Guide to Every Attraction at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios

WDW Prep School → Disney World Parks → Hollywood Studios → Attractions
Alien Swirling Saucers

Hollywood Studios is a park with a few can’t-miss rides, a couple of forgettable rides, and lots of shows.

Let’s take a look at all Hollywood Studios rides….

UPDATE: Attraction closures

Several rides, shows, and character meets are temporarily unavailable due to current global events. These attractions have been noted below and we will continue to make updates as Disney releases additional information.

A quick overview

Hollywood Studios is themed after movies and includes attractions from all of the major franchises and brands including Star Wars, Pixar, Frozen, and Indiana Jones. There are also a lot of live shows to see here, making it difficult to plan since you have to try to fit them all into your day.

This park is divided by street names and distinctly-themed lands. Let’s take a look at each section…

New temporary entertainment

While several popular character meets and shows are unavailable, new temporary character experiences and shows have taken their place. Here is what to expect at Hollywood Studios:

  • Disney Junior Motorcade
  • Mickey and Friends Motorcade
  • Pixar Pals Motorcade
  • Star Wars Favorites in Galaxy’s Edge
  • The Disney Society Orchestra and Friends – taking place in the Beauty and the Beast theater, the show features music performed by a six-piece band and appearances from some favorite Beauty and the Beast characters

  • Disney Junior Play & Dance! – taking place in the Disney Junior Dance Party! building, this altered show features the same popular characters that were available in the Disney Junior Dance Party! show

 

Find more information about these experiences, including when to see them, in our Complete Guide to Cavalcades and Characters at Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Studios rides and attractions

Animation Courtyard

Star Wars Launch Bay

This attraction allows guests to interact with beloved Star Wars characters, tour galleries of memorabilia and replicas of large-scale Star Wars artifacts, shop for special Star Wars merchandise at "Launch Bay Cargo" and play the latest Star Wars interactive video games.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody, especially Star Wars fans
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Anytime, although waits are shorter in the morning.
Tips: Chewbacca will speak to you at their meet & greets so you might want to brush up on your Wookie

Disney Junior Dance Party! - Temporarily Unavailable

Interactive dance party featuring characters from The Lion Guard and Mickey and the Roadster Racers as well as Vampirina and Doc McStuffins. Interactive elements include bubbles, streamers, and "snow."

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? For families with little ones
When to visit: Anytime, as scheduled
Tips: Most people will sit on the floor for this show, although there are some benches in the back. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to sit closer to the stage.

Voyage of Little Mermaid - Temporarily Unavailable

17-minute show featuring a combination of live performances, puppets, film clips and special effects.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody (though the dark theater and the Ursula character may scare some little ones)
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Anytime, as scheduled
Tips: See this show before lunch to avoid lines

Walt Disney Presents

This museum-style attraction is a chance to see lots of memorabilia from Walt's life. Items include a model of Main Street, U.S.A., Oscar trophies, plus concept art for upcoming attractions. Character greetings are also frequently available inside as well as sneak peaks of upcoming movies.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Only as a time filler for those who love knowing more about the history
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: Ask a Cast Member for a trivia quiz. If you answer the trivia questions correctly, you'll be given a certificate.

Fancy Nancy (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Meet Fancy Nancy in her play palace in Animation Courtyard.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Generally between 9:30am -5:30PM daily but check MDE to verify daily operating hours

Sulley (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Meet and greet with Sulley from Monsters, Inc. in Walt Disney Presents (note: Mike Wazowski used to meet with Sulley in this location but is no longer meeting as of 2/22/2020)

Height req.: None
When to visit: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Vampirina (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Meet this ghoulish girl at her Scare B&B in Animation Courtyard.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Generally between 9:30am -5:30PM daily but check MDE to verify daily operating hours

BB-8 Astromech on Duty (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Meet this beloved droid inside of Star Wars Launch Bay.

Height req.: none
When to visit: Park opening - park closing

Pluto (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Meet Pluto alongside Disney Junior pals in the Animation Courtyard.

When to visit: Generally between 9:30am -5:30PM daily but check MDE to verify daily operating hours

Darth Vader (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Encounter Darth Vader meeting daily n Star Wars Launch Bay.

When to visit: Park opening - park closing

Chewbacca (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Find Chewbacca meeting daily inside Star Wars Launch Bay.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park opening - park closing

Doc McStuffins (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

The doc is in! Find Doc McStuffins meeting at her backyard playhouse clinic in Animation Courtyard.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Generally between 9:30am -5:30PM daily but check MDE to verify daily operating hours

Commissary Lane

Mickey & Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Meet Mickey Mouse dressed as the Sorcerer's Apprentice from Fantasia and Minnie Mouse in her red carpet gown. Note that while this meet and greet only has one queue, you will meet Mickey and Minnie separately.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park open to park close daily

Chip 'n' Dale (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Height req.: None
When to visit: 9:30 am-12:30pm

Echo Lake

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple - Temporarily Unavailable

This outdoor show allows young Padawans to master their Jedi skills before facing off against forces from the Dark Side (Darth Vader & the Seventh Sister Inquisitor from Star War Rebels).

Suitable for: Disney requests participants be between the ages of 4 & 12.
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Sign up in the morning
Tips: Registration to participate is located at the Indiana Jones Adventurers Outpost store. In order to secure a spot you should sign up in the morning.

Star Tours - The Adventures Continue

3D flight simulator that takes guests through one of dozens of different Star Wars experiences including new characters and adventures from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker as well as Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Batuu, the home planet of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 40
Suitable for: Anybody 40" or taller who can handle simulators and some rough movement.
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 2nd hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: The exit area is a great Star Wars gift shop that has areas to build LEGO Star Wars characters and light sabers. If this store seems too busy, you may have better luck at Once Upon a Toy store in Disney Springs where you can get the same items.

Mickey Shorts Theater

TBD

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
When to visit: Schedule TBD

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

This 25-30 minute show is hosted by hilarious historians from Arendelle who walk you through the story of Frozen with a chance to sing songs from the movie along the way. Characters from the movie appear on stage for a bit during the show as well.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Definitely for Frozen fans
When to visit: Anytime, as scheduled
Tips: Get a FastPass+ for this attraction or be sure to show up about 20-25 minutes before show time

Indiana Jones ™ Epic Stunt Spectacular! - Temporarily Unavailable

35-minute show that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the effects used on a movie set, using scenes from Indiana Jones movies. The theater is outdoors but covered so you'll be protected from the sun but not sitting in air conditioning.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: Anytime, as scheduled
Tips: To increase your chances of being picked to be in a scene, show up early, sit near the front and be enthusiastic.

Olaf at Celebrity Spotlight (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Meet the lovable snowman Olaf from Disney's Frozen movies. Don't forget to give him a warm hug!

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park open to 15 minutes before park close daily

Hollywood Boulevard

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

A new 2-1/2D attraction that puts guests inside of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short.

Height req.: None

Daisy & Donald Duck (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Height req.: None
When to visit: 9:00 am-11:45am, 12:50pm-3:15pm

Muppet Courtyard

Muppet*Vision 3D

This indoor, 3D show is a fun attraction featuring the Muppets. Things happen in the theater as part of the show, making the show even more fun (especially for little ones).

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes, for little ones (as a time filler for everybody else)
When to visit: Anytime
Tips: The theater holds a lot of people and usually doesn't have a long wait. It's a good option to escape hot afternoons. Be sure to check MDE for hours as this attraction sometimes opens after park opening and closes before park closing.

Pixar Place

Edna Mode (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Height req.: None

Sunset Boulevard

Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy

A new show featuring Lightning McQueen and other favorite Cars characters. Watch as Lightning showcases his racing simulator on the wrap around screen and then takes on a racing challenge.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: All ages especially little ones and Cars fans
Recommended? Yes, for little ones (as a time filler for everybody else)
When to visit: As scheduled
Tips: This show is inside in the air conditioning and can be a good opportunity to take a break from the heat in the afternoon.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™

One of the best themed attractions in all of Disney World, this ride takes you on an elevator ride that ultimately results in dropping you 13 stories. After the initial drop, the ride goes up and down in random sequence, dropping you multiple times.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 40
Suitable for: People 40" and taller who love thrillers
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Just before boarding the ride vehicle, there is a chicken exit for those who choose not to ride.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

This high-speed, takes-off-really-super-fast coaster features the music of Aerosmith. The story line is that you're headed to a red carpet event and don't have much time so you're in a fast-paced limo that takes you through twists and turns (some parts are inverted) and delivers you to the red carpet.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: 48
Suitable for: Coaster lovers 48" and taller
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Single rider line is available here

Beauty & the Beast - Live on Stage - Temporarily Unavailable

As the name implies, this is a live show featuring the story of Beauty and the Beast.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes, especially for princess lovers
When to visit: Anytime, as scheduled
Tips: Food is allowed here, so feel free to grab lunch or a snack and bring it in to eat while you watch

Santa Claus & Goofy Santa (character meet)

Meet Santa in Hollywood Studios during the holiday season.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
When to visit: Santa will meet seasonally during November and December

Nighttime entertainment

Disney Movie Magic - Temporarily Unavailable

This nighttime projection show takes place on the facade of the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and features scenes from historic Disney movie moments.

Height req.: None
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: As scheduled (nighttime entertainment)
Tips: In order to see all of the projections you will need to find a place close to the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater

Wonderful World of Animation - Temporarily Unavailable

A nighttime projection show featuring 90 years of Disney animation starting with Mickey Mouse.

Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular - Temporarily Unavailable

This enhanced show showcases pyrotechnics, special effects and video projections in addition to spectacular fireworks, all set to music from the Star Wars film franchise

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Fans of Star Wars and anyone that loves nighttime shows
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: As scheduled (nighttime entertainment)
Tips: In order to see all of the projections you will need to find a place close to the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater

Fantasmic! - Temporarily Unavailable

This 25-minute nighttime show is enormously popular and fun to watch. The show features characters, water effects, fireworks and music. Guests begin to arrive up to 2 hours before the show begins to obtain seating.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes, except for families with young children who could find it scary
When to visit: As scheduled (nighttime entertainment)
Tips: If there are 2 shows scheduled, the second one will always be less busy. This show makes a good "bonus" FastPass+ if you've used all of your others for the day and there are still some available for Fantasmic. Feel free to bring food in that you've purchased from outside the theater.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! (seasonal)

This enhanced nighttime show includes state-of-the-art projections, special effects (including snow!), fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score.

Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? For people that love Christmas or anybody that enjoys nighttime shows
When to visit: Nighttime entertainment
Tips: In order to see all of the projections you will need to find a place close to the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater

Toy Story Land

Alien Swirling Saucers

Similar to Mater‘s Junkyard Jamboree at Disney California Adventure, this attraction swirls guests around in spaceships on a dizzying ride through space.

Height req.: 32
Suitable for: People 32" and taller
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hour (or later w/FP+)

Slinky Dog Dash

This family-friendly coaster is similar in intensity to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. Guests ride in adorable Slinky Dog cars as they experience lots of wacky dips and twists, bridges and drops.

Height req.: 38
Suitable for: People 38" and taller, coaster fans
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hour (or later w/FP+)

Toy Story Mania!

Fun ride that includes wearing 3D glasses and riding through various carnival game scenes to score points.

FP+ available? Yes
Height req.: None
Suitable for: Anybody
Recommended? Yes
When to visit: 1st hr (or later w/FP+)
Tips: Arrive early to ride it ASAP after park opening and/or scheduling a FastPass+ reservation for later.

Jessie (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Find Jessie from Toy Story meeting guests near Alien Swirling Saucers in Andy's Backyard.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park opening - park closing

Woody (character meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Find Woody from Toy Story in front of Toy Story Mania in Andy's Backyard.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park opening - park closing
Tips: Bo Peep used to meet with Woody at this location but is not meeting at this time.

Buzz Lightyear (Character Meet) - Temporarily Unavailable

Buzz Lightyear meets guests in Andy's Backyard in front of Slinky Dog Dash.

Height req.: None
When to visit: Park opening - park closing

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance puts guests in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.

Height req.: 40
Suitable for: Anyone, but may be scary to little ones
Recommended? The attraction can be scary for little ones but highly recommend for everybody else, especially Star Wars fans.
When to visit: Guests must receive a virtual boarding group at park opening to be able to ride.
Tips: At this time, guests must have a boarding group (distributed electronically at park opening) in order to ride.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Guests get behind the controls of the Millennium Falcon in one of three flight crew roles.

Height req.: 38
Suitable for: Anyone, though some controls may be harder to reach for little ones
Recommended? Yes, especially Star Wars fans
When to visit: At park opening or with a FastPass
Tips: Single rider line is available here

Dining at Hollywood Studios

We have a dining guide below to help you decide on dining options at Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Studios ridesThe pros and cons of all Hollywood Studios restaurants
I’ve put together a list of all of the restaurants at Hollywood Studios with my thoughts on each to help you decide where to eat during your time at Hollywood Studios.

 

Want to stay up-to-date on all the recent Hollywood Studios construction?

Check out our guides to everything we know about the new Star Wars Land, coming soon to Hollywood Studios.

 

Related News

Read this next

Popular Related Articles

Related Posts:

In this category

More Tips and Tricks

Ready to book a trip for 2021?

The team at Small World Vacations is ready to help get you started.

Get a quote now