Maximize Your Time at Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 5 Must-Know Tips

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a park full of magic, transformation, and thrilling experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney pro, there are always hidden gems and secrets to uncover.

If you want to make the most of your time in the park, here are five insider tips to elevate your visit to the next level.

1. Make the Most of Your Lightning Lane Selections

Planning your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios means navigating the Lightning Lane system to skip long wait times for top attractions. The park uses a tiered system for Lightning Lane reservations: one ride or show from Tier One and two from Tier Two.

The challenge? Popular rides like Slinky Dog Dash and Rise of the Resistance both sit in Tier One, so you can only reserve one in advance.

What to Do:

• Reserve one Tier One ride in advance using Lightning Lane.

• Arrive at rope drop (park opening) to get in line for the other ride early, before the crowds arrive.

If you’re only able to reserve one in advance, this strategy allows you to experience both attractions without long waits.

In addition, Disney’s Lightning Lane Premier Pass, introduced in October 2024, offers guests the option to skip all lines, without needing to make individual reservations. This premium option is priced up to $449, depending on the date and park. It’s a great way to maximize your day if you’re looking to avoid lines entirely.

Pro Tip: Have you used Lightning Lane to skip the lines for any ride at Hollywood Studios? Share your experience in the comments!

2. Ride Star Tours More Than Once for the Full Experience

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue offers a unique experience, featuring over 50 different ride combinations, taking you to different Star Wars worlds and characters. Unlike the original version, which had a fixed storyline, this ride changes with each experience, making it worth riding multiple times.

Why You Should Ride More Than Once:

• Each ride features different scenarios, so you get a new experience every time.

• The best time to ride is in the last few hours of the day when the lines are typically shorter.

Guests must disembark and reboard between rides to prevent motion sickness, but it’s worth riding multiple times to see all the variations.

Star Tours is a must-do for any Star Wars fan, and riding it several times allows you to explore all of its possibilities!

3. Catch the Last Fantasmic! Show of the Night

Fantasmic! is the ultimate way to end your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This epic show combines live-action performances, fireworks, water projections, and beloved Disney characters for an unforgettable spectacle.

However, as Fantasmic! is extremely popular, the first show often fills up quickly.

Why You Should Choose the Second Show:

• The first show often fills up, leaving standing-room-only crowds.

• The second show is typically less crowded, making it easier to find a seat and enjoy the performance in comfort.

Always check the showtimes when planning your day, as schedules may vary depending on the season.

By opting for the later performance, you can enjoy Fantasmic! without the stress of fighting for a spot in the theater.

What’s your favorite part of Fantasmic!? Let’s discuss in the comments!

4. Ride Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway Early

Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is one of the newest and most innovative attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This ride blends animation and technology in a unique way, transporting you into the world of Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Since it’s a popular ride, it often has long lines.

Insider Tips for Avoiding Long Waits:

• Ride early in the day, right at rope drop, to experience the attraction with shorter wait times.

• Consider using your Lightning Lane to skip the regular line if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

This ride combines classic Disney animation with cutting-edge technology, making it a must-see for any Disney fan.

Riding early in the day will help you avoid long waits and ensure you experience the magic of Mickey and Minnie’s latest adventure.

5. Enjoy the Muppets and the Upcoming Villains Show

Though the MuppetVision 3D preshow has long been a fan favorite, Disney announced that the attraction will be replaced by a new Monsters, Inc.-themed area starting in June 2025. As a result, this preshow will no longer be available after that time.

Make sure to visit soon to experience the hilarious Muppet magic before it closes.

But Don’t Miss the New Disney Villains Show:

This exciting show features classic Disney villains, providing a thrilling new experience for fans of Disney’s darker side. The brand new Disney Villains-themed stage show replaced Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy in the park.

If you’re planning to visit, be sure to check it out for an unforgettable villainous performance!

Additional Tips for a Magical Day at Hollywood Studios

Here are a few more tips to enhance your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Best Time to Visit:

• Arrive at rope drop: The park opens early, and this is your best chance to experience top attractions with minimal wait times.

• Use Lightning Lane wisely: Maximize your time by using Lightning Lane reservations for the most popular rides.

Don’t Miss These Classic Attractions:

• Toy Story Land: Explore Toy Story Midway Mania! and Slinky Dog Dash for a whimsical, Toy Story-themed adventure.

• Galaxy’s Edge: Step into a galaxy far, far away with Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

• Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway: This one-of-a-kind attraction is a perfect blend of classic Disney and modern technology.

Make the Most of Your Visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

With these insider tips, you’ll be able to maximize your time and experience all the magic that Disney’s Hollywood Studios has to offer. From thrilling rides like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway to the new Disney Villains show, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Whether you’re riding Star Tours multiple times or planning to catch the last showing of Fantasmic!, these tips will help you make the most of your day.

Remember, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is constantly evolving, so be sure to check for the latest updates before your visit. With some planning and these insider tips, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time at one of Disney’s most iconic parks!

What’s your favorite Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction? Let us know in the comments and join the conversation!