Complete Guide to Hollywood Studios Rides

Are you heading to Hollywood Studios and want to know everything about the rides and attractions in the park? You have come to the right place! You will find a complete guide to all that Hollywood Studios rides have to offer. You will find the length of each ride, description, height requirements, when you should ride, and most importantly, should you ride.

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Animation Courtyard Rides

Star Wars Launch Bay

Height: Any Height | Duration: Varies | FastPass+: No | Ages: All
Star Wars Launch Bay is an area that lets guests interact with Star Wars characters, visit galleries full of memorabilia, shop for the latest Star Wars merchandise, and play interactive games. Currently there is a video teasing Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge that gives guests a view into the new land and what they can look forward to seeing.
When to ride: Since the attractions themselves vary by line, there isn’t necessarily one time to visit. You won’t have to wait long for the film, but depending on the Star Wars characters you want to meet, the lines can add up.
Should you ride: If anyone in your party is a Star Wars fan, this is worth your time to check out. It is mostly self paced so you don’t have to spend extra time here if you don’t want too. It helps get some Star Wars in before the land opens.

Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Height: Any Height | Duration: 17 minutes | FastPass+: Yes | Ages: All
The Voyage of The Little Mermaid is a show that has live performances, special effects, puppets, and more! It tells the extremely condensed version of The Little Mermaid, but keeps all of your favorite songs!
When to ride: It is a scheduled attraction, so the times vary, but the wait is usually only until the next show starts.
Should you ride: This is a fun show and a great place to cool off for a bit. Little kids will love the Under the Sea song, but some get scared by Ursula. It isn’t necessarily a must-do, but it isn’t a waste of time either.

Walt Disney Presents

Height: Any Height | Duration: Varies | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Walt Disney Presents is an attraction that a lot of people walk right by. Inside you will find essentially a mini museum of Walt Disney’s life. Models of the parks original layouts, concept art for upcoming expansions, and more! If you are a big Disney fan, this is pretty interesting. On most days, there are character greetings inside as well. There is a movie that shows, but it usually is replaced for sneak peaks of upcoming Disney movies.
When to ride: You can walk right in anytime!
Should you ride: I think this is something pretty special to Disney that is worth checking out over your trip. However, kids will most likely not see as much appeal as adults so the promise of meeting characters at the end usually helps.

Disney Junior Dance Party!

Height: Any Height | Duration: Varies | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: Kids
Disney Junior Dance Party! has been recently added to Hollywood Studios as of December 2018. The interactive dance party lets kids dance with characters of popular Disney Junior shows such as, Mickey and the Roadster Racers, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard, and Vampirina.
When to ride: Be sure to check My Disney Experience each day for the daily schedule. Arrive early if you want to sit closer to the stage. The majority of people will end up sitting on the floor, but there are benches in the back.
Should you ride: This is definitely aimed for children. If your kids are fans of any of the Disney Junior shows they will enjoy the chance to interact with their favorite characters.

Hollywood Boulevard

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Height: Any Height | Duration: Varies | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened in March of 2020 and absolutely lived up to the hype. You get immersed in the world of cartoons and fun. It’s a new inventive ride that is absolutely fun for the whole family!
When to ride: This is one you should try to hit early in the day and get in line when you enter the park. I highly recommend arriving at the park before it is supposed to open and try to rope drop this ride to avoid the lines. We were able to grab Lightning Lane shorty before the park closed as well before so keep an eye out!
Should you ride: I was one of the people who was very sad to see The Great Movie Ride go and wasn’t sure how I would feel about the newest addition. I absolutely loved this ride. It is fun for the entire family. It is everything you love about the Mickey Mouse shorts come to life in an attraction!

Echo Lake Rides

Star Tours

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 5 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Star Tours is a 3D flight simulator that brings the world of Star Wars to life. Each ride tells a different story, so if you can ride it more than once, definitely go! It now includes new adventures and characters from Star Wars: The Last Jedi!
When to ride: You don’t have to head here right after rope drop, but the line varies from walk on to a long wait seemingly randomly. If you are paying for Genie+, using Lightning Lane isn’t a terrible idea because of how much this line can fluctuate. Sometimes it’s a walk on, other times its over an hour. However, if you do have to wait, the queue inside is pretty cool!
Should you ride: Absolutely. Anyone who meets the height requirement and likes a little more of a thrill will be happy with this ride. The fact that each ride is different makes it fun to keep riding if your kid falls in love with the far far away galaxy.

Star Wars: Path of the Jedi

Height: Any | Duration: 14 Minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Star Wars: Path of the Jedi is a film that recaps Star Wars. It shows you some of the most memorable movie moments of the franchise and hints at what the future might hold for the Star Wars story.
When to ride: It is seasonal, so if you are interested in this make sure you check if it is in operation during your vacation.
Should you ride: Unless you really just need to take a break or want to recap Star Wars quickly, you can skip this.

For the First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Height: Any | Duration: 25 Minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
For the First Time In Forever is a sing-along of all your favorite Frozen songs. The show is hosted by historians from Arendelle who take you through the story of Frozen, complete with the music we all know and love.
When to ride: Using a Lightning Lane choice here is possible, however, if you show up 20 minutes before the next show you should be fine as well. They are scheduled times so double check your My Disney Experience! If you have smaller kids that can’t go on a lot of the rides in Hollywood Studios, using a Lightning Lane option here isn’t a bad idea.
Should you ride: I think this is geared more towards groups with children. Kids will enjoy the songs and the chance to see some of their favorite characters for a bit. While it is a fun show, I would suggest adults only trips skip this for another ride.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

Height: Any | Duration: 35 minutes| Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular gives you an exciting look about what it takes to make an active movie. Witness how they bring the movie magic to life and how they created some of the iconic scenes from the franchise. There is even a chance for adults to join in on the action and be an extra!
When to ride: These are timed shows so check My Disney Experience for showtimes. Arriving early increases your chance of getting a better seat selection.
Should you ride: I thoroughly enjoy this show. It is definitely a unique experience that kids and adults can enjoy. Some of the sound effects and action can be a bit loud so if you have really little ones, it might scare them a bit.

Grand Avenue Rides

Muppet*Vision 3D

Height: Any | Duration: 17 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Muppet*Vision 3D is a fun indoor 3D movie with everyone’s favorite Muppet characters. They are trying to put on a show when things seem to go very wrong.
When to ride: Occasionally this will open later than park open and close before the park closes, but besides that, you can do this whenever. The theater is fairly large and the only time you will typically wait is for the previous show to end.
Should you ride: Little kids will love the chaos the muppets create for themselves. Adults who love the franchise will enjoy seeing their favorite characters again. It is definitely more a time filler than a must-do attraction, but it is enjoyable if you want somewhere to escape the weather.

Sunset Boulevard Rides

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Want to drop into the Hollywood Tower Hotel? Take the elevator ride of your life up 13 stories. The elevator ride ends with a random sequence of up and down motions that is a favorite among thrill seekers.
When to ride: If you aren’t heading to Toy Story Land at rope drop, you should head here. Tower of Terror is a favorite in the park so you will usually have a bit of a wait if you don’t get use Lightning Lane.
Should you ride: Anyone who is tall enough and loves thrill rides should definitely check this out. If heights and sudden drops scare you, skip this ride.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Height: 48″ or taller | Duration: 1.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Walk this way to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster. You are on your way to an Aerosmith concert at high-speeds in a super stretch limo. The ride features the music of Aerosmith, blacklights, and a few flips. The limo launches off going from 0-60 mph in 2.8 seconds!
When to ride: Use Lightning Lane for this one or head there after rope drop. You use the single rider line to try and save time, but that isn’t always a guarantee you’ll ride any faster.
Should you ride: If you like super fast roller coasters and meet the height requirements, this is a must-do attraction!

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Height: Any | Duration: 30 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
This is a live on stage condensed performance of Beauty and the Beast. Featuring music and characters you loved from the original story, this show is a fun escape for the family.
When to ride: It is a scheduled show, so check My Disney Experience. Using Lightning Lane isn’t necessary usually, however if you want to pick your seats, arrive early.
Should you ride: This show isn’t as in depth or extravagant as the Broadway show, however, little princesses will hardly care. This is more a must-do for kids than adults, but some people like to grab some snacks or lunch and eat it during the show.

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy – Coming 1/18/19!

Height: Any | Duration: TBD | Lightning Lane: TBD | Ages: All
Coming soon to Hollywood Studios, you can learn what it takes to be a champion racer from Lightning McQueen himself! This attraction will feature a brand-new racing simulator complete with a wraparound screen.
When to ride: TBD
Should you ride: TBD

Toy Story Land Rides

Toy Story Mania!

Height: Any | Duration: 8 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Toy Story Mania might not be new, but it is now part of Toy Story Land. Bring carnival games to a new level with 3D glasses and your favorite Toy Story characters.
When to ride: Using Lightning Lane here will help, but not as important as some of the other options. The queue is indoors and is part of the Disney Play app, so if you have to wait for awhile, you can easily entertain kids.
Should you ride: Absolutely. The ride itself is great for all ages. I’m a big fan of any ride that is different each time you go on it. Personally, I would use Lightning Lane for this when given the option because it’s a favorite.

Slinky Dog Dash

Height: 38″ or taller | Duration: 2 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Slinky Dog Dash has quickly becme a favorite roller coaster in Disney World. The ride itself matches the intensity of Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Big Thuner over in Magic Kingdom, but is actually smoother.
When to ride: If you are lucky enough to get a Lightning Lane, get the Lightning Lane. This has the longest wait of any ride in Hollywood Studios. If you can’t get one, head to the parks before rope drop to get in line. If you are are okay waiting in lines, riding at night is highly recommended.
Should you ride: Anyone who is a fan of the other roller coasters in Disney will love this ride. I highly recommend trying to ride at night to see the park lit up. If you do ride during the day, you’ll get random behind-the-scenes views of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge!

Alien Swirling Saucers

Height: 32″ or taller | Duration: 1.5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Alien Swirling Saucers is a spin ride. Your favorite aliens take you on a journey around pizza planet as you spin around other spaceships.
When to ride: This ride usually has the shorter wait of all three Toy Story Land attractions. You’ll still want to hit it within an hour of rope drop, but head to the other two first.
Should you ride: I enjoy this ride, but kids will love this ride much more. I would recommend it to families, but I still think the other two are more unique.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Height: 38″ or taller | Duration: 5 minutes | Lightning Lane: Yes | Ages: All
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run lets you ride in the cockpit of everyone’s favorite ship. You will either be a pilot, gunner, or engineer. Every ride is different because each ride is interactive. The better you fly, the better you shoot, and the quicker you repair your ship, the longer the ride…typically. I do know if you try to crash the ship the entire time it will end the ride sooner.
When to ride: The line for this isn’t as long as people anticipated. You will still find longer waits over in Animal Kingdom at Flight of Passage. However, you should still try to head here earlier in the day.
Should you ride: I highly recommend anyone who loves Star Wars ride this. Even if you don’t like Star Wars, the re-rideability is amazing.

Rise of the Resistance

Height: 40″ or taller | Duration: 18 minutes | Lightning Lane: No | Ages: All
Rise of the Resistance is the newest attraction to Hollywood Studios and has multiple ride systems making it unlike any other attraction. Help the Resistance fight the First Order in this one of a kind ride.
When to ride: This is decided for you by your boarding group. You can join a boarding group at 7 am on the day you are going to the park. There is a second release of passes during the day as well if you do not get the first time in the morning.
Should you ride: Absolutely. This ride is unlike anything you have ridden at Disney World or anywhere else.