Disney’s Hollywood Studios may have fewer rides than Magic Kingdom, but several of its attractions are among the best at Walt Disney World. From the enormous Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance experience to Tower of Terror and the high-speed Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, this park has a particularly strong lineup for thrill seekers.
My top three rides at Hollywood Studios are Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is another must-do for coaster fans, while Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Toy Story Mania! are among the best choices for families with younger children.
Hollywood Studios currently has nine rides, and I’d rank them differently depending on whether I’m judging the experience itself or trying to minimize wait times. The best ride isn’t necessarily the one you should head to first when the park opens.
The 9 Best Rides at Hollywood Studios, Ranked
This ranking considers ride quality, theming, thrills, family appeal, and how much I would regret missing the attraction during a one-day visit.
| Rank | Hollywood Studios Ride | Height Requirement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | 40 inches | Best overall experience |
| 2 | Slinky Dog Dash | 38 inches | Best family roller coaster |
| 3 | The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | 40 inches | Best classic thrill ride |
| 4 | Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets | 48 inches | Best high-speed coaster |
| 5 | Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway | Any height | Best ride for all ages |
| 6 | Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run | 38 inches | Star Wars fans |
| 7 | Toy Story Mania! | Any height | Families and competitive games |
| 8 | Star Tours: The Adventures Continue | 40 inches | Motion simulator fans |
| 9 | Alien Swirling Saucers | 32 inches | Younger children |
All nine are worth experiencing with enough time, but I would prioritize the top five on a first visit. The lower-ranked attractions become more important if you’re visiting with young children, love Star Wars, or have already experienced the headliners.
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Rise of the Resistance is my choice for the best ride at Hollywood Studios, largely because it feels like several attractions combined into one.
Located in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the experience recruits guests into the Resistance before sending them into an elaborate encounter with the First Order.
The attraction combines live-action elements, detailed sets, large-scale effects, and trackless ride vehicles. The scale is impressive, especially when the experience moves from one environment to another.
Rise is also a ride I would prioritize even if I weren’t a major Star Wars fan. The technology, storytelling, and atmosphere are strong enough that you don’t need to know every detail of the movies to enjoy it.
The main drawback is reliability. Its complexity can lead to temporary downtime, which makes leaving it until the final hour of your visit a risk.
Disney currently offers Lightning Lane Single Pass for Rise of the Resistance, separately from Lightning Lane Multi Pass. If I wanted to guarantee more flexibility around the rest of the day, I would consider that option.
My recommendation: Make Rise of the Resistance a must-do. It’s the one Hollywood Studios ride I would be most disappointed to miss.
2. Slinky Dog Dash
Slinky Dog Dash is arguably the best combination of family appeal and excitement at Hollywood Studios.
This outdoor roller coaster takes guests around Andy’s backyard in Toy Story Land, using a ride vehicle designed to look like Slinky Dog.
The coaster has two launches, gentle airtime moments, and colorful oversized toys throughout the course. It feels exciting without reaching the intensity of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
Its 38-inch height requirement makes it accessible to many children who aren’t ready for Disney’s larger thrill rides.
The biggest reason to prioritize Slinky Dog Dash is its popularity. It appeals to families, adults, and coaster fans, so standby waits can become substantial.
The queue is also outdoors, making long afternoon waits less appealing during hot weather.
If I were buying Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Slinky Dog Dash would normally be my first advance selection. Without it, I would strongly consider riding Slinky at park opening.
My recommendation: Best roller coaster for families and one of the smartest attractions to prioritize early.
3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Tower of Terror remains one of the best thrill rides at Walt Disney World, even decades after opening.
The attraction is set inside the abandoned Hollywood Tower Hotel, where guests enter an eerie lobby before boarding an elevator for an unpredictable journey through The Twilight Zone.
What makes Tower of Terror exceptional is the atmosphere. The decaying hotel, unsettling music, vintage details, and Cast Member performances make the entire experience feel like a suspenseful movie.
The actual ride features powerful elevator drops, with a randomized drop sequence that creates some variation between visits.
It has a 40-inch height requirement, although some children who meet the requirement may still find the experience frightening.
I’d put Tower of Terror ahead of several newer attractions because the complete experience is so memorable. It’s also one of the few Hollywood Studios rides I would happily repeat if the wait were reasonable.
My recommendation: Best classic Hollywood Studios ride and my favorite choice for visitors who enjoy suspense and drops.
4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is the ride I would add to any list of the best thrill rides at Hollywood Studios.
The attraction reopened on May 26, 2026 with a new Muppets theme, replacing its former Aerosmith storyline.
The updated experience follows Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem as guests race across Hollywood to reach the band’s concert. The ride retains its high-speed indoor roller coaster system, including a launch and three inversions.
This is a considerably more intense attraction than Slinky Dog Dash. It reaches high speeds in the dark, includes upside-down elements, and has a 48-inch height requirement.
For adults and teenagers who enjoy thrill rides, I would consider moving Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ahead of Slinky Dog Dash in the ranking.
The Muppets theme gives the attraction a lighter, more comedic personality, but the physical ride experience remains one of Disney World’s most intense.
My recommendation: Best high-speed coaster at Hollywood Studios and essential for thrill seekers who meet the height requirement.
5. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is one of the most accessible rides at Hollywood Studios because it has no minimum height requirement.
Located inside the Chinese Theatre at the center of the park, this trackless dark ride brings Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Goofy into a colorful cartoon adventure.
The attraction uses projection mapping, moving scenery, music, and clever ride vehicle movements to make the animated world feel as though it’s changing around you.
It isn’t designed to deliver the intensity of Tower of Terror or Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but that’s part of its strength.
Families with younger children, adults who avoid major thrills, and visitors of different ages can all enjoy it together.
I would make Runaway Railway a priority if my group included people who couldn’t ride the larger headliners.
My recommendation: Best Hollywood Studios ride for a mixed-age group and one of the top choices for families.
6. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a must-do for Star Wars fans who have always wanted to step inside the famous spaceship.
The queue leads guests through a detailed recreation of the Millennium Falcon before they enter the cockpit and take on different crew responsibilities.
Unlike Rise of the Resistance, Smugglers Run is an interactive simulator. Your actions can affect how the mission unfolds, and the experience depends partly on which crew position you’re assigned.
Being a pilot is particularly entertaining because you can control parts of the ship’s movement. The other positions are still fun, but the level of interaction varies.
For visitors who enjoy Star Wars, I would rank Smugglers Run higher. For someone with no particular attachment to the franchise, I would prioritize Tower of Terror, Slinky Dog Dash, and Runaway Railway first.
It has a 38-inch height requirement, and the simulator movement can be uncomfortable for people prone to motion sickness.
My recommendation: An essential Star Wars experience, especially if your group wants a chance to pilot the Falcon.
7. Toy Story Mania!
Toy Story Mania! is one of the best Hollywood Studios rides for families who enjoy interactive games.
Guests wear 3D glasses and use spring-action shooters to compete in Toy Story-themed carnival games while their ride vehicles move between different scenes.
The competition is what makes the attraction especially enjoyable. You can compare scores with your family, challenge friends, or try to beat your personal best on another visit.
Toy Story Mania! has no height requirement, making it one of the few rides at Hollywood Studios that young children can experience alongside older family members.
Although it’s not one of the park’s most technologically ambitious attractions anymore, it’s still consistently entertaining.
I’d combine it with Slinky Dog Dash while visiting Toy Story Land rather than making another long walk across the park later.
My recommendation: One of the best no-height-requirement rides and an excellent choice for families with competitive personalities.
8. Star Tours: The Adventures Continue
Star Tours doesn’t get as much attention as the attractions in Galaxy’s Edge, but it’s still a worthwhile ride for Star Wars fans.
This motion simulator sends guests on adventures through the Star Wars universe, with different scenes and characters appearing during the experience.
The randomized sequences give Star Tours replay value, especially if you’re hoping to see a different combination of scenes on another ride.
However, the physical experience is noticeably different from Rise of the Resistance. Rather than moving through a series of physical environments, the ride relies on a moving simulator and large screen.
That also makes Star Tours one of the rides I’d be most cautious about for people sensitive to motion sickness.
It has a 40-inch height requirement.
I wouldn’t make Star Tours my first ride of the morning, but I’d happily fit it into the afternoon if the standby wait were manageable.
9. Alien Swirling Saucers
Alien Swirling Saucers is the easiest ride for me to skip, but that doesn’t mean it’s a poor attraction.
Located in Toy Story Land, this spinning ride sends guests around a colorful track while the little green aliens from Toy Story provide the theme.
It has a 32-inch height requirement, making it an option for many younger children who aren’t tall enough for Slinky Dog Dash or the larger attractions.
For families with small children, Alien Swirling Saucers can be a valuable addition to the day. It’s lively, short, and easy to understand.
For adults on a first visit, I wouldn’t prioritize it over the other eight rides unless the wait were particularly short.
What Are the Best Thrill Rides at Hollywood Studios?
If you’re visiting Hollywood Studios mainly for roller coasters, drops, and intense attractions, I’d narrow the list to four rides.
| Thrill Ride | Type of Thrill | Intensity |
|---|---|---|
| Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets | Fast launch, three inversions, dark coaster | Very high |
| The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror | Sudden elevator drops and suspense | High |
| Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance | Immersive action, motion, small drop | Moderate |
| Slinky Dog Dash | Two launches, coaster turns, small drops | Moderate |
For pure physical intensity, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is my top choice. For suspense and atmosphere, Tower of Terror is better.
Rise of the Resistance is more about immersive action than extreme thrills, while Slinky Dog Dash provides a gentler coaster experience that’s suitable for a wider range of guests.
If your group is primarily made up of thrill seekers, I would prioritize Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror earlier than I would on a family-oriented visit.
Must-Do Rides at Hollywood Studios for First-Time Visitors
If you only have one day at Hollywood Studios, I wouldn’t treat all nine rides as equally important.
My five must-do attractions for most first-time visitors would be:
- Rise of the Resistance: The park’s most elaborate ride experience.
- Slinky Dog Dash: A popular and enjoyable family coaster.
- Tower of Terror: Outstanding theming and elevator-drop thrills.
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster: The park’s most intense coaster.
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: A fun dark ride that nearly everyone can enjoy.
For younger children, I would replace Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror with Toy Story Mania! and potentially Alien Swirling Saucers.
For a Star Wars-focused trip, I would move Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run higher.
And if you’re deciding what to do beyond rides, my Hollywood Studios must-do guide also covers shows, Galaxy’s Edge, dining, and nighttime entertainment.
Which Hollywood Studios Rides Are Best for Kids?
The best rides for younger children are Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and Toy Story Mania!, because neither has a minimum height requirement.
Alien Swirling Saucers is another option for children at least 32 inches tall. Slinky Dog Dash opens up at 38 inches, although children should still be comfortable with roller coaster movement and small drops.
Height requirements aren’t the only consideration. Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Rise of the Resistance can be overwhelming for some children even if they are tall enough to ride.
I would choose attractions based on your child’s comfort with darkness, sudden movement, loud sounds, and drops rather than height alone.
What Should You Ride First at Hollywood Studios?
The best ride to visit first depends on whether you’re using Lightning Lane and which attractions matter most to your group.
Without Lightning Lane
I would usually choose between Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance at park opening.
Slinky Dog Dash is particularly appealing as a rope-drop choice because it attracts families and can develop a substantial standby wait throughout the day.
Rise of the Resistance is another logical first stop if it’s your top priority, but I would check that it’s operating before committing to the journey into Galaxy’s Edge.
If Rise is temporarily down, I wouldn’t spend the entire morning waiting for it to reopen. I would move to another high-priority attraction and monitor the app.
For more specific opening strategies, my Hollywood Studios rope drop guide explains how to organize the morning.
With Lightning Lane Multi Pass
If I were buying Lightning Lane Multi Pass, I would generally try to reserve Slinky Dog Dash as my first higher-demand selection.
Disney currently groups these four Hollywood Studios rides together for initial Multi Pass selections:
- Slinky Dog Dash
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
You can initially select up to one of those attractions, with the remaining advance selections coming from the other eligible Multi Pass experiences.
Tower of Terror and Toy Story Mania! are among the useful selections from the second group.
After redeeming your first Multi Pass experience, you can check for additional eligible attractions from either group, subject to availability.
Rise of the Resistance is different. It currently uses Lightning Lane Single Pass rather than Multi Pass.
My Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane strategy goes into the booking groups, return times, and which attraction I would reserve first.
Which Hollywood Studios Rides Would I Skip?
If I had limited time, Alien Swirling Saucers would be the easiest ride to remove from my plan unless I were traveling with younger children.
Star Tours would be my next optional ride, particularly if I had already experienced Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run.
I wouldn’t necessarily skip Toy Story Mania!, because it’s one of the park’s best attractions for families. But if the wait were extremely long, I would prioritize the major headliners first.
If I only had half a day, I would protect time for Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Tower of Terror, and either Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, depending on whether my group preferred thrills or family rides.
This is also why I recommend checking Hollywood Studios ride closures before your visit. In a park with only nine rides, even one major closure can change the best touring strategy.
Is Hollywood Studios Worth Visiting Just for the Rides?
Hollywood Studios is one of the strongest Walt Disney World parks for visitors who enjoy immersive attractions and thrill rides.
Rise of the Resistance, Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, and Slinky Dog Dash alone make a compelling lineup. Add Runaway Railway, Toy Story Mania!, and the Star Wars attractions, and there’s enough variety for a full day.
But I wouldn’t judge the park only by its nine rides. Hollywood Studios also has major stage shows, themed lands, character experiences, and Fantasmic!, which can be important parts of the visit.
For a complete touring plan, see my Hollywood Studios itinerary. You can also review Disney’s official Hollywood Studios attraction list for current ride availability and height requirements.
