Best Disney's Hollywood Studios' Rides and Attractions
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a magical place where the glitz and glamour of Hollywood’s golden age come to life. It all began as a twinkle in Disney’s eye in the late 1980s, with the ambitious goal of creating a theme park that would pay homage to the enchanting world of film and television. Opening its doors on May 1, 1989, as Disney-MGM Studios, the park initially focused on bringing the fascinating inner workings of the entertainment industry to the forefront.
As the years went by, the park blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of immersive experiences, showcasing a myriad of stories and adventures. The park underwent a transformation in 2008, donning its current name, Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Like a chameleon adapting to its environment, the park’s theme evolved, embracing not only the behind-the-scenes magic but also creating immersive lands where beloved stories from Disney, Pixar, and beyond came alive.
Strolling through Disney’s Hollywood Studios today, you’ll be swept away on a nostalgic journey through the bygone era of Hollywood, while simultaneously diving headfirst into the heart of your favorite stories.
From the adrenaline-pumping thrills of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to the intergalactic escapades of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this park masterfully melds the old and the new, taking you on a cinematic rollercoaster ride that captures the essence of showbiz in all its spellbinding glory.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Rise of the Resistance is an incredible adventure ride that takes you on a thrilling 18-minute journey through the Star Wars universe. This attraction features the latest technology and special effects to create a one-of-a-kind experience that immerses guests in the intergalactic world of Star Wars.
Riders join forces with members of the Resistance as they fight against stormtroopers, Kylo Ren and other villains across the galaxies in an epic battle for freedom.
From entering a secret base in an escape ship to experiencing thrilling drops, blaster battles and more, this journey brings the beloved movie franchise to life like never before!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is an iconic and spine-tingling attraction nestled in the heart of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Stepping into the eerie realm of this thrill ride, you’ll be transported into the world of the classic television series “The Twilight Zone,” created by the enigmatic Rod Serling.
The ride’s story is centered around the fictional Hollywood Tower Hotel, a once-luxurious, now-dilapidated establishment that met a mysterious fate on one fateful stormy night in 1939.
As you approach the attraction, the ominous facade of the Hollywood Tower Hotel looms before you like a relic from a bygone era, exuding an air of mystique and foreboding. The queue takes you through the hotel’s overgrown gardens and into its dusty, cobweb-filled lobby, adorned with remnants of its opulent past.
The pre-show immerses you in the legend of the hotel, where you’ll learn that on that dark and stormy night, a lightning bolt struck the building, causing an entire elevator filled with guests to vanish into the Twilight Zone.
Once you’ve unraveled the eerie tale, you’ll board a seemingly ordinary service elevator, which is actually a cleverly disguised thrill ride vehicle. As the ride commences, you’ll be whisked away through the dimly lit corridors of the haunted hotel, with Rod Serling’s unmistakable voice narrating your journey into the unknown.
The elevator comes to a halt, and the doors open to reveal a breathtaking view of the park, momentarily lulling you into a false sense of security before the real heart-pounding excitement begins.
Without warning, the elevator plummets into a series of unpredictable, stomach-churning drops and rises, simulating a free-fall sensation that will have you gripping the edge of your seat. The ride utilizes randomized drop sequences, ensuring that each trip to the Twilight Zone is a unique experience.
As you disembark from the Tower of Terror, your heart still racing from the exhilarating descent, you’ll be left with a profound appreciation for the masterful storytelling and engineering that went into creating this unforgettable attraction.
With its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere, immersive narrative, and pulse-pounding thrills, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror stands as a testament to Disney’s ability to craft extraordinary experiences that transcend the boundaries of time and space.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is an electrifying, high-speed roller coaster that catapults you into the exhilarating world of rock music, featuring the legendary American rock band Aerosmith. This heart-pounding attraction is located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and has been thrilling guests since it first opened on July 29, 1999.
As you step into the queue, you’ll be immersed in the atmosphere of G-Force Records, a fictional recording studio, where you’ll catch a glimpse of Aerosmith working on their latest masterpiece. The excitement builds as you snake your way through the studio, with music memorabilia and posters adorning the walls, evoking the history and spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
The real magic begins when you board your “limousine” coaster car, designed to whisk you away to an exclusive Aerosmith concert across town. With a pulse-pounding countdown, the coaster rockets you from 0 to 57 miles per hour in a staggering 2.8 seconds, simulating the heart-stopping sensation of peeling away in a super-stretched limo. Throughout the ride, you’ll experience a series of inversions, loops, and corkscrews, all synchronized to the heart-pounding beats of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, including “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” and “Love in an Elevator.”
As you zoom through the dimly lit streets of Los Angeles, illuminated by vibrant neon signs and iconic landmarks, you’ll feel the adrenaline coursing through your veins as you race against time to make it to the concert. This high-octane adventure culminates in a thrilling crescendo as you arrive at the concert venue, greeted by the cheers of your fellow fans.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is more than just a roller coaster—it’s an immersive, multisensory experience that combines the thrill of rock music with the exhilaration of a high-speed coaster, creating a unique and unforgettable ride that will leave you breathless and begging for an encore.
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is a captivating, 14-acre land within Disney’s Hollywood Studios that whisks guests away to a galaxy far, far away. It is an immersive experience like no other, meticulously designed to transport Star Wars fans to the remote planet of Batuu, a bustling outpost located on the edge of the galaxy. Here, the lines between fantasy and reality blur as you find yourself in the midst of an epic struggle between the Resistance and the First Order.
As you wander through the winding streets of Black Spire Outpost, the attention to detail is astonishing. Every nook and cranny is filled with authentic touches that evoke the Star Wars universe, from the weathered facades of the buildings to the exotic creatures and droids roaming the area. The land teems with life, featuring an assortment of intriguing shops, eateries, and interactive elements that encourage exploration and discovery.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Two groundbreaking attractions anchor Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, offering exhilarating adventures for guests to embark upon. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run thrusts you into the cockpit of the iconic spaceship, where you and your fellow crew members must work together to complete a daring mission. Each role—pilot, gunner, or engineer—has a crucial part to play, and your actions directly impact the outcome of your adventure.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, on the other hand, is a groundbreaking, multi-layered experience that sets a new standard for theme park attractions. As a new recruit of the Resistance, you find yourself captured by the First Order and must navigate an imposing Star Destroyer to escape. This attraction combines stunning animatronics, immersive sets, and cutting-edge technology to create a breathtaking, cinematic experience that will leave you in awe.
In addition to the attractions, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge offers unique dining and shopping experiences that further immerse guests in the Star Wars universe. Sip on an exotic concoction at Oga’s Cantina, savor otherworldly flavors at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, or even construct your own custom lightsaber at Savi’s Workshop. Every element of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is designed to captivate and enchant, inviting you to live out your very own Star Wars story.
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land is an enchanting, 11-acre realm within Disney’s Hollywood Studios that invites guests to step into the delightful world of Andy’s backyard. The moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by a sense of wonder and nostalgia, as you’re magically transformed into the size of a toy and surrounded by larger-than-life versions of your favorite Toy Story characters and playthings.
The whimsical atmosphere is lovingly crafted with an imaginative touch, featuring oversized toys, colorful building blocks, and towering board game pieces that create a playful and immersive environment. Familiar faces, like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, greet you with open arms as you explore this vibrant landscape, where every detail is designed to evoke childhood memories and spark joy.
Slinky Dog Dash
Three delightful attractions await within Toy Story Land, each offering a unique experience for guests of all ages. Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster that takes you on a thrilling ride across Andy’s backyard, as you twist and turn on the back of the lovable Slinky Dog.
This smooth and exhilarating coaster combines playful theming with exciting dips and turns, making it a hit for both young and young-at-heart visitors.
Alien Swirling Saucers
Alien Swirling Saucers is an energetic, spinning ride featuring the lovable, wide-eyed aliens from the Toy Story movies. As you board your rocket ship, you’ll be whirled and twirled around the playset to an upbeat, intergalactic soundtrack, accompanied by the aliens’ charming antics and dazzling lighting effects.
Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story Mania! is an interactive, 3D shooting game that takes you on a wild ride through a series of carnival games hosted by the Toy Story gang. As you put on your 3D glasses and grab your spring-action shooter, you’ll aim and fire at various targets, competing against your friends and family to score the most points. This entertaining and immersive attraction showcases your favorite characters in a fresh and engaging way, making it a fan favorite.
Beyond the attractions, Toy Story Land also offers themed dining and shopping experiences. Woody’s Lunch Box serves up tasty treats and classic American fare, while the merchandise carts scattered throughout the land offer a variety of Toy Story-inspired souvenirs. Toy Story Land is an extraordinary place that captures the magic and charm of the beloved films, creating unforgettable memories for all who visit.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a delightful and innovative attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios that takes guests on a zany, whirlwind adventure through the wacky world of a Mickey Mouse cartoon short.
Located in the iconic Chinese Theatre, this groundbreaking ride is the first-ever attraction to feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as their friends Goofy, Donald, and Pluto.
As you step into the ride queue, you’re immersed in the glitzy glamour of a vintage movie premiere before being ushered into a screening room to watch the cartoon short, “Perfect Picnic.”
In a surprising turn of events, the screen opens up, inviting you to step right into the cartoon world and join Mickey, Minnie, and their friends on an unpredictable journey.
The ride itself utilizes cutting-edge trackless technology, which allows your train car to move smoothly and seamlessly through the vibrant and immersive sets.
As you embark on this zippy adventure, you’ll encounter unexpected twists, turns, and transformations that bring the lively, unpredictable spirit of a Mickey Mouse cartoon to life. Each scene is filled with colorful, eye-popping visuals, catchy tunes, and endearing character moments that evoke a sense of wonder and delight.
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway masterfully combines classic Disney charm with innovative ride technology to create a one-of-a-kind experience that is both nostalgic and fresh. This enchanting attraction is sure to captivate guests of all ages, leaving them with a renewed appreciation for the lovable duo and the whimsical world they inhabit.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue is a thrilling 3D motion-simulator attraction located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which takes guests on an exhilarating journey through the iconic Star Wars universe.
As a sequel to the original Star Tours attraction, this updated version features enhanced technology, new characters, and a rotating selection of multiple storylines, ensuring that each ride is a unique and immersive experience.
As you enter the attraction, you’ll be immersed in a bustling spaceport, complete with familiar Star Wars characters, droids, and spacecraft. After a brief pre-show, you’ll board a Starspeeder 1000 piloted by the quirky droid C-3PO, setting off on an unpredictable voyage through the galaxy.
Utilizing state-of-the-art 3D technology and high-definition video, Star Tours – The Adventures Continue immerses guests in a series of breathtaking scenes from various Star Wars films.
With over 50 different story combinations, the ride features a random sequence of planets, characters, and battles, ensuring that no two adventures are the same. You may find yourself evading Imperial forces on Hoth, navigating the bustling cityscape of Coruscant, or even joining the Resistance on the remote planet of Crait.
The motion-simulator technology adds an extra layer of excitement, as you feel the Starspeeder twist, turn, and soar through space, perfectly synchronized with the on-screen action.
This seamless blend of visual and physical effects creates an immersive and thrilling experience that will leave Star Wars fans and casual visitors alike with a sense of awe and exhilaration.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal events at Disney’s Hollywood Studios add an extra layer of excitement and magic to the park, offering unique and memorable experiences that coincide with various holidays and celebrations throughout the year.
These events often feature special shows, parades, decorations, and entertainment that cater to the theme, immersing guests in the festive atmosphere.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights
This limited-time, special ticketed event celebrates the beloved Star Wars saga with an array of exclusive experiences and entertainment.
Guests can enjoy unique character encounters, themed food and beverages, panel discussions with Star Wars creators, and special nighttime spectaculars that light up the sky with fireworks set to the iconic John Williams score.
Fans can also indulge in special merchandise, photo opportunities, and other Star Wars-themed surprises throughout the event.
Flurry of Fun
During the holiday season, Disney’s Hollywood Studios transforms into a winter wonderland with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a flurry of seasonal entertainment.
The Flurry of Fun event features holiday-themed shows, character meet and greets, and special treats that spread the spirit of the season.
One highlight is the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” nighttime spectacular, which combines projections, fireworks, and special effects to create a dazzling holiday-themed show on the park’s iconic Chinese Theatre.
Epcot International Festival of the Arts
While this event primarily takes place at the neighboring Epcot park, guests can easily access it from Disney’s Hollywood Studios via the Disney Skyliner transportation system.
The Epcot International Festival of the Arts is a celebration of visual, culinary, and performing arts from around the world. Held annually, the event features art exhibits, live performances, interactive workshops, and gourmet food offerings, showcasing the creativity and talent of artists in various disciplines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers a diverse array of attractions, rides, and entertainment options that cater to guests of all ages and interests.
From the adrenaline-pumping thrills of roller coasters like Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to the immersive worlds of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, there’s something for everyone at this enchanting theme park.
Seasonal events and captivating live shows further enhance the park’s appeal, ensuring that each visit is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney parks enthusiast, Disney’s Hollywood Studios promises a magical journey through the world of movies, television, and beloved stories that will leave a lasting impression.
