While it can’t compete with the sheer number of rides at nearby Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort has some truly great rides that guests are sure to love. In fact, although this Disney Park is pretty heavy on shows—including can’t-miss productions like the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along and, of course, Fantasmic!—this theme-park ode to Tinseltown and beloved Disney films also boasts some of the best rides at Disney World. So, pull down on your lap bar and hold on tight as we break down the best Hollywood Studios rides.
What’s the Best Ride in Hollywood Studios?
Originally opened as Disney-MGM Studios, Walt Disney World’s third theme park once paid tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood and the art of filmmaking, with functioning studio lots and an animation studio located right there in the Disney park. In fact, Disney classics like Mulan, Brother Bear and Lilo and Stitch were made there. Sadly, with the closure of the studios, those days are gone.
However, while you can no longer go on the Studio Backlot Tour, there are still several Hollywood Studios rides that are well worth your precious time during your next trip to Walt Disney World, and we’re going to rank them all from most missable to must-see. In general, there are only 9 actual rides at Hollywood Studios. And by “actual ride,” we mean attractions that require some sort of ride vehicle and move you around in some way. In other words, as wonderful as Walt Disney Presents and the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular are, they are decidedly not rides. (That doesn’t mean you should skip them, however. They’re great!)
Still, no matter if you’re in the mood for more laidback dark rides or you want the thrill of a roller coaster, you’ll find it at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Although there aren’t as many rides at this Disney park as there are at Magic Kingdom, the rides that are here are truly diverse, from kid-friendly attractions to heart-pounding thrill rides, there’s something for everyone.
To make planning out your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios less complicated, we’ve decided to break down each theme park attraction by which themed land you’ll find them in first, starting with Hollywood Boulevard before working our way counterclockwise, then ranking them accordingly from there. That way, if you only want to dedicate a little bit of time to each part of the park, it will be easier for you to prioritize your time there. Ok, let’s get started!
Hollywood Boulevard
From the retro-chic storefronts near the entrance to the park to the replica of the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in the distance, Hollywood Boulevard sets the tone for a day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Much like Main Street, USA at Magic Kingdom, there is only one ride in this part of the park, making the task of ranking incredibly easy.
If you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to take a wander over to Animation Courtyard, which is located right next door. There you’ll find Disney Junior Play and Dance! Starring the likes of Mickey Mouse, Vampirina and Doc McStuffins, this Disney Junior Dance Party is sure to be a hit with your kiddos. For an even closer interaction, meet-and-greets are also available right outside.
Unfortunately, one thing you won’t be able to do here anymore is watch Voyage of the Little Mermaid. Previously one of the best shows at Hollywood Studios, it sadly got the axe after the pandemic. According to the rumor mill, the theatre suffered from a rampant infestation of mold. We, for one, are certainly sad to see it go.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie finally have a ride devoted exclusively to them and their animated pals. Located in the heart of Hollywood Studios in the former home of The Great Movie Ride, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the newest ride in the theme park. And oh, what a ride it is! Featuring a cutting-edge ride system, immersive special effects and classic Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, as well as plenty of their pals, this is one Hollywood Studios attraction that kids and adults alike are bound to love.
During this madcap dark ride, you’ll join Mickey and Minnie as they take off on a runaway train. Unsurprisingly, cartoon chaos ensues, offering plenty of unexpected twists and turns along the way. The only thing that grown-up Disney fans might not like about Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is its use of the newer animation style used for the dynamic duo and the rest of the gang. (We’re partial to the older cartoons ourselves. Long live the House of Mouse!) Nevertheless, this zany journey is still a ton of fun.
The best part about Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway? Thanks to its centrally located position, it’s easy to fit into Hollywood Studios itinerary. Better yet, since there are no height restrictions, everyone can experience can get in on the fun.
Height Requirement: N/A
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
Echo Lake
The next stop on our list is Echo Lake. This is one of the more eclectic themed lands at Hollywood Studios, with the design ranging from vintage-y, California-cool shops and restaurants to the forests of Endor. The latter is where you’ll find the one and only ride in Echo Lake and the park’s only Star Wars ride not located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
While you’re, be sure to stop by the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, an exciting (and amusing) stage show that gives a behind-the-scenes look at how stuntwork is done for the silver screen. Another fun show in the area is For the First time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration, a musical must-do for any Frozen fan. Lastly, if you have the time, you can also check out Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie. While not as good as the last two shows, the short film is very cute, kids are bound to love it and, bonus, there’s plenty of air-conditioning.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Embark on an out-of-this-world journey through a galaxy far, far away on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, a beloved 3D simulator-style ride that has been winning over Hollywood Studios’ guests since 1989. Made to feel like a sightseeing tour through the stars gone awry (thank goodness for C-3PO), this intergalactic voyage stars some of your favorite characters and places from the Star Wars universe.
For this quintessential Hollywood Studios ride, you’ll board a Starspeeder 1000 for what should be a leisurely trip through space. Naturally, not everything goes according to plan, and soon you’ll be whizzing to different places, dodging asteroids, battling Tie Fighters and jumping to hyperspace to escape Imperial or First Order forces. Whether it’s zipping past Wookiees on Kashyyyk or facing Darth Vader himself, no two rides on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue are ever alike, thanks to the use of randomized scenes.
What’s more, despite Star Tours’ enduring popularity, the lines never get too out of hand. Depending on your plans for the day, we highly recommend waiting this one out until later in the evening, as you can typically walk on without little to no wait at all.
Height Requirement: At least 40 inches (102cm) tall
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Our next stop (but probably the first stop for any Star Wars fans) is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The newest themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge plunges guests headfirst into the Star Wars universe, from the attractions and shopping experiences (droids and lightsabers, anyone?) to the restaurants and overall design. You truly feel as if you’ve been transported to a galaxy far, far away. Here, guests can go on two different Hollywood Studios rides, one featuring the Millennium Falcon and another that is arguably the best dark ride at Disney World.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Star Wars lovers young and old have often dreamed of piloting the Millennium Falcon. (We know we have.) After all, as Han Solo said, “it’s the ship that made the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.” Well, Disney Imagineers must have been dreaming of the very same thing when they decided to make Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this incredibly immersive simulator ride gives guests the chance to take control of the iconic Millennium Falcon and embark on a daring mission across the galaxy.
The ride begins as you enter Han Solo’s beloved ship and take your seat in one of three roles, with two people in each: pilot, gunner or engineer. You’re in charge of every twist, turn and obstacle that may stand in your way. The goal? To successfully smuggle the ship’s valuable cargo to its destination before time runs out. Generally speaking, it’s sort of like a simulator ride and a video game had a baby, complete with buttons to press, levers to pull and the threat of failure. In short, it’s a dream for any Star Wars fan or gamer.
As you can probably imagine, this is one of the rides at Hollywood Studios that can get pretty busy. So, if you don’t have your heart set on using Slinky Dog Dash for your first Disney Genie+ attraction, you should definitely consider using it here.
Height Requirement: At least 38 inches (97cm) tall
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars fans also won’t want to miss Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. In fact, if you can only do one ride in Black Spire Outpost, let it be this one. Boasting multiple ride systems, including a motion simulator, a dark ride section and a drop tower at the end, we might even go as far as to say that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the most perfect ride ever made by Disney Imagineering. (Although, Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park gives it a pretty good run for its money.)
This ambitious attraction sees guests joining Resistance forces in a secret (and dangerous) mission against the First Order. The experience begins as soon as guests board their transport shuttle on the remote Planet Batuu. From there, you soon find yourself on a Star Destroyer crawling with Storm Troopers and, not to mention, the fearsome Kylo Ren. With a little help from Rey and BB-8 and a lot of luck, you might just get out alive. All in all, from its incredible animatronics to its immersive audio-visuals, this wild interstellar adventure will leave you wanting more.
Currently, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the only Individual Lightning Lane attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Fortunately, if you’d rather not pony up the cash to skip the line, you can also try your luck with the virtual queue. Just keep in mind that this can take some planning if you want to be guaranteed a spot. Either way, you’ll definitely want to have your cell phone and the My Disney Experience app handy.
Height Requirement: At least 40 inches (102cm) tall
Lightning Lane Access: Individual Lightning Lane entry or Virtual Queue
Toy Story Land
After leaving Star Wars land behind, it’s time to make our way to Toy Story Land. Set in Andy’s backyard, this adorable themed land is designed to make you feel as if you’ve been shrunken down to the size of a toy. As a result, everything here is on a massive scale: supersized Tinkertoys, giant Christmas lights, gigantic building blocks. Rather than towering over Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the Green Army Men, you can stand face-to-face with each of these lovable Disney characters.
Three Hollywood Studios rides can be found here, including the best kid-friendly roller coaster at any of the Disney World theme parks. On the bright side, for those who don’t have a ton of time available to explore, only two of these attractions are ones you definitely won’t want to miss, namely Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania.
Alien Swirling Saucers
Twirl around Toy Story Land in your very own spaceship on Alien Swirling Saucers. Inspired by the green aliens and The Claw from Toy Story, this carnival-like attraction is a lot of fun, but it certainly isn’t a must-ride at Hollywood Studios.
With ride vehicles shaped like rocket ships piloted by one of the green aliens, the concept for Alien Swirling Saucers is certainly cute. However, it sort of feels like a more souped-up version of something you’d find at your local state fair. That isn’t to say that Alien Swirling Saucers isn’t a lot of fun because it is. That said, there are certainly better ways that you could spend your precious time.
Height Requirement: At least 32 inches (81cm) tall
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story characters like Woody, Rex and Mr. Potato Head take center stage in Toy Story Mania!, an interactive shooting gallery-style dark ride. Disney World’s original Toy Story ride, Toy Story Mania takes guests on a lively virtual voyage through the realm of Andy’s lovable playthings. With charming scenes inspired by classic carnival games and the added challenge of trying to beat everyone else in your ride vehicle, you’re sure to find yourself laughing out loud as you shoot the many digital targets.
Toy Story Mania begins with guests entering a giant recreation of Andy’s bedroom filled with toys and games that are sure to send waves of nostalgia through all of the adults in line. Then, it’s time to let the competition begin. With challenges like ring tosses, balloon pops and other midway games, your goal is to score as many points as possible. Don’t be surprised if your arm is sore by the end of it!
Unlike the original Toy Story Mania, the current iteration now touts three tracks. This means that the line tends to move pretty quickly, a stark contrast to the brutal traffic jams of the past. Still, we think it’s definitely worth the wait.
Height Requirement: N/A
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
Slinky Dog Dash
Jump in the coils of Slinky Dog and get ready for one heckuva fun ride through Andy’s backyard on Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly roller coaster dreamt up by none other than Andy himself. You’ll also see a few different characters from Toy Story during this Hollywood Studios attraction, like Jessie, Rex and even Wheezy the Penguin.
One of the best Hollywood Studios rides and a pretty awesome roller coaster in its own right, Slinky Dog Dash features two launch points (the only Disney roller coaster to do so) and a top speed of up to 40 miles per hour. So, while it can’t compare to the pulse-racing excitement of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster over on Sunset Boulevard, Slinky Dog Dash should still satisfy that need for speed for any adrenaline junkie.
On top of that, Slinky Dog Dash is a rather unique Toy Story Land type of attraction compared to similarly themed areas at other Disney Parks around the world. In fact, you’ll only find this zippy yet approachable thrill ride right here at Hollywood Studios. As a result, Disney Genie+ access tends to fill up pretty fast for Slinky Dog Dash. So, be sure to be on the My Disney Experience app bright and early if you want to snag a spot.
Height Requirement: At least 38 inches (97cm) tall
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
Sunset Boulevard
Last, but certainly not least, is Sunset Boulevard. Home to two of the best rides at Hollywood Studios, if not two of the best rides in all of Walt Disney World, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, Sunset Boulevard is one part of this Disney theme park that should be one everyone’s to-do list.
On your way over, take a detour to learn the history of how this and other Disney Parks came to be at Walt Disney Presents in Animation Courtyard, a fascinating exhibit about the visionary creator himself. Then, continue making your way over to Sunset Boulevard. (Wave goodbye to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid, too, as you stroll past.)
Once you get there, you may also want to experience Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Perfect for younger fans of Cars, this tech-heavy show is a nice distraction and a great place to rest for a bit before the excitement of these next thrill rides. Finally, once you’ve finished screaming your lungs out, end your Hollywood Studios day with a showing of Fantasmic, our pick for the best nighttime spectacular Disney World has to offer. Starring Mickey Mouse in an epic battle against a gang of Disney villains, it’s an exhilarating love story to the magic of Disney films and music.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Climb aboard a super-stretch limo and get ready to rock with one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most iconic bands on Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. Located at the end of Sunset Boulevard, this high-speed thrill ride takes guests on a thrilling journey through the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles with the hopes of making it to the band’s concert on time.
This thrill ride begins with the face-melting launch, which propels riders from 0 to 57 miles in less than 3 seconds—all set to a rocking Aerosmith soundtrack. Add in multiple inversions and surprise drops through considerable darkness, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is easily the most intense Disney roller coaster there is. If you’re not sure if your child (or you, for that matter) is ready for it, we highly recommend you check out a ride-through attraction video to get a feel for the experience.
One of Hollywood Studios’ best rides (and the rest of Walt Disney World, too), Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster can get very busy during the day. So, consider using Disney Genie+ to skip the line or try to save it for the evening when the wait times are usually more reasonable.
Height Requirement: At least 48 inches (122cm) tall
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Right next door to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is another can’t-miss thrill ride: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. If you’re searching for an experience that is sure to get your heart pounding, you have definitely come to the right place. This drop tower-style ride is set in The Hollywood Tower Hotel, a spiderweb-bedecked shell of its once-grand self.
The wild ride begins the moment guests enter an old freight elevator bound for the 13th floor. Somewhere along the way, however, they enter The Twilight Zone, where spirits and other spooky sights beckon. The real fun begins when you reach the drop tower, which gazes out over Sunset Boulevard and the rest of Disney’s Hollywood Studios beyond. Drop sequences for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror are completely randomized, so you’ll never know when your next freefall will come or even how many you’ll get. As if that weren’t enough excitement for one ride, Tower of Terror kicks things up a notch with special effects like flashes of lightning and eerie music, which all add to the decidedly creepy ambiance.
Like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is also incredibly popular and, as a result, can draw some pretty big crowds. If this attraction is a must for you (and it definitely should be), consider experiencing it with Disney Genie+ or riding either early in the morning or closer to park close.
Height Requirement: At least 40 inches (102cm) tall
Lightning Lane Access: Disney Genie+
Well, Disney Parks fans, that’s a wrap on our list of the best Hollywood Studios rides. Hopefully, we’ve helped you figure out your bucket list for your next Walt Disney World vacation. What do you think is the best ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Tower of Terror? Rise of the Resistance? Let us know in the comments!
Wondering about the top rides at the other Disney Parks? Check out our guides for Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Then, find out how you can make your Disney World travel budget stretch with our discount Disney tickets.
