Walt Disney World Resort

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios_® is the park where movies, shows, and stories come to life. It has the best mix of thrill rides and live entertainment at Walt Disney World_® Resort. Fly the Millennium Falcon, watch villains take the stage, and ride a coaster that launches to 57 mph.

Six areas make up the park:

• Hollywood Boulevard
• Sunset Boulevard
• Echo Lake
• Animation Courtyard (currently being reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios)
• Toy Story Land
• Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge_®

The last two are fully immersive worlds you walk into, and they draw the biggest crowds. You can fill a full day here, and most families do.

The lands

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is smaller than Magic Kingdom_® Park, but the attractions hit harder. The rides are longer, the theming is deeper, and the shows are some of the best on property.

Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is the main entrance to the park. It is lined with shops and leads straight to a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre.

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. A dark ride inside the Chinese Theatre. You step into a Mickey Mouse cartoon and ride through scene after scene of colorful, chaotic fun. There is no height requirement, and the ride works for all ages — toddlers to grandparents. It is one of the best all-family rides at Walt Disney World Resort.
• Mickey Shorts Theater. Animated shorts in a small air-conditioned theater next door. It is a good quick stop while you are in the area.

Sunset Boulevard

Sunset Boulevard branches off from Hollywood Boulevard and leads to two of the park’s biggest thrill rides.

• The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. A drop ride inside a paranormal hotel. You ride a service elevator that plunges multiple times in random sequences. The theming is detailed and atmospheric — the lobby, the hallway, the pre-show all build tension before you drop. 40-inch height requirement.

• Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. An indoor coaster that launches from 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds. It has inversions, loud music, and flashing lights. This is the most intense coaster at Walt Disney World Resort. 48-inch height requirement. The last day to ride the Aerosmith version is March 1, 2026. It reopens in summer 2026 as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets featuring The Electric Mayhem — same coaster, new theme.

• Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage. An open-air theater show on Sunset Boulevard. It runs multiple times daily and retells the story with songs, costumes, and stage effects. It is a good sit-down break in the shade.

• Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After. A newer stage show on Sunset Boulevard. Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and other villains take the stage in a funny, theatrical performance. It runs frequently throughout the day and is a hit with older kids and adults.

Echo Lake

Echo Lake is a smaller area centered on a lagoon. The shows here are among the best in the park.

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! A live-action stunt show with explosions, fight scenes, and audience volunteers. It runs several times daily in a large covered amphitheater. The stunts are impressive, and the behind-the-scenes explanations make it fun for all ages.
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration. Live singers, movie clips, and audience sing-alongs retell the Frozen story. Two comedic “Royal Historians of Arendelle” host the show. Kids love it. The theater is air-conditioned and the show runs frequently throughout the day.
• Star Tours—The Adventures Continue. A motion simulator ride set in the Star Wars universe. Each ride randomizes the destinations and characters you encounter, so you get a different experience every time. 40-inch height requirement.

Animation Courtyard

Animation Courtyard is in the middle of a major transformation. Disney Junior Play & Dance! and Star Wars Launch Bay are permanently closed. The area is being reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios. The centerpiece is The Magic of Disney Animation — a large-scale immersive experience opening in late summer 2026. New additions also include an indoor playground and a Learn to Draw experience hosted by an Olaf Audio-Animatronics figure. Character meet-and-greets and Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! round out the lineup.

Two experiences remain open during construction:

• Walt Disney Presents. A walk-through exhibit about Walt Disney’s life and career. It also hosts character meet-and-greets — check the My Disney Experience app for who is meeting that day.
• The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure. A stage show with live performers, puppetry, and special effects. It retells Ariel’s story in a Broadway-style production. The show runs frequently and is one of the better sit-down entertainment options in the park.

Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land shrinks you down to the size of a toy in Andy’s backyard. The land itself is the attraction — oversized building blocks, game pieces, and Toy Story characters surround you.

• Slinky Dog Dash. A family coaster that loops and dips through Andy’s backyard. The ride is smooth, fun, and not too intense — most kids 38 inches and taller can ride. It is one of the most popular attractions in the park, with long waits all day.
• Alien Swirling Saucers. A spinning ride themed to the Little Green Men from Toy Story. It is gentle enough for young kids and short enough that waits move fast.
• Toy Story Mania! An interactive 3D ride where you shoot at targets and rack up a score. It is competitive, replayable, and fun for every age. Waits are moderate — shorter than Slinky Dog Dash but still steady.
• Roundup Rodeo BBQ. The table service restaurant in Toy Story Land. You dine inside one of Andy’s playsets surrounded by Toy Story characters and props. The food is served family-style — platters of smoked meats, cornbread, and sides for the table. Dining reservations are recommended.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the most immersive land at Walt Disney World Resort. You are in the village of Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu. Cast Members stay in character, the architecture looks alien, and even the food and drink have Star Wars names.

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. One of the most advanced theme park rides ever built. You join the Resistance on a mission that uses a walk-through pre-show, a trackless ride vehicle, and multiple ride systems. It is long, detailed, and intense — a must-do for most visitors. 40-inch height requirement.
• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. You pilot the Millennium Falcon on a smuggling mission. Six riders sit in the cockpit — two pilots, two gunners, and two engineers. Pilots control the ship. The experience changes based on your role and how well the crew performs. 38-inch height requirement. A new Mandalorian-themed mission featuring Din Djarin and Grogu launches May 22, 2026.

Beyond the rides, the land has interactive experiences worth exploring:

• Savi’s Workshop—Handbuilt Lightsabers. A guided experience where you build your own lightsaber. It is theatrical, immersive, and emotional — many adults get choked up. Reservations are required and spots fill up fast.
• Droid Depot. Build your own R2-series or BB-series droid from parts on a conveyor belt. The droid interacts with elements around the land after you build it.
• Oga’s Cantina. A bar-style lounge with a DJ droid, themed cocktails (and non-alcoholic options), and a lively atmosphere. Reservations are strongly recommended — walk-up availability is limited.

How to plan your day

A full day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios starts with the headliner rides and ends with FANTASMIC! Here is how to structure it.

Start with the headliners

The three rides with the longest waits are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. Getting to one or two of these early saves significant time.

If you have Early Theme Park Entry, head straight to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for Rise of the Resistance. It is the hardest ride to get on later in the day. Once you finish, walk to Toy Story Land for Slinky Dog Dash before the standby line builds.

If you do not have Early Theme Park Entry, arrive at least 45 minutes before the park opens. Once the gates open, choose either Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash — whichever matters more to your family.

Build around the shows

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has more live shows than any other park at Walt Disney World Resort. Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes and map out which ones you want to see. Then fill the gaps between shows with rides.

Key shows and their typical run times:

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! — 30 minutes, several shows daily
• For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration — 30 minutes, runs frequently
• Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage — 25 minutes, multiple daily shows
• Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After — 20 minutes, runs frequently
• The Little Mermaid—A Musical Adventure — 17 minutes, runs frequently
• FANTASMIC! — 30 minutes, evening

Use Lightning Lane for the midday rush

Standby lines peak between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. Lightning Lane Multi Pass helps you skip the worst of it. Disney’s Hollywood Studios uses a tier system:

• Tier 1. Choose one. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, Slinky Dog Dash
• Tier 2. Choose two. Options include Alien Swirling Saucers, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Star Tours, Indiana Jones, Toy Story Mania!, and select shows.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is only available as a Lightning Lane Single Pass — it is not included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

Book your Lightning Lane Multi Pass as early as your window allows. Disney Resort hotel guests can book seven days before arrival at 7:00 AM Eastern. All other guests book three days before their park visit.

Take a midday break

The afternoon heat and crowds peak at the same time. If your resort is nearby, a pool break or nap between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM recharges the whole family. Come back for the evening shows and shorter lines.

If you stay in the park, watch a show during this window. The air-conditioned theaters are the best place to be when it is hot outside. Grab a meal, catch a performance, and save the outdoor rides for the cooler evening hours.

Stay for Fantasmic!

FANTASMIC! is a nighttime spectacular on the lagoon near Sunset Boulevard. Mickey Mouse battles Disney villains in a show that combines fire, water, lasers, projections, and live performers. It is one of the best nighttime shows at Walt Disney World Resort.

The show typically runs once per evening on most nights, with a second showing added on busy dates. Arrive 30-45 minutes early for a seat — the amphitheater is large but fills up. Seats in the center offer the best view.

On some nights the park closes right after FANTASMIC! and Cast Members direct everyone toward the exit. On nights when the park stays open later, ride lines drop to some of the shortest waits of the day — a good window to re-ride favorites. Check the park hours for your date so you know what to expect.

Dining at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has solid dining across the park. Options range from quick service counters to themed table service restaurants. Mobile ordering through the My Disney Experience app saves time at quick service locations.

Quick service favorites

• Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo. In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, serving “galactic” takes on familiar comfort food. The theming is fun and the portions are generous. One of the better quick service spots on property.
• Woody’s Lunch Box. In Toy Story Land, serving sandwiches, totchos (tater tot nachos), and lunch box tarts. It is small with limited shade, so expect a line during peak hours.
• Backlot Express. Near Star Tours—The Adventures Continue, serving burgers, chicken, and salads. It has a large indoor seating area that is easy to miss — helpful on crowded days.
• ABC Commissary. Near Echo Lake, serving Asian and American dishes. The indoor seating is spacious and air-conditioned.
• Rosie’s All-American Café. On Sunset Boulevard, serving burgers and chicken nuggets. Quick and close to the thrill rides.

Table service restaurants

Table service dining reservations open 60 days before your visit, and the most popular spots fill up fast.

• The Hollywood Brown Derby. The signature restaurant of the park. Classic American fine dining with Cobb salad, steaks, and grapefruit cake. The theming is Golden Age Hollywood. One of the better table service meals at Walt Disney World Resort.
• 50’s Prime Time Café. Sit in a 1950s kitchen set while “Mom” tells you to finish your vegetables. The shtick is fun, the comfort food is hearty, and kids love the interactive experience.
• Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant. You eat in a car-shaped booth while watching clips from 1950s sci-fi movies on a big screen. The atmosphere is unique. The food is standard American fare.
• Hollywood & Vine. A character dining experience at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The character lineups change by season and meal. Book early — character meals fill up fast.
• Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Family-style barbecue in Toy Story Land. Platters of smoked meats, sides, and dessert for the table. The theming is excellent and kids love it. When “Andy’s coming!” rings out, everyone at the table freezes in place.

Lounge

• Oga’s Cantina. A lounge in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — not a full meal, but an experience. Themed cocktails (and non-alcoholic options), a DJ droid spinning the music, and a lively atmosphere. Reservations are strongly recommended and walk-up availability is limited.

Characters at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has character meet-and-greets spread across the park. The focus is on Star Wars, Pixar, and Disney Animation characters.

• Star Wars characters. In Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, characters like Chewbacca, Rey, and The Mandalorian roam the land and interact with guests. These are not scheduled meet-and-greets — they appear as part of the story around you.
• Disney characters. Red Carpet Dreams on Hollywood Boulevard offers classic character photo opportunities. Check the My Disney Experience app for who is meeting that day.
• Pixar characters. Meet characters from Toy Story, The Incredibles, and other Pixar films throughout the park. Edna Mode from The Incredibles has her own meet-and-greet at the Edna Mode Experience in Pixar Place.
• Olaf. The Frozen snowman has a dedicated meet spot at Celebrity Spotlight.

Character lineups change without notice. Always check the My Disney Experience app on the day of your visit for current times and locations.

Special events

Disney’s Hollywood Studios hosts separately ticketed special events throughout the year.

• Disney Jollywood Nights. A holiday celebration on select nights in November and December. Themed entertainment, holiday treats, character experiences, and lower crowds. A separate event ticket is required.
• Disney After Hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Select nights throughout the year. The park stays open late with very low crowds, shorter ride lines, and complimentary snacks and drinks. A separate event ticket is required.

If one of these events falls on your Disney’s Hollywood Studios park day, the park may close early to regular guests. Check the calendar before picking your park day to avoid a shortened visit — or buy a ticket to the event and enjoy both.

Tips for your visit

• Wear comfortable shoes. The park is smaller than Magic Kingdom Park, but you will still walk 15,000 or more steps between rides, shows, and meals.
• Bring a portable charger. Between the My Disney Experience app, photos, and wait time checks, your phone battery drains fast.
• Check showtimes first. Pull up the day’s show schedule in the My Disney Experience app before you start riding. Shows run on fixed schedules, and missing one means waiting for the next.
• Explore Galaxy’s Edge beyond the rides. The land has hidden details, interactive panels, and story elements you only find by wandering. Spend 20-30 minutes just walking through Black Spire Outpost.

Getting to the park

Disney Resort hotel guests can reach Disney’s Hollywood Studios by complimentary bus from every resort. The Disney Skyliner connects the park to four resorts: Disney’s Pop Century, Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, and Riviera.

FriendShip boats and walking paths also connect the park to Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Yacht Club Resort, and BoardWalk Inn.

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