Everyone’s Hollywood Studios Ultimate Guide

Hollywood Studios is probably our second favorite park at Disney World (Epcot still holds my heart as number one). With the thrills of feeling like we are immersed in a movie, it’s hard to top the thrill of standing in front of a stormtrooper at Rise of the Resistance, or feeling smaller-than-life in Roundup Rodeo.

If you want to feel like you are inside a Disney film, well, welcome to Hollywood Studios!

Overview of Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios opened on May 1, 1989, and was initially named Disney-MGM Studios. The goal of the park was to give guests a glimpse into what it was like to work on a movie set. They even filmed the Mickey Mouse Club (featuring Brittney Spears and Justin Timberlake, to name a few) on site!

As time went on, Disney recognized that its guests liked the immersive experience of the park and decided to shift the park’s focus from “how movies are made” to “being in the movies”- so they made the name change in 2008. This shift led to the closure of the Backlot Tour and other production-focused experiences, paving the way for new places such as Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Planning Your Trip

Rope Drop, Lightning Lane, and More

You need to book these items 7 days in advance of your stay, up to 14 days in advance of your stay if you’re a Disney resort guest, or 3 days in advance of your Hollywood Studios park visit for all other guests.

I recommend rope dropping the Tower of Terror because it’s relatively easy to get to in the park and you can pick your route from there. Plus, who doesn’t love a stomach-plunging drop first thing in the morning?!

You should also consider getting Lightning Lane passes for Slinky Dog Dash, as it typically has a longer wait line.

Hollywood Studios Park Hours

Hours for Hollywood Studios typically run from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but during busier periods, they may extend to 8:30 AM- 9:30 PM.

This is one reason it’s so helpful to download the My Disney World app – you can see opening and closing times, as well as wait times for any of the rides you want to conquer that day.

And remember, if you’re staying at a park hotel, you get a thirty-minute advantage. Additionally, you can rope drop, so being at the park an hour in advance is highly recommended.

Transportation to Hollywood Studios

Skyliner

This is our favorite way to get around. In 2023, we stayed at Disney’s Art of Animation and took the Skyliner as often as we could. We took it to Hollywood Studios but not back because the rain was crazy (we ended up getting a Lyft).

It’s fascinating to see the park as you “fly” by, and the overhead speaker system likes to give interesting facts, which adds to the excitement of being on another Disney ride.

Here are the pickup/drop-off locations for the Skyliner:

• Art of Animation Resort
• Pop Century Resort
• Caribbean Beach Resort (central hub)
• Riviera Resort
• EPCOT (via International Gateway)

Bus Transportation

The bus is used all over Disney resorts and are nothing worth sleeping on. I’ve met many interesting people inside this form of transportation. After all, you’re in the Disney bubble!

The buses run every 15-20 minutes and depart approximately 45 minutes before the park opens.

Friendship Boats

If you’re staying at one of the resorts around Crescent Lake, you can hop on a Friendship Boat to Hollywood Studios. This includes:

• Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
• Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
• Disney’s Beach Club Resort
• Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels

Geography of Hollywood Studios (with Attractions List)

Sunset Boulevard

The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

Oh yes, I went there. I am grateful that when I asked the girls who Aerosmith is they were able to tell me at least one song they sang- but they couldn’t tell me who the lead singer is (Steven Tyler, folks). My guess is the younger generations won’t even know their songs. So it’s time to revamp and what better way to do it than the muppets? This first ever muppets ride will take you to a wild rock-musical festival.

This does mean that Muppet*vision 3D has closed as well but this is to make way for a Monsters, Inc. area that will have Disney’s signature immersive touch.

Twilight Tower of Terror

I hate drop rides. I love rollercoasters, but the Superman (at Six Flags)? Count me out!

All that to say, Hollywood Studios Twilight Tower of Terror is one of my favorite rides at Disney World. I think the big change is that my feet remain on solid ground, rather than swinging aimlessly in the sky. There are also randomized fall-and-rise sequences, which they say add maximum suspense, but I say it is way better than a free-fall.

Nevaeh and I try to do something fun for the pictures here as well. It makes my heart happy and my stomach drop- what more can you ask for?

Food

Starbucks

I’m honestly not a big Joffery’s fan, so this is my go-to. Plus, they have items in here that you cannot find at other Starbucks. We’ve even used this location to escape the rain once.

Hollywood Boulevard- Grauman’s Theater

Mickey and Minnie’s runaway railway

I am quite impressed that we were one of the first groups of people to ride Disney’s first-ever ride-through attraction, which stars both Mickey and Minnie as a duo. It opened on March 4, 2020 and the park closed eleven days later. We rode the ride for the first time in December 2020.

Set in the replica of the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, it replaced the Great Movie Ride. Walking into the building, you see posters of Mickey shorts before seeing the on-screen preview. As for the ride story, Goofy unintentionally separates the train cars from the engine, and you’re whisked through wacky settings—from deserts and carnival twisters to underwater scenes—all while joining Mickey & Minnie on a rescue mission. And with multiple ride units seating 6–10 guests each and no height restriction, it’s friendly for all ages, including the littlest adventurers.

Shopping

Since this is the main hub into Hollywood Studios, there are lots of great places to shop, including:

• Sid Cahuenga’s One-of-a-Kind Antiques: This is where I buy my pins. It’s also an excellent place for pin trading, hosting special pin events, and offering seasonal items.
• Mickey’s of Hollywood and The Dark Room: Located next door to each other, they offer all the things you need for your Disney trip, including collectible pins, MagicBands, seasonal merch, park-exclusive items, and cell phone accessories.
• Celebrity 5 & 10: Looking for things for your house? Disney mugs or kitchen towels, perhaps? Then Celebrity 5 & 10 is the place to go.

Echo Lake

Indiana Jones Stunt Show

This was a must-do for Brandon when we went in 2023, and what we saw of it was pretty neat (the lightning forced them to shut it down early). The Indiana Jones stunt show brings Raiders of the Lost Ark to life and features thrilling chases, explosives, and lots of audience laughs.

It debuted in August 1989 and got refurbishments in 2000 and 2020. The show is about thirty minutes long and seats roughly 2,000 guests in a covered area. Given the crowd amount, it’s best to arrive early.

Commissary

This is where I stopped for my coffee in 2020 because it’s a perfect location if you are headed to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Even better, their specialty drink was one with a nod to Toy Story. Probably one of the best Joffery’s I’ve had (and, if you know me, that’s saying something because I’m not much of a Joffery’s plan)

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Starwars: Rise of the resistance

This immersive ride is a lengthy one, at eighteen minutes long, but definitely worth it. Part of what makes it so lengthy is that it is a multi-system dark ride combining trackless vehicles, walk‑through scenes, motion simulators, and a drop shaft, making it one of Disney’s most technologically advanced attractions ever

You begin in a Resistance outpost where Rey, Poe, Lieutenant Bek, and BB‑8 set the mission. Once inside, you board a First Order “transport” and get captured. The stormtroopers’ board vehicles dart through the ship.

Then you’re herded through interrogation with Kylo Ren and Hux. Finn arrives in disguise to spring at the group. Afterwards, your escape pod drops, but it’s small and brief (not like the Tower of Terror ride). Breanna, our resident non-rider, can ride this ride.

My biggest memory of this ride is that there are actual cast members who interact with you, and you get a great view of the Millennium Falcon.

Millennium Flacon: Smuggler’s run

This is a motion-simulator, interactive ride where you pilot the Millennium Falcon on a high-stakes smuggling mission. Six guests form a crew, each assigned to one of three unique jobs: two pilots, two gunners, and two engineers.

What makes it extra cool for the avid Star Wars fan is that it is housed aboard a life-sized Falcon in Black Spire Outpost, and the queue leads you through the ship’s hangar and engine bay.

The ride is four and a half minutes long, plus the pre-show (which, in true Disney fashion, is immersive). This is also a ride with no height limits, but you do need to watch out for those in your party who are prone to motion sickness. Maybe bring a bottle of Dramamine and take it about an hour before…. definitely talking from experience.

Shopping

Savi’s Workshop

Have you seen those TikTok videos where people are building light sabers? This is where you do it.

It might look like a dusty scrapyard in Black Spire Outpost, but that façade hides a secret shrine where legendary Gatherers — including Savi himself — lead you through the Force-based process. The full build takes around 20–30 minutes, and you can bring a guest observer (who can take your future famous TikTok lightsaber building video).

Expect to pay approximately $249.99 (plus tax) for your lightsaber, which includes a carrying case. Reservations are required, available up to 60 days in advance via My Disney Experience.

Food

Kat Saka’s Kettle

I think we went here because they had a special that Nevaeh wanted to try, and they definitely had a specialty coffee that we wanted to try. It’s the Cold Brew Black Caf- which comes with cold brew topped with sweet cream cheese and chocolate puffs. That said- it was Jofferys and… I wasn’t a fan. I’m soooorrryyy, y’all. I just don’t like it.

Oga’s Cantina

An adult beverage stop that we have yet to try- it’s on the list. Maybe summer 2026, Nevaeh?

Ronto Roasters

We ate here on our first trip to Hollywood Studios, and I believe Nevaeh went back again in 2023. The Ronto Wrap, which includes pork, sausage, peppercorn sauce, and slaw wrapped in a pita bread, was excellent, but the fan favorite, I think, was the Kyryll Pork Rinds. Brandon also ordered the Tatooine Sunset drink, which consists of unsweetened tea, lemonade, melon, and blueberry syrup. It was very good as well. All in all, we’ve enjoyed everything we’ve had at this quick meal stop.

Milk Stand

I am adding this area because it’s iconic. You can choose between blue and green “milk” (though both are non-dairy). The drinks are based on the blue milk Luke drank in A New Hope; however, both of my girls said the drinks tasted gross.

Toy Story Land

Alien swirling saucers

Having just gotten off the Millennium Falcon, our motion-sick Brandon let the girls ride this one on their own (while I nursed him). Similar to the tea cups in Magic Kingdom, this whip-style spinning ride features Pizza Planet Aliens towing your saucers across the galaxy. This is a lot of fun for kids ages 32″ and taller.

Slinky Dog Dash

Got a kid who’s afraid of rides? Me too. But Breanna likes this one!

This ride starts out giving you the feeling that you are a toy in Andy’s room. Once on the roller coaster, it launches you out, reaching 40 mph. While there are no inversions, it does include dips, hills, and gentler turns. The ride time is approximately two to three minutes, and your child must be at least 38 inches tall.

Toy Story mania!

This 4D interactive shooting gallery dark ride allows guests to shoot virtual targets in a carnival-style game hosted by ToyStory characters. This ride is a bit longer, taking around seven minutes, and is open to kids of all ages (no height requirement).

Food

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

This is another one that’s on my “want to do” list. Much like being at Slinky Dog Dash, you get the feeling you’re being shrunken into toy size with oversized cardboard facades, giant crayons, and more. Even the ceiling is plastered with game boards, comic strips, and playful puzzles! But, be careful, if you hear “Andy’s coming!” you must freeze mid-action.

*It is important to note that this is not a character meal. If that’s important to you, skip this one.*

This is a sit-down, all-you-care-to-enjoy family-style BBQ served on platters but personalized for your tastes. Adult pricing starts at $49, with children’s pricing at $27. Reservations are highly recommended, and the price is the same if you are eating there for lunch or dinner. Some food options include:

• For the main meal, choose either a platter with house-smoked meats (ribs, brisket, sausage, chicken) or a plant-based trio.
• You also select four sides from options like mac & cheese, loaded potato barrels, baked beans, corn, veggie slaw, fried pickles, and more.
• Desserts are individually chosen jars or cupcakes, boasting flavors like lemon-blueberry cheesecake, chocolate silk pie, apple pie, peach-strawberry pie, and the Instagram-worthy Forky cupcake.

Parades, Character Meet-ups, and More

Parades

I’m sorry- do you want to take forever to get back to your group because you’re stuck behind a cowboy and a crazy old lady? That’s exactly what happened to me the first time we visited Hollywood Studios!

I went to get a coffee and ended up stuck in a parade with Edna Mode and Woody. Nevaeh laughed so hard when I told her that.

Character Meet-and-Greets

Sometimes there are impromptu meetings. If you see a cast member directing small celebratory crowds, there is a good chance there is a character somewhere in the middle.

If you are looking for a specific character, it might be best to go to the area where they belong. For example, if your child desperately wants to meet Woody, Buzz, Joy, and Sulley, it’s best to hang around the Pixar Pals area at Pixar Plaza. Disney Junior characters can be found in Animation Courtyard, just off Sunset Boulevard.

Parades & Nighttime Spectaculars

Fantasmic! (Sunset Boulevard)

A nighttime highlight featuring water screens, fireworks, projection scenes, classic characters, Disney villains, and a show-stopping Maleficent dragon. It runs about 22–30 minutes and was upgraded in 2022 with new hero scenes from Moana, Aladdin, Frozen, and more.

Wonderful World of Animation (Hollywood Boulevard)

Before or after the park closes, catch this nighttime projection and fireworks tribute montage featuring beloved Pixar and Disney films—from Snow White to Zootopia—playing across the Chinese Theatre façade.

Wrapping Up Hollywood Studios

If you want to feel like you are a part of the show, then don’t hesitate to make Hollywood Studios one of your first parks to visit when traveling to Disney World. Who knows, I might even see you there!