Hollywood Studios Orlando: Movie Magic, Star Wars & Big Thrills 🎬✨

There is something about walking into Disney’s Hollywood Studios that immediately feels different.
Maybe it’s the old Hollywood-style buildings. Maybe it’s the music playing in the background. Or maybe it’s simply the feeling that, at any moment, you could walk straight onto a movie set.
Hollywood Studios is one of those Disney parks where I always think, okay, we’ll just take it easy today… and then, a few hours later, we’re running from one attraction to the next because there is still so much we want to do.
And if you have kids who love Star Wars, Toy Story, Disney movies and a few proper thrills, this is definitely a park to put on your Orlando itinerary.
It is also a completely different experience from Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Animal Kingdom. So if you are planning a Disney holiday with your family, I would definitely give Hollywood Studios its own day.
👉 Planning a complete Disney World holiday? Have a look at our Disney World Ultimate Guide where we put everything together, from the parks and tickets to food, hotels and practical family tips.

So, what is Hollywood Studios actually like?

Hollywood Studios is Disney’s movie-themed park, but don’t expect it to be all about meeting Mickey and watching shows.
There are some seriously good rides here.
You have Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, where you can step straight into the Star Wars universe, Toy Story Land, the iconic Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and plenty of shows and character experiences in between.
Compared with Magic Kingdom, the park feels a little more grown-up and a little more focused on thrills and immersive experiences.
That makes it particularly fun when you are travelling with older kids or teenagers.
And honestly? Even if you aren’t a huge Star Wars fan, Galaxy’s Edge is worth seeing.

First stop: Star Wars – Galaxy’s Edge 🚀

Walking into Galaxy’s Edge is one of those Disney moments where you actually stop for a second.
You don’t just see a Star Wars-themed ride. You feel like you’ve entered another planet.
The area is called Batuu, and everything around you has been designed to make you feel like you’re part of the story. The buildings, the sounds, the strange-looking shops and even the characters wandering around all add to it.
And then you turn a corner and suddenly there’s the Millennium Falcon.
It is huge.
For Star Wars fans, this is the kind of place where you can easily spend much longer than planned. Disney currently has two major attractions here: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

This isn’t just a ride where you sit back and enjoy the view.
You actually become part of the crew.
Depending on your position, you might be piloting, operating the guns or keeping the ship running. The more everyone works together, the better your mission goes.
And yes, your kids will probably blame you if the Millennium Falcon crashes. 😉
The experience was also updated in 2026 with a new mission featuring Mando and Grogu, which makes this one even more exciting for Star Wars fans visiting now.

Rise of the Resistance

If you only have time for one Star Wars attraction, this is the one I would put at the top of your list.
Calling it a ride doesn’t really do it justice.
It is part ride, part walk-through experience and part movie. You become part of the Resistance and suddenly you’re surrounded by Stormtroopers, huge spaceships and a whole lot of action.
There are unexpected moments throughout the experience, which is exactly why I wouldn’t spoil too much here.
Just go.

Toy Story Land: one for the whole family 🤠

After the intensity of Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land feels like you’ve stepped inside Andy’s backyard.
Everything is oversized, colourful and playful. And yes, that means you suddenly feel very small.
The big attraction here is Slinky Dog Dash, a family-friendly coaster that winds its way through Andy’s backyard. It’s fast enough to be exciting without being a huge rollercoaster, making it a great option for families with kids who are ready for something a little bigger.
Then there is Toy Story Mania!, which is basically competitive family entertainment disguised as a ride.
You sit in a moving vehicle and compete in a series of 4D games.
And this is where I have to warn you:

Someone in your family is going to take the score way too seriously.

It might be the kids.
It might be you.
I’m not judging.
There is also Alien Swirling Saucers, plus character encounters with Woody, Buzz and Jessie.

The Tower of Terror 👻

If your kids are tall enough and brave enough, don’t leave Hollywood Studios without trying The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Even walking towards it feels dramatic. The old Hollywood hotel looks abandoned, slightly creepy and completely out of place in the middle of a Disney park.
Which, of course, is exactly the point.
Then comes the elevator.
And let’s just say… you don’t really know which direction you’re going next.
This is one of those attractions where you hear the screams before you see the ride.
My advice?
If your children are nervous, don’t tell them too much beforehand. Just get on and enjoy the chaos together.

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway 🚂

If Tower of Terror and Rise of the Resistance sound a little too intense, don’t worry. Hollywood Studios has plenty of attractions that are perfect for families.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway takes you into the world of a Mickey cartoon, with colourful scenes, funny moments and plenty of Disney magic.
It’s also a great attraction to mix into your day after a couple of bigger rides.
Because one thing we’ve learned from Disney days: you need some slower moments too.
Otherwise, everyone is exhausted before lunchtime.

Shows are part of the Hollywood Studios experience

One thing I really like about Hollywood Studios is that you don’t have to spend the entire day standing in queues.
There are several shows and entertainment options where you can sit down, cool off and just enjoy yourself.
Depending on when you visit, you can find experiences such as Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, Frozen-themed entertainment and other Disney productions. Disney’s current family guide also highlights newer entertainment at Hollywood Studios, including Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.
And if you’ve been walking around Orlando in the Florida heat all day, a shaded or air-conditioned show suddenly becomes one of your favourite attractions.
Trust me.

Don’t leave before Fantasmic! 🌟

If Fantasmic! is running during your visit, try to stay until the evening.
This is the kind of Disney show that makes you forget how tired your feet are.
There is music, water, lights, characters, villains, fireworks and plenty of classic Disney storytelling.
It’s one of those moments where everyone gets quiet for a while and you realise why you came all the way to Florida in the first place.
For us, these evening experiences are often the moments the kids remember just as much as the rides.

What should you eat at Hollywood Studios?

You definitely won’t go hungry.
In Toy Story Land, Woody’s Lunch Box is an easy option for a casual family meal, while Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a more substantial sit-down option.
In Galaxy’s Edge, you can make your meal part of the experience too. Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo offers a more unusual setting, while Oga’s Cantina is the place to go if you want to sit inside a proper Star Wars cantina.
One of my favourite Disney tips is not to plan every single meal as a sit-down restaurant.
Sometimes you just want to grab something, find a shady spot and keep exploring.

My tip: plan your Disney days before you arrive

Hollywood Studios isn’t necessarily the park where I’d recommend simply turning up and seeing what happens.
Some of the most popular attractions can get very busy, so it pays to have an idea of your must-dos before you arrive.
For tickets and experiences, we personally like comparing options before the holiday rather than leaving everything until the last minute. If you’re looking at tours, activities or other Orlando experiences as well, you can check out GetYourGuide here, 
And don’t forget to check the My Disney Experience app before and during your park day. It is useful for attraction information, wait times, maps and character experiences.

How long do you need at Hollywood Studios?

I’d give Hollywood Studios one full day.
Could you see the highlights in less time?
Probably.
But with kids, I wouldn’t try to race through it.
You want time for Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, a few bigger attractions, some smaller experiences, food and hopefully Fantasmic! in the evening.
And if you are travelling during a busy period, the extra time is even more valuable.

Hollywood Studios compared with the other Orlando parks

If you’re spending several days in Orlando, it can be difficult to decide which parks deserve your time.
For the classic Disney experience, Magic Kingdom is still hard to beat. It’s the park with the castle, the characters and that unmistakable Disney feeling.
EPCOT feels completely different, with its mix of attractions, food and different countries to explore.
And Animal Kingdom is perfect when you want something a little more wild, especially if your family loves animals and adventure.
Then there is Universal Studios Orlando, which is a completely different kind of theme park day. If you have Harry Potter fans in the family, you will probably want to include Universal too.
And if you are staying in Orlando for longer, don’t forget about SeaWorld Orlando. It makes a great addition to a multi-day itinerary, especially for families who enjoy marine life and bigger rides.

Is Hollywood Studios worth visiting?

Absolutely.

I think Hollywood Studios is one of those parks that becomes even better once your children get a little older.
The combination of Star Wars, Toy Story, big rides and fantastic entertainment means there is something for almost everyone.
And Galaxy’s Edge alone makes it worth putting on the itinerary.
Just don’t make the mistake of thinking Hollywood Studios is a quick half-day stop.
Go early, choose your must-do attractions, leave some room for wandering around and stay for the evening if you can.
Because sometimes the best Disney moments aren’t the ones you planned.
They’re the moments when you’re walking through Batuu, your kids are completely fascinated by what’s happening around them, and for a few hours everyone genuinely feels like they’ve stepped into a movie.
And isn’t that exactly what a Disney trip is supposed to feel like? ✨

Planning your Orlando trip?

Start with our Disney World Ultimate Guide and then explore our individual park guides:
🎬 Hollywood Studios
🏰 Magic Kingdom
🌍 EPCOT
🦁 Animal Kingdom
🎢 Universal Studios Orlando
🐬 SeaWorld Orlando
Because let’s be honest… one Orlando park is never enough.