Hollywood Studios has changed drastically over the years, and while some say it’s lost its original MGM charm, there are still solid reasons to spend a day here. Let me break down what’s actually worth your time and money in 2025, plus some insider tips on timing and food that’ll save you both.
1. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Still Disney’s most advanced ride, and the lines prove it. Here’s the deal – Rise is still unreliable and is still finding it’s operational flow. It had a virtual queue and now has a standby, individual lightning lane and (at times) a single rider line. For us, we’ve stopped buying the lightning lane as it’s doable for rope drop and can also be done at nighttime with a reasonable wait – well worth holding onto the $20-25 per person cost.
2. Tower of Terror
The best-themed attraction in any Disney park, period. Even if you’re not riding (yes, there’s a chicken exit in the boiler room), walk through the queue. They’ve kept all the original details from 1994, and the recent effects upgrades actually enhance the story. Pro tip: ride after sunset – the whole experience hits different in the dark.
3. Slinky Dog Dash
Not the most thrilling coaster, but those 70+ minute waits tell you everything. Here’s a secret – the best time to ride is during the first Fantasmic! show. Everyone’s watching Mickey battle evil, you’re getting amazing night views of Galaxy’s Edge. Win-win.
It’s another one of those attractions that has a tough operational side, with a ton of down time on a day to day basis.
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4. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Quick stats:
- 0 to 57 mph in 2.8 seconds
- Three inversions
- 4.5 G’s on that first loop
- 140 speakers per car
The single rider line here is your best friend – usually cuts the wait from 90 minutes to 20. And let’s be honest, you’re in the dark anyway, so who cares who you sit next to?
PS – it’s going to be re-themed with The Muppets, so go and pay your respects to the OG.
5. Toy Story Mania
Still pulling 60+ minute waits by 10am. Here’s the thing about this one – everyone rushes to Slinky Dog at rope drop. Hit Toy Story Mania first instead, knock it out in 15 minutes, then get in line for Slinky while everyone else is still wrapped around the building here.
6. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Takes up the old Great Movie Ride space (moment of silence, please). The ride’s cute, but take time to check out those handprints outside – they’ve kept signatures from when the park opened, including Betty White’s.
7. Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
They finally updated this in 2024, and it actually works. New stunts, same cheesy jokes, perfect mix. Grab a seat in sections 4-6 – you’ll catch all the action without constantly turning your head.
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8. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Your experience completely depends on your crew. Want the best shot at a good run? Hit it right before park close – you’ve got better odds of getting your own cabin, which means you can assign positions based on who actually wants to do what.
9. Food Worth Your Money
Look, you’ve got options here, but let me save you some cash:
- Roundup Rodeo BBQ: The BBQ is 100% worth the hype
- Ronto Roasters: That breakfast wrap is better than the regular one (yeah, I said it)
- Skip the fancy sit-downs unless you’re doing 50’s Prime Time – those servers make the meal
10. Fantasmic!
They’ve updated the effects and added some new scenes, but kept the core show intact (smart move). Here’s your play: Book the dining package at 50’s Prime Time. You get good food, great service, and actually decent seats for the show. Plus, while everyone’s watching the first show, you can knock out Galaxy’s Edge with minimal waits.
Quick Tips:
- Mobile order your lunch by 10:30am – seriously, everything fills up
- The Baseline Tap House opens at 11am and has the best beer selection on property
- That key under the mat at Muppet Vision? Still there in 2025 (for at least a couple more months). Still makes me smile.
Remember: Hollywood Studios isn’t the same park it was in the MGM days. Some changes are better than others (looking at you, Galaxy’s Edge vs Streets of America). But if you know where to look and when to go, there’s still enough here to fill a solid day.
Got any other must-dos at the Studios? Drop them in the comments – always looking for new spots to check out.