Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Published 2022/10/30

Hollywood Studios is a Disney-owned theme park in Orlando, Florida.

You can find Hollywood Studios near Bay Lake.

The park was first opened in 1989 and was previously known as the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park.

Hollywood Studios is a popular tourist destination in Florida.

According to the Global Attractions Attendance Report, 11,483,000 visited the theme park in 2018.

The theme park features a wide variety of rides, live-action shows, and dining options.

Find out where to start with this list of the 15 best things to do in Hollywood Studios, FL.

Speed Through Space at Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Exterior of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Univaded Fox, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run immerses park guests in a highly interactive smuggling operation of the Star Wars variety.

This ride can be found in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

This Star Wars-themed attraction allows fans to live their dreams of flying in the iconic Millennium Falcon.

Entrance to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

elisfkc from Orlando, FL, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll have the chance to ride in the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon, the ship Han Solo and his partner Chewbacca fly.

Fulfill your role of being either the repairman, turret operator or the pilot to succeed in the smuggling mission.

If you love the high-speed chases involving the Millenium Falcon in the movies, come try this ride at Galaxy’s Edge.

Structure of Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

elisfkc from Orlando, FL, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Brace Yourself for the Drop at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Exterior of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Alexf, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is one of the top attractions in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

You can find the Tower of Terror on Sunset Boulevard.

The ride is based on the Twilight Zone, an iconic TV series that permeated popular culture in the mid-20th century.

Brace yourself for a steep drop as you enter an elevator that slowly rises to frightening heights.

While the elevator slowly rises, you get the chance to listen to narration done by Rod Serling, host of the Twilight Zone.

Once you reach the top, prepare for a swift and exhilarating drop as the elevator goes down at head-reeling speed.

The ride is especially thrilling with its dark corridors and Halloween-themed decor.

Line up for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror if you are looking to overcome your fear of heights.

Hang Out with Woody and Buzz at Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania is a fan-favorite attraction for people who grew up watching the Toy Story movies.

Go check it out at Toy Story Land.

Toy Story Mania is an interactive 4D shooting-style game where you can interact with your favorite Toy Story characters like Woody and Buzz Lightyear.

The attraction starts in Andy’s room, where you can play Toy Story-themed games. Capture some aliens Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Towers and practice your aim at the Green Army Men Shoot Camp. Point your darts at the targets at Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery.

Once you are done playing, the staff then hands you a pair of 3D glasses and a spring action shooter to partake in a competitive shooting arena.

Head towards Toy Story Mania if you are a fan of the Toy Story franchise or if you’d like to engage in some fun competition with your friends and family.

Make Your Head Bang at Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Guitar sculpture at Rock n Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

mekarabeam, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Rock n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is an attraction that will certainly make your head bang.

You can line up for this roller coaster at Sunset Boulevard.

This attraction is made memorable by its rock n’ roll theme. The roller coaster cart evokes an image of a luxurious limousine reserved for rockstars.

The limo is fitted with a speaker system that plays the popular tracks of Aerosmith while you go through the rails of the roller coaster. Fans of Aerosmith will recognize classics like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Back in the Saddle,” and “Sweet Emotion.”

Head toward Sunset Boulevard to experience this unique rock n’ roll-themed roller coaster ride.

Teleport into the Star Wars Universe at Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Entrance to Star Tours - The Adventures Continue

Jedi94 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is a Star Wars-themed ride in Hollywood Studios.

Star Tours is situated at Echo Lake.

In this attraction, guests board the Starspeeder 1000 with Star Wars fan favorite C-3PO at the helm.

The fun begins when enemy forces threaten to board the ship. This attraction simulates a high-speed chase through space using 3D effects and audio-animatronic fixtures of iconic Star Wars characters like Yoda and Princess Leia.

If you are a huge fan of Star Wars, this attraction is a must-visit in Hollywood Studios.

Fight the First Order at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an attraction for fans of the new era of Disney Star Wars movies.

You can find the ride at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

The ride features the Resistance, the new rebel army fighting the tyrannical First Order.

You’ll be recruited into the resistance to fight against the First Order in a forest by the Black Spire Outpost.

The ride features iconic characters like the adorable BB-8 and the menacing Kylo Ren.

Check out this attraction to be immersed in the Disney Star Wars Universe.

Race Through Andy’s Backyard at Slinky Dog Dash

People riding the Slinky Dog Dash

Freddo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster located in Hollywood Studios.

You can find this attraction at Toy Story Land.

In this ride, park visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the world of Toy Story as they go for a tour of Andy’s backyard.

You’ll be strapped onto a cart made to look like Slinky Dog, one of Andy’s Toys that doubled as both a wooden toy dachshund and a springy slinky.

View of the colorful Slinky Dog Dash

elisfkc from Orlando, FL, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The roller coaster will take you on a speedy ride through the yard, where Slinky Dog’s springs will stretch around due to the many twists and turns you’ll encounter. Keep an eye out for the many toys and other Toy Story easter eggs you will pass through.

Make a trip to Slinky Dog Dash if you are on the hunt for a roller coaster that the whole family can enjoy.

Hang Out With Mickey Mouse and His Friends at Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway

Exterior of Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway

Jedi94 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway is a train attraction for fans of classic Mickey Mouse cartoons.

You can find this ride on Hollywood Boulevard.

The Mickey and Minnie Runaway Railway is famous for being the first attraction that featured Mickey Mouse and his accompanying characters from his cartoon.

The ride is recommended for all ages as it takes park visitors on a relaxing train ride toward a picnic.

While on the railway, you’ll have exciting encounters with Mickey Mouse characters and unexpected twists along the way.

Check out this attraction for a family-friendly ride with Mickey.

Go on a High-Speed Race at Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy is a ride that features the main character from the Cars movie franchise.

You can find this attraction at Sunset Boulevard.

This attraction immerses you in the world of Lightning McQueen and Cars.

Strap into their racing simulator, where Lightning McQueen will teach you all the tricks he learned from his stay at Radiator Springs.

Hang out with iconic characters like Tow Mater and Luigi in this high-speed racing simulation.

Grab a Snack While Watching Movies at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Club sandwich at Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant

Rick Pilot, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant is a unique dining location in Hollywood Studios.

You can visit this spot in Commissary Lane.

The restaurant is designed in a 50s-style motif, with snippets of your favorite sci-fi movies playing from their drive-in theater.

You can either dine in their car-shaped booths or sit at the tables at their drive-in theater.

The restaurant is known for serving American diner food like burgers, turkey sandwiches, and their famous buffalo chicken salad.

Adult guests have the option to order from their menu of alcoholic beverages. Try their Long Island Lunar Tea and their Habanero Lime Martian Margarita.

Schedule a meal at the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant for an authentic diner experience with a hint of science fiction.

Go on a Ride With Aliens at Alien Swirling Saucers

Entrance to the Alien Swirling Saucers

elisfkc from Orlando, FL, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Alien Swirling Saucers is a Toy Story-themed attraction at Hollywood Studios.

You can find the ride at Toy Story Land.

In this ride, you’ll be accompanied by the comedic trio of aliens from the Toy Story franchise.

View of the rides in Alien Swirling Saucers

elisfkc from Orlando, FL, United States, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

This attraction lets you ride on the ships piloted by the aliens from Toy Story. You’ll be taken on an outer space adventure with thrilling sci-fi music playing in the atmosphere.

Park visitors of all ages are welcome to try this attraction.

Visit this ride for a family-friendly ride with the cutest characters from Toy Story.

Learn More about Disney’s History at Wonderful World of Animation

The Wonderful World of Animation is a collection of Disney animated films in Hollywood Studios.

The Wonderful World of Animation is situated at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

In this entertainment segment, you’ll witness an old-school projection show showcasing the animation evolution that Disney and Pixar went through.

The show features the 90-year-old history of Disney when it comes to animation. You’ll see classics ranging from Sleeping Beauty to more modern movies like The Incredibles and Coco.

The show begins with the iconic Mickey Mouse, and it comes full circle when it ends with another animation showing how Mickey Mouse has changed through Disney’s 90-year-long history.

Relive the Magic at Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Belle and the Beast actors at Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

Trad361991 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is a show you need to see if it’s your first time at Hollywood Studios.

You can see the show at Sunset Boulevard.

Fans of the classical Beauty and the Beast animated movie can experience its magical story once again in a live-action theater performance.

Musical number at Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

Thomas Radzak, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Experience the romance of Belle and the Beast with authentic stage performances, well-designed props, and remastered tracks of the iconic songs featured in the animated movie.

Book tickets to this show if you are a fan of the original Beauty and the Beast.

Laugh With Kermit at Muppet Vision 3D

Exterior of Muppet Vision 3D

Jedi94 at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Muppet Vision 3D is an attraction in Hollywood Studios that is based on The Muppet Show

You can visit Muppet Vision 3D at Grand Avenue.

Muppet Vision 3D is a show that features puppets created by Jim Henson.

This live-action show will surely make you laugh with performances by Kermit and the rest of the Muppet crew.

The show takes place in a one-to-one replica of the Muppet Theater from The Muppet Show.

Muppet Vision 3D utilizes 3D to make the show interactive with its comedic bits and musical numbers.

Make some time for Muppet Vision 3D to get a good laugh while at Hollywood Studios.

Get Some Insight Into Stunt Performances at Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Action on the set of Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

The original uploader was Cybjorg at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular would be a must-see if you grew up watching the Indiana Jones movie franchise.

The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is situated in Echo Lake.

In this show, you’ll witness Indiana Jones and his partner Marion perform stunts and acrobatics.

During the show, you’ll find out the movie magic behind how the film’s crew filmed and performed the stunts and special effects for the Indiana Jones movies during the show.

Relive classic scenes from Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Temple of Doom, and The Last Crusade.

Make your way to Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular if you’re interested in getting insight into how the stunts in the movies were filmed.

Final Thoughts

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is the theme park for exciting attractions, memorable shows, and unique dining options.

Hollywood Studios highlights Disney’s accomplishments in the field of animation and features many live-action shows with your favorite Disney characters.

You’ll be delighted to find many dining options in Hollywood Studios with their quirks and unique offerings.

Of course, you can’t miss out on the many rides and attractions in the theme park. There are rides for everyone: from relaxing railway rides to exhilarating roller coasters that will make your heart pump.

There is a lot to do in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but consider this list a guide to where to start with the essentials. See you there!

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