Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Hacks: Save Time & Skip Long Lines

Want to Skip Long Lines at Hollywood Studios? Here’s How!

Heading to Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Want to skip the long lines and ride more in less time? Our expert guide will show you exactly which Lightning Lane reservations you need—and which attractions you can save for standby!

The best way to enjoy the park efficiently is by utilizing Lightning Lane reservations. This ensures that you spend less time waiting in lines and more time enjoying the magic of Disney.

To help you navigate the park with ease, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide on which attractions are worth securing a Lightning Lane pass for and which can be experienced without one. This guide ensures a seamless adventure through Hollywood Studios with minimal wait times and maximum fun.

Must-Have Lightning Lane Reservations at Hollywood Studios

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

A must-do for thrill-seekers, this haunted elevator drop ride is one of Hollywood Studios’ most famous attractions. Given its immense popularity, wait times can exceed an hour, especially during peak times.

Securing a Lightning Lane pass will save you significant time and ensure you enjoy the eerie storyline without the lengthy queue.

2. Toy Story Mania!

Toy Story Mania! remains one of the busiest attractions in the park. Guests eagerly test their sharpshooting skills in this interactive 4D game.

With long wait times often exceeding 90 minutes, reserving a Lightning Lane pass is highly recommended to make the most of your visit.

3. Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Step into the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon, and engage on a high-stakes smuggling mission orchestrated by Hondo Ohnaka. With stunning visuals, realistic controls, and authentic Star Wars ambiance, this attraction delivers an unforgettable galactic adventure that puts you right in the action.

As one of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, its popularity often leads to lengthy standby wait times, particularly during peak park hours. Securing a Lightning Lane pass allows you to save valuable time that you can spend exploring other attractions or experiencing the rest of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

4. Fantasmic!

This nighttime spectacular draws massive crowds as it combines fireworks, projections, and live performances in an unforgettable show. While there is ample seating, the best viewing areas fill up quickly.

A Lightning Lane reservation grants access to premium seating, enhancing your experience significantly. If unavailable, consider the Fantasmic! Dining Package for priority seating.

5. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (Upcoming Retheme)

As Hollywood Studios’ only high-speed roller coaster, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster remains one of the most sought-after rides. Due to its intense thrills and looping track, it has consistently long wait times.

Utilizing a Lightning Lane pass is the best way to experience the ride without the long queues. However, Disney has announced plans to retheme this ride with a Muppets theme, replacing the Aerosmith branding. While a specific closure date has not been confirmed, it’s anticipated to occur sometime in 2025.

6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Replacing The Great Movie Ride, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is a technological marvel. It features stunning animation and a zany storyline.

This attraction draws heavy crowds throughout the day, making a Lightning Lane reservation a valuable asset.

Skip the Lightning Lane: Attractions With Shorter Waits

1. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

This beloved Broadway-style production has multiple showtimes daily. It takes place in an amphitheater with plenty of seating.

Arriving 10-15 minutes early is usually sufficient to secure a great spot, making a Lightning Lane pass unnecessary.

2. Muppet*Vision 3D (Closing June 7, 2025)

This 3D comedy featuring the Muppets rarely has long wait times due to its large theater capacity.

However, guests should note that Disney has announced this attraction is scheduled to close permanently on June 7, 2025, to make way for a new development in the Muppets Courtyard area.

3. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

A thrilling live-action stunt show, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! boasts a massive theater with ample seating.

While it’s a must-see for action movie fans, a Lightning Lane reservation isn’t needed if you arrive a little early for a good seat.

4. Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie

This continuously running attraction showcases Mickey & Minnie in a delightful animated short.

Due to its steady seating availability, a Lightning Lane pass isn’t necessary.

5. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

This Star Wars-themed motion simulator takes guests on an unpredictable journey through the galaxy. It offers a different adventure each time you ride.

While wait times fluctuate, this ride often boasts some of the shortest ones in Hollywood Studios, making it a perfect go-to attraction for spontaneous intergalactic adventures.

New Attractions Coming to Hollywood Studios in 2025

The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (Opening Summer 2025)

Replacing the former “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” show, this brand-new theatrical production will debut in Summer 2025.

Featuring cutting-edge visuals and beloved songs from the animated classic, it will be a must-see for Disney fans.

Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After (Opening Summer 2025)

This new stage production will take over the space previously occupied by “Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy.”

Featuring some of Disney’s most iconic villains in a musical adventure, this show is expected to be a major draw for guests.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Hollywood Studios Visit

• Arrive Early: If you want to enjoy attractions without relying too much on Lightning Lane, rope-dropping the park (arriving before opening) allows you to experience major rides with minimal wait times.
• Use the My Disney Experience App: Keep an eye on wait times and modify your Lightning Lane selections throughout the day as needed.
• Plan for Meal Breaks: Dining at Hollywood Studios is an experience in itself. Consider reservations at themed restaurants like Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, 50’s Prime Time Café, or Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo.
• Enjoy the Nighttime Shows: In addition to Fantasmic!, the park offers stunning projections on the Chinese Theatre and immersive Star Wars-themed experiences that round out a perfect evening.

Now It’s Your Turn!

Now that you know the best ways to use Lightning Lane at Hollywood Studios, which ride are you booking first? Let us know in the comments! And don’t forget to check out our guide to the best Disney dining spots to fuel your adventure!