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Home / Blog / Theme Park Tips & Planning / Not-to-Miss Rides and Experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Not-to-Miss Rides and Experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios

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Visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios means immersing yourself in a variety of movies. Here, you can live your own adventure and be a part of the stories. From classic attractions to immersive lands, there is something for everyone! You'll find the most variety of characters at Hollywood Studios and some of the best food and drink! With so much to choose from, we've narrowed down what you won't want to miss.

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios

For longer trips or short local visits, we recommend slowing down and enjoying some of Hollywood Studios hidden gems. If you're only visiting for a short trip, we've listed the rides, experiences and foods and drinks you won't want to miss at Hollywood Studios!

Not-to-Miss Rides at Disney's Hollywood Studios

With so many epic attractions to choose from at Hollywood Studios, we broke it up into themed categories. It really depends on your group's interests and ages, but the great thing is that Hollywood Studios has something for everyone!

For the Thrill Seeker

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios - Tower of Terror on Sunset Boulevard

For the ultimate thrills, head down Sunset Boulevard to The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. Tower of Terror is an elevator-style lift that unexpectedly rises and drops. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is a high-speed coaster zooming along to Aerosmith's hit songs. These rides can be very popular, so we recommend riding first thing in the morning or getting Disney Lightning Lane Multi Pass to skip the standby line.

The height requirement for the Tower of Terror is 40 inches while Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is 48 inches.

For the "Star Wars" Fan

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios - Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

The Force is with you if traveling to Hollywood Studios as there are lots of "Star Wars" attractions. First enjoy Star Tours – The Adventures Continue, a 3D flight simulator that travels through different scenes from the films. Plus, there are more than 100 possible combinations so it's a different ride every time! In fact, new sequences featuring Ahsoka, Andor and The Mandalorian and Grogu were recently added this past spring. Then, make your way into the incredible immersive Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge with two very popular attractions. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run allows you to pilot the famous ship yourself. And the high-tech Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is an awe-dropping experience you won't want to miss! Rise of the Resistance is available as a Disney Lightning Lane Single Pass.

Smugglers Run has a height requirement of 38 inches, while Rise of the Resistance and Star Tours require 40 inches.

For the "Toy Story" Fan

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios - Slinky Dog Dash

You've got a friend in me at the colorful Toy Story Land that's perfect for the whole family! Hop aboard Slinky Dog Dash for a wild ride above Andy's backyard. The height requirement for Slinky Dog Dash is 38 inches. Then try your hand at Toy Story Mania, a 3D attraction using your shooter to hit colorful carnival targets. See who will get the high score!

For the Tadpoles

Hollywood Studios' newest attraction is the first ride at any Disney park to feature Mickey Mouse and friends! Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is a cute train attraction that immerses you in the Mickey Mouse cartoons. With no height requirements, this whimsical ride is perfect for the whole family! In Toy Story Land, tadpoles will love spinning around Alien Swirling Saucers. Enjoy some "Toy Story" space tunes as you follow along with our favorite green aliens. The height requirement for Alien Swirling Saucers is 32 inches.

Not-to-Miss Experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Lightsaber and Droid Building at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios - Kid with Lightsaber

That's right! You can actually build your own lightsaber and droid. It doesn't matter whether you're a grown frog or youngling — you will get emotional during this experience. Boy, I sure did. Inside the immersive Savi's Workshop, you customize the pieces of your hilt and your blade color. The experience costs $249.99, plus tax and reservations are available online starting 60 days in advance. At Droid Depot, pick pieces and parts off of a conveyor belt to construct either an R-series or BB-series of your very own. This experience costs $119.99, plus tax and reservations are recommended.

Shows Celebrating the Princesses

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios - Beauty and the Beast Live

Fans of the Disney Princesses have two wonderful stage shows to enjoy at Hollywood Studios. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage is a 25-minute theatrical retelling of the film. This Broadway-style show features beautiful costumes, favorite songs from the movie, dancing and more! Held in the open-air Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard, this show is a park classic.

Hop inside the Hyperion Theater to see For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (say that five times fast!). The hilarious Arendelle royal historians take us through moments and songs from the first film. Be prepared to sing along! It is such a funny show and has different jokes each time. I don't know who enjoys the show more — the tadpoles or me and Leap! Plus, it's the perfect show to, ahem, stay cool during the afternoon.

Coming this fall, make it three! The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will debut as a reimagined version of "The Voyage of the Little Mermaid."

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

You won't want to miss the action-packed Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular! The 30-minute show begins with Indiana Jones reenacting a scene from "Raiders of the Lost Ark," complete with the gigantic boulder “chasing” him on the set. What follows is a series of realistic fight scenes, explosions, acrobatics and pyrotechnics. It’s suspenseful, funny and a Hollywood Studios classic, as it opened in 1989, the same year the park opened!

Muppet*Vision 3D

What Not-to-Miss at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Muppet*Vision 3D

We never miss this classic gem (plus we get to see our fellow frog friend)! Muppet*Vision 3D is a hilarious 3D show featuring the beloved Muppets. Join Kermit and friends as they show off their exciting 3D effects before shenanigans occur. This is a great show for the whole family and a perfect afternoon break to beat the heat.

Characters

What Not-to-Miss at Disney's Hollywood Studios - Olaf meet-and-greet at Celebrity Spotlight

There's quite a variety of characters to see at Hollywood Studios! There is a mix of set character locations along with spontaneous sightings. Mickey and Minnie meet at Red Carpet Dreams, as well as Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight. You can catch Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy and Pluto over in Animation Courtyard. Throughout Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, you can hoppen upon Rey, Chewbacca, The Mandalorian and Vi Moradi, as well as Kylo Ren and the Stormtroopers. Plus, stop by Star Wars Launch Bay to meet the OG baddie, Darth Vader, and Chewbacca (a traditional meet & greet instead of roaming) and BB-8.

To see your favorite Pixar pals, visit Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie in Toy Story Land. Then, head to Pixar Plaza to find Mr. and Mrs. Incredible, Edna Mode, Frozone, Sulley from "Monsters Inc." and Joy from "Inside Out."

For all character appearances, you can double-check the My Disney Experience app for locations and times.

Nighttime Entertainment

End your action-packed day with a grand finale of two nighttime shows — Wonderful World of Animation and fan-favorite Fantasmic! — that celebrate classic and modern Disney films. Wonderful World of Animation is a 12-minute projection show that journeys through 90 years of Disney and Pixar animation with the Chinese Theatre as the backdrop. Join Sorcerer Mickey as he learns the power of imagination during Fantasmic! The latest update features new sequences with Moana, Mula, Elsa, Aladdin and Pocahontas.

Not to Miss Experiences at Hollywood Studios — Elsa during Fantasmic

Not-to-Miss Food and Drink at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Woody's Lunchbox

Dine among your favorite toys at Woody’s Lunch Box, one of our favorite spots at Hollywood Studios. Start your day with a Breakfast Bowl and later feast on a Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich, BBQ Brisket Melt or “Totchos,” potato barrels — or tater tots — piled with chili, shredded cheese and signature queso, tomatoes, corn chips, sour cream and green onions. Then, treat yourself to a Lunch Box Tart. We recommend mobile ordering ahead of time — you won't want to miss this popular location!

Ronto Roasters

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios – Ronto Wrap from Ronto Roasters

Looking for food that's out of this galaxy? Located in the Marketplace, Ronto Roasters is one of our favorite spots in Batuu. The Ronto Wrap, Zuchii Wrap, the Ronto Morning Wrap and the Triple Suns Breakfast Wrap vary from $11.79 to $13.29 (but we think it's well worth it, and the Ronto Wrap is big enough to share!). For breakfast, you can get Overnight Oats for $6.99. (Prices are subject to change.)

Oga's Cantina

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios - Oga's Cantina

Located in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Oga's Cantina, is the hop-spot for adult drinks, mocktails and other beverages. The cantina offers mostly standing room only, with Captain Rex, formerly of Star Tours — The Adventures Continue fame, playing DJ. It doesn't have too many snack options, but the Batuu Bits has a mix of sweet and spicy bites and the Happabore Sampler consists of cured and roasted meats, cheese and pork cracklings. Frog-favorite drinks here include the sweet T-16 Skyhopper and the Fuzzy Tauntaun, a delicious citrusy mix of orange, tangerine and peach (that literally makes your tongue numb). While it is a watering hole, there are tadpole-friendly options available, including the nonalcoholic, cookies-and-milk-like Blue Bantha.

Reservations are highly recommended in advance. There is a one-drink-per-person drink minimum and a two-drink-per-person maximum. Guests will be limited to 45 minutes in the Cantina. Oga's Cantina is a fun, immersive location you won't want to miss!

50s Prime Time Cafe

What Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios - 50s Prime Time Cafe

For table-service restaurants, you'll love the theming of 50s Prime Time Cafe! It’s just like Mama’s in the kitchen, serving up classics of yesteryear at this one-of-a-kind restaurant. This retro eatery comes with a side of humor dished out by your servers. Make sure to keep those elbows off the table! Enjoy comfort food favorites such as Mom's Old-fashioned Pot Roast, Aunt Liz's Golden Fried Chicken and Cousin Megan's Traditional Meatloaf. To satisfy your sweet tooth, you’ve got to try the Peanut Butter and Jelly Milk Shake! Next door at the Tune-In Lounge, guests can enjoy the 50s Prime Time Café menu along with a full bar in a distinctly vintage setting. 50s Prime Time Café and the Tune-In Lounge are located around Echo Lake near the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ

Not to Miss Hollywood Studios - Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu and main platter with salads and sides

Hollywood Studios' newest table-service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ wrangles up family-style barbeque in a setting Andy created himself, inspired by "Woody's Roundup." You'll find whimsical touches and plenty of hearty grub in this unique Toy Story Land addition.

What's your not-to-miss at Disney's Hollywood Studios list? Let us know in the comments below!

Related: The Frog Family's Top 5 Hollywood Studios Hidden Gems

Hoppy planning!

Keep hopping, Mommy Frog!
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May 17, 2022 at 8:07 p.m.
alfred braine Says...

we are coming on june 4,2022 is there anything we should know or do first. specifically harry potter attractions. thanks and have a good day. or any other attractions or rides.

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