Disney's Hollywood Studios Guide: Best Rides & New 2026 Attractions

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially shed its identity as a half-day park. Between the immersive storytelling of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the nostalgic fun of Toy Story Land, and the adrenaline-pumping drops on Sunset Boulevard, this is now arguably the most thrill-dense park in Orlando.

But with huge crowds come huge logistical challenges. You aren't just walking into a theme park; you enter a movie set where timing is everything. Whether you look to drop 13 stories on the Tower of Terror or want to shrink down to the size of a toy, this guide covers every ride, show, and the massive updates coming in 2026 and beyond.

• Location: Walt Disney World Resort, Bay Lake, Florida
• Best For: Thrill-seekers, Star Wars fans, Pixar lovers
• Ticket Prices: Starting from approx. $119 (Varies by date)
• Genie+ Priority: High. This park has the longest wait times; Lightning Lane serves as an essential tool here.
• Dining: 50's Prime Time Café, Oga's Cantina, Hollywood & Vine

What’s New & Coming Soon to Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios currently undergoes a massive transition phase. While the park operates fully, Disney confirmed major expansions that redefine the skyline.

Monstropolis (Monsters Inc. Land): The area formerly known as Grand Avenue and the Muppet Vision 3D courtyard transforms into a living, breathing Monstropolis. The highlight involves a suspended indoor coaster that simulates the door vault chase scene from the movie. Construction moves fast, with walls already up.

Villains Unfairly Ever After: Replacing Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy on Sunset Boulevard, this new stage show features Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and Maleficent in a musical debate about who suffered the most misunderstanding. It offers a great break from the Florida heat.

The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure: A completely reimagined version of the classic stage show in Animation Courtyard, featuring new puppetry, live actors, and projection effects debuts in 2026.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge - The Immersive Experience

Located at the back of the park, Galaxy’s Edge (Batuu) offers more than just a collection of rides; it functions as a full-scale role-playing experience. Stormtroopers patrol the crowds, and the smell of Ronto Wraps fills the air.

Rise of the Resistance

This stands as more than a ride; it offers a 20-minute cinematic experience. You get recruited by Rey and BB-8, captured by a Star Destroyer, and interrogated by Kylo Ren before making a desperate escape.

• Type: Trackless Dark Ride / Walkthrough
• Thrill Level: Medium (Small drops, intense visuals)
• Tip: This remains the most popular attraction in Disney World. Buy an Individual Lightning Lane entry if possible, or rope-drop it instantly.

Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run

Ever wanted to fly the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy? This motion simulator lets a crew of six pilot the Falcon.

• Roles: Pilots (Front - most fun), Gunners (Middle), Engineers (Back)
• Update: A new mission featuring The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in May 2026.

Oga’s Cantina

The heartbeat of Black Spire Outpost. It stands as a standing-room-only bar serving exotic concoctions like the Fuzzy Tauntaun. Reservations disappear quickly, so book 60 days out.

Toy Story Land - Andy’s Backyard

Shrink down to the size of a toy in this colorful, open-air land. The theming uses giant building blocks and Tinker Toys to create the environment.

Slinky Dog Dash

A family-friendly launch coaster that rides smoother than it looks. You ride on Slinky Dog’s back as he twists and turns through Andy’s backyard.

• Highlight: The second launch section features sound effects and a power-up boost.
• Height Requirement: 38 inches (97 cm)

Toy Story Mania!

A 4D shooting game that feels incredibly addictive. You move through different carnival games, popping balloons and breaking plates.

• Competitive Tip: Look for Easter eggs in the game screens to unlock higher point targets.

Alien Swirling Saucers

A whip-ride similar to the Teacups but without the manual spinning. You get pulled around by the little green aliens. It offers fun but lasts briefly; do not wait more than 20 minutes for this.

Sunset Boulevard - Thrills & Hollywood Glamour

This street evokes the Golden Age of Hollywood but leads to the park's most intense scream-fests.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Housed in the imposing Hollywood Tower Hotel, this drop tower stands as a masterpiece of storytelling. The drops function randomly, meaning you never know if you fall or shoot up first.

Atmosphere: The queue itself acts as an attraction, filled with dusty luggage and creepy details frozen in time.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Note: This ride currently undergoes a major refurbishment and rumors suggest a re-theme (possibly to The Muppets/Electric Mayhem), though the track layout remains the same. It features a 0 to 57 mph launch in 2.8 seconds and remains the only ride in the park with inversions.

Fantasmic!

The ultimate nighttime spectacular. Located in the Hollywood Hills Amphitheater, this 25-minute show combines water screens, fireworks, live actors, and a massive dragon.

• Seating: The theater is huge, but arrive at least 45 minutes early for a center seat.

Hollywood Boulevard & Echo Lake

The central hub of the park features iconic architecture and some surprising hidden gems.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Located inside the Chinese Theater (replacing the Great Movie Ride), this trackless dark ride takes you into a Perfect Picnic cartoon. The technology feels mind-blowing-the rooms transform around you without 3D glasses.

• Best For: All ages. No height requirement.

Star Tours - The Adventures Continue

The original Star Wars simulator. It has been updated with hundreds of random destination combinations, including scenes from Ahsoka and Andor. You rarely get the same ride twice.

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

A massive open-air stunt show that reveals how movie magic gets made. From giant boulders to exploding planes, it provides a high-action break for your feet.

Practical Tips for Visiting Hollywood Studios

• Rope Drop Strategy: If you lack Early Entry (for hotel guests), do not go to Rise of the Resistance first. Everyone goes there. Instead, head to Slinky Dog Dash or Tower of Terror to knock out a headliner with minimal wait.
• Genie+ Remains Mandatory: Unlike Animal Kingdom or Epcot, Hollywood Studios holds a high concentration of Tier 1 rides. Without Genie+, you might only manage 3-4 rides in a full day due to 100+ minute queues.
• Heat Management: Toy Story Land contains almost no shade. Visit this area early in the morning or late at night to avoid the brutal Florida sun.