Hollywood Studios is wall-to-wall headliners (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway) and wall-to-wall queues if you try to wing it. None of these will “ruin” your day, but they will burn time, money, or both. Here are our Top Hollywood Studios Mistakes to Avoid in 2025 and 2026 — and what to do instead.
Not making a Hollywood Studios Plan
You must plan what you intend to do at Hollywood Studios; there is too much to do to manage without a plan. While planning systems have changed in recent years, the need for planning your Disney World Vacation has not. No planning or planning too late will mean you miss out.
Know your tools before you go: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours on select nights, single rider line, mobile ordering, and Advance Dining Reservations. If time is tight, list your must-do attractions in advance.
Not checking Hollywood Studios’ opening times
Make sure you check opening times before you visit. Click the link to get all the latest Walt Disney World Park Hours. Park hours can change right up to your visit date.
Not dedicating more than one day to Hollywood Studios
Previously, we told you Hollywood Studios was only a 1-day park. However, this has now changed. An increase in attractions, bigger crowds, and longer waits means that one day is no longer sufficient.
Most guests will need at least two days to enjoy all the attractions, and even then, you might not ride everything.
Thinking you have to purchase Multi Pass
Lightning Lane Multi Pass is the current iteration of skip-the-line service at Disney World, but it isn’t cheap. If you are on a short vacation, you might wish to purchase it every day, but it probably isn’t necessary if you have an extended vacation. Guests who purchase a Multi Pass join a much shorter Lightning Lane entrance.
Multi Pass selections are in tiers, and you can only pick one Tier 1 attraction before you visit. Your other two choices are from less popular attractions, the majority of which don’t have big waits. The current Tier 1 attractions are:
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (due to close soon)
- Slinky Dog Dash
Tiers can change; check on the App before buying.
We would always recommend picking Slinky Dog. For your Tier 2, our choices would be Toy Story Mania! and Tower of Terror. Getting an early Lightning Lane slot gives you your best chance of getting another headliner.
Just remember, Multi Pass is not cheap, and the cost soon adds up.
Thinking you have to pay extra for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is not available on Lightning Lane Multi Pass. A Lightning Lane Single Pass is required to access the Lightning Lane for this attraction.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a must-do attraction, but you can always access the standby line. The wait might be long, but it does not cost you extra money. However, we have walked straight on the ride several times near the park closing.
Arriving at the Hollywood Studios late
Even with Multi Pass and a Single Pass for Rise of the Resistance, doing everything in one day is hard. If you only have one day available, get to the park early, and you will find shorter lines.
If you are staying on-site, take advantage of Early Theme Park Entry before the rest of the crowd arrives.
Not using the Single Rider Line.
The Single Rider Line at Hollywood Studios can be one of the most fabulous time savers. If you are happy to ride alone when a gap becomes available, a cast member will fill it with a single rider.
Hollywood Studios is the only park at Walt Disney World with two attractions with Single Rider lines. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run have this facility. In fact, there are now three attractions, as Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance has been running an unofficial Single Rider line for some time.
Visit our Guide to the Single Rider Line to find out more.
Picking the wrong job on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
If it’s your first (or only) flight, don’t accept the Engineer out of politeness. You’ll spend the ride poking blinking buttons while your mates fly the Millennium Falcon! Let’s be honest, there is a bit of Han Solo in all of us, plus there wasn’t even an Engineer on the Millennium Falcon!
Ask for Pilot (or at least Gunner) at the merge point, or say you will wait for the next flight. However, if you do use the Single Rider, expect to be the Engineer.
Not checking if the kids are big enough to ride.
Don’t create a park plan that includes all family members riding; to realize too late, not all of you can. Many of the Hollywood Studios’ attractions do carry height restrictions and are enforced strictly. The following rules are in place:
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror Height Requirement: 40 inches.
- Star Tours Height Requirement: 40 inches.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Height: 48 inches.
- Slinky Dog Dash: 38 inches.
- Alien Swirling Saucers: 32 inches.
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: 38 inches.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: 40 inches.
When children are not big enough to ride, it does not mean adults and older children can’t. You can learn more in our Guide to Rider Switch.
Missing the shows.
Don’t go ride-only. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage and For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration are easy, air-conditioned wins. Check times in My Disney Experience.
Plus, at night, don’t miss Fantasmic! — It is back, and brilliant.
Not bringing park essentials.
Keep it light: portable charger, refillable bottle, poncho, meds, snacks, sunscreen, hat. You’ll carry it all day. Plus, don’t forget water.
We have created a Guide to what you should carry in your Walt Disney World Park Bag.
You can’t access the park’s Wi-Fi.
Online access is essential at Walt Disney World. Don’t even consider entering Hollywood Studios without access to Wi-Fi.
You’ll use My Disney Experience all day for wait times, Mobile Order, maps, and Lightning Lane management. Log in, link tickets, add a payment method, and enable notifications before rope drop.
Not having a break.
Florida heat can floor you. Drink water, take shade breaks, and don’t skip meals. A 40-minute air-conditioned lunch can save the afternoon.
Not planning Hollywood Studios dining reservations.
There aren’t a large number of table service restaurants at Hollywood Studios. Advance Dining Reservations open 60 days in advance (Disney resort guests get length of stay, up to 10 days), and venues often book up fast.
Don’t expect to get a favorite dining location on the day; if standby reservations are available, you will often experience lengthy waits.
Forgetting the other essential reservations
Oga’s Cantina, Droid Depot, and Savi’s Workshop need reservations and sell out. Book at 60 days (resort guests get length-of-stay, up to 10 days). Keep checking closer to the date for drops.
Visiting on major holidays
Unfortunately, this might be unavoidable, but don’t visit Hollywood Studios during major holidays when crowds will be at their highest. While you will have a great time no matter when you visit, lower crowds mean less stress and more fun.
During peak periods, focus on Early Entry, Single Rider, late-night strategy, and consider purchasing a Multi Pass.
Learn More about Walt Disney World
Our Guide to Walt Disney World is a great starting place to plan your Walt Disney World Vacation. Our Guide has tips, hints, and tricks to plan a perfect vacation.
