Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando has gone through several iterations and changes over the years. Originally called Disney-MGM Studios, it was renamed Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008. Now, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers some of the best experiences at Walt Disney World and is definitely a must-visit.
When you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando, you’ll probably want at least one day, and maybe even two. There are so many immersive attractions, and it’s definitely the park for thrill-seekers. Here’s our guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including attractions, characters, shows, and restaurants.
I am a former member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel and have been on some complimentary press trips at Walt Disney World, but all opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. A purchase through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you.
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Family Guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios Orlando
Hollywood Studios Orlando Rides
Two of the newest lands at Walt Disney World are located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. These have quickly become two of the most popular areas of the park, as well as all of Walt Disney World Resort.
Toy Story Land
This land, based upon Andy’s backyard features one existing ride and two brand-new rides. While Toy Story is popular with younger kids, I think Toy Story Land is fun for everyone. There’s also a brand-new table service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ, serving BBQ family-style.
Toy Story Mania
This popular ride was expanded to include a new track adding even more capacity. In it, you can ride through a 4D arcade midway experience as you gather points while playing games. Compete with the other person in your vehicle, but you can also work together to unlock additional points. It’s one of my favorite attractions.
Alien Swirling Saucers
Based on the popular aliens in the Pizza Planet game, this ride spins around and across the ride platform. It’s similar to the Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree at Disneyland. Unlike the Tea Cup ride, these ride vehicles don’t spin in a circle.
Slinky Dog Dash
This mild roller coaster is arguably the most popular ride in Toy Story Land. It’s based upon the happy slinky dog character in the movies and is lots of fun. Getting Genie+ to Slinky Dog Dash is a good idea, or arrive early for the shortest standby lines. The queue is outdoors (although mostly covered) so you’ll want to ride when it’s not as hot.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance
This brand-new ride in Galaxy’s Edge is heralded as one of the most innovative and immersive rides ever. Regular Genie+ is not currently offered for this ride. Instead, you’ll need to purchase an individual lightning lane at an additional cost.
If you haven’t yet experienced this ride, it can be tough to describe. It’s part motion simulator, part dark ride, and part walk-through. There’s an entire storyline that you’ll follow as you go through the attraction. It takes about 15 minutes (excluding whatever time you wait in line), so be prepared.
Millennium Falcon Smuggler’s Run
Smuggler’s Run gives guests the opportunity to pilot the Millennium Falcon themselves. As you enter the pre-show area, you’ll be given a card with your role on the ride – either a pilot, gunner, or engineer.
Pilots drive the ship, gunners protect the ship, and engineers keep things running. The best “job” on the ship is definitely as a pilot, but you won’t have the chance to choose.
This ride offers a standby line, a Genie+ lightning lane line, and a single rider line. The single rider line may help you save time, but it isn’t a guarantee.
Other Rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
One of my all-time favorite rides at Walt Disney World is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Guests enter the hotel and watch a pre-show, that explains the backstory behind this attraction.
After the elevator doors close, you’ll be transported to the tower portion of the ride. Then, this haunted elevator will plunge and fly right back up, in random patterns. I absolutely love the Tower of Terror – from the theming to the ride experience.
Rock N Roller Coaster
The Rock N Roller Coaster is another of my favorites. This Disney World thrill ride is the only ride in the four parks that goes upside down.
There’s a regular, standby line, a Genie+ lightning lane line, and a single rider line. I usually try to do the single rider line early in the day if I don’t have Genie+. Keep in mind that the Rock N Roller Coaster is currently closed for refurbishment. It should be returning sometime in the summer 2024.
Star Tours the Adventure Continues
The original Star Wars ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is located outside of Galaxy’s Edge. This ride, a 3D motion simulator, takes you through a Star Wars adventure where you can see some of your favorite characters.
Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge isn’t the only new addition to the theme park. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the newest ride and opened in the former location of the Great Movie Ride.
In this fun ride, based on the new Mickey Mouse cartoon shorts, you’ll board Goofy’s train through an unpredictable ride through the world of Mickey. It’s adventurous but not scary and is a fun addition to the park.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Shows
Muppet Vision 3D
I love this 3D movie that features the beloved Muppets. During the 15-minute show, you’ll see your favorite characters perform, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie.
It’s a fun show, but it’s also a great way to take a break from the sun. We always enjoy resting while watching this entertaining movie.
Disney Junior Play and Dance?!
Originally Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage!, this stage show in the Animation Courtyard is a must-visit for any families visiting with little ones.
The show runs on a set schedule. You’ll want to get in line early enough to ensure that you make it into the theater and get good seats.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Interested to see how stunts bring movies to life? This 30-minute show runs on a schedule throughout the day. During the show, you’ll see various stunts performed by “Indiana Jones”.
This isn’t something that we do on every trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but it is a fun show to watch. It’s also a great opportunity to sit down for a while.
Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
Fans of Beauty and the Beast will want to check out this stage show. It’s based on the beloved Disney movie and runs on a schedule several times per day. Genie+ is offered for guaranteed seating.
Be sure to line up early so that you can make sure you get a good seat. Daily showtimes for Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage will be listed in the My Disney Experience app. It may be canceled in bad weather.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Has Frozen fever hit your house (again)? Check out this sing-along show featuring popular music from Disney’s Frozen. Genie+ is offered for the shows that run throughout the day.
It includes segments of the movie playing out with live characters. Follow the lyrics and sing along to your favorite music.
Fantasmic!
One of the most popular shows at Disney World is Fantasmic!, which runs in the evenings in a dedicated theater at Hollywood Studios. Fantasmic! is about 30 minutes, and includes popular characters from many of your favorite movies.
It takes place in an amphitheater and is very popular. Guests should consider booking a dedicated Fantasmic! dining package, or will need to get in line early to ensure seating.
Check the app for Fantasmic! showtimes, keeping in mind that weather conditions can sometimes cause the show to be canceled.
Characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In addition to the shows and rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there is also the opportunity to see some of your favorite Disney, Pixar, and Disney Junior characters.
Character greetings are always subject to change, but may include the following:
- Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, and Woody (in Toy Story Land)
- Olaf
- Minnie and Mickey
- Chewbacca, BB8, and Darth Vader
- Edna Mode
- Disney Junior characters: (in the Animation Courtyard)
Check the Times Guide in the park, or the app to get information on what characters are in the park during your visit.
Genie+ at Hollywood Studios
Genie+ is especially helpful at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, especially if you enjoy thrill rides. There are so many great ride options, including new and popular rides.
Hollywood Studios Orlando Restaurants
With so many great rides and shows, you are likely to work up an appetite. Luckily, there are a variety of restaurants, quick service counters, and snack carts throughout Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Brown Derby
One of my favorite restaurants at all Walt Disney World is the Hollywood Brown Derby. It’s a signature restaurant, so it’s a bit more upscale. It offers a menu full of delicious food, although my favorite is the famous Cobb salad.
Hollywood and Vine
This casual diner offers a character dining buffet for breakfast. Featuring popular Disney Junior characters, this can definitely be a memorable experience for younger kids.
On select occasions, there’s also a character meal featuring Minnie and Friends. This restaurant also offers the Fantasmic! dining package.
50’s Prime Time Cafe
Go back in time to the ’50s at the diner offering comfort food specialties. It’s open for both lunch and dinner.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
One of the most unique dining experiences at the theme parks is at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. Here, you may be seated in a booth shaped like a car (or a more standard table) while movie scenes play on the big screen. The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano
Have a craving for Italian food? Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano offers delicious Italian food in a casual atmosphere. It’s open for lunch and dinner and offers the Fantasmic! Dining Package.
BaseLine Tap House
This new lounge offers small plates as well as a drink menu. Specialties include California wines and beers.
Oga’s Cantina
Located in Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge, Oga’s Cantina is a lively bar that offers unique alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There’s only one snack on the menu so you’ll definitely want to eat somewhere else before or after visiting Oga’s.
In addition to these table service restaurants, there are also several quick-service restaurants and snack/beverage stands at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Our favorites are PizzeRizzo and the Sunset Ranch Market, which is more of a food court with central seating.
Transportation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Getting to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is fairly easy, depending on where you are staying.
Friendship boats travel from Epcot, the Yacht and Beach Clubs, the Boardwalk, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts. It’s also possible to walk from these resorts to the theme park.
Bus service is offered from the other resorts, including the All-Star Resorts, Coronado Springs, the monorail resorts, and the Port Orleans Resorts (among others).
The Skyliner has a station right outside the front gates of Hollywood Studios. This new mode of transportation brings guests from Disney’s Riviera Resort, Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and EPCOT.
Hotels for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
All of the on-property Walt Disney World resorts offer transportation to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so they are all fairly convenient. However, if you’d like to walk to the theme park, your options are the Yacht and Beach Club, the Boardwalk Inn, and the Swan and Dolphin Resorts.
Here are some other hotel and lodging options.
