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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.

Not-to-Miss at Hollywood Studios — The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

For longer trips or short local visits, we recommend slowing down and enjoying some of the 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

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 currently closed as it's being reimagined into Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, set to reopen May 26, 2026. The updated attraction will bring a brand-new storyline with the Muppets (and likely hilarious) bend to this high-speed coaster. Once it reopens, it’s expected to be a very popular ride, so we recommend utilizing Early Theme Park Entry or using 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

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.

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 a new adventure is soon to take flight — Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run story with Mando and Grogu. This is a new mission that will feature Mando and his youngling, once "The Mandalorian and Grogu" film kicks off in theaters May 22, 2026. Disney Imagineers captured scenes for the ride on the movie set, and you might see familiar places, such as Bespin.

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

This Hollywood Studios 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.

Coming soon, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is the place for kiddos to get those wiggles out. Dance along with Mickey and Minnie as they embark on a road trip to find some of their best pals — Goofy, Daisy and Pluto, too — for the party! This upbeat celebration is debuting at Disney's Hollywood Studios starting May 26, 2026.

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 is $274.99, 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 $129.99, plus tax and reservations are recommended.

The Magic of Disney Animation 

Opening sometime in late summer 2026, the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay is transforming into a place where dreamers of all ages can laugh, draw and explore new animated experiences. The story of this newly reimagined space — reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California and topped with Mickey's iconic Sorcerer Hat — begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away from their desks and beloved characters have come to life and are ready to play! The Emmy Award-winning short film, "Once Upon A Studio," will inspire this upcoming family experience, where you'll be able to interact with silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments.

Shows Celebrating Disney Stories

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, with 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.

Also new to the lineup is The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, a reimagined stage show featuring Ariel and friends. This updated version brings fresh effects, new staging and all the classic songs you know and love, making it a must-see for Little Mermaid fans.

And be sure to hop over to Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, located behind Rock 'n' Roller Coaster on Sunset Boulevard. This new stage show puts the spotlight on some of Disney’s most iconic villains, where you help decide who has been treated most unfairly.

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." 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!

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.

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.

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 $12.99 to $13.99 (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 barbecue 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 on 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!

Written and reviewed by the Undercover Tourist Content Team
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Comments

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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