Hollywood Studios was the third park to open at Walt Disney World and has undergone massive changes over recent years, and developments are still ongoing. Even if you have visited Hollywood Studios before, there are many changes to how you plan your vacation. Our Guide to Hollywood Studios has been updated with all the latest planning information for 2025 and 2026.
Jump Right Into Our Guide to Hollywood Studios
A lot has changed in recent years at Hollywood Studios. However, one thing that has not changed is the need to plan your time. Are you looking for specific information? Our handy jumps will take you straight to key information.
- Hollywood Studios: The Basics
- Planning your visit to Hollywood Studios
- Hollywood Studios Questions and Answers
- Hollywood Studios Tips & Tricks
- Current Hollywood Studios Attractions
- Dining at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios: The Basics
The World you have entered was created by The Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood—not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where illusion and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was—and always will be.
Michael Eisner, May 1, 1989
Dedicated to Show Business, the park opened on May 1st, 1989. Disney launched the theme park in response to Universal Studios opening in Orlando.
When the park opened, it initially included a working studio. The studio included three sound stages and shot many productions for The Disney Channel, including The All-New Mickey Mouse Club featuring a young Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, among others. At one point, the studio was the home of Disney Animation. Animation hits produced at Hollywood Studios included Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear. Sadly, the park no longer consists of a working studio, with both the sound stages and animation studio now closed.
Until 2008, the park was officially known as Disney-MGM Studios. The relationship between Disney & MGM was not always comfortable, and Disney was contractually prohibited from using the name in certain markets. When unable to use the name, The Disney Studios was commonly used. Hollywood Studios became the park’s official name on January 7, 2008.
Like all theme parks at Walt Disney World, Hollywood Studios has plenty of interesting statistics and facts. For example, did you know that the park’s original layout featured a large Hidden Mickey, visible only in aerial photographs? Click the link to see more of our favorite Hollywood Studios Facts.
Big Changes at Hollywood Studios
It isn’t long ago that Hollywood Studios underwent some massive changes with the introduction of:
- Toy Story Land
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
These additions have meant that Hollywood Studios now attracts enormous crowds. The list of must-do attractions is probably bigger at Hollywood Studios than at the other Walt Disney World theme parks. However, things are continuing to change, and there is another massive round of renovations:
Monstropolis
A new Monsters, Inc. Land is being built in the area previously occupied by Grand Avenue and Muppets Courtyard. Details are still a bit vague, but there will be a show and Disney’s first suspended coaster.
The Walt Disney Studios
Animation Courtyard is being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, taking influence from the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California. The area will open in 2026, and all Animation Courtyard attractions, apart from The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents, have now closed.
Highlights of the new area include:
- The Magic of Disney Animation: Built in the former Star Wars Launch Bay. This interactive area will bring animation to life. There will also be an opportunity to draw your own character. Topping the attraction will be the return of the Sorcerer’s Hat to Hollywood Studios.
- New Disney Jr Show.
- Character greetings: Disney is promising plenty of character experiences in the area.
- Drawn to Wonderland: An indoor play area inspired by Alice in Wonderland.
The area sounds impressive and will bring some needed new attractions for younger guests.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Aerosmith will eventually be leaving the Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster in early 2026. I think this is long overdue. Steve Tyler and Co. never seemed to fit well with Disney’s image. The refreshed ride will open in Summer 2026 and will feature a new soundtrack by the Electric Mayhem.
Planning Your Visit to Hollywood Studios
To experience Hollywood Studios, you should spend time planning your experience. First-time visitors will likely need two days to fully experience everything the park has to offer. If you have less time, you should consider your must-see attractions. Expect long waits for many of the attractions at Hollywood Studios.
The planning process for EPCOT has undergone significant changes over the last few years. However, there is a set of tools that you must master: Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass, Early Theme Park Entry, Extended Evening Hours on select nights, mobile ordering, and Advance Dining Reservations. We will cover all these topics in this Guide.
Hollywood Studios Park Hours
Park hours are typically published about 60–75 days in advance and are often extended closer to your dates. Click the link to get all the latest Walt Disney World Park Hours.
Walt Disney World is constantly changing, and it is almost inevitable that there will be some refurbishments and closures whenever you visit. Check My Disney Experience for the latest information.
Disney Park Pass Reservation System
The majority of guests no longer have to make a Disney Park Pass Reservation to visit Hollywood Studios. If you have a date-based ticket, you are no longer required to make a reservation.
If your ticket is not date-based, read our Guide to the Disney Park Pass System.
Additionally, if you plan to visit more than one park each day, we recommend reading our Guide to Park Hopping.
Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours
Early Theme Park Entry and Extended Evening Hours are great benefits for on-site guests and select other resorts.
Early Theme Park Entry is the replacement for Extra Magic Hours. All Walt Disney World Resort guests and guests at other select hotels can gain 30-minute early entry to any theme park each day.
Extended Evening Hours are only available for guests staying at Deluxe Resorts. Guests at one of these resorts can occasionally enjoy extended evening hours at Hollywood Studios.
Extended evening hours are only held occasionally at Hollywood Studios. They tend to be held during the Magic Kingdom’s party seasons. Check My Disney Experience for the latest information.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass.
Walt Disney World currently offers three paid skip-the-line options: Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Lightning Lane Single Pass (à la carte for the top rides), and Lightning Lane Premier Pass (covers all Lightning Lane attractions once per day).
You don’t need to buy any of these, but if you do, you may ride more attractions. However, if you decide to buy a Multi Pass or a Single Pass, don’t wait too long, as the best reservation slots fill up quickly. Guests of Disney Resort hotels and other select hotels can purchase passes up to 7 days in advance of their stay, for the length of stay (up to 14 days). Guests staying elsewhere can purchase passes up to 3 days in advance of their park visit.
Hollywood Studios has a number of the biggest rides at Walt Disney World. So if time is tight, or in peak periods, there might be advantages in buying Lightning Lanes. In fact, if we had to pick one park to buy a Multi Pass for, it would probably be Hollywood Studios.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the only Single Pass attraction at Hollywood Studios. It attracts very long waits, especially during peak periods, but late evening waits can be shorter. As long as you join the line before closing, you will get on. However, if time is tight, it often pays to pay.
You must understand all about the Lightning Lane options as soon as possible. Read our Guide to Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass to learn more.
Are you big enough to ride?
Many of the Walt Disney World attractions carry height restrictions and are strictly enforced. At the Hollywood Studios, these are:
- Alien Swirling Saucers: 32″
- Slinky Dog Dash: 38″
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run: 38″
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: 40″
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue: 40″
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror: 40″
- Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith: 48″
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Toy Story Mania! have no height requirement.
If the kids are too small, you can use a rider switch to allow the rest of the party to ride.
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, a cast member will fill a gap with a single rider when a gap becomes available.
Hollywood Studios is the only park at Walt Disney World with three attractions with Single Rider lines. Rock’ N’ Roller Coaster and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run officially have this facility, but unofficially, it also runs on Rise of the Resistance.
Park Wi-Fi and My Disney Experience.
Online access is essential when visiting Walt Disney World. Don’t even consider entering Hollywood Studios without access to Wi-Fi.
At Hollywood Studios, you will use My Disney Experience all day for wait times, Mobile Order, Lightning Lane management, showtimes, and maps. Wi-Fi is available throughout the parks and is generally good.
Walt Disney World encourages all guests to download the latest version of My Disney Experience on their mobile devices before entering the parks. Additionally, they recommend enabling location services and notifications.
Meeting Characters at Hollywood Studios
Do you like meeting characters? Then Hollywood Studios might be your favorite park. Characters are abundant at Hollywood Studios, including some you will not find in other parks. Characters may include:
- Joy
- Edna Mode and the Incredibles
- Olaf
- Star Wars Characters
- Green Army Men and other stars from Toy Story
My Disney Experience App will have all the information on where to meet your favorite character.
Our Guide to Finding Characters at Walt Disney World has further information.
Visiting Hollywood Studios with Disabilities
Hollywood Studios provides extensive facilities for all disabilities, including visual, auditory, mobility & cognitive impairments.
Visit our Guide to Disabilities at Walt Disney World to learn more.
Planning Sheets
After your initial research, you will want to write down your vacation plans. Our Free Walt Disney World Planners are a great resource for creating a perfect Walt Disney World Vacation Plan. Make sure you download this free resource.
Hollywood Studios Questions and Answers
Sometimes it isn’t easy to find the answers to all your questions before you visit Hollywood Studios. We have created a section on Modern Life Is Good that answers many of these questions on Hollywood and the rest of Walt Disney World.
Our Walt Disney World Useful Information, last updated August 2025, answers common queries and reflects current policies and prices. Information you will find includes Theme Park rules, stroller hire, locker hire, tours, baby care centers, first aid, and lots more helpful Walt Disney World information.
Tips, Tricks & Mistakes To Avoid at Hollywood Studios
Anybody who has ever visited Hollywood Studios will have a list of tips and tricks for a future visit. Here is a selection of ours that we have learned from previous visits.
- Mistakes to Avoid at Hollywood Studios
- Our Top Tips & Tricks for a great time at Hollywood Studios
Current Attractions at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has undergone a massive change in recent years, but further construction is happening throughout the park. Here are all the current attractions you can enjoy at Hollywood Studios.
Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood Boulevard is the entrance to the park, containing multiple shops and guest services. This is the Main Street USA of Hollywood Studios.
Near the park’s gate is a recreation of the Crossroads of the World tower, which, when built in 1936, was considered the first shopping mall in the United States.
At the far end of Hollywood Boulevard is a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, which previously held the Great Movie Ride. The Great Movie Ride closed in 2017 and is the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway location.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway opened in 2020, making guests part of a Mickey Mouse short. It is the first ride to feature Mickey Mouse at any Disney park. Disney has used new technology for the attraction, which offers a 3D experience without the need for glasses. The attraction is incredibly impressive and is perhaps my favorite of the latest attractions at Hollywood Studios.
Echo Lake
The area is based on Echo Lake in Los Angeles & includes several attractions.
- Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! is now the oldest attraction in the park, but it still draws in the crowds. Some of the stunts are very impressive and taken straight from the movies.
- Star Tours – The Adventure Continues is a classic Star Wars attraction that was updated in 2011 & is now an impressive 3D simulator. The movie clips you are shown are randomly selected and updated regularly to reflect the ever-changing Star Wars Universe.
- Mickey Shorts Theater opened in 2020 in the theater that previously held Path of the Jedi. The new show features an original animated short called “Vacation Fun.” After the show, you can explore Potato Land.
- For The First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration …the title says it all! Great fun for Frozen fans, but if you aren’t, it is a little tacky.
Pixar Plaza
The former entrance to Toy Story Mania is currently dead space and will presumably be redeveloped at some point in the future. However, it continues to avoid being culled and serves no purpose other than as a walkway. There is an opportunity to meet the Incredibles and Edna Mode, plus a few interactive Incredible exhibits.
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land opened in 2018 and remains one of Orlando’s hottest areas to explore. Plus, it’s hot, and there is a lack of shade!
- Toy Story Mania! It moved into Toy Story Land from the former Pixar Place and has a new entrance. This 4D attraction allows guests to participate in classic Midway Games.
- Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly coaster. Riders of all ages zip around Toy Story Land on this fun coaster. This attraction currently attracts very long waits, and if you are using Multi Pass it usually runs out of reservations before your arrival.
- Alien Swirling Saucers is a whip ride. Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in California Adventure is in a similar format. Guests are immersed in Toy Story Aliens, their Flying Saucers & some rather annoying tunes. Be warned, the ride is not very long and will be underwhelming if you have had a long wait!
Our Tour of Toy Story Land has further information on what you can expect in this new area. In our opinion, the land looks better at night, and you should try to visit after dark.
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard was the first expansion area at Hollywood Studios, opening in 1994.
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a classic Walt Disney World thrill attraction. The tower is the focal point of this region of the park. Guests’ free-fall drops at speeds of up to 39 mph. The ride is inspired by the television classic The Twilight Zone.
- Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is a fast, dark indoor looping coaster. The attraction attracts long lines, and guests should consider using the single-rider line. The attraction will be closing in early 2026 for a Muppet retheme.
- Beauty & The Beast – Live on Stage is a Broadway-style show based on the popular Disney Classic.
- Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After is a new show that replaced the awful Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy. Compared to its predecessor, this show is worth watching.
Animation Courtyard
Animation Courtyard is undergoing massive construction to create the new Walt Disney World Studios Lot. Only two attractions are currently open:
- Walt Disney Presents is a Walt Disney life and achievements exhibition. Great place to get out of the rain, and it is actually quite interesting. Various other exhibits have been added to this area in recent years, and it now feels somewhat mismatched in terms of themes. A preview of a current Disney film is usually shown, and a character is generally meeting. Recently, it was Ariel, but she is due to be relocated.
- The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is a recently opened show that is great fun. Note this is not the same show that ran until 2020.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
The opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Hollywood Studios was the most anticipated event of 2019 at Walt Disney World. Reviews of the area have been mixed, and like most Disney-era Star Wars, it has struggled with fan approval.
There are two big attractions in Galaxy’s Edge, but Rise of the Resistance is the must-do attraction for all guests.:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, guests pilot the Millennium Falcon on a mission. Each guest will take one of 3 critical roles to complete the mission. There is a Single Rider line if you are happy to ride alone. The ride will be refreshed in 2026 with enhanced interactivity. On May 26th, the ride will feature The Mandalorian and Grogu, plus a new story.
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, guests experience a Star Destroyer’s hangar bay in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. Guests will even encounter Kylo Ren during their mission. If you don’t want to pay for a Lightning Lane Single Pass, try to ride close to the park’s closing time; we have walked straight on. There is now an unofficial Single Rider line available most days.
However, the big two attractions are not all there is to see at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. There are plenty of other areas to explore and interact with.
Before visiting, ensure you have downloaded the Play Disney Parks app, which transforms into a datapad inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. The app allows you to further immerse yourself in the Galaxy’s Edge experience.
A reservation is highly recommended if you visit Droid Depot, Savi’s Workshop − Handbuilt Lightsabers, and Oga’s Cantina. Walk-ins are not guaranteed, but reservations can be made 60 days in advance on the My Disney Experience App.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be one of the main reasons most guests plan to visit Hollywood Studios. Read our thoughts from our first visit.
Nighttime Attractions at Hollywood Studios
Do not leave Hollywood Studios early; it has some of the best nighttime entertainment at Walt Disney World. Besides, Hollywood Studios looks stunning at night.
Make sure you check park schedules to see when the following events will be held:
- Wonderful World of Animation: State-of-the-art projections take guests through a tour of 90 years of Disney Animation. The current version of the show opened in 2021.
- Fantasmic: A voyage through Mickey Mouse’s imagination. Some small children might find this show a little scary. This spectacular show includes fireworks, characters, water effects, lasers, music, boats, and mist screen projections. In our opinion, don’t miss it!
Dining at Hollywood Studios
Hollywood Studios has some of the most innovative restaurants in Walt Disney World. There are currently 5 Table Service Locations following the closure of Mama Melrose:
- 50’s Prime Time Café is fantastic fun, but don’t put elbows on the table. There are various rules you must follow as Mom cooks dinner. This is one of the most original restaurants in Walt Disney World.
- Hollywood and Vine is a character buffet open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is now Minnie Seasonal Dining for all meals. The former Disney Junior Character breakfast has been discontinued.
- Sci-Fi Dine-In featuring a 50’s style drive-in
theater . Most guests are seated in mock cars where you dine while watching Sci-Fi movies. - The Hollywood Brown Derby is an authentic replica of the famous Brown Derby. A popular lounge bar and terrace are also attached, which do not require booking.
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ recently opened in Toy Story Land. This family-style meal is offered by another innovative restaurant, where you dine with Andy’s toys. It receives mixed reviews, but we enjoyed it.
Also, there are several excellent quick-service and snack locations. Many of these locations allow you to order your meal in advance via mobile ordering. For something special, visit the dining options at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Disney’s Advance Dining Reservations are restaurant reservations made in advance at most of Disney’s Table Service Restaurants. All restaurants at Hollywood Studios fill up, and if they have standby lines, they can be lengthy.
All restaurants at Hollywood Studios are well-equipped to deal with the most common food allergies. Our Guide to Dining with Allergies & Food Intolerances has further information.
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