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The 5 Best Rides at Hollywood Studios That Will Leave You Breathless

Introduction

So, you just booked your tickets to Hollywood Studios, but what are the best rides at Hollywood Studios you should prioritize? For anyone wondering what attractions are a must-do, we’ve got you covered. From rides with some of the highest thrills to the coolest tech, Hollywood Studios is a park not to be missed!

1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance stormtrooper room (Photo courtesy of TwoLittleSparks)
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As an expert Disney-goer with experience writing about the best rides at Hollywood Studios, I can confidently say that Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a must-visit attraction at Hollywood Studios. It’s not only one of the best thrill rides at the park but also one of the most highly regarded rides in all of Disney World.

From the moment you step foot into the queue, you’ll feel like you’re being transported into the Star Wars universe. The attention to detail is absolutely incredible, and you can’t help but be in awe of the immersive experience. As you make your way through the base of the Resistance, you’ll encounter life-sized sets, audio-animatronic characters, and stunning special effects that make you feel like you’re in the middle of an epic Star Wars battle.

Once on the ride itself, the adventure continues with an interactive and thrilling experience. You’ll board a transport ship and find yourself caught in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order. The ride seamlessly combines state-of-the-art technology, including trackless vehicles, audio-visual effects, and even a full-sized Star Destroyer, to create a truly unforgettable experience.

What sets Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance apart from other rides is its level of interactivity and the way it immerses you in the story. As you navigate through the ride, you’ll encounter familiar Star Wars characters, face off against stormtroopers, and even come face-to-face with Kylo Ren himself. It’s a thrilling and immersive experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

If you’re wondering what the best rides at Hollywood Studios are, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance should definitely be at the top of your list. With its compelling storyline, jaw-dropping special effects, and unparalleled level of immersion, it’s no wonder that it consistently ranks as one of the best rides in Disney. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join the Resistance and experience one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios.

2. Toy Story Mania!

Toy Story Mania in Toy Story Land (Photo: Loren Javier)
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If you’re looking for an exhilarating and interactive ride at Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Mania should be at the top of your list. This attraction is a favorite among both kids and adults, offering one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios.

Toy Story Mania combines the thrill of a carnival game with the magic of the beloved Toy Story movies. As soon as you step into the queue, you’re transported into the whimsical world of Andy’s bedroom. The attention to detail is truly impressive, with oversized game board pieces, larger-than-life toys, and immersive sights and sounds that make you feel like you’ve shrunk down to toy size.

Once you board your ride vehicle, you’ll find yourself armed with a spring-action shooter and wearing 3D glasses. Get ready to test your aim and compete against your fellow riders in a variety of thrilling midway games. From popping balloons to launching rings onto targets, each game offers a unique challenge and the opportunity to rack up points.

The level of interactivity and competition makes Toy Story Mania a standout attraction. You’ll find yourself enthusiastically pulling the spring-action shooter, aiming for targets, and trying to beat your personal high score. And with the 3D glasses, you’ll feel fully immersed in the vibrant and colorful world of Toy Story.

One of the best things about Toy Story Mania is that it’s suitable for guests of all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeking adult or a young child, this ride is filled with excitement, laughs, and friendly competition. It’s the perfect way to spend time together as a family or challenge your friends to see who can score the most points.

3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios (Photo courtesy of TwoLittleSparks)
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When it comes to the best thrill rides in Hollywood Studios, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is an absolute must-try. This iconic attraction never fails to deliver an exhilarating experience that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

As I stepped into the grand Hollywood Tower Hotel, I was immediately captivated by its eerie and mysterious ambiance. The attention to detail in the Twilight Zone theming is truly remarkable, transporting guests into the heart of a classic episode of the renowned television series.

Once inside the service elevator, the anticipation begins to build. As the doors close and the elevator starts ascending, the real adventure begins. Suddenly, the elevator plummets in a series of random drops and rises, creating an intense feeling of weightlessness. The combination of spectacular special effects and spine-tingling storytelling truly immerses you in the world of the Twilight Zone.

What sets the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror apart from other rides is its strong emphasis on narrative and atmosphere. The attraction takes you on a journey through the mysterious and haunted happenings of the Hollywood Tower Hotel, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue.

As one of the best rides in Disney, the Tower of Terror is always highly sought after. It’s no wonder that this thrilling experience has become a fan favorite, and something that I always prioritize on my visit to Hollywood Studios.

So, if you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure and want to experience one of the best thrill rides Hollywood Studios has to offer, make sure to add the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror to the top of your list. Be prepared for a spooky, exhilarating, and unforgettable journey into the unknown.

4. Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog Dash at Hollywood Studios (Photo: elisfkc)
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One of the best thrill rides at Hollywood Studios is Slinky Dog Dash, and it’s definitely a ride that should be at the top of your list when visiting the park. I had the pleasure of experiencing this exhilarating coaster, and I can confidently say that it’s one of the best rides in all of Disney.

From the moment you step into Toy Story Land, you’re immediately transported into the colorful and imaginative world of Toy Story. The attention to detail is remarkable, with oversized toys and iconic characters surrounding you. As you approach the Slinky Dog Dash queue, you can’t help but be captivated by the playful atmosphere and anticipation for what lies ahead.

Once on the ride, you’re in for a wild adventure. The coaster takes you on a whimsical journey through Andy’s backyard, with twists, turns, and thrilling drops that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The ride is smooth and exhilarating, offering a perfect balance of thrills and family-friendly fun.

One of the highlights of Slinky Dog Dash is the stunning views of Toy Story Land. As you soar through the air, you’ll catch glimpses of the vibrant land below, including the iconic Alien Swirling Saucers and the towering Woody figure. The immersive experience truly makes you feel like you’re part of the toys’ world.

Visitors to Hollywood Studios consistently praise Slinky Dog Dash as one of the best rides in Disney, and it’s no surprise why. The combination of the exciting coaster, the immersive Toy Story theming, and the breathtaking views make it an absolute must-try for thrill-seekers and Disney fans alike.

Slinky Dog Dash is without a doubt one of the best thrill rides at Hollywood Studios and deserves its spot among the top rides in all of Disney. The attention to detail, the exhilarating coaster experience, and the immersive Toy Story theming make it a ride that you won’t want to miss. So, when planning your visit to Hollywood Studios, be sure to prioritize Slinky Dog Dash for an unforgettable adventure.

5. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

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As a thrill-seeker and a fan of all things Disney, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is definitely one of the best rides at Hollywood Studios. From the moment you step into the fasted hunk-of-junk in the galaxy, you are fully immersed in the world of Star Wars.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run puts you in the cockpit of the famous Millennium Falcon spaceship. As you take your seat, you can’t help but be amazed at the incredible attention to detail – from the control panels to the iconic Star Wars music playing in the background. It truly feels like you’re about to embark on an actual mission takeoff.

The ride itself is an interactive experience like no other. You and your crewmates are assigned roles – pilot, gunner, or engineer – and your mission is to navigate the Millennium Falcon through a daring smuggling operation. Your actions will directly impact the outcome of the mission, so buckle up and get ready for a thrilling adventure.

What makes Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run even more impressive is the cutting-edge technology behind it. The ride uses a state-of-the-art flight simulator to bring the experience to life. The motion, visuals, and even the sound effects make you feel like you’re actually soaring through space.

The only reason I wouldn’t recommend Smugglers Run is if you’re a solo rider. Part of the fun is working together with your teammates in your different roles to deliver a successful coaxium haul to Hondo Ohnaka. Every ride is unique based on the prowess of your pilots, gunners, and engineers.

Conclusion

To recap, here are the best rides at Hollywood Studios we recommend.

RideOur Rating
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance5/5
Toy Story Mania4.5/5
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror5/5
Slinky Dog Dash4.5/5
Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run4/5

With both thrilling and immersive experiences, Hollywood Studios offers a wide range of must-try rides that cater to both thrill-seekers and Disney fans. This park probably has some of the most heavy-hitter attractions. Almost every single ride is considered top-notch and there aren’t a lot of “filler” attractions.

As a Disney and Star Wars fan, I highly recommend adding Rise of the Resistance to your Hollywood Studios itinerary. It’s an experience that will leave you feeling fully immersed in a Galaxy Far Far Away.

Frequently Asked Questions

With 17 attractions to date, Hollywood Studios is a big park that should be tackled strategically. Many park-goers have questions involving the best rides at Hollywood Studios, so we aim to address them below.

What is Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run?

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a thrilling and immersive ride at Hollywood Studios. It puts you in the cockpit of the famous Millennium Falcon spaceship, allowing you to take on the role of pilot, gunner, or engineer in a daring smuggling operation.

What is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge?

Opened in 2019, Galaxy’s Edge is an immersive area of the park that perfectly replicates the world of Star Wars. It is home to the two rides Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

What Are the Best Rides in Hollywood Studios?

Hollywood Studios offers guests 17 stellar attractions, but our top 5 are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Toy Story Mania, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run.

Do I Need to Know Star Wars to Appreciate Galaxy’s Edge?

No. Even guests who know nothing about Star Wars fall in love with all the land’s offerings including food, rides, and more. However, it’s probably best to watch the movies before attending to immerse yourself even further.

Are There Any Other Must-Try Rides at Hollywood Studios?

Yes! Hollywood Studios is home to many more attractions that we recommend including Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Rock ‘n’ Rollercoaster Starring Aerosmith, and Star Tours: The Adventures Continue.

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About the Author:Matthew Manganaro
Matthew Manganaro
Disney World Expert

Matthew's lifelong Disney passion fuels his dedication to simplifying a magical vacation for others through his work at TwoLittleSparks. With over 28 years of visits and counting under his belt, Matthew is committed to reigniting the childhood magic of Disney for everyone. After all, what's so wrong with believing in a little magic?

Get to know Matthew