The Ultimate Sensory Guide to Hollywood Studios: Attraction Ratings

Disney's Hollywood Studios is a park filled with exciting attractions, thrilling shows, and immersive experiences. However, for guests with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities, navigating the park can be challenging without preparation. This guide, updated in October 2024, provides detailed information on the sensory aspects of Hollywood Studios attractions, helping families make informed decisions to create a safe and enjoyable day.

Brought to you by Disney Homeschool, your trusted resource for learning in the theme parks, this guide focuses on key sensory details like lighting, loud sounds, motion, and unexpected surprises. With this information, families can blend the magic of Disney with educational experiences that are tailored to their needs.

Hollywood Boulevard

1. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Sensory Elements: Features lighting effects, loud noises, and spinning effects.
Movement: Sudden directional changes, backward motion, and simulated tornado effects.
Surprise Factor: Unexpected twists and turns throughout.
Restraint: Lap bar.
Trip Duration: 5 minutes.

Echo Lake

2. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Sensory Elements: Flight simulator with 3D glasses, loud sounds, and lighting effects.
Movement: Sharp turns, sudden drops, and enclosed spaces.
Surprise Factor: Sudden directional changes and simulated space travel.
Restraint: Lap belt.
Trip Duration: 7 minutes.

3. Vacation Fun

Sensory Elements: Features visual and sound effects but minimal sensory intensity.
Movement: Stationary.
Surprise Factor: None.
Restraint: None.
Trip Duration: 10 minutes.

4. For the First Time in Forever: A “Frozen” Sing-Along Celebration

Sensory Elements: Includes lighting effects and occasional snow flurries.
Movement: Stationary.
Surprise Factor: Simulated snow flurries at the end.
Restraint: None.
Trip Duration: 30 minutes.

Grand Avenue

5. Muppet*Vision 3D

Sensory Elements: 3D glasses with occasional water spray and loud noises.
Movement: Stationary but interactive.
Surprise Factor: Water sprays during specific scenes.
Restraint: None.
Trip Duration: 30 minutes.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge

6. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance

Sensory Elements: Includes lighting effects, loud noises, and periods of darkness.
Movement: Sharp turns, sudden stops, and rotations backward.
Surprise Factor: Flight simulator in the queue and ride.
Restraint: Lap belt.
Trip Duration: 15 minutes.

7. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Sensory Elements: 3D effects with blasts of air, lighting, and sound.
Movement: Simulates flight with sharp turns and sudden stops.
Surprise Factor: Interactive controls and enclosed space.
Restraint: Lap belt.
Trip Duration: 4 minutes.

Toy Story Land

8. Alien Swirling Saucers

Sensory Elements: Features lighting effects, loud sounds, and spinning.
Movement: Sudden directional changes and spinning motions.
Surprise Factor: Sharp turns.
Restraint: Lap belt.
Trip Duration: 2 minutes.

9. Slinky Dog Dash

Sensory Elements: Includes loud sounds, lighting effects, and fast motion.
Movement: Sharp turns, sudden drops, and bursts of speed.
Surprise Factor: Thrilling twists and turns.
Restraint: Lap bar.
Trip Duration: 3 minutes.

10. Toy Story Mania!

Sensory Elements: 3D glasses with spinning and loud noises.
Movement: Sudden directional changes.
Surprise Factor: Interactive gameplay with motion effects.
Restraint: Lap bar.
Trip Duration: 5 minutes.

Animation Courtyard

11. Walt Disney Presents

Sensory Elements: Minimal sensory effects with some visual stimulation.
Movement: Walkthrough attraction with an optional film.
Surprise Factor: None.
Restraint: None.
Trip Duration: Walkthrough; optional film is 15 minutes.

12. Disney Junior Play & Dance

Sensory Elements: Interactive visuals and sound effects with occasional bubbles.
Movement: Stationary with interactive components.
Surprise Factor: Bubbles and character interactions.
Restraint: None.
Trip Duration: 10 minutes.

Sunset Boulevard

13. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith

Sensory Elements: Includes loud music, lighting effects, and high speeds.
Movement: Sudden loops, sharp turns, and intense drops.
Surprise Factor: High-speed launch and inversions.
Restraint: Over-the-shoulder restraint.
Trip Duration: 2 minutes.

14. Fantasmic!

Sensory Elements: Numerous theatrical effects, including water and fire effects.
Movement: Stationary.
Surprise Factor: Some seating areas may get wet.
Restraint: None.
Trip Duration: 30 minutes.

15. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Sensory Elements: Includes loud noises, lighting effects, and darkness.
Movement: Sudden drops and sharp turns.
Surprise Factor: Themed story elements and unpredictable drops.
Restraint: Lap belt.
Trip Duration: 7 minutes.

16. Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Sensory Elements: Features theatrical lighting and sounds.
Movement: Stationary.
Surprise Factor: None.
Restraint: None.
Trip Duration: 30 minutes.

Tips for a Sensory-Friendly Visit to Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios offers an incredible mix of attractions, from thrilling rides to family-friendly shows. For those with autism, ADHD, or sensory processing challenges, understanding each ride's sensory elements can help plan a day that's both magical and manageable. Bring sensory aids like noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses for lighting effects, or small comfort items to help with unexpected sensory triggers.

Disney Homeschool is dedicated to providing resources for families to blend entertainment and education in the theme parks. By using this guide, you can plan a stress-free day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios while ensuring a fun and educational experience for every member of your family.