Hollywood Studios
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Alien Swirling Saucers
Time: 2 minutes
Best for: Kids
Height Requirement: 32 inches
Type: Spinning Teacups-esque Ride
Summary: Spin around along with the Aliens of Toy Story on a purely fun, simple ride similar to the famous spinning teacups.
Our Opinion: We wouldn’t necessarily make time to do this, but if it has a low wait time and we are in the area, we suggest to give it a spin! It feels like a step away from all the busy and popular attractions out there, giving you a little bit of a break while also some entertainment.
Trivia:
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 30 minutes
Best for: All ages
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Show
Summary: Watch a live show that tells a shortened version of the 1994 movie adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.
Our Opinion: There is something so classic about this show whether it is just the fact that the movie is a classic or that this show has been performed for years upon years in this theater. Either way, we love it as a break from walking and truly enjoy the story the tell with live performers.
Trivia: This is actually the longest running stage show in theme park history! It has virtually stayed the same through the years with a couple of changes along the way. Watch our video below for more of the history.
Celebrate with the Incredibles at Pixar Place (Temporarily Closed)
Droid Depot
Time: 30 minutes
Best for: Kids, Star Wars fans
Height Requirement: 3+
Type: Show
Summary: Buying souvenirs is fun. But building you own souvenir is MORE fun You’ll get to pick the build color and personality of your personal droid.
Extra Charge: $99.99
Our Opinion: This souvenir option is a great way to have a hands-on experience with special memories tied to your droid that you can take home with you! We personally think if we are going to spend this kind of money on a souvenir, we would spend it on the lightsaber at Savis Workshop. Yes, that is more expensive, but the experience is definitely a higher level with a product that we enjoy a bit more than the droid. However, this is still a great option and the flexibility to build your own style droid makes it even more fun!
Trivia:
Fantasmic!
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 30 minutes
Best for: All Ages, (little kids may find the dragon frightening)
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Show
Summary: A nighttime show in Hollywood Studios featuring Mickey and his adventure of a dream. The dream itself starts with somewhat of a tour of popular Disney films, but later gets taken over by the evilest Disney villains. Join Mickey along the journey as he attempts to win back his dream.
Our Opinion: We cannot recommend this show enough! There is something so quintessentially Disney about this show that we can’t deny. It is what makes this SO good. Not only do you get all the works—actors, water shows, fireworks, projection, lasers, animatronics—you get Mickey in many different versions throughout the story. If you couldn’t tell, we love this show and think you should absolutely take time to see it!
Trivia: Steamboat Willie’s little boat is actually longer than each of the three boats Christopher Columbus used to sail across the ocean.
Tip: Don’t sit in the front rows, unless you have ponchos, as you will definitely get wet!
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
Time: 25 minutes
Best for: Kids
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Theater Show
Summary: Sit back and listen to two historians from Arandelle tell Anna and Elsa’s story. They touch on the best parts of the tale, providing for fun appearances from favorite characters in the film. The grand finale always brings surprises and smiles to guests’ faces too!
Our Opinion: With so many shows reenacting the Frozen tale, this is a nice twist while still sharing the characters and giving kids the opportunity to sing that all-too-famous song. It isn’t our favorite show in Hollywood Studios, but we do enjoy it and would totally recommend it to you.
Trivia:
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
Time: 25 minutes
Best for: All ages
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Outdoor theater show
Summary: In the original spirit of the Hollywood Studios park, this attraction showcases the behind-the-scenes of making Indiana Jones. The focal point of the show revolves around the stunts and tricks pulled off by the actors and the crew for a film like this. You’ll get to see how the big explosions work, the choreography of action sequences, and even see some of the audience take part in the acting (maybe you will be one of them!)
Our Opinion: This truly is a classic to this particular park. It embodies what Hollywood Studios represents. We love this attraction for it! Plus, it’s just plain entertaining to see how certain scenes from the movie were created right in front of you. The heat of the flames, the crack of a whip, the surprise and shock of certain moments are all incorporated into this 25-minute show. Don’t miss this one!
Trivia: Even with how classic this attraction is, it in fact did not open with the park. It did open just a bit later, but it wasn’t fully finished on that first day. They did a few more dress rehearsals and actually invited audiences to that before officially calling it completed.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 10 minutes
Best for: Kids
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Animatronic-led show
Summary: Time for you to head to racing school with the ultimate racer as your teacher—none other than Lightning McQueen! Some hilarious introductions, singing, and commentary from Mater start the show. However, Lightning soon takes front and center (in glorious, fluid, animatronic form) to show you the ropes of racing. A few other favorite characters may make an appearance too While sitting in your theater seat, you’ll get a panoramic view of what it’s like speeding along on a racetrack with a couple of tips from our favorite pro racer.
Our Opinion: This one is great for the kiddos, especially those obsessed with Mcqueen. You practically get to see a real-life version of him! However, we don’t personally find this one to be as entertaining for us. Just our take, but it lacks the story-telling and entertainment of a top-notch Disney attraction…aside from that animatronic.
Trivia:
Mickey Shorts Theater
Time: Shorts last a couple of minutes, but you can come and go as you please.
Best for: All ages
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Theater
Summary: Take a break in the small, indoor theater near Echo Lake while watching a Mickey short—the new version similar to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Our Opinion: We have yet to experience this particular one. However, based on what we have heard and seen, this seems like an area where you could stop for a quick break and then go as you please.
Trivia:
Mickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 2-3 minutes
Best for: Kids (or Adults who really love Mickey and Minnie!)
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Character Meet Location
Summary: If you are a fan of Mickey and Minnie, or maybe your kids are, this is the most perfect place for you! As you walk through the beautifully designed building, you’ll come to a small area where you get to first meet Minnie. Here, she wears a fancy dress that is unique to this meet. Afterward, you enter the main room to meet Mickey. Not just any version of Mickey though…but the all-too-beloved Sorcerer Mickey.
Our Opinion: Anthony has a fascination and love of the Sorcerer Mickey version. So, this character meet location is a must for us. Having defined locations like this for the characters helps ensure that you have really great photos to have as memories!
Trivia:
Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Time: 6 minutes
Best for: All ages
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Dark Ride
Summary: The ride itself is new and inventive in the telling of Mickey and Minnie’s attempt to have a picnic together. Get ready for an unexpected turn of events as Goofy gets involved and you go on a wild ride!
Our Opinion: We don’t particularly like the style of animation, as many do, but the creativity behind this ride and storytelling is enough to make it fun for us!
Trivia: Surprisingly, this ride is the first one in Disney to have been centered on Mickey and Minnie. Yep. Think about it. That’s an amazing development of its own right.
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
Time: 4 ½ minutes
Best for: Older Kids, Teens and Adults
Height Requirement: 38”
Type: Interactive, Simulation
Summary: Hop into the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon as you work to smuggler goods to a specific destination. You’ll be assigned a specific job as you work together with your team to succeed in your mission
Our Opinion: An interactive experience that can be wonderful or boring based on your team and how unique you make the ride by the way you play. It is a simulation ride, though not intense. A few small drops occur as the Falcon flies through tunnels, cities, and space. We love it overall!
Trivia: The Imagineers crafted a few easter eggs and hidden gems in the ride where you can change it into different modes, like Chewbacca mode where his voice take over Hondo Ohnaka’s voice.
Muppet Vision 3D
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: About 17 minutes
Best for: All ages
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Show
Summary: Join the Muppets in a 3D experience as they put on a new show!
Our Opinion: Fun and truly a classic attraction! We always get a good kick out of Statler and Waldorf since Anthony is truly one of them. Haha!
Trivia: Okay okay. You have to try this one. When you enter the theater waiting area, there is a ticket booth off to the side. A sign hangs on the window stating “Back in 5 minutes. Key is under mat.” Lift the mat and there really is a key under the mat. You’re welcome.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 1 minute 30 seconds
Best for: Teens, Adults
Height Requirement:
Type: Thrill, Rollercoaster
Summary: Aerosmith (yes, the band) are welcoming you into their recording studio when they suddenly realize that they are late for their concert! Hop in their car for the wildest ride as they careen at lightning speed through the city’s streets with the hopes that they make it in time for the show’s start.
Our Opinion: We have largely differing opinions on this one. Anthony absolutely love this rollercoaster—the thrills, the 80s music, the speed. Amanda…well, let’s just say there were a few fearful tears shed and a vow to never ride it again.
Trivia: Did you know that astronauts feel about 3Gs when rocketing into space? The launch on Rockin’ Roller Coaster? 5Gs.
Savi’s Workshop
Time: 30-40
Best for: Kids 5+, Star Wars Fans
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Building Experience
Summary: Journey into a somewhat hidden workshop to build your very own lightsaber. You and a small group of people will have a personalized experience allowing you to choose your lightsaber color, construct the handle, and witness the grand reveal of the finished product.
Extra Charge: $199.99
Our Opinion: We have not had the chance to experience this personally yet, but we have heard raving reviews for it. Our take just from the outside… It seems like if you truly want to be immersed in the Star Wars world while also having an awesome souvenir to take home, this is the place to be!
Trivia:
Slinky Dog Dash
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 2 minutes
Best for: Kids
Height Requirement: 38 in
Type: Low key rollercoaster
Summary: This rollercoaster is a favorite among kids with the top-notch theming and tame layout. The premise centers around Andy testing out his new Dash and Dodge Mega Coaster Playkit and you get to ride along! You’ll take a “springy” ride in Andy’s world as Slink’s yoyo-like makeup is used to this ride’s advantage.
Our Opinion: This rollercoaster truly makes for a good time. As with many rollercoasters, riding in the front provides a mild experience, and the back row gives guests a wilder ride. We love the launch aspects of the ride, fitting in well with the slinky theme. We will say we tend to like a little more adventurous just for our enjoyment. We wouldn’t make time for this one and also wouldn’t wait in a long line for it at all. Even so, for attractions that fit in this category, this one certainly delivers in fun!
Trivia: Right as you launch out of the loading area immediately before the turn to the right, on your left there is a green price sticker on the wall. The number represent the release date of the film! At the end of the ride you will pull up to the penguin, Wheezy, singing on your right. Above him sits a book titled “Partly Cloudy.” That references a short made by Pixar.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 4 ½ minutes
Best for: Teens, Adults
Height Requirement: 40 inches
Type: Simulation Dark Ride
Summary: A tour company, known as Star Tours, has started offering tours to Endor. You and a small group of guests board the tour vehicle on their way to the planet. In classic Disney fashion, something goes wrong and you are sent on a wild ride through the galaxy—possibly venturing through multiple planets during your ride. With over 50 iterations of the story, your tour will rarely ever be the same!
Our Opinion: Well, Amanda could (and has) ridden this multiple times in a row. We both really enjoy the immersion and sometimes unexpectedness of the story. We will caution that some do get a little motion sick on this ride as it is a simulator. Nothing too wild and it is over in under five minutes. That aside though, we love the adventure of this ride!
Trivia: We mentioned that there are over 50 iterations of this story when you board this attraction. However, your flight number is always the same: 1401. The reason behind this comes from the Walt Disney Imagineering’s street address which starts with 1401!
Star Wars Launch Bay
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: N/A
Best for: Star Wars fans, Kids
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Character Meet Location
Summary: A designated area just to meet select Star Wars characters. The entire place is themed just for this experience, guaranteeing you some great photos!
Our Opinion: If you love meeting characters, especially if they are Star Wars characters, this is definitely the place for you. You’ll get some of the classic favorites like Darth Vader and Luke since they don’t necessarily fit in the time setting of Galaxy’s Edge.
Trivia:
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Time: 18 minutes
Best for: Preteens, Teens, Adult
Height Requirement: 40”
Type: Hybrid, Dark Ride, Simulation
Summary: The Rebel Alliance is calling on volunteers to join their battle against the First Order. By joining their forces, the leaders of the rebellion will guide you to one of the bases for training. On the way there though, the unexpected happens…and just get ready to be right in the heart of excitement and adventure!
Our Opinion: Find a way to ride this. Make it happen! That’s what we have to say. This attraction is really the first of its kind by Disney. There are multiple ride vehicles, providing a varying experience throughout the attraction. It honest-to-goodness feels like you have ventured into the Star Wars world. Nowhere else have we seen immersion like this. Even if you aren’t a big Star Wars fan, you need to experience the creativity and sheer vastness of Rise of the Resistance.
Trivia:
Toy Story Mania!
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 5 minutes
Best for: All ages
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Dark Ride, Midway Mania
Summary: Just like the Midway Mania game of old, you are trying to hit certain targets to gain points and hopefully win by being the highest scorer. On this particular ride though, you will be in a ride vehicle with a laser gun assigned to you. The vehicle will make its way through the ride and the Toy Story characters will give you directions on what to do from there!
Our Opinion: The competition in this ride is real! We love getting super involved in this one. Don’t be surprised if your arm hurts after going on this ride, especially if you are the competitive type. We totally recommend this one to everyone.
Caution: If you have any issue with a lot of big screens and adjusting between those screens, you may have a little trouble with this ride. However, the ride is over fairly quickly! Also, some of the turns made within the ride happen rapidly and it may be a bit jerky for some.
Trivia: With all the movement in the ride as well as the individual games, there are over 150 computers that direct this attraction, even within such a small space!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 8 minutes
Best for: Teens, Adults
Height Requirement: 40”
Type: Indoor Drop Tower
Summary: “You’ve just crossed over into…The Twilight Zone.” Yes, taken right from the classic show, you have been transported into 1939 and Hollywood. Your stay there has been interrupted by lightning striking the entire hotel. What follows are some mind-bending scenes and some unexpected turns…and drops.
Our Opinion: This ride uses such imagination and creativity to make it come together. The design and props used throughout are classics and transport you back to another time. Within the ride itself, the storytelling and features utilized make this a drop tower different from any other. Now, with the mention of a drop tower… That is what it is. If you don’t like drop towers (which Amanda does not) you may not like this one. Anthony, however, will forever deem this as one of his favorites throughout all the parks.
Bonus Tip: If you want to experience the hotel theming itself without riding it, you can request to leave before actually boarding the elevator. Just ask a cast member at the end of the line if you can exit the ride and they will escort you out. NOTE: the way out is by way of an elevator, but rest assured that it won’t drop you!
Trivia: The young girl in the scene before the drop is carrying a Mickey Mouse doll! See if you can catch it.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid (Closed, set to reopen with updated chow end of 2024)
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: 17 minutes
Best for: Kids (sometimes a bit outdated for teens and adults)
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Stage Show
Summary: Take a seat for an up-close and live view for an abridged version of The Little Mermaid. This show incorporates many varying aspects from live actors, to laser effects, to animatronics. You’ll get a little piece of everything including your favorite songs!
Our Opinion: We do agree with many that this is a bit outdated and could use a little bit of TLC. However, with how much love is around this movie, we think it gets a little bit of grace for some of those parts. We always love to catch a break from the Florida sun when we can. This attraction in particular delivers that break while also including some of our favorite Disney memories originating from this film and its songs.
Pro Tip: As with almost any theater show where they hold you in a room just outside the theater before getting to take your seat, it doesn’t always behoove you to be the first in line. Disney kindly asks that everyone move to the end of the rows to make room for other guests. So, if you are the first in line to enter the theater, you will be asked to walk to the end of the row which means you will get a side view of the stage. Our tip: Stand in the middle of the waiting crowd and enter the theater behind others. When the seats are filling you will be sure to get that center view of the stage by sitting in the middle of a row!
Trivia: This show was actually intended to be a temporary attraction. For real! It received such a wonderful response from guests at the time though, Disney decided to keep it there.
Walt Disney Presents
Photos Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog
Time: Your own pace
Best for: Teens, Adults, those interested in Disney history
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Museum Style Walkthrough
Summary: Hollywood Studios historically has been a place to look inside the inner workings of movie making. The way Disney has chosen to accomplish this behind-the-scenes look has morphed over the years, but it still has aspects of this throughout the park. This particular attraction seeks to give you this internal and historical look at the park, Walt Disney, and his vision for the company in general. You’ll see old artifacts, learn about groundbreaking inventions that put the Disney Company far ahead of others, and simply get an intimate view of pieces that are very special to the company. In addition, at the end of the attraction, there is typically a meet and greet that changes every so often and an opportunity to either see a short documentary on Walt or watch a clip from a not-yet-released film.
Our Opinion: Most people really don’t take the time to go into this area, whether because they don’t know what it is or just think it won’t be interesting. It’s not a headliner attraction, that’s for sure. Yet, there is something so simple and peaceful about this area that we love to explore. A majority of it stays the same, but there are pieces that alternate out of the space, making this a fun area to check again every so often. You’ll definitely learn something new when you visit here!
Trivia: This attraction houses a specific clock inside its walls. You may pass right by it, but if you take a second to notice it, you’ll see that it is not keeping the time. It is frozen right on the exact time that Walt was pronounced deceased.
Wonderful World of Animation
Time: 12 minutes
Best for: All ages
Height Requirement: N/A
Type: Nighttime Show
Summary: Right in the heart of Hollywood Studios and in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, this beautiful celebration of Disney animation comes to life. Heavily based on projection mapping over the surrounding buildings, the show covers all the Disney animated films from the beginning of their creation even including Pixar. The best part… It all starts with a mouse.
Our Opinion: This is one of our favorite nighttime shows! The precision, taste, and circumference of all Disney animated films just makes our hearts so happy.
Trivia: This one debuted for the 30th anniversary celebration of Hollywood Studios!