Kid-Approved: The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Rides at Hollywood Studios

When planning your perfect day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, especially with kids in tow, it’s essential to strike the right balance between thrilling attractions, calm rides, and engaging entertainment. This guide will break down the best rides by thrill level and age group, share tips for maximizing your day, and suggest filler activities and entertainment to keep everyone happy.

In addition, since my kids are ages 3 - 12, I have taken the time to sit down with them and interview them about each park. As a result, I will conclude this blog with a ride guide that matches the type of riders my kids are at the park, which will help you find the best match for your kids.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios offers an exciting lineup of attractions, blending thrilling rides with immersive shows and cinematic experiences. From epic Star Wars adventures to Toy Story-themed fun, there’s something for everyone. Families can enjoy live-action shows, character encounters, and daily performances that bring beloved films to life. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping roller coasters or interactive experiences, Hollywood Studios provides a dynamic mix of attractions that guarantees a memorable visit for guests of all ages.

Ride Breakdown

9 RIDES

7 RIDES WITH HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS

2 simulators

4 coasters/drops

2 family friendly-ish rides

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Thrill Level Breakdown: High, Moderate, and Low

High-Thrill Attractions

These attractions are packed with intense drops, high speeds, and immersive environments that provide a thrilling adventure.

1. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

   • Type: Indoor roller coaster with loops and inversions.

   • Thrill Factor: High-speed launch, inversions, and loud music make this one of the most intense rides in the park.

2. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

   • Type: Free-fall drop ride.

   • Thrill Factor: Sudden drops and eerie theming provide a thrilling and unpredictable experience.

3. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

   • Type: Multi-sensory dark ride.

   • Thrill Factor: Features sudden drops, dramatic effects, and intense storytelling, making it a thrilling adventure for Star Wars fans.

4. Slinky Dog Dash

   • Type: Outdoor roller coaster.

   • Thrill Factor: Smooth but fast-paced coaster with twists, turns, and fun theming, suitable for families but thrilling enough for coaster lovers.

Moderate-Thrill Attractions

These attractions provide excitement without being overly intense, making them ideal for guests seeking moderate thrills.

1. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

   • Type: Interactive flight simulator.

   • Thrill Factor: Piloting the Millennium Falcon in a Star Wars mission provides some motion-based excitement and intensity but is not as fast-paced as a traditional coaster.

2. Alien Swirling Saucers

   • Type: Spinning ride.

   • Thrill Factor: A fun, slightly fast-paced ride that whirls you around, but without high speeds or drops. Perfect for families with kids who enjoy moderate thrills.

3. Toy Story Mania!

   • Type: 3D shooting game ride.

   • Thrill Factor: While it's more about fun and interaction, the spinning and fast movements between game sections can add some excitement.

Low-Thrill Attractions

These rides are gentle, slow-paced, and perfect for guests of all ages who prefer calmer experiences.

1. Muppet*Vision 3D

   • Type: 3D movie experience.

   • Thrill Factor: A hilarious, family-friendly 3D show with light-hearted effects. No thrills, but plenty of fun.

2. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

   • Type: Live show.

   • Thrill Factor: A Broadway-style stage performance that's enjoyable and relaxing for all ages.

3. For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

   • Type: Sing-along show.

   • Thrill Factor: Perfect for Frozen fans, this interactive show is entertaining but calm, with no physical thrills involved.

4. Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy

   • Type: Indoor show.

   • Thrill Factor: Featuring Lightning McQueen in a 10-minute show, this attraction is more about enjoying the Cars franchise than any thrilling movements.

Disney's Hollywood Studios offers a range of thrill levels, ensuring that every guest, from adrenaline-seekers to families with young children, can find something they’ll love.

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Best Rides by Age Group at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has attractions for all ages, making it an ideal park for families with kids of various age groups. From mild family rides to thrilling adventures, here's a breakdown of the best rides for different age groups:

Toddlers (Ages 2-4)

1. Alien Swirling Saucers

   • A spinning, colorful ride in Toy Story Land. Perfectly mild and fun for little ones, without being too fast or scary.

2. Muppet*Vision 3D

   • A fun, 3D movie featuring the Muppets. Toddlers will enjoy the visuals and humor, and it’s a great place to take a break from the heat.

3. Disney Junior Play and Dance!

   • A live, interactive dance party with favorite Disney Junior characters like Vampirina and Mickey. Toddlers will love dancing and singing along.

4. Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy

   • A fun, family-friendly show where Lightning McQueen teaches racing tips. It’s perfect for car-loving toddlers and includes engaging effects without being scary.

Young Kids (Ages 5-7)

1. Toy Story Mania!

   • A 3D interactive ride where kids can shoot at targets and compete for high scores. The whole family can enjoy this arcade-style game.

2. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

   • A Broadway-style musical performance that brings the classic "Beauty and the Beast" to life. Perfect for little ones who love Disney princesses.

3. Alien Swirling Saucers

   • A spinning ride with a little more excitement, but still great for young kids looking for fun without big thrills.

4. Slinky Dog Dash

   • This family-friendly coaster has smooth twists and turns, making it ideal for young kids who meet the height requirement and are ready for their first "big" ride.

Older Kids (Ages 8 and Up)

1. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

   • This interactive Star Wars ride lets older kids take control of the Millennium Falcon. It’s a moderate thrill and perfect for kids who love Star Wars.

2. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

   • A 3D flight simulator through different Star Wars adventures. Kids will enjoy the motion effects and the different worlds featured in each ride.

3. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

   • Older kids will get a thrill from this haunted elevator ride with its unpredictable drops. It’s a spooky and fun experience for brave kids.

4. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

   • A high-speed indoor roller coaster with loops and loud music. This is perfect for older kids who are ready for more intense thrills.

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Family-Friendly Rides

These attractions are great for all ages, offering fun for everyone from toddlers to adults.

1. Toy Story Mania!

   • A must-do for families, as this interactive shooting game is both fun and competitive, with no height requirement.

2. Muppet*Vision 3D

   • A humorous 3D show that offers a fun break from the hustle of the park and can be enjoyed by all ages.

3. Alien Swirling Saucers

   • A spinning ride that’s exciting but mild enough for everyone. It’s especially fun for younger families, but older kids can also enjoy it.

4. Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy

   • A family-friendly show centered around Lightning McQueen. Great for fans of the "Cars" franchise, and engaging for all ages.

Filler Activities and Entertainment

Between rides, take breaks with these fun activities that don't involve long waits or intense action.

1. Character Meet-and-Greets

   • Hollywood Studios is home to some of the most beloved characters. Between rides, visit Mickey, Minnie, Buzz Lightyear, or the Star Wars characters for photos and fun.

2. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

   • A thrilling live-action show that brings the adventures of Indiana Jones to life. Kids of all ages can watch daring stunts, fight scenes, and impressive pyrotechnics.

Entertainment Options

For families looking to take a break from rides or close out the day, Hollywood Studios offers great entertainment options:

1. Fantasmic!

   • A nighttime spectacular combining live-action, pyrotechnics, and water projections featuring Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters. A magical way to end the day.

2. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

   • A musical stage show perfect for families who want to relax and enjoy a classic Disney story brought to life.

3. Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

   • A musical sing-along that’s ideal for Frozen fans of all ages. Kids and adults alike will love singing along with Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff.Planning the Perfect Mix of Rides and Activities for Your Day

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Standby Line Day for Disney's Hollywood Studios

To get the perfect mix of high-energy thrills and laid-back moments, here’s a balanced schedule that will keep you and your family happy throughout the day at Hollywood Studios:

Morning: Start with Popular Attractions

• First Ride: Begin your day with top-demand attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash. These rides tend to have shorter wait times early in the morning, and hitting them first ensures you get the most out of your day.

• Second Ride: Next, head over to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run for another popular ride while the wait times are still manageable.

Mid-Morning: Mix in Calmer Rides

• Toy Story Mania!: After some high-energy thrills, slow things down a bit with the fun, interactive Toy Story Mania! where everyone in the family can participate.

• Alien Swirling Saucers: A gentle, spinning ride in Toy Story Land that’s perfect for younger family members and provides a short break from the more intense attractions.

• Snack Break: Grab a snack at Woody’s Lunch Box or a nearby quick-service spot before continuing.

Lunch Break: Recharge

• Lunch at a Table-Service Restaurant: Midday is the perfect time to sit down, relax, and refuel. Consider dining at 50’s Prime Time Café for a nostalgic meal or Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater for a fun, themed experience.

• Quick-Service Alternative: For a quicker option, head to ABC Commissary or Backlot Express for some family-friendly meals.

Afternoon: Mix Family-Friendly Rides and Shows

• Muppet*Vision 3D: After lunch, take in the hilarious and kid-friendly Muppet*Vision 3D show, which provides a nice break in a cool, air-conditioned theater.

• Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!: If the kids are up for some more action, check out the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular show in the afternoon for some adventure.

Midday Break: Rest or Explore

• Hotel Break: If you have young children or just need a breather, consider heading back to your hotel for a rest or pool time.

• Stay in the Park: If you’d rather stay in Hollywood Studios, use this time to catch a longer show like Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage or enjoy a quiet break at Walt Disney Presents.

Evening: Return for Dinner and Rides

• Dinner at Hollywood Studios: Return to the park for dinner at a table-service restaurant like The Hollywood Brown Derby, or for a quicker bite, stop at Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo in Galaxy’s Edge.

• End with Thrill Rides: As the day winds down and crowds start to thin, head back to experience rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

End the Day: Nighttime Entertainment

• Fantasmic!: Wrap up your day by enjoying Fantasmic!, the nighttime show filled with fireworks, live action, and Disney characters. It’s the perfect finale to a fun day at Hollywood Studios.

This schedule will give you a well-balanced mix of thrill rides, calmer attractions, shows, and dining, ensuring that you and your family can enjoy the day without feeling too rushed or exhausted.

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Skip the Lines at Hollywood Studios

Skipping the lines at Hollywood Studios is easier with smart use of the Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass. However, it’s important to note that Hollywood Studios is often considered the most difficult park to navigate with Lightning Lane due to its high demand for headliner attractions and limited ride options.

With Lightning Lane, guests can select return times for popular attractions, allowing them to bypass the regular standby lines for a more efficient experience. Hollywood Studios offers a variety of rides available with Lightning Lane, including high-demand attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, and Tower of Terror.

For individual pay-per-ride Lightning Lane, must-do attractions like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance are available, offering guests a faster entry for a fee. I highly recommend it because Rise of the Resistance is one ride I would never wait in the standby line for. The only instance I would consider it is if I rope-dropped with early entry at Hollywood Studios, which means arriving at the park 30 minutes before early entry starts. At that point, you might as well just purchase the Lightning Lane single pass if it's within your budget. The reason is that this ride experiences frequent breakdowns due to its 27 different checkpoints. While it is an incredible ride, maintaining its functionality can be challenging, leading to occasional interruptions. I would hate for you to waste 2-3 hours in line.

Arriving early during rope drop or staying late also helps minimize wait times, as does planning ahead with a well-thought-out strategy to maximize Lightning Lane reservations throughout the day.

Given the high competition for Lightning Lane access, combining these strategies is crucial to save time and spend more of your day enjoying the magic rather than waiting in line.

My Oldest

He does not like coasters but loves simulators and spinning rides.

Favorite ride: Flight of Passage Avatar

Twin Boy

LOVES Coasters and threw up after Tea Cups. Doesn't like dark rides.

Favorite ride: Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind

Twin Girl

Bravest Rider loves coasters, gives herself pep talks to ride.

Favorite ride: Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain

The Littlest

We just hit 32 inches yet - so only family-friendly for her!

Favorite ride: Dumbo the Flying Elephant

The rides with height requirements at Disney’s Hollywood Studios:

Alien Swirling Saucers: 32"

Toy Story Midway Mania: 40"

Slinky Dog Dash: 38"

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance: 40"

Tower of Terror: 40"

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster: 48"

Top Rides that scared my kids initially...and still do for my oldest

Oldest: I will never go on Tower of Terror or Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

Twin Boy: Nothing scares me too bad here, but I haven't been on Tower of Terror but I LOVE Guardians at Disneyland which is similar but I do not think I will like the dark parts on Tower of Terror.

Twin Girl: It took me three visits to finally get on Slinky Dog, but now I love all the rides here!

Toddler: The worst park for a toddler when it comes to rides. I could only get on two, but now I'm 32 inches tall and can get on three! But Olaf is here, so I am happy! (I translated her toddler words)

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Rides that could cause Motion Sickness at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

1. Slinky Dog Dash

• Type: Roller Coaster

• Description: A family-friendly coaster that includes three hills at the end, which can create some unexpected drops and turns.

2. Alien Swirling Saucers

• Type: Spinning Ride

• Description: This ride features spinning and turning as guests are whipped around in saucers, which can lead to disorientation.

3. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

• Type: Simulator

• Description: A motion simulator that takes guests on a thrilling journey through the Star Wars universe, with rapid movements and sudden changes in direction.

4. Toy Story Mania!

• Type: Interactive Shooting Gallery

• Description: While it’s primarily an interactive attraction, the back-and-forth movements of the ride vehicle can cause some spinning sensations.

5. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

• Type: Drop Tower

• Description: This ride features significant drops and sudden changes in elevation, which may be jarring for sensitive riders.

6. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

• Type: Indoor Roller Coaster

• Description: Known for its fast launch and inversions, this coaster includes sudden twists, turns, and upside-down sections.

7. Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway

• Type: Dark Ride

• Description: While family-friendly, this ride features rapid movements and sudden jerks that could affect sensitive riders.

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The Dark Rides at Magic Kingdom Park

• Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
  (Hold onto the babies in the Daisy room! She Congas!)

• Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

• Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

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Well Hello Magic Kids Ride Rankings

Hollywood Studios Ride Superlatives

• Most Family-Friendly:

  • Alien Swirling Saucers

  • Toy Story Mania

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (might be a little scary)

• Might Be a Little Scary:

  • Slinky Dog Dash

  • Rise of the Resistance

• I’m Scared:

  • Tower of Terror

  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

• Best Coaster:

  • 2 of my 3 kids LOVE Slinky Dog Dash, and my husband LOVES Rock 'n' Roller Coaster. I ride it but don’t love it; I prefer fast rides over drops. It goes upside down and has two big inversions.

• Best Introductory Big Kid Ride:

  • None, but Slinky Dog Dash is the next step for kids getting on big coasters after Barnstormer and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

• Most Family Fun:

  • Toy Story Mania

• Random Kind of Scary, Kind of Cool:

  • Rise of the Resistance

  • Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

• Every Trip Must-Do:

  • Toy Story Mania

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Hollywood Studios Ride Tips

SPOILER: There is a drop in Rise of the Resistance. It’s not huge, but it could catch someone with heart issues off guard.

New Coaster Riders: Slinky Dog Dash is fun but not an introductory coaster. The three hills at the end can cause motion sickness.

Make sure to balance shows, rides, and experiences at Hollywood Studios. You won’t be able to ride everything without waiting in some lines, as it has the highest demand for headliner rides and the fewest attractions overall. Lightning Lane requires serious strategy; I typically manage to experience 3 out of 6 high-demand rides daily.

Dark Rides: These are slow rides or indoor shows. You can also show a video to help prepare. I teach my kids to close their eyes if they get scared and take deep breaths.

No Pressure: Let the kids lead and teach them how to build courage. Self-mantras work well for my kids instead of forcing them to ride.

Lightning Lane Blogs (more will be added as they are written) 

How to Use My Disney Experience at Walt Disney World

What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?

How to book Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass

How to Maximize Your Disney Day with Lightning Lane: Best Tips and Tricks

Lightning Lane Strategy for Magic Kingdom Park

Kid-Approved: The Ultimate Guide to Kid-Friendly Rides at Magic Kingdom

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? You're in the right place! At Well Hello Magic, we have tons of helpful resources to make your Disney vacation as magical and stress-free as possible. Whether you're looking for advice on the best time to visit Disney, tips on finding the perfect character meal, or learning how to skip the lines with Lightning Lane, we've got you covered.

As a therapist by trade and a mom of four, I use my expertise in understanding personalities to help you discover your "Disney Enneagram"—a fun way to tailor your Disney vacation planning to suit your family's needs or large group dynamics, ensuring everyone enjoys the magic in their own unique way. With my firsthand experience navigating Disney with babies and toddlers, I'll share all my best tips to make your trip smooth and fun for everyone. Plus, check out some of our family’s favorite rides at Magic Kingdom—there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Make sure to explore our blog for even more Disney planning guides and insider tips!

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Thank you for visiting the Well Hello Magic Blog. If you have questions, please leave them in the comments, and I will be sure to answer them.

Planning a Disney vacation can be overwhelming, but you don't need to worry because we have got your back! Here are a few blogs to help you get organized!

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Tips for Traveling with Family, Friends & Large Groups

What is Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass?

Strolling through Disney: Disney Stroller Tips

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I am so happy to be on this journey with you.