (character dining, reservations recommended), 50’s Prime Time Café (reservations recommended), Epic Eats, Oasis Canteen, Backlot Express, Dockside Diner, Dinosaur Gertie’s Ice Cream of Extinction
- Shopping: Tatooine Traders, “Frozen” Fractal Gifts
Commissary Lane
A small passageway that connects Hollywood Boulevard to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Mostly dining, but also home to a character meet and greet spot.
- Rides & Attractions: Meet Mickey and Minnie at Red Carpet Dreams
- Dining: Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant (reservations recommended), ABC Commissary
Grand Avenue
A short stretch on the way to Galaxy’s Edge with two solid dining options — Ice Cold Hydraulics and BaseLine Tap House. Worth a stop for a snack or a craft beer.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
One of the most immersive themed lands ever built. Galaxy’s Edge puts you squarely in the Star Wars universe, from the sounds and smells to the food and drinks. It’s massive, it’s stunning, and the two attractions here are among the best in all of Walt Disney World.
- Rides & Attractions: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Dining: Kat Saka’s Kettle, Ronto Roasters, Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, Oga’s Cantina (reservations accepted), Milk Stand
- Shopping & Experiences: Resistance Supply, Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities, Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers (reservation required), Droid Depot, First Order Cargo, The Market at Black Spire Outpost
Tips: Savi’s Workshop and Droid Depot are ticketed experiences where you build your own lightsaber or droid. They book up fast, reserve in advance if these are on your list. Oga’s Cantina is a unique bar experience with Star Wars-themed drinks (alcoholic and non) and books up quickly as well.
Toy Story Land
Bright, colorful, and packed with energy. In Toy Story Land you’ve been shrunk down to the size of a toy and are playing in Andy’s backyard. Giant-sized Buzz greets you from the Galaxy’s Edge side, and Woody is on the Pixar Plaza side.
- Rides & Attractions: Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, Toy Story Mania!
- Dining: Roundup Rodeo BBQ (table service, reservations recommended), Woody’s Lunch Box
- Shopping: Jessie’s Trading Post
Pixar Plaza
A character meet and greet hub between Toy Story Land and Animation Courtyard. This is where you’ll find some of Hollywood Studios’ most unique characters, Edna Mode at the Edna Mode Experience, Frozone, Sulley, Mrs. Incredible, and Joy have all been spotted here.
Animation Courtyard
Home to indoor attractions, shows, and a gallery of Disney history. This area is currently seeing some exciting updates (see Coming Soon below).
- Rides & Attractions: Walt Disney Presents (Disney history gallery), The Little Mermaid- A Musical Adventure, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live (May 26) Star Wars Launch Bay(transitioning- see Coming Soon)
- Dining: Market, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Shopping: In Character
Sunset Boulevard
One of the most atmospheric areas in all of Disney World, especially at night. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is here, and Fantasmic, the park’s incredible nightly water and projection show, takes place at the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater at the end of the boulevard.
- Rides & Attractions: Disney’s Villains: Unfairly Ever After (show), Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets (May 26), The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Fantasmic, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
- Dining: Sunshine Day Bar, Sunshine Ranch Market (includes Rosie’s All-American Cafe, Catalina Eddie’s, Fairfax Fare, Hollywood Scoops), KRNR The Rock Station, Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company
- Shopping: Sunset Ranch Pins and Souvenirs, Legends of Hollywood, Beverly Sunset Boutique
Coming Soon to Hollywood Studios
There’s a lot of exciting change happening at Hollywood Studios over the next few years.
- The Magic of Disney Animation (2026): Replacing Star Wars Launch Bay in Animation Courtyard, this new experience celebrates Disney animation. Guests will explore an interactive animator’s office, play in the Drawn to Wonderland play area, and find character greetings.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets: The Muppets are taking over the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster with an all-new theme. The coaster itself, a high-speed indoor launch coaster, stays, with new Muppets theming throughout. Opening May 26, 2026.
- Monsters, Inc. Land (2028 or later): Replacing the Muppets Courtyard area, this new land will let guests step into Monstropolis. Plans include a “door” roller coaster, dining, and shops.
1-Day Hollywood Studios Itinerary
Here is a detailed look at how we planned our day at Hollywood Studios, one of the best days we’ve ever had at the park. We rode 12 attractions in a single day (including Rise of the Resistance twice!) by staying strategic with Lightning Lane and the My Disney Experience app throughout the day.
Before You Leave Your Resort
Purchase your tickets and Lightning Lane in advance. At 7:00am in the My Disney Experience app (7 days before check-in if on-site, 3 days before if off-site), lock in your first three reservations.
Our opening Lightning Lane bookings:
- Star Tours at 9:10am–10:10am (burner — used quickly to open a new slot)
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at 1:05pm–2:05pm
- Slinky Dog Dash at 4:40pm–5:40pm
We stayed at Disney’s All Star Sports Resort and took the bus to the park.
Itinerary
7:15am: Board bus from All Star Sports Resort to Hollywood Studios.
7:30am: Arrive at Hollywood Studios. Go through bag check and security. Resort guests have Early Entry at 8:30am, but we scanned into the park at 8:01am and walked to our first ride.
8:30am (Park Open / Early Entry)
Here is the order we did everything including meals and shows:
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster (Note: currently closed for Muppets retheme, opening May 26, 2026)
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Toy Story Mania! (9:06am)
- Star Tours (Lightning Lane,”burner”) → After scanning in, secured Smugglers Run Lightning Lane
- Pixar Pals character meet: Frozone, Edna Mode, and Sulley at Pixar Plaza
- Walt Disney Presents: the Disney history gallery in Animation Courtyard (great air-conditioned break)
- Lunch at ABC Commissary (10:35am)
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (entered queue 11:26am, boarded 12:16pm, the two pre-show rooms make the wait fly by and are part of the experience)
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (Lightning Lane)
- Cold brew from Kat Saka’s Kettle, a quick Galaxy’s Edge snack stop
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror (Lightning Lane, 1:20pm)
- Disney’s Villains: Unfairly Ever After (check show times on the My Disney Experience app)
- Bus back to resort for pool break, returned to park around 4:00pm
- Slinky Dog Dash (Lightning Lane)
- Dinner at Roundup Rodeo BBQ — booked ahead of time, highly recommend
- Rise of the Resistance, the ride broke down during our wait, and we were given an anytime Lightning Lane as compensation
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (8:45pm)
- Rise of the Resistance, used the anytime Lightning Lane (9:30pm)
- Alien Swirling Saucers (9:53pm)
- Fantasmic (10:30pm), an incredible way to end the night
We experienced everything we wanted, had time for a resort break in the afternoon, and stayed for Fantasmic. The key was staying on the My Disney Experience app throughout the day to check wait times and book the next Lightning Lane as soon as a slot opened up. It takes a few minutes but saves hours.
A note for families with young kids: We focused almost entirely on rides this day. If you’re visiting with little ones, make sure to build in time for Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, and character meet and greets. The shows at Hollywood Studios are genuinely great and deserve a spot on your day.
Characters & Shows
Hollywood Studios has some of the most unique character experiences at any Disney park. A few you won’t find elsewhere: Ariel from the live-action film, Chewbacca, Edna Mode, Sulley, Joy, and Mrs. Incredible. Check the My Disney Experience app before your visit for current times and locations. They change frequently and some meet and greets end earlier than park hours.
Must-see shows to consider adding to your day:
- Fantasmic: nightly water, fire, and projection spectacular at Sunset Boulevard (check the app for showtimes)
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: a crowd-pleasing classic
- Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage: lovely for all ages
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: beloved by kids and adults alike
- Disney’s Villains: Unfairly Ever After: newer show, very fun
Final Thoughts
I have been to Hollywood Studios over 20 times and it remains one of my absolute favorites. The immersive storytelling in Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land is unlike anything else at Disney World, and with a Monsters, Inc. Land and new Muppets coaster on the way, it’s only going to get better.
The park works best when you come with a plan but stay flexible. Attractions go down, Lightning Lanes run out, and sometimes the best moments come from the unexpected, a character you didn’t expect to find, a show you almost skipped.
Make your list of top priorities, plan around those, and let everything else be a bonus.
My biggest tip: stay on the My Disney Experience app throughout the day. It takes a few minutes to check wait times and book your next Lightning Lane, but it genuinely transforms how much you can do. It is very much worth it.
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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.