Hollywood studios is home to some of the best thrill rides on Disney World property. Yes, there are some other great rides in other parks such as Soarin’ and Test Track at Hollywood Studios and Expedition Everest and Flights of Passage at Animal Kingdom. BUT, Hollywood Studios has some awesome thrill rides all packed into one park!
My definition of thrill ride is ones that make your hair stand on end. They are fast, or have a lot of movement, are super, super cool, and are not recommended for young children or pregnant women. Let me clarify though, these are DISNEY THRILL RIDES, not to be confused with actual thrill rides in every other amusement park in the country.
Let’s get started with the somewhat tame but super awesome thrill rides at Hollywood Studios!
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
I love thrill rides but the Tower of Terror is one I rode once and don’t go on anymore. I HATE dropping straight down. And, even though the drop on this ride is not terribly far (only 13 stories) that is more than enough for me.
But, I digress. What I do love about this ride is the theming. You enter into a old, decrepit hotel from the 1930’s. The lobby truly looks frozen in time. The dust and cobwebs are everywhere. As you proceed through the queue the details brings this old, seemingly haunted hotel to life.
Finally, you get to board the ride which is rows of chairs in an large elevator. After going up, you have immediately entered the Twilight Zone and learn the story of a family who disappeared on a fateful, stormy night. Will you make it back? You will think twice as you plummet down the elevator shaft a couple times.
Rock ‘n Roller Coaster
Probably my favorite ride in all of Disney World, Rock ‘n Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith is sure to please the most avid thrill seeker!
The queue until you get on the ride is pretty uninteresting. Once you get past the short “video” with the band you enter the backstage area that has some great details that get you in the mood. Your “ride” is roller coaster cars designed as a really long limo. After boarding you start moving only to stop before a tunnel. You sit and wait in eager anticipation for the light to turn green. Then, you shoot off like a rocket twisting and turning (YES! There are loops and corkscrews) through the dark streets of LA trying to make it to the concert in time.
One of the best parts of this ride (aside from the speed, twists and turns in the dark) is the Aerosmith tunes blasting (and I do mean blasting) in your ears. Each vehicle play different hit songs–“Walk this Way,” “Dude (Looks Like a Lady),” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Back in the Saddle.” You also might catch “Love in a Roller Coaster” which was rewritten from “Love in an Elevator” just for this ride. Now, you have a reason to ride Rock ‘n Roller coaster over and over again, just to hear all the songs!
Star Tours–The Adventures Continue
Star Tours is the classic Star Wars ride at Disney World. This is definitely an oldie but goodie!
This is a flight simulator ride with digital 3D video, Audio-Animatronic character and special effects in the cockpit to make your adventure almost real. Once aboard your Starspeeder 1000 you unfortunately launch too soon and and C-3PO has to take over. As expected, your ship is intercepted by Imperial forces and you have to escape. Let the fun begin!
There are a multitude of different scenarios you might encounter as well as many different Star Wars characters from past and present. Another ride that gives you permission to ride over and over again! Whoop Whoop!
Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the home to Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run. This newer flight simulator ride will test your limits as you and your companions fly the Millenium Falcon on a thrilling smuggling mission. Each person in the cockpit has a job to do (pilot, engineer or gunner) for the mission to be successful. Good thing there is on the job training!
This ride has a super long queue but often not a long wait. Going in the single rider line can be a way to get on even faster. But, generally the people in the single rider line are given the job as engineer which isn’t quite as interactive as the other positions.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Okay, Rise of the Resistance is probably one of the most amazing rides I have ever been on (except Hagrid’s at Universal Studios). Before you even get on the ride you are throughly captivated and drawn completely into the story. You see, the Resistance needs help! They want to recruit you for a secret mission. As you can imagine the mission goes awry and you are captured by the enemy. You have to get away! But how?!
All parts of this experience are amazing! The queue, the ride, the guards (cast members are Ahhhmazing!) and the special effects. Oh my goodness, this is an awesome ride!
It’s so fantastic that it has been very hard to get on. Reservations in the virtual queue have to be made a specific times during the day. Make sure that you are on the app a little before the reservation window to attempt to get a flight time. If you need help with the app ask a Cast Member BEFORE the window opens. If you wait until after it will be too late.
Which one of these rides is your favorite? Haven’t been on them all? Which one do you want to go on next? Let me know in the comments below!
If you are interested in planning a Disney World vacation so you can enjoy this spine-tingleing rides please contact me! I would love to help!
Happy travels to you…until we meet again!
Here are some other posts you might be interested in:
- 5 Tips for Disney Bus Transportation
- Disney World Skyliner Tips and Tricks
- 5 Magic Kingdom Restaurants to Love
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