As the world approached the end of the mid-1980s, Walt Disney World was seeing increasing success and popularity at their two parks – Magic Kingdom and Epcot. During this time, Walt Disney Imagineers Marty Sklar and Randy Bright were given the assignment to create two new pavilions for Epcot. One of those concepts was the Great Movie Ride, which would inspire former Disney CEO Michael Eisner to task Imagineers with creating a new park themed to Hollywood and show business.
Entering a licensing contract with Metro- Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), the park was developed as both a theme park and an operating production studio that included film and TV production services, an animation branch and a functioning backlot. Construction would be accelerated when word came out about a very similar theme park being opened down the street called Universal Studios Florida. On May 1, 1989, Disney-MGM Studios Park opened with only two operating attractions the Studio Backlot Tour and the Great Movie Ride.
Over the years, the park would see revamps and transformations more than any other park at Walt Disney World with icons constantly changing (#NeverForgettheSorcererHat), production areas being demolished and in 2008, the park would be rebranded as Disney’s Hollywood Studios. By 2017, all studio-themed attractions were closed, including the last remaining opening day attraction, the Great Movie Ride. Instead of seeing how movies are made, the park now brings you inside the movies with some of the most intricately themed lands of beloved IPs including Toy Story and Star Wars.
Even with all the changes, the park remains more popular than ever, housing many of Disney World’s longest line attractions across the resort. With that, as per rules in other rankings, nighttime spectaculars like Fantasmic and Wonderful World of Animation, streetmosphere like Citizens of Hollywood, gallery exhibits like Walt Disney Presents and Movie Theatre shows without effects like Vacation Fun are not included.
Now let’s step into Hollywood’s most immersive lands and live our ultimate adventure.
15. Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy
Located in Sunset Boulevard, this “Cars” stage show was clearly brought in for little racers to have something to do in the area while everyone else in the party can partake in the thrill rides. It’s a fine show with a super cool Lightening McQueen animatronic, but the story itself is rather boring. Besides Lightning, all other characters are just on a screen and it’s not that engaging compared to the many other shows in the park. Even a “Cars” fan like this writer is totally fine with sitting this drive out.
14. Disney Junior Play and Dance!
For mini Disney fans, this interactive concert can be a total blast that includes the best of the best Disney Junior characters such as Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Timon, and Mickey Mouse. Hosts Finn Fiesta and Deejay involve everyone in the fun, getting kids off their feet and burning all the energy their tiny bodies can muster. The only reason it’s so low on this list is because as a childless adult, it’s not exactly a show that we can all enjoy, but a great attraction in a park that has more adult-friendly thrills.
13. Alien Swirling Saucers
The theming for this ride, and Toy Story Land in general is so cute and immersive – making all guests feel like they are truly the size of a toy. However, out of all of the things to do in this land, this spinning saucer is the most skippable. It’s the same ride system as the tea cups in Magic Kingdom, and so many other park attractions across the country. If you have time to kill or are a massive “Toy Story” fan then you should definitely say hi to the Aliens, but you aren’t missing anything if you decide to skip past it.
12. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
The original “Star Wars” ride is one of the early pioneers of simulator technology that has now become incredibly common amongst theme parks. Each ride can be a different experience and has been updated over the years to feature characters and lands from new films. Despite its re-rideability, the tech has aged and can cause motion sickness for many. It’s certainly been overshadowed by its “Star Wars” successors for good reason, but it still manages to give the real feel of flying through the galaxy and being part of the adventure.
11. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
The oldest attraction remaining at Hollywood Studios, this stunt spectacular definitely feels like one of the last remaining remnants of what the park used to be. This stunt show gives the audience a behind-the-scenes look at how stunts from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” are performed with practical sets and big explosions. While this writer doesn’t have a deep connection to Indie compared to the other IPs at this park, it’s still beloved for many reasons, but especially the nostalgia factor.
10. Muppet*Vision 3D
There is no better way to take a break from the bustling crowds of Galaxy’s Edge then turning into Grand Avenue and hanging with “The Muppets”. This 3D show is Muppets hijinks at its finest, with some even appearing live in-person! The film could use an update, and if there is a limited time at the park, Muppet*Vision 3D shouldn’t top the list of must-dos. However, it’s the perfect escape for anyone in desperate need of a laugh with such iconic characters.
9. Beauty & The Beast Live on Stage
Let’s be real, Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage has probably overstayed its welcome for well over a decade now. Yet, even with the outdated costumes and stage effects, it’s impossible not to love every single minute. “Beauty and the Beast” is one of the greatest animated films and getting a retelling of the story with the classic songs and fantastic choreography represents why this park is so uniquely special. Some attractions should just be left alone no matter their age, and this show is definitely one of them.
8. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
The newest stage show at Hollywood Studios is also its best. Of course, the appearances of Olaf, Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff throughout the retelling of “Frozen” are what draw you in to this entertaining sing along, but it’s the Royal Historians who are the stars of the show. You never know what kind of jokes and hijinks you will be getting from them, making it a must-see each and every time, especially for us major “Frozen” fans. With a snow-filled special effects finale, it’s a definite show-stopper.
7. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Arguably the most thrilling ride in all of Walt Disney World, this coaster launches 0-95 KPH in 2.8 seconds with loops and corkscrews throughout the ride experience. With Aerosmith tunes blasting in the background, the ride is a beloved staple at Hollywood Studios and a favourite of many. It can be a frightening ride though for anyone like myself who hates inversions, and the overall theme of going on tour with Aerosmith is outdated. Nevertheless, it’s a classic that will leave every rider feeling like a rock star.
6. Slinky Dog Dash
It may not be as exhilarating as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but there is a charm to Slinky Dog Dash no other coaster can match. It’s the perfect starter coaster for young ones, but also has some drops and turns that all ages can enjoy. What makes Slinky a real stand out though is its theming. The vehicle itself is perfectly designed and there are so many fun characters and Easter eggs to spot from the start of the queue to the end of the coaster. The lines may be long, but it’s definitely worth it for those stunning night views of Toy Story Land alone!
5. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
It’s every “Star Wars” nerd’s dream to fly the Millennium Falcon. There are some similarities to the Star Tours simulation, but what takes this experience to the next level is that each person in the cockpit controls how smoothly the flight goes. The pilot is said to give the most immersive experience, but the Engineer and Gunner roles are also just as fun, and carry a little less responsibility. It can be a bit awkward being grouped with strangers, but you quickly get past that when you jump into hyperspace.
4. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
It’s hard to believe that this is the first ever Mickey Mouse ride, but thankfully they did our main man justice with an adorable ride in which you are part of a modern Mickey cartoon. Once you get over the fact that this replaced the beloved Great Movie Ride, it’s impossible not to fall in love with Runaway Railway. Each scene has so many great details and the trackless technology makes every twist and turn feel seamless. It’s the perfect ride for all ages starring Hollywood’s biggest star!
3. Toy Story Mania
The first “Toy Story” ride that led to the development of the toy-tastic land, Toy Story Mania is probably the most entertaining ride in Hollywood. Twisting and turning around while playing fun carnival shooting games is an absolute blast and it’s one experience that can easily be ridden again and again. The best part is having a friendly competition with your family and friends to see who can get the highest score, and if you lose you can just blame being distracted by the delightful “Toy Story” details throughout the ride.
2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Is Tower of Terror fun or terrifying? Clearly, it’s both! While screaming at the top of your lungs is a given on this dark drop ride, there is also many opportunities to be amazed by the intricate details of the queue and the storytelling behind the entire experience. There is no other ride with a more compelling story that builds the anticipation of the inevitable drops. The sequence of drops is never the same and never knowing what you are going to get will give you all the feelings, and that’s why it’s absolutely perfect.
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
When you look up the definition of immersive, a photo of Rise of the Resistance should be all you need to understand the meaning. This epic battle escape attraction uses multiple ride systems, projections, practical sets, and state of the art animatronics to bring you into the narrative. As soon as you step into the queue you become part of an epic story and the heart pounds once you hop on the AT-AT vehicles and try to escape the First Order. “Star Wars” fan or not, everybody should leave this attraction feeling inspired.
What’s your favourite ride or attraction at Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments below or on one of our social media channels and make sure to follow Frozen Mouse Fever for all your Disney needs.
Frozen Mouse Fever 