My Favorite Things to Do at Hollywood Studios
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Places to Eat & Drink | Favorite Rides | Entertainment
Of all the Walt Disney World theme parks, Hollywood Studios is by far the best for movie and character fans. The variety of entertainment means there are things to do for everyone, from thrill seekers to show-lovers to young children.
Growing up in Orlando and working as a Disney cast member, I have spent a lot of time at Hollywood Studios over the years. The park has seen a ton of changes since then, including the addition of the beloved Star Wars and Toy Story lands.
Based on my experiences, here are the things you shouldn’t miss at Hollywood Studios! But first, make sure you bookmark my suggested Hollywood Studios itinerary to help you plan.
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Best Things to Do at Hollywood Studios
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Rise of the Resistance is hands down one of the most immersive attractions you can ride.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
When people say “Disney, take my money”, it’s because the company is creating attractions like Rise of the Resistance. In addition to the ride portion of the attraction, there are several experiences throughout the waiting process that make the time pass quickly.
After riding Rise of the Resistance, you will be left in awe and wondering if you really did travel to a galaxy far, far away.
Fantasmic!
A nighttime spectacular like no other, Fantasmic combines Disney characters, music, and fireworks.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Fantasmic is unlike any of the other nighttime shows at Walt Disney World. The combination of theatrics, stunts, and special effects is unmatched.
There are one or two shows per night. When the park is busy, people will start lining up for Fantasmic over an hour ahead of showtime.
👉 Local Tip: If there are two showings on the night you are visiting, wait for the second show. It tends to be less crowded, and you get on rides while many guests are at the first showing.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
As the park icon, the Tower of Terror is one of the most popular thrill rides at Walt Disney World.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Riding the Tower of Terror will have your belly doing flips and your mouth smiling (or screaming). You cannot miss this iconic Hollywood Studios attraction during your vacation.
For an extra-spooky ride, hop on the Tower of Terror after dark. You’ll get a different experience and catch some great views of the park.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant
Celebrate classic science fiction films while dining in your own car at the theater.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Entrees $20-$26
I will be honest, after dining at Sci-Fi Dine-In years ago, I was not impressed and did not go back for a while. However, a recent dining experience at Sci-Fi Dine-In has completely changed my mind and moved this to one of my top recommendations at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
You get to dine in booths designed to resemble cars at this 50s-themed spot. The restaurant serves yummy American cuisine, including burgers and milkshakes.
Explore Galaxy’s Edge
Every inch of Galaxy’s Edge is themed to perfection, so you can spend hours taking in all the details.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Galaxy’s Edge includes two attractions, character meet and greets, multiple eateries, and several merchandise stores. However, one of my favorite things to do is just wander the land and take in all the detailed work.
A portion of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is organized as an open-air shopping bazaar. This is great for finding the perfect souvenir or a quick snack.
Build a Droid or Lightsaber
Star Wars fans don’t want to miss the opportunity to personalize their drone or lightsaber.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Starting at $120 per droid, $250 per lightsaber
Inside Droid Depot or Savi’s Workshop, guests can build their own Star Wars souvenirs. If this is an important experience for you, book your reservation ahead of time. Oftentimes, there are walk-in spots available as well.
Places to Eat & Drink at Hollywood Studios
Oga’s Cantina
Step into this galactic bar for out-of-this-world drinks and characters.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Menu items $12-$47
Oga’s Cantina is the popular watering hole inside Galaxy’s Edge. Reservations and a walk-up list are available. Other than a couple of snack plates, drinks (mostly alcoholic) are the main offerings at Oga’s Cantina.
Woody’s Lunch Box
The best way to describe this outdoor food stand is a fun and whimsical design with food that brings you back to childhood.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $4-$15
There is a reason why Woody’s Lunch Box can have waits over an hour long during meal times. This eatery is simple and delicious.
Not only are you eating amongst toys and baubles in Andy’s yard, but you also get to dine on childhood favorites. My son and I love to split a grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup. The potato barrels and lunch box tarts are also tasty.
Hollywood & Vine
Enjoy buffet dining with your favorite characters.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Breakfast $49 adults, $33 ages 3-9; Lunch/dinner $63 adults, $42 ages 3-9
Little ones will enjoy eating breakfast with their favorite Disney Junior characters. Everyone will enjoy lunch or dinner with Minnie and her friends.
The buffet has plenty of options for guests to choose from including pasta and proteins.
BaseLine Tap House
Take a break from the theme park crowd at this corner pub.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Small plates $7-$13, drinks $11.50-$18.50
Between the beers on tap and the delectable bar food, BaseLine Tap House is a must-stop for adults visiting Hollywood Studios. The cheese plate and pretzel are crowd favorites.
In addition to the beers on tap, guests can enjoy ready-to-drink cider, wine, and cocktails. A full bar is also available.
Drink a Blue Milk
If a cold glass of blue milk is good enough for Luke Skywalker, then it is good enough for me too!
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: $9-$17
A well-known beverage throughout the Star Wars universe, blue milk comes from one of the galactic creatures. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, blue milk is a plant-based fruit-flavored drink.
In addition to the blue milk, the Milk Stand also serves green milk and alcoholic versions of each drink.
50’s Prime Time Cafe
Keep your elbows off the table as you step back in time for a homemade meal.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Entrees $20-$32
50s Prime Time Cafe pays homage to classic sitcoms with sassy mothers and plenty of house rules. Your waiters will keep you in check and make sure you are using your manners at all times.
In return, guests get to dine on delicious homestyle American food, including fried chicken, meatloaf, and pot roast.
The Hollywood Brown Derby
Fashioned after the classic Hollywood restaurant, the Brown Derby serves its classic dishes and more.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Entrees $28-$52
For a more luxurious dining experience during your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, make a reservation at the Hollywood Brown Derby, which is a replica of the Golden Age restaurant. Indulge in Derby classics like the Cobb salad and grapefruit cake.
In addition to the indoor seating, there is an outside lounge that is perfect for grabbing a drink and some appetizers.
My Favorite Rides at Hollywood Studios
Slinky Dog Dash
Don’t let the playful exterior fool you, Slinky Dog Dash is a fun roller coaster for everyone.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Slinky Dog Dash frequently has some of the longest wait times in Hollywood Studios. The fanfare is well warranted. This coaster might be geared toward children, but it is an exciting ride for the whole family.
Since this ride is so popular, I recommend heading there as soon as the park opens or purchasing Genie+ to secure a Lightning Lane reservation.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Nothing beats the combination of rock music and speed on this thrilling indoor coaster.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Long before Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind mixed up the music for each ride, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was getting guests excited about which Aerosmith song they would be rocking out to.
The best part of the ride is the initial launch. At the start, guests go from 0 to 57 miles per hour in under 3 seconds!
Get your ride in with Aerosmith now, because Disney has announced that the Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster! No closing date has been announced.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Based on the new-age Mickey Mouse cartoons, you’ll see all the classic characters on Runaway Railway.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway operates on a trackless system making it a smooth and comfortable ride. With no height requirement, all ages can enjoy this attraction.
Since the ride is located in the center of the park, many people run to it first thing in the morning. Runaway Railway consistently has a moderate wait time, but the line tends to move quickly (and often ends up being shorter than the time posted).
Skyliner
While not technically inside the park, the Skyliner is a popular ride to experience before or after visiting the park.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Free
Like the monorail, the Skyliner is not an official attraction, but it might as well be. The Skyliner is a gondola system that connects Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and several Disney resort hotels.
I recommend taking a break in the middle of your Hollywood Studios day to ride the Skyliner to a nearby hotel for lunch.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? If your family loves the Skyliner as much as mine does, I recommend staying at Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century, or Riviera Resort to take full advantage of the transportation.
Toy Story Mania!
The original Toy Story attraction at Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania is a 3D shooting arcade game.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
I love theme park shooting games, so Toy Story Mania is one of my must-dos at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While the goal is to rack up points, you’re also guaranteed to rack up smiles and laughter.
The games are played on separate screens, and your ride vehicles will spin you throughout the attraction to get to each game.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Go on your own adventure in the Millennium Falcon as a pilot, engineer, or gunner.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is an exhilarating and interactive ride where guests get to join in the fun and take the ship for a spin. There are no bad roles during the flight, but it definitely helps if the pilot is good at driving a vehicle.
Adults can minimize their wait time by joining the single-rider line. You are not guaranteed to ride with your group, but you can get on the ship much faster.
Can’t Miss Entertainment at Hollywood Studios
Disney Visa Cardmember Photo Opportunity
Disney Visa cardholders can meet the ultimate villain with little to no wait.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission for Disney Visa cardholders
A little-known experience for Disney Visa cardholders is the exclusive character meet and greets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This applies to debit or credit cards.
In my experience, the wait times are much shorter than the regular lines to meet Darth Vader and other characters. Plus, your photo downloads are complimentary on the My Disney Experience app.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
You don’t need to love Frozen to enjoy this comical retelling of the Disney movie.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
For the First Time in Forever is a fantastic show that blends songs, Frozen characters, clips from Frozen, and hilarious hosts. In addition to Elsa’s snow, air conditioning keeps things cool while you sit and relax.
During the holidays, the show gets a holiday overlay with Olaf joining the gang with songs from Olaf’s Holiday Adventure.
Meet Star Wars Characters
You never know who you’ll run into while walking around Galaxy’s Edge.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Unlike Disneyland, Walt Disney World is not known for roaming characters inside the parks. Galaxy’s Edge is one exception to that. In addition to standard meet-and-greet locations, characters will intermittently walk throughout the land.
Stormtroopers, Chewbacca, and the Mandalorian (with Grogu, of course) are just some of the characters you may see while walking through Batuu.
Play Batuu: Bounty Hunters
Join in the fun of Galaxy’s Edge by participating in this interactive game.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Free with the Play Disney Parks app and MagicBand+
To play Batuu: Bounty Hunters, you will need to download the Play Disney Parks app and have a MagicBand+. Find the bounty board inside Galaxy’s Edge, and then you’ll be on your way to collect your bounty.
The credits you receive in return may not convert to any value on Earth, but it is still fun to see how many you can collect.
👉 Local Tip: Bounty Hunters is the perfect game for guests waiting for their thrill-seeking friends to finish riding Rise of the Resistance and/or Smugglers Run.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Enjoy action sequences while also learning the behind-the-scenes movie magic.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is an exciting show that takes you behind the scenes of shooting action sequences for movies. The actors show how fights are choreographed and how they stay safe during special effects.
Disney Junior Play and Dance!
Sometimes toddlers need a chance to just move around and dance with their favorite characters.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
Being a toddler at a Disney theme park can be hard since you’re in a stroller most of the day and can’t go on many of the rides. Luckily, Disney Junior Play and Dance is the perfect place to let your little ones loosen up.
Disney Junior characters join the fun while a DJ keeps the kids excited and engaged.
If you are visiting with toddlers, be sure to read my full guide to things to do at Disney World with toddlers for more advice.
Wonderful World of Animation
This projection show highlights the history of Disney animation.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Cost: Included with park admission
The Wonderful World of Animation is a beautiful projection show that plays nightly on the Chinese Theater’s facade in the center of Hollywood Studios.
The view of the show is great from all around the center of the park, so there is no need to get there too early.
🎙️ Listen to the Podcast: Tune in to Episode 4 of the Travel Lemming Podcast on YouTube to hear Nate & me chat about all things Disney (the Hollywood Studios segment starts at 43:32). You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
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From Toy Story Land to Galaxy’s Edge to Sunset Boulevard, there are so many fun things to do throughout Hollywood Studios. Let me know in the comments what you’re looking forward to doing on your Disney vacation! And, make sure to check out my itinerary for Disney World before you go!
