Do you know what the best rides at Hollywood Studios are for your Disney trip?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has recently finishes a multi-year overhaul that completely changed everything you might have thought about the park being a half-day park.
While we love new additions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, we also love old favorites like Star Tours and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
When it comes to touring Disney’s Hollywood Studios as a solo traveler or with friends, there are a few things to keep in mind.
These include: what rides typically have the longest wait times (hello, Slinky Dog Dash), and what rides have a Single Rider Line.
I’ve rounded up seven of the best attractions to hit up while at the park.
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1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
The most popular, and hardest to ride attraction at Walt Disney World is Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Assuming you were able to get a coveted boarding group (in the past), a Lightning Lane, or you stood strong in the line for hours, you’re in for an epic adventure that only Star Wars can bring.
Why We Love It: The ride starts out on a hidden rebel base on Batuu, then launches you onto a Star Destroyer, where you’ll encounter Kylo Ren and his legions of stormtroopers.
If you haven’t been able to snag a boarding group for this yet, we highly recommend trying each time you go to Walt Disney World, because this ride is worth it. Making it the best rides at Hollywood Studios.
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2. Rock’n’Rollercoaster Staring Aerosmith
This is one of the few rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a Single Rider Line, so it’s a definite must for all solo travelers.
The attraction takes you on a whirlwind journey through Los Angeles as you make your way to an Aerosmith concert.
Why We Love It: The coaster is one of the fastest rides at Walt Disney World, reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour in just a few seconds.
If that doesn’t make you want to hop in line, then maybe the fact that the track has two inversions and a corkscrew will!
3. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
One of the newest attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, located inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Why We Love It: The simulator attraction allows you and a group of other people to pilot the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy.
While pilot is always the preferred position inside the cockpit of the Falcon, there are two other jobs to do, including gunner and engineer.
During your trip from Batuu to wild space you’ll be working with Hondo Ohnaka, a space pirate from Disney’s animated series The Clone Wars, to smuggle a dangerous substance called coaxium.
Once your mission is complete you’ll be rewarded based on how much damage you do to your ship.
4. Toy Story Midway Mania
We typically shy away from “game” style attractions, but one we love to do as a single rider is Toy Story Midway Mania inside Toy Story Land.
This beloved attractions pits you against the other people in your ride car to rack up the most points as you play virtual carnival games.
Why We Love It: My personal favorite is Dino Darts, which features Rex from the Toy Story series.
Before riding this you’re going to want to watch a few YouTube videos on secret targets to hit to get the most points in your car.
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5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
One of the most iconic buildings, and rides for that matter, at Walt Disney World is the massive pink hotel that houses The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
As you start your journey up to the hotel you notice that things aren’t going too well. The hotel is decrepit and generally run down.
Why We Love It: After watching a short pre-show about the lore of the hotel you’re escorted to a hotel that will take you to your room, but it’s really taking you on a journey to the Twilight Zone.
Then after a few gravity defying drops, you’ll likely be running to get in line again. Making it one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios
6. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway
The newest attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, which took the place of The Great Movie Ride.
Why We Love It: The attraction is super family friendly, but that doesn’t mean solo travelers won’t enjoy it.
During the ride you’ll be invited into the cartoon world of Mickey and his pals as they go through a set of wild and zany antics including a dance class, cowboys in the wild west, and dive deep into the ocean.
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7. Star Tours
Throughout the years Star Tours has changed, but one thing that hasn’t is that it’s a great attraction for solo travelers.
Why We Love It: The 3-D simulator ride takes you from a ship hanger in the middle of space to planets like Hoth and Batuu.
You might also encounter a few familiar faces like Poe Dameron, BB-8, and even Darth Vader.
The ride can be intense for people with motion sickness problems, so be sure to prepare accordingly.
ThemeParkHipster Tips for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- You do not need to arrive early: Unlike the other three theme parks at Walt Disney World you do not need to get to Disney’s Hollywood Studios super early. Since many people think of this park as a half day park, the lowest wait times are typically in the late afternoon and early evening versus in the mornings.
- Be sure to download the MyDisneyExperience app: Downloading the MyDisneyExperience app is the best way to get a Lightning Lane (Skip the Line Pass) for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.
Hipster Power Tip: You cannot get two boarding groups in one day.
My Final Thoughts on Experiencing the Best Rides at Hollywood Studios
We hope these tips and tricks are helpful for your next trip to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Let us know which Hollywood Studios ride is your favorite in the comments section below!
Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!
If you like this article, then you’ll love these:
- Your Best Hollywood Studios Itinerary for One-Day (Complete Guide)
- 9 First Timer Tips for Doing Hollywood Studios Alone (Solo Travel Destinations)
- Hollywood Studios for Adults (Definitive Guide)
- 24 Incredible Hollywood Studios Facts and Secrets You Must Know
About the Author
Megan is a theme park expert and frequent traveler to magical places. She covers all things Disney and Universal and runs marathons for fun.
She thinks you can tell a lot about someone by the name of their signature lipstick, and hers is NARS Dragon Girl.
(Original Article Date: April 23, 2021/Updated by Editor on April 7, 2024)