Hey Thrill Seekers,
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is one of the most exciting theme parks at Walt Disney World in Florida, combining blockbuster attractions, spectacular live entertainment and immersive worlds inspired by some of Disney’s biggest films.
Whether you want to pilot the Millennium Falcon, race through Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land, experience the thrills of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or join the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
The park is also undergoing an exciting period of change. In 2026, The Muppets took over Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, while The Magic of Disney Animation introduced a new way to explore the art of animated films. Looking ahead, 2027 is set to bring Monstropolis, a brand-new land inspired by Monsters, Inc.
In this complete guide to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, we’ll cover the best rides, live shows, character experiences, restaurants and everything you need to know before visiting.
👀 At a glance: Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
- Best for: Film fans, thrill seekers, families and Star Wars enthusiasts.
- Best thrill ride: The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
- Best family attraction: Toy Story Mania!
- Best immersive land: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
- Must-see show: Fantasmic!
- Coming in 2027: Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc.-themed land.
- Top tip: Prioritise Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash if they are must-do attractions, and check showtimes before planning your day.
🤔 What is Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios originally opened in 1989 as Disney-MGM Studios, with a strong emphasis on movies, television and the entertainment industry.
Today, the park has evolved into a collection of immersive themed lands and attractions inspired by Disney, Pixar, Star Wars and other well-known entertainment properties.
Unlike Magic Kingdom, which focuses on classic Disney characters and fairy-tale storytelling, Hollywood Studios offers a more cinematic experience. Visitors can step into familiar film worlds, encounter favourite characters and experience attractions that place them in the middle of the action.
The park is home to some of Walt Disney World’s most popular rides, including Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
It also offers an excellent selection of live entertainment, from Broadway-style productions to the spectacular nighttime show Fantasmic!
Hollywood Studios can be explored in a day, but planning is important. Its most popular attractions can develop lengthy queues, and live shows take up a significant part of the day if you want to experience them all.
🎬 The lands of Disney’s Hollywood Studios
1. Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is the park’s main entrance area, designed to evoke the glamour of old Hollywood.
With period-style buildings, shops and restaurants, it sets the scene for the movie-inspired experiences beyond.
This is also where you’ll find The Magic of Disney Animation, a new experience that opened in 2026 and celebrates the creative process behind Disney animated films.
Guests can explore animation-inspired spaces, learn to draw Disney characters and discover character encounters and photo opportunities inspired by the work of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The experience includes Off the Page!, where different areas celebrate the departments involved in bringing animated films to life.
It is a great addition for Disney fans, especially families with children who enjoy drawing, animation and meeting characters.
Other things to do around Hollywood Boulevard:
- Browse the shops for Disney merchandise and souvenirs.
- Look out for character appearances and entertainment.
- Visit Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie, when operating.
- Check the park’s entertainment schedule for special seasonal offerings.
Hollywood Boulevard is also a useful place to familiarise yourself with the park layout and check the My Disney Experience app before heading towards the main attractions.
2. Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
For Star Wars fans, Galaxy’s Edge is one of the highlights of Walt Disney World.
The land recreates Black Spire Outpost on the fictional planet of Batuu, complete with weathered buildings, spacecraft, unusual merchandise and characters from the Star Wars universe.
Rather than simply looking at film scenery, visitors can explore a living environment where the attractions, restaurants and character experiences contribute to the story.
There are two major rides to prioritise.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Rise of the Resistance is one of Disney’s most ambitious attractions, combining several ride systems, large-scale sets, animatronics and cinematic sequences.
The experience places guests in the middle of a conflict between the Resistance and the First Order, with appearances from familiar Star Wars characters.
It is more than a conventional ride, and the scale of the experience makes it a must-do for most visitors.
The attraction has a minimum height requirement of 40 inches (102 cm).
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Ever wanted to pilot the Millennium Falcon?
On Smugglers Run, guests take on different roles aboard Han Solo’s famous ship. Depending on your assigned position, you may pilot the Falcon, operate its weapons or work as an engineer.
The experience is interactive, meaning your group’s performance affects how the mission unfolds.
The attraction has a minimum height requirement of 38 inches (97 cm).
In 2026, the attraction’s storyline was updated to feature Din Djarin, also known as the Mandalorian, and Grogu. This provides another reason for returning Star Wars fans to experience the ride again.
Where to eat in Galaxy’s Edge
- Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo: A themed quick-service restaurant serving a range of imaginative dishes.
- Ronto Roasters: A popular stop for the Ronto Wrap and other quick bites.
- Oga’s Cantina: A lively themed bar offering unusual beverages in an immersive Star Wars setting. Reservations are recommended where available.
Galaxy’s Edge tips:
- Head to Rise of the Resistance early or consider an appropriate Lightning Lane option.
- Take time to explore the land’s details rather than rushing between rides.
- Check character appearance information in the app.
- If your group enjoys interactive attractions, Smugglers Run is worth experiencing even if you have already ridden it.
3. Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land invites guests into Andy’s backyard, where everything appears oversized because you have been shrunk to the size of a toy.
The colourful surroundings, oversized toys and familiar characters make this one of the best areas of Hollywood Studios for families.
There are three main attractions.
Slinky Dog Dash
Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster that winds around Toy Story Land, passing oversized building blocks, toy decorations and other playful scenery.
It features a couple of launches and some exciting hills without being as intense as the park’s major thrill rides.
The minimum height requirement is 38 inches (97 cm).
This is one of the park’s most popular attractions, particularly with families, so queues can build quickly.
Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story Mania! is a competitive 4D shooting-gallery attraction in which guests use spring-action launchers to hit targets across a series of colourful games.
It is suitable for most ages and is a brilliant choice for families who want to compete against each other.
There is no minimum height requirement.
Alien Swirling Saucers
Inspired by the little green aliens from Toy Story, this spinning attraction takes guests on a playful ride through Andy’s toy collection.
It is a good option for younger visitors who meet the 32-inch (81 cm) minimum height requirement.
Where to eat in Toy Story Land
Woody’s Lunch Box serves quick-service meals and snacks, including sandwiches, grilled cheese and sweet treats. It is a convenient place to stop without leaving the land.
Toy Story Land tips:
- Prioritise Slinky Dog Dash if it is a must-do attraction.
- Toy Story Mania! is a good alternative when the roller coaster queues are particularly long.
- The area is colourful and photogenic, so allow time for photographs.
4. Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is home to some of the most exciting attractions at Hollywood Studios, including two headline experiences that thrill seekers should not miss.
The area also offers live entertainment and excellent views of the Hollywood Tower Hotel.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Hollywood Tower Hotel is one of the most recognisable sights in the park.
Inside, guests enter a mysterious hotel inspired by The Twilight Zone, before boarding an elevator that plunges through a series of unexpected drops.
The attraction combines atmospheric storytelling, special effects and genuine thrills. The drop sequence can vary, adding to the suspense.
The minimum height requirement is 40 inches (102 cm).
If you enjoy intense rides, this is one of the best attractions at Walt Disney World.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
In 2026, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster received a complete Muppets-themed reimagining.
The Electric Mayhem are preparing for a major concert, but the band’s chaotic preparations lead to a fast-paced adventure through Hollywood. Guests board a limousine and race through the city to the sound of the group’s rock music.
The attraction retains its high-speed indoor roller coaster format, including inversions and a launch, while introducing new Muppets storytelling, music and visual details.
The ride officially opened on 26 May 2026, replacing the former Aerosmith version.
The minimum height requirement is 48 inches (122 cm), making it one of the park’s most intense attractions.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
This live theatrical production brings the story of Beauty and the Beast to the stage through familiar songs, elaborate costumes and theatrical performances.
It is an excellent option for families who enjoy Disney musicals and a welcome chance to take a break from the Florida heat.
Check the daily entertainment schedule for showtimes.
Where to eat on Sunset Boulevard
- The Hollywood Brown Derby: A signature dining restaurant inspired by the famous Hollywood establishment, offering a more refined dining experience.
- Hollywood Scoops: A convenient stop for ice cream and sweet treats.
- Fairfax Fare: A quick-service option when you need a meal between attractions.
Sunset Boulevard is also a good place to explore before the evening entertainment, particularly if you want to enjoy the atmosphere as the park lights come on.
5. Grand Avenue and the future Monstropolis
<image-placeholder>Monsters Inc Monstropolis Disney Hollywood Studios concept art</image-placeholder>
Hollywood Studios is changing significantly, and Grand Avenue is central to the next phase of the park’s development.
The former Muppets Courtyard area, including Muppet*Vision 3D and PizzeRizzo, closed in June 2025 to make way for a new land inspired by Monsters, Inc.
Muppet*Vision 3D was a much-loved attraction, but The Muppets have since moved into Sunset Boulevard through the new Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster experience.
The replacement land, Monstropolis, is expected to open in phases beginning in 2027.
Until the new area opens, visitors should check the current park map rather than assuming that the former Muppets Courtyard attractions are still operating.
More details on Monstropolis and its planned attractions are included below.
🎢 The best rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
If you have limited time, these are the attractions we would prioritise.
| Attraction | Best for | Height requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | Immersive storytelling and Star Wars fans | 40 inches / 102 cm |
| Slinky Dog Dash | Families and roller coaster fans | 38 inches / 97 cm |
| The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | Thrill seekers | 40 inches / 102 cm |
| Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets | High-speed coaster fans | 48 inches / 122 cm |
| Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | Interactive Star Wars experiences | 38 inches / 97 cm |
| Toy Story Mania! | Families and competitive fun | No minimum |
| Alien Swirling Saucers | Younger visitors | 32 inches / 81 cm |
Height requirements are subject to change, so check Disney’s official attraction information before travelling.
What about younger children?
Hollywood Studios has several attractions and experiences suitable for younger visitors, even if they are not tall enough for the major roller coasters.
Toy Story Mania!, Alien Swirling Saucers, The Magic of Disney Animation, character encounters and the park’s live shows provide plenty of alternatives.
Families with young children should also look at the Disney Jr. entertainment and check which shows are scheduled during their visit.
🤹 The best shows at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios is particularly good for live entertainment, and it is worth building at least one or two shows into your itinerary.
Fantasmic!
Fantasmic! is the park’s spectacular nighttime show, combining Disney characters, music, water effects, projections, stunts and fireworks-style effects.
Mickey Mouse faces a series of Disney villains in a dreamlike adventure, with scenes inspired by films such as The Lion King, Aladdin and Pocahontas.
The large outdoor amphitheatre provides a memorable setting for the performance.
Top tip: Check the schedule before your visit and arrive early if you want a good seat, particularly during busy holiday periods. Showtimes and performance availability can vary.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
A classic Disney musical brought to life through live performances and familiar songs. This is a particularly good choice for families and anyone who enjoys theatrical entertainment.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
This interactive live entertainment experience features Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and other familiar Disney characters, with upbeat music and opportunities for younger guests to join in.
It is an excellent option for families with preschool-aged children.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
This stage show celebrates some of Disney’s most recognisable villains in a theatrical experience featuring music, humour and character appearances.
It is a good option for visitors who enjoy the darker side of Disney storytelling and want something different from the traditional princess-focused experiences.
Disney Movie Magic
Disney Movie Magic celebrates the history of Disney films through projections and cinematic moments on the park’s Hollywood Boulevard surroundings.
Check current availability and the entertainment schedule, as offerings can change.
🎭 Character experiences at Hollywood Studios
Meeting Disney characters can be a highlight for families, and Hollywood Studios offers a range of opportunities throughout the park.
Depending on the schedule, you may be able to meet characters from Star Wars, Toy Story, Disney Jr. and classic Disney films.
Galaxy’s Edge is particularly atmospheric for character encounters, with appearances that fit the Star Wars setting.
The Magic of Disney Animation also adds opportunities to engage with the world of animated films, including character-themed spaces and experiences.
Character locations and appearances can change, so use My Disney Experience to find current details during your visit.
🔜 What’s coming to Hollywood Studios in 2027?
The biggest development is Monstropolis, the new land inspired by Pixar’s Monsters, Inc.
Disney has confirmed that parts of the land are expected to open in 2027. A specific opening date should not be assumed until Disney announces one.
The project will transform the former Muppets Courtyard area into a destination inspired by the monster-filled city seen in the films.
Here is what visitors can look forward to.
1. A Monsters, Inc. suspended roller coaster
The centrepiece of Monstropolis will be an ambitious new roller coaster inspired by the door vault scene in Monsters, Inc.
In the film, Mike and Sulley race through a vast warehouse filled with doors that lead to children’s bedrooms around the world.
The new attraction is planned to recreate this concept, with guests riding beneath the track in suspended vehicles as they travel through the door vault.
It will be a major addition to Hollywood Studios and is intended to bring a distinctive ride experience to Walt Disney World.
Disney has described it as the first suspended coaster of its kind at a Disney theme park.
Final ride details, height requirements and operating arrangements should be checked closer to opening.
2. Explore the world of Monstropolis
The new land is intended to transport guests into the city where monsters live and work.
Visitors can expect themed streets, colourful buildings and recognisable locations inspired by the Monsters, Inc. films.
The overall story centres on humans being welcomed into Monstropolis for H.U.M.A.N. Day — short for “Humans Understand Monsters Are Nice”.
The idea is to show that monsters and humans can coexist, giving the new area a narrative that connects the attractions, entertainment and dining.
3. Harryhausen’s sushi restaurant
Dining will form part of the new experience, including Harryhausen’s, the sushi restaurant seen in Monsters, Inc.
The restaurant is planned as a themed dining destination, allowing visitors to explore a familiar location from the film.
Disney has also outlined plans for additional food and shopping locations within Monstropolis.
Menus, pricing and reservation arrangements should be confirmed closer to opening.
4. A new theatre experience
Plans for Monstropolis also include the Glob Theater, a new entertainment venue inspired by the city’s monster culture.
Disney has announced a new song, “Welcome to Monstropolis”, written by Randy Newman, for the land’s planned stage show.
Further details about the final show format and performance schedule should be checked as the opening approaches.
Will Monstropolis be open during your 2027 holiday?
That depends on your travel dates.
Disney has announced that parts of Monstropolis will open in 2027, but visitors should not assume the entire land will be operating from the start of the year.
If you are travelling in early 2027, check the latest announcements before deciding whether to plan your Hollywood Studios day around the new attractions.
For later visits, keep an eye on Disney’s official updates for confirmed opening dates, ride requirements and details of the restaurants and entertainment.
Even without Monstropolis, Hollywood Studios already offers enough major attractions to fill a day, so it remains a strong choice for visitors planning a Florida holiday.
🍔 The best restaurants at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios offers everything from quick-service meals to themed dining experiences and signature restaurants.
Quick-service restaurants
Woody’s Lunch Box – Toy Story Land
A popular stop for sandwiches, grilled cheese, snacks and sweet treats in the middle of Andy’s backyard.
Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo – Galaxy’s Edge
A themed restaurant serving imaginative dishes in an immersive Star Wars setting.
Ronto Roasters – Galaxy’s Edge
A convenient option for quick bites, particularly the well-known Ronto Wrap.
ABC Commissary – Commissary Lane
A useful indoor dining option, especially when you need a break from the heat.
Table-service restaurants
The Hollywood Brown Derby
A signature dining experience inspired by Hollywood’s Golden Age, with a more refined menu and atmosphere.
50’s Prime Time Café
A playful restaurant themed around a 1950s family kitchen, with comfort food and an entertaining atmosphere.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
One of the park’s most distinctive dining experiences, where guests sit in car-shaped booths and watch vintage science-fiction clips on a large screen.
These restaurants can be popular, so check current menus, prices and reservation availability when planning your visit.
✅ How to plan your day at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios can be busy, particularly because several of its major attractions are extremely popular.
A little planning can help you experience more without spending the whole day in queues.
Morning
- Arrive before the park opens, allowing time for security and entry.
- Prioritise Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance if it is a must-do.
- Head to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run or Toy Story Land, depending on your priorities.
- Consider riding Slinky Dog Dash early, as queues can build quickly.
Midday
- Enjoy lunch at Woody’s Lunch Box, Docking Bay 7 or another restaurant that suits your group.
- Explore The Magic of Disney Animation.
- Experience Toy Story Mania! or visit character encounters.
- Fit in a live show, such as Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage.
Afternoon
- Head to Sunset Boulevard for The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
- Explore the shops and themed details around Galaxy’s Edge.
- Check showtimes for Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! and other entertainment.
Evening
- Enjoy dinner or a quick snack.
- Experience any remaining attractions.
- Watch Fantasmic! if it is scheduled during your visit.
This is a suggested itinerary rather than a fixed plan. Check attraction wait times, show schedules and temporary closures in My Disney Experience throughout the day.
⚡Is Lightning Lane worth it at Hollywood Studios?
Lightning Lane can be useful at Hollywood Studios because several major attractions attract high demand.
Slinky Dog Dash, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and other headline experiences can develop lengthy queues, particularly during school holidays and busy travel periods.
Whether Lightning Lane is worthwhile depends on your budget, travel dates and how many attractions you want to experience.
Disney’s Lightning Lane products, prices and booking rules can change, so check the current arrangements in My Disney Experience before travelling.
If you decide not to purchase Lightning Lane, arrive early, prioritise your must-do attractions and make use of the app to adjust your plans as queue times change.
💡Practical tips for visiting Hollywood Studios
Arrive early. Popular rides can develop long queues soon after opening, so make the most of the morning.
Plan around the shows. Fantasmic! and the live productions can take up a significant part of your day. Check the schedule in advance.
Use My Disney Experience. The app provides current wait times, showtimes, attraction information, dining details and access to Disney’s ride-planning services.
Prepare for the Florida weather. Bring sunscreen, water and suitable rain protection. Some queues are outdoors, and the heat can be intense.
Check height requirements. Tower of Terror, Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash and the Muppets roller coaster all have minimum height restrictions.
Make dining reservations where appropriate. Popular table-service restaurants can book up, especially during busy periods.
Allow time to explore. Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land are more enjoyable when you take time to appreciate their details rather than simply moving between rides.
Check seasonal entertainment. Hollywood Studios often features special seasonal offerings, particularly around Halloween and Christmas.
❓Is Disney’s Hollywood Studios worth visiting?
Absolutely. Hollywood Studios is one of the best theme parks at Walt Disney World for visitors who enjoy major attractions, immersive storytelling and live entertainment.
Star Wars fans can spend hours exploring Galaxy’s Edge, families can enjoy Toy Story Land, and thrill seekers have plenty to look forward to on Tower of Terror and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets.
The park also offers a strong selection of shows and dining experiences, making it more than just a collection of rides.
The changes introduced in 2026 have added fresh experiences, while the planned arrival of Monstropolis in 2027 will bring another major attraction to the park.
If you are planning a Walt Disney World holiday, Hollywood Studios deserves a place on your itinerary. With a little planning, you can experience its biggest rides, enjoy the entertainment and discover the immersive worlds that make this park so special.
Planning your Walt Disney World holiday? Explore the Disney theme park ticket options available at Orlando Attraction Tickets and find the tickets that best suit your Florida itinerary.
Smiles included…
Jamie
