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Disney’s Hollywood Studios has seen quite a bit of investment in the last few years. Though the theming may not be as coherent as it once was, it’s still my second favorite park at Walt Disney World. Let’s discuss the best rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios for every ride-lover out there.
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- Why You Should Trust Me
- Best Ride for Thrill Seekers and Teens
- Best Ride for Families
- Best Ride for Small Children
- Best Ride for Older Adults and Adults Who Want To Relax
- Best Roller Coaster
- Best Roller Coaster for Beginners
- Best Indoor Ride at Animal Kingdom
- Best Ride for Short Lines
- Best Ride for Historians
- Mentioned Above
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Why You Should Trust Me

I’ve studied the theme park industry for over 20 years, including spending some time working rides themselves. I’ve ridden over 200 roller coasters at the time of this post being written, and visited over 40 theme parks, zoos, and fairgrounds (including Disney’s Hollywood Studios), riding as many rides as possible at each.
While I myself do not have children, I base ratings for children and families on what I enjoyed as a child as well as what I’ve seen other children in my life enjoy. If you see a child smiling during a ride, that’s usually a pretty good sign.
Best Ride for Thrill Seekers and Teens
The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror

The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror isn’t just one of the best rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – it’s one of the best rides on the planet. Highly immersive theming is matched only by the thrills this drop tower produces, reaching a top speed of 39 mph. It may not sound like much, but trust me, it definitely packs a punch.
And this ride doesn’t just drop you once – it drops you multiple times, even opening the doors at the top for park views before sending you down its drop. It’s fun to hear guests screaming on the ride from below.
Best Ride for Families
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Though I’ll always miss The Great Movie Ride that this ride replaced, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is truly one of the best attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios – and it’s great for families.
The projection mapping on this ride is super immersive and high-tech, creating amazing scenes that can change very quickly. It’s got enough excitement for little kids, teens, and adults alike without being too scary.
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Best Ride for Small Children
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
I originally had Toy Story Mania in this category, but there’s no denying the fact that Mickey & Minnie’s is just perfect for small kids. There’s enough for them to look at without feeling like they’re missing out on anything, and there aren’t any large drops or huge thrills to keep them away. There’s also no height requirement!
Best Ride for Older Adults and Adults Who Want To Relax
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Yep – it’s back again. Sometimes older adults want to be able to just sit and relax in the air conditioning. They want a ride that’s fun to look at without getting the adrenaline really pumping. Enter Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – again.
Best Roller Coaster
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster is one of the best rides at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s also the only ride on Walt Disney World property to go upside down. And it does it not once, not twice, but three times. There are pouches inside the car to secure your belongings, but you can also wear shorts with zipper pockets if that makes you nervous.
Add in the awesome launch at the beginning from 0 – 57 mph in 2.8 seconds and some awesome music by Aerosmith, and you’ve got a thrilling ride in the dark that definitely isn’t for the faint of heart. Though it’s still not one of the fastest roller coasters in Florida, surprisingly.
Expert Tip: To avoid waiting in a long line, you can use the Single Rider queue for this attraction if it’s available. I’ve done that myself and managed to cut my wait times in half. But know that single rider really does mean single rider, and you’ll be paired with a stranger more than likely and be separated from your group.
Best Roller Coaster for Beginners
Slinky Dog Dash

Not my favorite coaster on property by a long shot, a part of that is because this ride isn’t super thrilling, which means it’s great for those who want a beginner coaster. It is nice to fly around the Toy Story theming and riding on Slinky’s back. It launches twice, but they aren’t super powerful, so little ones can definitely do this.
Be warned, though – this ride’s line tends to get very long, and there isn’t a lot of shade to protect you from the sun. Make sure to wear your sunscreen and sunglasses if you plan on riding this roller coaster.
Best Indoor Ride at Animal Kingdom
The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror

It’s just simply one of the best attractions in the world. The fact that Disney Imagineers were able to create a drop tower ride that’s completely enclosed and do it with a great theme that makes sense is so impressive. There’s no denying the greatness of this ride once you’ve been on it.
If you’re looking to have the best Walt Disney World vacation, work with me as a travel advisor and Authorized Disney Vacation Planner! With the help of my host agency, Wishdrawals Travel, I can help you enjoy your next trip and make it one to remember. Whether you’re a family planning the ultimate Disney trip, an LGBT+ couple seeking a romantic getaway, or a solo explorer ready to conquer the world, I’m here to craft the perfect itinerary just for you.
Best Ride for Short Lines
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue

Unlike some of its other Star Wars rides over in Galaxy’s Edge, this ride usually tends to not get super long lines. It’s a bit older, but can still be fun. You can get a number of different scenes on this motion simulator ride, so no ride will ever be exactly the same twice. Make sure to watch out for that spy!
This ride can make some people (including me) feel a bit motion sick, so make sure to take some Dramamine or wear some SeaBands if you’re nervous about that.
Best Ride for Historians
The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror

The Twilight Zone: Tower of Terror is so popular, it’s had versions of it created at numerous Disney parks across the globe. While there are other drop towers at theme parks like Six Flags, there’s just something special about this one.
Not to mention, the ride queue is themed to an old Hollywood hotel with some of the best theming in any ride out there. Historians are sure to pick up on some fun details and Easter eggs before enjoying this classic, thrilling attraction.
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