Hollywood Studios: Rides and Attractions 101

Hollywood Studios: Rides and Attractions 101 – Comprehensive Guide

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a unique blend of movie magic, thrilling rides, and immersive experiences that transport guests into beloved worlds of cinema. With 18 rides and attractions as of 2024, Hollywood Studios has become one of Walt Disney World’s most popular parks, featuring both nostalgic nods to classic films and cutting-edge technology in its newer attractions. Here’s your ultimate guide to the rides and shows, including ride durations, average wait times, and opening years to help you plan your visit.

Hollywood Boulevard

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Opened: 2020
Ride Duration: 5 minutes
Wait Time: 45–75 minutes
A family-friendly, trackless dark ride that takes you on a whimsical adventure inside a cartoon world with Mickey, Minnie, and friends. Expect surprises and visual magic as this ride redefines the classic Disney dark ride format.

Echo Lake

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Opened: 1989 (Updated in 2011)
Ride Duration: 5 minutes
Wait Time: 20–40 minutes
A thrilling 3D motion simulator ride that takes you on an intergalactic journey through the Star Wars universe. With multiple story variations, you never know where your adventure will take you.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Opened: 1989
Show Duration: 30 minutes
Wait Time: 10–20 minutes
A live-action stunt show that recreates some of the most iconic scenes from Indiana Jones movies. Expect plenty of action, explosions, and audience participation.

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

Opened: 2014
Show Duration: 25 minutes
Wait Time: 5–20 minutes
A fun, interactive sing-along show featuring scenes from Frozen, with live narrators and plenty of chances for the audience to belt out the beloved songs from the film.

Grand Avenue

Muppet Vision 3D

Opened: 1991
Show Duration: 17 minutes
Wait Time: 5–15 minutes
A 3D comedy show starring the Muppets, featuring interactive effects and the Muppets’ classic brand of chaotic humor. A nostalgic favourite for many Disney fans.

Animation Courtyard

Walt Disney Presents

Opened: 2001
Show Duration: Walk-through exhibit (or 15-minute film)
Wait Time: None
A museum-style exhibit celebrating Walt Disney’s life and the evolution of the Walt Disney Company. It also features a rotating preview of upcoming Disney films and attractions.

Star Wars: Launch Bay

Opened: 2015
Show Duration: Walk-through exhibit
Wait Time: None
A must-visit for Star Wars fans, this area includes behind-the-scenes exhibits, character meet-and-greets with Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and BB-8, and movie memorabilia.

Toy Story Land

Slinky Dog Dash

Opened: 2018
Ride Duration: 2 minutes
Wait Time: 60–90 minutes
A family-friendly roller coaster that takes you on a zippy ride through Andy’s backyard. Expect moderate thrills and lots of Toy Story charm on this popular ride.

Toy Story Mania!

Opened: 2008
Ride Duration: 5 minutes
Wait Time: 30–60 minutes
A 4D shooting game where you compete against other riders in carnival-style games hosted by the Toy Story characters. Fun for all ages, and one of the park’s most interactive attractions.

Alien Swirling Saucers

Opened: 2018
Ride Duration: 2 minutes
Wait Time: 20–40 minutes
A fun, spinning ride where guests board toy rockets and are whisked around by the adorable green aliens from Toy Story. Perfect for younger guests or those looking for a lighthearted ride.

Sunset Boulevard

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Opened: 1994
Ride Duration: 3 minutes
Wait Time: 60–90 minutes
One of Disney’s most thrilling rides, this drop-tower attraction takes you into the spooky world of The Twilight Zone. After a chilling journey through the haunted hotel, brace yourself for a series of unpredictable drops.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Opened: 1999
Ride Duration: 1.5 minutes
Wait Time: 40–80 minutes
A high-speed indoor roller coaster where you race through the streets of Los Angeles to the tunes of Aerosmith. With loops, corkscrews, and plenty of G-force, it’s one of the most intense rides in the park.

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Opened: 1991
Show Duration: 25 minutes
Wait Time: 10–20 minutes
A Broadway-style retelling of Beauty and the Beast, featuring lavish costumes, enchanting songs, and all the beloved characters from the classic film.

Fantasmic!

Opened: 1998
Show Duration: 30 minutes
Wait Time: 30–60 minutes (arrive early for seating)
A spectacular nighttime show that combines fireworks, live actors, water effects, and music as Mickey Mouse battles iconic Disney villains in a dreamlike setting. It’s a must-see for fans of Disney’s most magical stories.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Opened: 2019
Ride Duration: 5 minutes
Wait Time: 45–75 minutes
A thrilling interactive ride where guests take control of the Millennium Falcon, performing one of three roles (pilot, gunner, or engineer) during a smuggling mission in the Star Wars universe.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Opened: 2019
Ride Duration: 18 minutes
Wait Time: 60–120 minutes
A groundbreaking, immersive attraction that combines multiple ride systems, including a trackless dark ride, a drop, and a motion simulator, to put you right in the middle of an epic battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers an incredible mix of thrilling rides, immersive shows, and cinematic experiences. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, an adrenaline junkie, or simply looking to relive the magic of your favorite Disney movies, there’s something for everyone at this park. Be sure to arrive early, consider Disney Genie+ for popular attractions, and make the most of your day by planning ahead!