Attractions at Disney World’s Hollywood Studios, Ranked

I’m a lifelong Disney World fan who’s been visiting the theme park since the late ’90s. After my most recent trip in August 2021, I ranked every Hollywood Studios attraction from worst to best.

I ranked each attraction based on how fun I find them, and how accessible they are to visit. I also considered each attraction’s relevancy, whether both kids and adults can enjoy them, and my past memories of visiting the theme park when I was younger.

The only attractions I’ve never had a chance to visit — and therefore didn’t include in this ranking — are the Disney Movie Magic, Vacation Fun, and Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy shows.

I also didn’t rank Disney Junior Play and Dance!, as I last saw the show — which has been changed drastically — when I was a toddler.

15. Alien Swirling Saucers

There are few Disney World attractions I dislike, but Alien Swirling Saucers is one of them. I rode it for the first time in August 2021, and was pretty disappointed.

While there were some enjoyable aspects — a great atmosphere, shaded queue, fun music, and adorable “rockets” — I felt really let down by the actual ride. I thought it was slow, unexciting, and not worth waiting more than a few minutes in line for.

Of course, this ride was created for children, and I can see why they may like it. But when other Disney rides for younger parkgoers — like the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and even Dumbo the Flying Elephant — are more exciting, I have a hard time praising this one.

14. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular

There’s no question that this show is impressive. Indiana Jones can be seen falling from the ceiling, dodging spikes, and even getting run over by a giant boulder.

But there’s no denying that Hollywood Studios has changed significantly over the years, and left behind its movie-making theme. So in 2022, the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular seems more of a relic of Disney-MGM Studios — as the park used to be called — than a representation of what Hollywood Studios offers today.

13. Walt Disney Presents

Tucked away behind Disney World’s replica of the Chinese Theater, you can find a small museum dedicated to Walt Disney and his theme parks. It’s home to old Disney merchandise, classic art, and even some of Walt Disney’s belongings.

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with this attraction, in my opinion, and I enjoy visiting on hot and rainy days. That said, it’s not something most people would want to see more than once or twice.

12. For the First Time in Forever: a ‘Frozen’ Sing-Along Celebration

This “Frozen” production has a lot of great features: comedy, great acting, and fan-favorite music. There’s also plenty of room for audience involvement, as you’re encouraged to sing along “at the top of your lungs.”

Still, it’s best for kids and huge “Frozen” fans, and it relies heavily on showing scenes from the movie — which many Disney fans have seen countless times. That said, I’m personally fine with skipping this show during most visits.

11. Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage

If you grew up visiting Disney World in the ’90s, this show is likely a nostalgic one for you. I personally love that it brings me back to my childhood thanks to amazing Disney actors and fan-favorite songs.

That said, you should keep in mind that this production is held outdoors, meaning you’ll sometimes have to face Florida’s heat and rain, or prepare for canceled shows.

10. Muppet*Vision 3D

With Galaxy’s Edge —  Disney’s “Star Wars” section — nearby, it’s easy to miss this Muppet-filled show. It debuted in 1991, and is definitely a product of its time. The 3D effects are a bit fuzzy, and younger generations might not be super familiar with the Muppets.

But personally I find this show really enjoyable. Its jokes still make me laugh, and the special effects never get old. I also love seeing some of the Muppets like Statler, Waldorf, and Sweetums in the flesh. And the best part is, there’s hardly ever a wait to see the show.

9. Star Tours — The Adventure Continues

Like Muppet*Vision 3D, Star Tours — The Adventure Continues is arguably a bit outdated. It opened in 1987, and was revamped around 2011. That said, it’s not as high-tech as some of the “Star Wars” attractions you’ll find in Galaxy’s Edge.

Still, I always find myself drawn to this classic ride. It hearkens back to the original “Star Wars” movies, and is just plain fun to ride. I also love how it changes each time you ride it: there are multiple scene sequences, and you never know which one you’ll get.

8. Slinky Dog Dash

After riding Alien Swirling Saucers for the first time, I assumed Slinky Dog Dash would be similarly disappointing. Luckily, I was wrong. The roller coaster is accessible to younger riders, but it’s also very fun for adults.

It’s exciting, pretty fast, and has some steep twists and turns that might catch you by surprise. And that’s not to mention the beautiful views of Toy Story Land you get to see while riding.

7. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is a dream for both “Star Wars” fans and thrill-seekers alike. You get to board the beloved ship and control it as it “flies” through space (it’s actually a motion simulator) with the help of fan-favorite characters like Chewbacca.

So much of this attraction impressed me, from its immersive decor to the interactive roles you’re assigned during the ride. That said, it can be a bit challenging to figure out at first, and if you’re stuck riding with unenthusiastic parkgoers it’s not always as fun.

6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

When Disney World closed the Great Movie Ride in August 2017, I was devastated. It had been a classic at the theme park since 1989, and was always a must-visit on my vacations. Even the promise of the first Mickey Mouse ride didn’t seem like enough of a compromise.

But after riding Mickey & Minnie’s Runway Railway for the first time in August 2021, I was completely charmed by the adorable attraction. I laughed, sang the ride’s catchy theme song, and felt a lot like a kid again. Today, it’s one of my favorite rides at the theme park.

5. Toy Story Mania!

Toy Story Mania! is essentially a giant video game, but I’d say it’s one of the best I’ve ever played. Parkgoers sit in spinning cars that bring you to different “Toy Story”-themed carnival games, and you can try to get more points than the person you’re sitting with.

This attraction is fun and entertaining, and it never really gets old thanks to its competitive element.

4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster was one of my favorite Disney World rides as a kid, and I still love it today. It’s one of the fastest rides at the theme park, as it takes riders — who sit in a “super-stretch limo” — speeding through a neon-lit course with upside-down tracks.

Of course, most people don’t typically associate Aerosmith with Disney, so it might not seem like the most on-brand attraction. But after riding it even only once, you’ll never hear “Walk This Way” the same again.

3. Fantasmic!

Watching Fantasmic! is arguably one of the best ways to end a day at Hollywood Studios. There’s always a palpable excitement in the audience before the show begins, and that feeling only grows as Mickey Mouse takes the stage.

That’s not to mention the standout projections, water fountains, music, and gathering of beloved Disney characters from princesses to villains.

There is one “Pocahontas”-inspired segment that arguably should be removed, but Disney fans and blogs have speculated that it will be replaced when the show reopens in 2022. If that turns out to be true, Fantasmic! will likely continue to be one of the best attractions at Hollywood Studios.

2. Rise of the Resistance

If you’ve planned a Disney World vacation in the past three years, you’ve likely heard lots about Rise of the Resistance — and for good reason. It’s essentially multiple rides in one, with both actors and animatronics setting each scene.

I personally have never ridden anything like it, and have thought about it constantly since visiting Disney last summer.

Ultimately, the only reason Rise of the Resistance hasn’t taken the top spot in this ranking is because of its difficulty to ride: You have to choose between hours-long wait times or buying $15 Lightning Lane passes, and then hope the ride doesn’t experience one of its frequent breakdowns.

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

In my opinion, Disney’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is the ultimate ride at Hollywood Studios.

The attraction’s creepy atmosphere is spot-on, and grabs your attention from the minute you set foot into the queue. The “hotel employees” or ride attendants make the experience even better, as they often stare you down and interact with parkgoers in spooky ways.

Then there’s the chilling preshow that captivates everyone, including those who have never seen an episode of “The Twilight Zone.” As for the ride itself, even die-hard fans who have ridden it countless times can’t predict every thrilling drop.

It’s an absolute must-visit on any trip.