It’s the eternal question faced by all newcomers through a theme park’s gates: Where do I go first? And it’s not an easy one to answer, especially if you’re trying to look at the park map and decipher a welter of exciting but strange markings and symbols.
But we have set our stall out, time and time again, to highlight the essential attractions for each of Orlando’s seven (soon to be eight in May this year!) major parks, and this time it is the turn of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the third of Walt Disney World’s elaborately-themed playgrounds, to get our Top 10 treatment.
We have already supplied our must-not-miss rides for each of the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, so now let’s head back to the House of Mouse for an in-depth look at a classic movie-themed day out.
And you WILL need a full day here, as, even though there aren’t as many rides as the Magic Kingdom or Universal Studios, some of the attractions – notably the Indiana Jones stunt show – will take up quite a chunk of time. The park itself opened in May 1989 and has been enlarged several times, notably with the Sunset Boulevard part of the park (in 1994) and then the Star Wars and Toy Story lands (in 2018-19).
It is due for more additions in the next few years, too, as the Muppets show area is taken over by a Monsters Inc land and the Muppets themselves move over to take up residence at the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, but for now we’re going to focus purely on the attractions that will be open this summer (and, sadly, Muppet*Vision 3D will be closing after June 7):
10. Slinky Dog Dash
As a step towards the bigger coasters, Slinky Dog offers an amusing and fast-paced whizz through Toy Story Land in the company of Andy’s toys. There are two main fast-launch sequences, and a super-fun switch-back section towards the end, but it shouldn’t be too scary for young ’uns (the height restriction is only 3ft 2in) although still enough excitement for teens (and their parents).
9. Toy Story Mania
For frantic, interactive 4-D game play, this voyage into the world of Andy’s toys takes some beating. Riders get to compete side by side in cars that stop at the five different game stations for a minute of hectic play-shooting at various shooting-gallery type ranges. Look out for the secret targets that unleash “Easter eggs” for high scores (they pop up at the back of each gallery).
8. Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith
Sadly, the rock music legends’ days are numbered, but there is still time to visit G-Force Records and ride the Super-Stretch limo through Los Angeles, culminating in a back-stage trip to see Aerosmith in concert. It has a fast-launch start, so hang on to your hats and any loose articles!
7. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Amazingly, this is the first Disney ride themed around Mickey himself, and it is a real delight, as he and Minnie head out on a haphazard picnic that takes all kinds of wrong turns. The preamble and pre-show provide quite a surprise in themselves, and then the ride becomes a wonderful sequence of fast-paced cartoon action.
6. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue
Get set for an ultra-realistic dive into the Star Wars world as bickering robots R2-D2 and C-3PO set the scene for a simulator ride that takes in the full range of films and TV series, including the recent Disney+ hits, The Mandalorian, Ahsoka and Andor. There are multiple variations of the different ride sequences, so you will want to do this several times.
5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
There’s simply no getting away from the fact this is a huge – and hugely clever – ride experience that is WAY more than just the signature 13-storey elevator free-fall. The whole Twilight Zone theming is totally immersive, including a special TV preview, and then guests are off through the haunted Hollywood Tower Hotel for an unforgettable encounter of the mystic kind!
4. Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run
After setting the scene with Star Tours, the Galaxy’s Edge section of the park offers another scintillating journey into classic Star Wars realism with this full-scale replica of Han Solo and Chewbacca’s famous spaceship. Riders get to help out on a Resistance mission – and take the controls of the Falcon in memorable style.
3. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
This superb theatre show was a dazzler when it first opened in 1989 and is still a top attraction today. With a two-part, stunt-filled adventure into the Raiders of the Lost Ark story, this offers a jaw-dropping spectacle full of movie tricks, acrobatics, shoot-outs and explosions. There’s also a fun guest participation section, so be ready to jump up and wave when prompted during the preamble if you want to be “on stage!”.
2. Fantasmic!
The park’s big night-time finale is an absolute can’t-miss extravaganza of characters, pyrotechnics and special effects as Mickey has to battle with various Disney villains – including a huge fire-breathing dragon – before being able to celebrate in best parade style with a series of classic animated film riverboats featuring the likes of Moana, Pocahontas, Aladdin, the Lion King and many more.
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
When it comes to superbly immersive attractions and stunning visuals, Rise of the Resistance has it all, from an engrossing queue area and pre-show to a surprise twist and arrival in the hold of a Star Destroyer, and then the actual ride itself, deep in the belly of the First Order spaceship. The awesome sequence is gripping from start to finish and will have you wondering “How did they do that?” long after you get home.
And that’s the full lowdown on Disney’s Hollywood Studios and its key attractions. If you manage all 10 in a day, you’ll have had a great day out. Just remember to take time for a visit to Oga’s Cantina and a signature Star Wars cocktail!
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