Disney's Hollywood Studios: Become Part of the Movies
Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes guests directly into the story of films including Star Wars, Toy Story, Mickey & Minnie Shorts, and the Twilight Zone. The park, previously known as “MGM Studios,” was built to be a functioning movie studio, and was the place where multiple animated movies were created, including Lilo and Stitch. Though the original theme of backstage movie magic has transformed more into making visitors a part of the movies, it features some of the most thrilling and technically advanced rides in all of Walt Disney World Resort.
Through recent updates and changes, the park has added Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge to its offerings, which contains two unique rides. This includes the epitome of theme park attraction technology - Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. The ride is more of an experience than a ride and takes guests through their own Star Wars adventure. Here’s more on each of the areas and offerings at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:
Hollywood Boulevard
As soon as you enter the gates of Disney's Hollywood Studios, you'll be standing on Hollywood Boulevard with a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in the distance. Once home to the Great Movie Ride, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is sure to have all the thrills the whole family will enjoy. You're transported into Mickey & Minnie Shorts riding on a trackless train where anything can happen. Some of your other favorite Disney characters might even pop up throughout your journey. This is a Disney experience you'll not want to miss.
Also on select nights, don't forget to stick around for Disney Movie Magic. Images from your favorite movies are projected onto the Chinese Theater choreographed to music, lights, and fireworks. The Walt Disney Company likes to refresh this show every summer, but the movies theme is consistent every year.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Visit Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu in your adventure into the Star Wars universe as you visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The land is scattered with ships, droids, and shops which all look like they came straight from the films. In addition to Rise of the Resistance, you can hop on board Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run to fly through the galaxy. This interactive simulator will make you a pilot, engineer, or gunner on Han Solo’s famous ship.
Of course, you can’t forget about the unique cuisine of the Star Wars universe, including blue milk! If you’re able to snag a reservation, enjoying some unique drinks at Oga’s Cantina can be a real treat.
If you’re truly a big Star Wars fan, there are multiple paid experiences that can really heighten the immersion of your adventure. You can build your own lightsaber or your own droid! There is a lot to see and do throughout the land, so take your time exploring the nooks and crannies of Batuu.
Toy Story Land
Shrink down to the size of a toy and travel into Andy’s backyard to see your favorite Toy Story Characters become life-sized. Andy has set up the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster out of building blocks and Tinker Toys, and you’re invited to take a ride! The coaster is a great introduction to “larger” type roller coasters for younger riders, as it is smooth and windy with less thrill elements like drops or inversions that more intense coasters boast.
The land also features Toy Story Mania, an interactive series of carnival games where you can compete with your family! Kids particularly enjoy the chance to play the games in hopes of a high score. Not to be overlooked, the land also features Alien Swirling Saucers, a scrambler type ride that features catchy remixes of the classic Toy Story soundtrack. Even if you don’t ride yourself, stopping to watch and listen is a fun time.
Sunset Boulevard
Standing as a snapshot in time in the classic Hollywood era, Sunset Boulevard contains amazing entertainment options and the two most thrilling experiences in the park. At the end of the boulevard is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which stands at 199 feet tall. Hop aboard and into a novel episode of the Twilight Zone as you freefall 13 stories faster than the speed of gravity. The ride is much more than a typical drop tower, and the theming in the queue and during the ride is truly exceptional.
Keeping with the thrills, you can head next door to G-Force records to jump on board a wild limo ride to get to an Aerosmith concert. Rockin Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is Disney World’s most thrilling attraction, featuring a magnetic launch of 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds and 3 total inversions. This ride is not for the faint of heart!
Live entertainment along the boulevard includes some of Disney’s best. The Citizens of Hollywood are out most of the day, interacting with guests and performing various shows ranging from comedy sketches to magic tricks.
Lastly, Sunset Boulevard holds multiple opportunities to see some of your favorite Disney characters in action, including stars like Belle in Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and Lightning McQueen at his racing academy. To round out your day, be sure to get there early enough for the nighttime spectacular Fantasmic! (expected to return late 2022).
Echo Lake
Serving as the center hub area of the park, Echo lake features a classic movie-making feel, namely by the centerpiece Chinese Theater, which houses one of the most modern attractions, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. This journey into a Mickey Mouse cartoon takes you on a trackless ride vehicle that careens through changing sceneries that somewhat matches the classic dark-ride style attraction. Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing something new every time they ride!
Echo lake also features two top-tier live shows. Indiana Jones Stunt Show Spectacular takes guests behind the scenes to view how their favorite archaeologist movies were filmed. The Frozen Sing-Along is a sing-along comedy show through the story of Frozen. The live actors in the show that supplement the kiddie “sing along” part of the show with hilarious comedy are sure to entertain even the most cynical dads!
There are also tons of hidden details and nods to classic films in echo lake, including real celebrity handprints, Gertie the dinosaur who helped inspire the animation medium, and references to Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Be sure to keep an eye out!
Muppet’s Courtyard
Serving as somewhat of a mini-land on the way to Star Wars, Muppets Courtyard is overlooked by many, but still has a special place in the park. There are lots of silly details in the area around Muppet-Vision 3D (which Jim Henson helped work on back in the day). The 3D show incudes all your favorite muppets up to their usual shenanigans. If you’re feeling thirsty, the Baseline Taphouse is just across the street!
Animation Courtyard
As another mini-land, this area is currently in a bit of an identity crisis. The only attraction here is Disney Jr., Live on Stage which gives families the chance to sing and dance along with their favorite Disney Jr. characters. They're also available to meet and greet before and after shows, so if your toddlers are big fans of Vapirina, Doc McStuffins, or other favorites, be sure to stop by the Disney Junior Dance Party!.
Fantasmic!
As the exclamation point included in the name suggests, this nighttime show is absolutely spectacular. It combines pyrotechnics, special effects, and tons of live actors (including many of your favorite princesses!) to transport you into Mickey’s dreams as he fights off many classic Disney villains. It’s the perfect mix of storytelling, action, music, and characters that is guaranteed to inspire everyone in your family.
Though there are no “bad” seats, be sure to get to the entrance at Sunset Boulevard a minimum of 30 minutes before show time, as it can fill up completely. During busy times of the year, arrive at least 45-60 minutes prior to the show. Sometimes two shows are offered nightly, in which case the second one is always less busy.
*Fantasmic! Is expected to re-open following a hiatus in late 2022. No official announcement has been given, but rehearsals are currently taking place.
Disney's Hollywood Studios makes you the star of the show!
With its multiple highly themed lands and exciting adventures, Hollywood Studios throws you headfirst into the movie magic. If you’re a big Star Wars fan, you’ll absolutely love exploring all Galaxy’s Edge has to offer. If you’re a thrill junkie, the Tower of Terror and Rockin’ Roller Coaster are can’t miss rides. If you’re looking for live entertainment, Hollywood Studios has plenty of shows to keep you entertained.
Updated: July 26, 2022
