While Walt Disney World Resort is loaded with original attractions, the popular destination is also filled with rides and shows based on iconic films. Though Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Epcot all have their fair share of movie-based activities, Hollywood Studios contains perhaps the widest range of film-inspired attractions. We’re here to look at these now.
The park contains rise and shows based on film franchises including Disney Princess, Star Wars, Toy Story and more. Before we get started, however, we’re shouting it out to the Lightning McQueen Racing Academy. While this 10-minute Cars show is charming, our space is limited.
With that said, it’s time to head to Orlando and check out the movie magic; Here are the biggest Hollywood Studios attractions based on films.
Star Tours — The Adventures Continue
The longest-running Star Wars attraction first opened at the park in 1989 under the name Star Tours. In 2011, the motion-simulator was updated to include multiple different endings.
Star Tours — The Adventure Continues has guests board a theater-like spaceship. Once the ride commences, travelers are taken on a thrilling trip through the galaxy in order to safely transport a spy to the Rebel Alliance.
With 700 different scene combinations, guests will have a unique experience every flight they take.
Toy Story Midway Mania!
If you travel to the other side of the park where Toy Story Land resides, you’ll discover the franchises’ inaugural Hollywood Studios attraction: Toy Story Midway Mania!
This 4-D ride has guests competing in a series of carnival-style minigames. In order to break dishes, throw rings, and toss pies, riders are required to pull and aim the spring-action shooters inside their vehicles. Of course, all your favorite characters from Toy Story including Woody and Buzz Lightyear show up along the way.
Voyage Of The Little Mermaid
Nearby in the Animation Courtyard, you’ll discover a live show, which retells the story of Disney’s 1989 classic, The Little Mermaid.
The abridged narrative features glow-in-the-dark “black light” puppets, grand musical numbers, and a giant 12-foot tall Ursula. Combined with special effects, footage from the movie, and live actors, the 17-minute show brings the magic of The Little Mermaid to the real world.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!
The adventure of the Indiana Jones franchise can be experienced during this 30-minute stunt show. This attraction has live performers reenacting iconic scenes from Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. In between the takes, a director explains the secrets behind the movie magic.
Though there’s tons of stunt work completed by professional actors, there’s also room for audience participation; Guests who are 18 and older can volunteer as an extra in the Cairo street scene.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run opened in August alongside the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge land. This makes it one of the newest attractions in all of Disney World.
This motion simulator has guests boarding a 6-seat Millenium Falcon vehicle. Each crew member is assigned a role, and then its time to take off on an interactive smuggling mission.
With flashy graphics and fast-paced fun, Smugglers Run definitely fulfills the thrill factor.
Beauty And The Beast — Live On Stage
The enchanting tale of Beauty and the Beast is performed multiple times throughout the day in this Broadway-style stage show.
The production features beautifully decorated sets and iconic characters, who perform songs including “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” and the titular “Beauty and the Beast.” Combined with magical choreography and dazzling special effects, Beauty and the Beast — Live On Stage has a lot to love.
Slinky Dog Dash
Toy Story Land’s roller coaster, Slinky Dog Dash, sends guests on a high-speed journey on the back of Andy’s Slinky Dog toy.
The over 2-minute ride reaches speeds of up to 40 mph and features two launches. It all ends with a serenade performed by an animatronic Wheezy the Penguin.
If you’re not feeling the need for speed, you can check out the nearby Alien Swirling Saucers, which lets guests cruise in spaceships pulled by the Green Aliens. Though this attraction is a little more leisurely, it’s still loads of fun.
For The First Time In Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
If you dream of screaming “Let It Go” at the top of your lungs, this one is for you.
For The First Time in Forever brings the music of Frozen to the stage. Guests are told an abridged version of the original movie by Arendell’s Royal Historians, and Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, and Olaf make surprise appearances to move along the excitement.
It all ends with “snow” raining down on the theater.
Star Wars: Rise Of The Resistance
The newest Star Wars attraction to open at Hollywood Studios, Rise of the Resistance, has guests venturing through a battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
The trackless dark ride system contains elements of both motion simulator attractions and drop rides, in addition to featuring multiple audio-animatronics, projections, and screens. This ensures that your experience will be fully immersive.
Rise of the Resistance remains one of Disney’s most advanced attractions to date. Yes, you can expect long wait lines for a while.
Fantasmic!
Topping things off is Hollywood Studios’ iconic nighttime spectacular: Fantasmic!
Every evening (weather permitting), Mickey battles the Disney Villains who try to turn his dreams into nightmares. While the Mickey segments take inspiration from Fantasia, this isn’t the only animated film to get a nod. Animals from The Lion King light up the stage, the Native Americans and Englishmen of Pocahontas battle on the ground, and Sleeping Beauty’s Maleficent spread fire across the moat.
Characters from films including Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast can also be spotted throughout the show. If you’re looking for an attraction that brings every classic Disney animation together, this is it.
