10 Best Rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

These are the best rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with our honest reviews, expert tips, and attractions to help you plan your day.

Every time I walk through the gates of Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World, I feel that same buzz of excitement. This park has changed dramatically over the years, and after multiple visits — rope drops, late nights, Lightning Lane strategy experiments, and even park hopping days — I can confidently say it now has some of the strongest headliner rides in all of Disney World.

Hollywood Studios may not have the largest ride count, but what it does have is quality. The attractions here are immersive, technologically advanced, and in some cases genuinely thrilling. After riding everything more than once (some far more than once), here’s my honest take on the best rides in the park and why they stand out.

Best Rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

If I had to choose just one ride that defines Hollywood Studios, it would be Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

The first time I experienced it, I remember walking off slightly stunned. It doesn’t feel like a standard ride. It feels like you’re stepping directly into a Star Wars film. The transition from queue to preshow to ride vehicle is seamless, and the scale of certain scenes genuinely took my breath away.

What impresses me most — even after repeat rides — is how layered the experience is. There are multiple ride systems blended together: walking sequences, trackless ride vehicles, screen elements, large-scale physical sets, and even a small drop moment. It never feels repetitive because there’s so much happening around you.

From a practical standpoint, this is still one of the most in-demand attractions in the park. In my experience, if you don’t rope drop it or secure Lightning Lane access, you’ll be looking at one of the longest waits of the day. But it’s worth planning around.

If someone asked me which single ride justifies visiting Hollywood Studios, this would be it.

2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

I’ve ridden The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror more times than I can count, and it still makes my stomach flip every single time; it is easily one of the scariest rides in Disney World.

There’s something about the atmosphere that sets it apart from other drop towers. From the moment you enter the Hollywood Tower Hotel, the storytelling is consistent and immersive. The lobby details, the eerie library preshow, the cast members staying fully in character — it all builds anticipation in a way that few rides manage to sustain.

What I personally love most is that the drop sequence is randomized. Even though I know roughly what’s coming, I never know exactly when the next drop will happen or how intense it will feel. That unpredictability keeps it exciting.

This is genuinely one of the more intense rides at Walt Disney World. I’ve seen confident adults scream louder than their kids. If you don’t like sudden drops, this may not be your favorite — but if you enjoy thrill rides, it’s absolutely essential.

I often recommend riding it at night. The view from the top, just before you drop, overlooking the park lights, is unforgettable.

3. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

This is the most intense coaster in the park, and every time I ride it, I forget just how fast that launch feels.

The acceleration at the beginning is immediate and powerful. You’re launched straight into inversions in the dark, which makes it even more disorienting in a good way. The onboard soundtrack adds energy, and the entire experience feels like controlled chaos.

From experience, this is not the ride to attempt if you’re prone to motion sickness or don’t enjoy inversions. But if you’re a coaster fan, it’s one of the most thrilling attractions in Disney World.

The height requirement is higher than most rides in the park, so families with younger children should plan accordingly. I’ve found wait times fluctuate more here than on some of the other headliners, making it a smart choice later in the evening.

4. Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash consistently surprises people who assume it’s just a kids’ coaster.

I’ll admit, the first time I rode it, I expected something extremely mild. Instead, I found it to be one of the most enjoyable family coasters Disney has built. It’s smooth, well-paced, and has just enough airtime and speed to be exciting without overwhelming younger riders.

What makes this ride stand out to me is how cohesive Toy Story Land feels when you’re on it. You genuinely feel like you’re racing through Andy’s backyard. The second launch in particular always brings a smile.

This is another ride that benefits from strategic planning. In my experience, it builds long waits quickly and stays busy most of the day. If you’re traveling with family, this is often a top priority.

At night, it’s even better. The land lights up beautifully, and the track glows against the dark sky.

The Toy Story Land is also home to some of the best quick service restaurants in Hollywood Studios.

5. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

I appreciate this ride more each time I ride it.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway isn’t intense, but it’s technically impressive and creatively executed. The trackless ride system allows vehicles to move in unexpected directions, and the transitions between scenes are incredibly smooth.

What stands out from my repeated visits is how many small details are easy to miss the first time. Background jokes, visual gags, and subtle animation touches make it highly re-rideable.

For families, this is one of the best attractions in the park because there’s no height requirement and the storyline is easy for all ages to follow. It’s also a smart midday choice if you’re trying to balance thrill rides with lighter experiences.

6. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

The first time I piloted the Millennium Falcon, I felt like a kid again.

Smugglers Run is unique because your experience depends on your crew. I’ve ridden it as a pilot, gunner, and engineer, and the pilot position is by far the most interactive. If you’re in control of steering, your performance directly impacts the ride.

From experience, this ride is most fun when everyone in your group participates enthusiastically. If you end up paired with strangers who aren’t as engaged, the experience can feel less dynamic.

It’s less cinematic than Rise of the Resistance, but it’s still one of the most immersive attractions in the park. Being inside the Falcon cockpit never gets old.

7. Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania is one of those rides that brings out my competitive side immediately.

I’ve ridden it enough times to know some of the higher-scoring targets, and that knowledge definitely helps. The ride combines 3D visuals with physical gameplay, and your arm will feel it afterward.

What I appreciate about this attraction is its broad appeal. There’s no height requirement, it’s interactive, and it encourages repeat rides because you always want to beat your previous score.

It’s not thrilling in the traditional sense, but it’s consistently fun.

8. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Star Tours is often overlooked now that Galaxy’s Edge exists, but I still enjoy it.

Because the ride sequences are randomized, you rarely get the exact same combination twice. I’ve experienced multiple story variations over the years, which gives it strong repeat value.

That said, it is a motion simulator, so I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone sensitive to screen-based rides. From personal experience, it can be more intense than people expect.

9. Alien Swirling Saucers

This is a short ride, but I find it charming, especially in the evening.

It’s essentially a spinning whip-style attraction themed around the Toy Story aliens. It’s not a must-do for thrill seekers, but it’s a good filler ride with lower height requirements and colorful nighttime lighting.

10. MuppetVision 3D

While not a ride in the traditional sense, MuppetVision 3D deserves mention.

On hot Florida afternoons, this show has been a welcome air-conditioned break for me more than once. It’s nostalgic, funny, and surprisingly detailed.

Not every attraction has to be groundbreaking. Sometimes the classics offer the most reliable comfort.

Tips for your day at Hollywood Studios

After multiple visits and experimenting with different approaches, here’s what I’ve found works best:

• Arrive early if you want to prioritize Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash.
• Save Tower of Terror or Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster for later in the evening when waits sometimes dip.
• Balance intense rides with indoor attractions to avoid burnout.
• Consider Lightning Lane if you’re visiting during peak season.

Hollywood Studios requires more strategy than some other parks because the headliners carry much of the demand.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios has evolved into one of the most ride-focused parks at Walt Disney World. While it doesn’t have the sheer volume of attractions as Magic Kingdom, the concentration of high-quality experiences makes it incredibly compelling.

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From the technological achievement of Rise of the Resistance to the timeless thrill of Tower of Terror, this park delivers genuine variety. Whether I’m visiting as a thrill seeker, a Star Wars fan, or simply someone who appreciates immersive storytelling, I always leave feeling like the day was packed.

If you’re planning your visit, prioritize wisely, pace yourself, and don’t underestimate how much this park has to offer. After experiencing these rides firsthand, I can confidently say Hollywood Studios holds some of the most impressive attractions Disney has ever built.