Menu

Top Hollywood Studios Tips & Tricks for the Ultimate Disney Day

A collage showcasing a vibrant blue drink, the thrilling Toy Story roller coaster with Woody and Jessie, and the Hollywood Tower Hotel aglow at night. The word "HOLLYWOOD" is overlaid in bold white letters, hinting at all the fun Hollywood Studios hacks you need to know!.
Credit: Disney Tips

If you are ready to walk the red carpet and explore the magic of movies, look no further than Hollywood Studios. This Walt Disney World park is all about bringing the magic of the movies to Lake Buena Vista. Exploring the worlds of Star Wars and Toy Story are just two fun areas of this park you’ll want to dig into on your Disney vacation. You’ll also find fantastic thrill rides, food, and shows.

If you are ready to launch your Hollywood Studios itinerary, we’re here to help. Here are Hollywood Studios hints and hacks you need to know.

Rope Drop Dash to High-Traffic Rides

Arriving at “rope drop”—park opening—allows you to dash straight to a chosen ride with little to no wait right after the park opens. The best strategy is heading to the most popular rides, which usually have the longest wait times. Among the must-dos at Hollywood Studios are attractions in Toy Story Land or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

Which way you head at rope drop is your preference. Many visitors dash to Slinky Dog Dash for a near walk-on experience or power-walk to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance in Galaxy’s Edge. Tailor this tip to your group based on what you’re most excited to see and what is an unmissable attraction on your list.

A colorful roller coaster at Disney World, shaped like a springy dog with a cartoonish face, is full of excited riders. The track features bright, playful designs, including loops marked "GO!" against a sunny sky.

Credit: Disney

If thrill rides are more your style, alternate options include heading to the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. These attractions also tend to accumulate long wait times as the day progresses.


Utilize Lightning Lane

Regarding wait times, rope-dropping isn’t the only way to secure shorter waits for attractions. Lightning Lane options are valuable tools for maximizing your time. When planning your day, review the attractions included in Lightning Lane and those eligible for Individual Lightning Lane purchases to decide what works best for your group.

Here are some popular Lightning Lane attractions at Hollywood Studios:

  • Alien Swirling Saucers
  • Slinky Dog Dash
  • Toy Story Mania!
  • Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
  • Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

For Individual Lightning Lane purchases, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is the primary option and a great choice to avoid its notoriously long wait times. Check the My Disney Experience app to see the latest offerings and availability.


Scream Down Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Classic attractions are always theme park must-dos, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a thrilling staple that shouldn’t be missed. Don’t let its age fool you—this ride continues to provide top-notch storytelling and heart-pounding thrills. Beware, though, as the ride’s drop pattern changes each time, ensuring a unique experience with every visit. Screaming down the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a highlight of any Hollywood Studios day.


Sip Blue Milk at Galaxy’s Edge

One of the most immersive theme park experiences ever created is Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Even if you’re not a Star Wars die-hard, this land deserves a spot on your touring plan. Walking through the world of Star Wars is like stepping into another galaxy. Hop on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run for an interactive adventure aboard the iconic ship. Don’t forget to purchase an Individual Lightning Lane pass for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, one of Disney’s most ambitious and immersive attractions.

While there, snag a reservation at Oga’s Cantina to sip on unique beverages like the Fuzzy Tauntaun. For a quicker treat, stop by the Milk Stand to try the iconic blue or green milk (both are dairy-free and plant-based). These refreshing drinks will make you feel like a true member of the Star Wars galaxy.

Three futuristic-looking cups of colorful drinks, with the front one in blue and two in green and yellow shades in the background. The setup includes a high-tech vibe and a "Mobile Order" logo in the top right corner.

Credit: Parks Blog


See a Show

When Disney’s Hollywood Studios opened in 1989, stage shows were a big part of the park’s entertainment. Over the years, shows have come and gone, but they remain a fantastic way to take a break from the Florida heat while enjoying world-class performances. Here are a few must-see shows:

  • Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage: Perfect for Broadway fans.
  • For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: An interactive experience that will delight fans of Disney’s Frozen.
  • Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular: Action-packed and a favorite for thrill-seekers.
  • Muppet*Vision 3D: A fun, nostalgic break with the lovable Muppets.

Check the My Disney Experience app for showtimes and plan to fit at least one performance into your day. Watching a live show is an essential part of the Hollywood Studios experience.


We hope these Hollywood Studios tips help you make the most of your park day. From thrilling rides to immersive lands and incredible shows, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Have fun exploring the magic of the movies!

About Katie Chapman

Hey There! I am a Georgia native with a passion for writing, traveling, cooking, decorating, pugs and of course all things Disney. Growing up in South Georgia just a few hours from Walt Disney World made for a magical childhood. Some of my best memories were made on Main Street U.S.A. with my sister watching SpectroMagic nighttime parade or beside my grandparents, parents and extended family at Chef Mickey’s celebrating on a family vacation. Epcot was my favorite park from a young age and I credit it with my interest in and love for international travel. As a kid I loved meeting characters and watching films around World Showcase and could spend hours exploring each of the countries in Epcot. These days, my husband and I get away to explore a new country whenever we can and even incorporate trips to The Disney Store and Disney Parks around the world in our travels. One of our travel goals is to visit every Disney Park in the world. I love writing about Disney restaurants, park tips, Disney outfit inspiration and Disney history. Pocahontas is my favorite Disney Princess (90s kid here!) but Mr. Toad is my spirit animal. When I’m not at Disney I’m reading about park history, watching Disney documentaries and shopping vintage Disney merch for park outfits. I never pass up a reservation to Ohana, an empty seat on Living with the Land or a Violet Sake.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.