If you are heading to Walt Disney World soon, you won’t want to miss out on these Disney’s Hollywood Studios must dos. Whether you stroll down Sunset Boulevard, play in Andy’s backyard, or fight the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there is something for everyone to enjoy! The options may be overwhelming at first glance, but that’s where we come in. Here are some of the top attractions, entertainment, and dining options at Hollywood Studios!

Hollywood Studios Overview

In 1989, the third of the four current Walt Disney World theme parks opened: Disney’s MGM Studios Theme Park. Designed to immerse you in the dazzling world of Hollywood, MGM Studios was the place for all things film, music, television, and art design at Disney World. It even originally functioned as an actual production studio and theme park at one point!

But you’re probably wondering how MGM Studios turned into the Hollywood Studios we know today.

Well, in 2008, Disney officially changed the name from Disney MGM Studios to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

What once were attractions themed around sound stages, animation studios, backlot tours, and set designs slowly transformed into new rides and lands full of popular Disney franchises like Disney/Pixar’s Toy Story and Star Wars. And, soon, even more recognizable worlds will join the fun with the addition of a new Monsters Inc. land coming to the park in 2027.

Lately, the rides seem to be the main focus of Hollywood Studios, and while there aren’t as many rides as there are at, say Magic Kingdom, there are plenty of great attractions, dining options, and entertainment to explore! Let’s go over some must dos to add to your itinerary on your next trip!

Hollywood Studios Must Dos: Rides

Out of the four Disney World theme parks, Hollywood Studios takes the top spot as the “thrill-seeker” park. While there is still plenty to do here for the little ones, it’s the big kids (or the kids at heart) who will find that many of these rides are geared toward them.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

You don’t even have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — it’s that good.

Guests become part of the Resistance when they battle the First Order on the one-of-a-kind attraction. A First Order Star Destroyer featuring Kylo Ren captures your transport, but Resistance fighters are ready to help you and your crew escape. It won’t come easily, though!

You don’t just ride this attraction—you experience it. There are multiple pre-shows that immerse you deeper and deeper into the storyline, and it’s all topped off with an attempt to escape the Star Destroyer in a ride vehicle that operates on a trackless ride system. There are plenty of twists, turns, and even a sudden drop to keep you on the edge of your seat.

This ride has a 40-inch height requirement, is eligible for purchase with Lightning Lane Single Pass. It also occasionally offers a single-rider line during peak seasons. Check with a cast member if you have questions.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

When it opened in 1994, the Hollywood Tower Hotel quickly became one of Hollywood Studios’ icons. This elevator-style lift sends guests into the Twilight Zone, where they experience dark, sudden, and unexpected rises and drops up and down 13 stories of the elevator.

The spooky vibes start before you even enter the queue and continue through the hotel lobby, library, boiler room, and elevator! The attraction is a blast, and the cast members are some of the most in-character actors throughout the theme park attractions.

The Tower of Terror enforces a 40-inch height requirement. It is also included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass. For thrill-seekers, this is a must-do!

Toy Story Mania

Guests step into a toy-filled carnival on this family-friendly game attraction! Join Mr. Potato Head, Buzz, Woody, and the rest of Andy’s pals through a world of board games in Andy’s room before hopping into a ride vehicle.

This 4-D attraction buzzes guests through multiple carnival-style pull-string games to earn points. Then finishes it off with a bonus round! Who can rack up the best score in your car?

Pro Tip: Aim for the targets at the top of the screen; they are always worth more points!

This attraction has no height requirement, so the entire family can play along. However, as one of the only no-height-requirement rides at Hollywood Studios, the line can get long. If this is a priority, secure a Lightning Lane reservation with Multi Pass. Or plan to ride early in the morning or late at night.

Slinky Dog Dash

Everyone’s favorite talking dog has quickly become a fan-favorite roller coaster at Hollywood Studios! As one of the most family-friendly roller coasters in Disney World, guests board a Slinky Dog ride vehicle and adventure through twists and turns featuring some of Andy’s favorite toys.

This ride requires a 38-inch height requirement, making it the perfect first roller coaster for your little ones. There are no inversions or crazy drops, but there is a lot of fun!

As one of the main Toy Story Land rides, the line is usually long and one of the hardest Lightning Lanes to secure with Multi Pass. Rider swaps are available.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

If you’re looking for the best roller coaster in Disney World, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a must do at Hollywood Studios. It just might become your favorite!

This fully indoor roller coaster is set to be re-themed to feature The Muppets soon, but you can still ride it with the iconic rock band Aerosmith theming for now!

Thrill seekers will test their adrenaline as the vehicle goes from 0 to 60 in under three seconds. And after the launch, rock and roll down the highway as you make your way to the Aerosmith concert, singing along the whole time.

This coaster requires a 48-inch height requirement, so it is geared more towards tweens through adults. Rider swap is available.

Hollywood Studios Must Dos: Entertainment

Entertainment built Hollywood Studios, and it thrives here—even beyond the rides. Here are all the top Hollywood Studios must dos in entertainment!

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Don’t miss Beauty and the Beast—Live on Stage at the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard! This 25-minute retelling of the classic Disney movie about Belle and the Beast is a Broadway-style show featuring high-quality dancers, singers, costumes, and entertainers.

The show runs five or six times a day, so be sure to carve out some time for at least one performance!

Fantasmic!

This thirty-minute nighttime spectacular will leave you wanting more as Mickey takes you through one of his dreams. You’ll watch as he battles good and evil through the stories of classic tales like Moana, Frozen, Mulan, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and more.

This open-air theater gives guests views of the water show, fireworks, classic characters, and songs. And there’s even a fire-breathing dragon!

Fantasmic runs at least once a night, with two showings on busier days. You can purchase dining packages to guarantee seating. Cast members recommend arriving at least thirty minutes early to ensure you get a seat for the show.

Character Meet-and-Greets

With over 25 character meet-and-greet options, Hollywood Studios has more character greeting options than any other theme park at Disney World.

Characters are spread throughout the entire park between Disney Junior, Pixar Plaza, Star Wars Cargo Launch Bay, and Toy Story Land. Not only can you meet Mickey and his pals, but special characters are also out and about, like Goofy’s son Max, Olaf, Darth Vader, Fancy Nancy, Live Action Ariel, Joy, and Edna Mode, just to name a few.

You can find all the meet and greet times and locations in the My Disney Experience App.

Hollywood Studios Must Dos: Dining

Hollywood Studios is not necessarily known for its high-quality dining, though there are some hidden gems. Here’s the full list of dining must dos in Hollywood Studios!

Baseline Tap House

For those who may not want to be fully immersed in Disney movies the entire time at the park, Baseline Tap House is the spot to go. Located on Grand Avenue just before you enter Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this brew house offers ample outdoor seating for people-watching, California craft beers, and a small selection of snacks and shareables.

The Bavarian Pretzel is one of the best pretzels at Disney World, and the California Cheese and Charcuterie Plate is an excellent shareable bite. Baseline Tap House is a must-do spot for anyone looking to take some time off their feet and relax in a quiet space.

Oga’s Cantina

Inspired by the Mos Eisley Cantina in Star Wars Episode IV—A New Hope, Oga’s Cantina is a local meeting spot for bounty hunters, smugglers, traders, and travelers to refuel, enjoy music, and rest before their next mission through the galaxy. DJ R-3X, a former star speeder pilot long-time Disney-goers will recognize from Star Tours, entertains the cantina, keeping the fun alive.

While the cantina in Galaxy’s Edge is open for lunch and dinner, it isn’t a spot to plan a full meal. Oga’s Cantina offers mainly unique drink concoctions (alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions) and a handful of snacks. Advanced reservations through the My Disney Experience app are highly recommended.

Some favorites are the Fuzzy Tauntaun, a vodka drink topped with tingling foam, and the Bespin Fizz, a rum-based drink that will quite literally smoke upon arrival. For non-alcoholic versions, the Carbon Freeze is filled with popping pearls, and the Blue Bantha is blue milk served with a vanilla sugar cookie.

The Milk Stand

Luke Skywalker’s famous scene with the blue milk in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope has been brought to life at Batuu’s Milk Stand in Galaxy’s Edge! Guests can purchase non-alcoholic or alcoholic blue or green milk. These frothy drinks are plant-based blends of coconut and rice milk. The blue milk is more fruity, while the green milk is heavy on the citrus.

Some love these drinks, while others hate them. However, there is no doubt that it makes for a great picture and sense of nostalgia, regardless! It’s just something you have to try at least once!

Kat Saka’s Kettle

Kat Saka is a grain merchant who runs a snack stall inside the street market of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. This shop sells specialty, colorful popcorn and beverages. The famous Outpost Mix is a blend of sweet and spicy flavors, while the most popular beverage is the Cold Brew Black Caf, a Joffrey’s Coffee cold brew topped with sweet cream cheese and chocolate puffs.

This is an excellent spot for a shareable treat or one-of-a-kind coffee while strolling through the park!

Comments

Did your Hollywood Studios must-dos make our list? Let us know in the comments what you would add to make the most of your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!