If you’re planning a Walt Disney World vacation this summer, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a can’t-miss park!
Between exciting new entertainment, refreshed spaces, updated attractions, and the return of one of the park’s most iconic thrill rides with a brand-new twist, Hollywood Studios feels more alive than ever. What I love most is that these updates offer something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with little ones who want to dance with Mickey, Star Wars fans ready for a new mission aboard the Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, or thrill seekers eager to experience Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, there is truly something new around every corner.
The Muppets Take Over Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster
When I first heard the Muppets weren’t leaving Disney’s Hollywood Studios but instead finding a new home aboard Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster, I was excited. At the same time, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster has always been one of the park’s signature attractions, and the Muppets have such a unique style of humor and charm that I couldn’t quite picture how the two would come together.
After riding it multiple times, I can honestly say it’s even better than I could have imagined.
In fact, it feels like this attraction was meant for a Muppet takeover all along.
From the moment you enter the queue, the Muppets’ personalities are woven throughout the experience. The new preshow sets the stage perfectly, and without giving too much away, expect plenty of laughs, familiar faces, all tied in with the excitement of making it to Electric Mayhem’s major concert across town.
What I love most is that the attraction still delivers everything guests have always loved about Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster- the launch, the speed, the thrills, but now it has an entirely new personality. It feels fresh, fun, and full of energy in a way you didn’t even realize the attraction needed.
Electric Mayhem Brings the Party
My favorite part may actually be the music.
Much like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, every ride comes with a little bit of mystery because you don’t know exactly which song you’ll get. And to me… that’s the best part!
One song can make the ride feel playful and over-the-top, while another turns it into a full-on sing-along from the moment you launch out of the station. The track may be the same, but the feeling of the ride changes every time.
Possible songs include:
- “Song 2”
- “Born to be Wild” ft. Camilla the Chicken
- “Love Rollercoaster” ft. Jennifer Hudson & Questlove
- “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” ft. Def Leppard
- “Walking on Sunshine” ft. Kelly Clarkson
No matter which song you get, it’s the kind of attraction that has you stepping off and immediately wanting to ride again just to see what comes next.
This refresh quickly reminded me why Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster has always been one of the best rides in Hollywood Studios. It still delivers everything I loved before, but now the Muppets bring an entirely new energy and make the experience feel even more memorable!
A Refreshed Animation Courtyard: A Perfect Pause in the Middle of the Magic
This might secretly be one of my favorite updates in the entire park! The added trees, grassy areas, benches, and open space make this feel like an entirely different area.
It is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy rather than simply pass through on your way to the next attraction.
It’s the perfect spot to:
- Grab a Mickey pretzel or Mickey ice cream bar and take a break between attractions
- Find a shady spot to recharge before your next adventure
- Settle in and enjoy the atmosphere while waiting for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse or The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure to begin (My favorite!)
- Take in the details that make Disney storytelling so special
And speaking of details, don’t miss the miniature Disney pal statues scattered throughout the courtyard.
Keep an eye out for favorites like Lucifer, and don’t forget to look up because you may just spot a certain mischievous monkey from Agrabah watching from above.
Animation Courtyard is one of those additions that may seem small at first, but it adds so much to the experience. Between the hidden Disney pals, shady places to relax, and all the little details waiting to be discovered, it’s quickly become my favorite spot in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! It feels fresh, welcoming, and full of life, while fitting so seamlessly into the park that it feels like it has been here all along.
Why Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Belongs on Your Hollywood Studios List
Kids will have a blast dancing and singing along with Mickey and friends! Even as an adult the music instantly makes you happy, the energy is contagious, and before you know it, you’re dancing right alongside the kids.
This new high-energy stage show brings Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Daisy, Pluto, and other friends together for a fun-filled experience packed with music, dancing, and audience participation. At just under 20 minutes long, it’s the perfect way to slow down for a bit without taking too much time away from the rest of your park day. As an added bonus, it’s also a great place to escape the Florida heat and enjoy a little air conditioning while making some really sweet family memories.
One of my favorite things about Disney is how they continue to find fresh ways to connect new generations with these timeless characters. It’s seeing these classic characters come to life on stage in a way that feels both nostalgic for parents and brand new for today’s kids.
The Millennium Falcon Mission Just Got Better
One of the things I really appreciate about experiencing an updated attraction for the first time is hearing the excitement as everyone steps off. At Disney, it doesn’t matter that you’re surrounded by complete strangers. For a few minutes, you’ve all shared the same adventure, and suddenly people are comparing favorite moments, laughing together, and talking about the changes. That was exactly what happened after my first ride!
The new mission featuring Grogu and the Mandalorian feels more immersive from the moment your adventure begins. The story feels more connected and every role on the ship matters more than it did before.
One of the biggest improvements is how much more involved engineers are throughout the mission. Every seat now feels important, which makes the attraction more fun whether you’re riding with family, friends, or a full crew of first-time pilots.
The biggest surprise for me was how much better the screen experience was! Everything felt more natural making the mission feel more immersive and easier to enjoy from start to finish!
If you’ve avoided Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run because the visuals were hard to sit through, I’d encourage you to consider trying it again! I was so surprised at how the updated experience made such a difference and quite literally the ride so much more enjoyable from start to finish.
Hollywood Studios Summer Checklist
- Ride Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets (at least twice because the music changes)
- Look for the miniature Disney pal statues in Animation Courtyard
- Grab a Mickey pretzel and relax in the new courtyard space
- Watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
- Experience the updated Millennium Falcon mission with Grogu and the Mandalorian
- Slow down and enjoy the details
There is so much new to experience at Hollywood Studios this summer, but my favorite part is that it still feels true to Disney and all the things I love about this park. There’s excitement of a new attraction, the joy of seeing your favorite characters, and all kinds of opportunities for moments of unexpected magic!
With so much new to experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, there’s never been a better time to plan a Walt Disney World vacation. Whether you’re dreaming of riding Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets, joining Grogu on a new mission aboard Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, or simply soaking in all the Disney magic, Be Our Guest Vacations is here to help every step of the way.
Reach out today for a complimentary quote and let’s start planning your next magical adventure! ✨