Disney’s Hollywood Studios has undergone a massive transformation in recent years, introducing guests to incredible new experiences in Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. What was once considered a half-day park is now packed with must-ride attractions, thrilling shows, and immersive lands that make for a full day of adventure.
With so many popular rides, navigating wait times can be a challenge. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve put together the best strategies to ride Hollywood Studios‘ top attractions with minimal waiting.
Best Strategies to Reduce Wait Times
To experience the best rides with the shortest waits, consider these essential strategies:
- Arrive early (before park opening, also known as rope drop).
- Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass – This service allows guests to skip the standby queue for multiple attractions in a single park.
- Purchase Individual Lightning Lane Access – Some high-demand rides may still offer separate Individual Lightning Lane purchases.
- Take advantage of Early Entry – Available for Disney Resort hotel guests and select hotel guests, allowing access 30 minutes before park opening.
- Utilize Extended Evening Hours – Exclusive to guests staying at Disney Deluxe Resorts and other select hotels on certain nights.
- Use Single Rider lines – Available for select attractions.
- Visit attractions at park closing when lines typically shorten.
Now, let’s dive into Hollywood Studios’ top attractions and the best ways to experience them without long waits.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
As one of the most popular attractions at Walt Disney World, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance is a fully immersive experience that puts guests in an epic battle against the First Order. Due to its immense popularity, standby wait times are consistently long throughout the day.
Best Ways to Ride with Minimal Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass – This is the most reliable way to guarantee your ride with little to no wait.
- Use Early Entry – Resort guests can ride before the park officially opens.
- Ride at Park Closing – Wait times often drop during the final hour of the day.
- Arrive Early – Be at the park gates at least 30 minutes before opening.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge
Pilot the Millennium Falcon and complete a smuggling mission in this interactive ride. With its location inside Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, this attraction remains a fan favorite, leading to consistently high wait times.
Best Ways to Ride with Minimal Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass – Secure access to multiple attractions in advance.
- Use Early Entry – Ride before crowds build up.
- Take Advantage of Extended Evening Hours – Shorter waits in the evening.
- Visit at Park Closing – Lines tend to be much shorter later in the day.
- Arrive Early – One of the best strategies to beat the crowds.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Hollywood Boulevard
This trackless dark ride takes guests on a wacky adventure with Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy in a colorful, cartoon-inspired world. Since this ride appeals to all ages, it draws steady crowds throughout the day.
Best Ways to Ride with Minimal Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass – Recommended for shorter waits.
- Use Early Entry – Ideal for experiencing the ride with a short wait.
- Take Advantage of Extended Evening Hours – Less crowded at night.
- Visit at Park Closing – Lines decrease in the last hour.
- Arrive Early – A solid strategy to ride without long waits.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – Sunset Boulevard
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is a high-speed, looping indoor coaster featuring Aerosmith’s iconic music. It has peak wait times during the afternoon.
Best Ways to Ride with Minimal Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass – Allows you to ride with little wait.
- Use Early Entry – Ride in the morning before wait times climb.
- Take Advantage of Extended Evening Hours – Often a great option.
- Visit at Park Closing – Shorter lines in the final hour.
- Arrive Early – Ride in the morning for the shortest standby wait.
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – Sunset Boulevard
Step into The Hollywood Tower Hotel and experience a thrilling drop ride into another dimension. Due to its immersive theming and unpredictable drop sequences, this ride remains a fan favorite.
Best Ways to Ride with Minimal Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass – Avoid long waits by securing a pass.
- Use Early Entry – A great way to ride without long lines.
- Take Advantage of Extended Evening Hours – Lower crowds in the evening.
- Visit at Park Closing – A smart strategy to experience a shorter wait.
- Arrive Early – Lines grow as the day progresses, so ride in the morning.
Slinky Dog Dash – Toy Story Land
Slinky Dog Dash is a family-friendly roller coaster that thrills guests through Andy’s backyard. It is one of the busiest rides in the park, with wait times spiking early in the day.
Best Ways to Ride with Minimal Wait:
- Use Lightning Lane Premier Pass – One of the most popular selections, so book early.
- Use Early Entry – Ride before general park guests arrive.
- Take Advantage of Extended Evening Hours – Less crowded at night.
- Visit the Park Closing – One of the best ways to ride with a shorter wait.
- Arrive Early – Rope drop is an excellent option for this attraction.
Final Tips for Maximizing Your Day at Hollywood Studios
To experience all of Hollywood Studios’ top rides with minimal wait, keep these final tips in mind:
- Plan Your Lightning Lane Selections Wisely – Book early for the best attractions.
- Prioritize Early Entry or Rope Drop – A great way to ride popular attractions first.
- Be Flexible with Your Schedule – Ride based on lowest wait times throughout the day.
- Use the My Disney Experience App – Keep an eye on wait times and plan accordingly.
By using these strategies, you can enjoy Hollywood Studios’ most exciting attractions without spending your day waiting in long lines.
For more Walt Disney World planning tips, check out our top ride guides or browse our Disney park essentials for must-pack items!
Happy travels, and may the Force (and short wait times) be with you!
