Hollywood Studios has seen lots of new stuff over the past couple years, including several new highly anticipated attractions like Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway.
But all those fun new attractions also means there's been lots of changes to the FastPass+ tiers.
Here's what you need to know...
What do you mean by "tier"?
In 3 of the parks (Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom), FastPasses are divided into 2 separate pools, commonly referred to as "tiers."
Tier 1 attractions are the most popular rides in the park, while Tier 2 attractions are the less popular ones.
When booking your standard FastPass+ reservations, you can have a total of 3 FastPasses at a time. Of those 3, only 1 of your initial 3 can be from the Tier 1 category.
NEW Hollywood Studios FastPass+ options & priorities begin March 4, 2020
| Tier | Top priority | Second priority (possible bonus FP+ options) |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 (you can choose 1 item from this level) |
Slinky Dog Dash | Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway |
| Tier 2 (you can choose 2 from this level) |
Tower of Terror Rock 'n' Roller Coaster |
Toy Story Mania Alien Swirling Saucers Voyage of the Little Mermaid MuppetVision 3D Disney Junior Dance Party! Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! Fantasmic! Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage Star Tours For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration |
How to tour with the new FastPass tiers
We have Hollywood Studios touring plans that can help you maximize your time in the park.
Note: new touring plans will be available shortly after Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway opens March 4, 2020.
Choosing the best Tier 1
Here's our thoughts on your two tier 1 options:
Slinky Dog Dash (38" height requirement)
This is our #1 recommendation and the Tier 1 FastPass we personally aim to snag.
Our reasoning is this:
Even though it has been open for awhile, it still draws the huge crowds.
And, let's not forget the differences in the queues...
If you don't make it to the front of the pack and you find yourself standing in line, between Smugglers Run, Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway, and Slinky Dog Dash you'll have a much better time standing in line at Smugglers Run and Mickey and Minnie's.
Slinky Dog Dash's queue is mostly uncovered and not protected from the sun (and rain).
It can feel like you're standing on the surface of the sun. Truly.
The queues for Smugglers Run and Mickey and Minnie's Runway Railway, however, are mostly covered, and includes sections that are air conditioned (with cool things to look at).
In addition to the "just how comfortable is it" to stand in, Slinky Dog Dash also doesn't offer a Single Rider Line (which is a great option for some families!) and Smugglers Run does.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (38" height requirement, Single Rider Line available)
If you can't snag a Slinky Dog Dash, another good option will be Smugglers Run
That means if you want to ride Slinky Dog Dash (without standing in a long line) you'll need to make sure you're at the park at least 90 minutes before it opens so you can head directly there OR, if you're a night owl, jump into the line towards the end of the night.
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is a great option for families that are looking for a Tier 1 option without a height requirement.
But if a height requirement isn't a concern we still think Slinky Dog Dash is your best bet (especially if you can use the Single Rider line over at Smugglers Run!).
What about Tier 2?
Tier 2 attractions are a bit easier to select.
Unless you don't plan on riding the thrill rides here, your top 2 choices are going to be Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror.
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster (48" height requirement, Single Rider Line available)
This attraction tends to have waits that are similar to Slinky Dog Dash; however, it also has a Single Rider Line. But, you can free up your morning to knock out other attractions if you opt for a FastPass here.
Tower of Terror (40" height requirement)
Is it scary? Yes ... but if you love thrills this is a great option for for a Tier 2 FastPass as the lines here can build after the 1st hour of the day.
Toy Story Mania (no height requirement)
This was once the hottest ticket in Hollywood Studios and it remains popular to this day. The capacity here has been expanded but it can still see lengthy lines form.
This is a great option for Tier 2 if you need a ride with no height restrictions.
Alien Swirling Saucers (32" height requirement)
This attraction is popular; however, the lines here don't build as quickly as they do for the other Tier 2 attractions nor do they tend to be as long.
But, this is another good option if you need a ride with a lower height restriction.
Star Tours (40" height requirement)
This attraction is still popular, but, you can typically ride it with low waits without a FastPass.
For that reason, we don't recommend using a FastPass+ here.
All the rest (no height requirements)
The rest of your options are all shows of one sort or another.
Of the ones on the list, the Frozen Ever After Sing-Along is probably the most popular so if you are interested in seeing that and you have a Tier 2 FastPass to spare, that might be a good option for you.
It is also a good one to try to snag as a 4th "bonus" FastPass after you've used your first 3.
You likely wont need a FastPass for the remaining options (Voyage of the Little Mermaid, Muppet*Vision 3D, Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular, Disney Junior Dance Party!, and Fantasmic!) but if one or both of the two Tier 2 recommendations don't interest you and you plan on seeing one of the remaining choices, it won't hurt to grab it.
These are also good options for "bonus" FastPasses (which you can select only after you have used your initial 3 FastPass choices).
