Hollywood Studios Early Entry Strategy (2025)

One of the most valuable perks of staying at a Disney World Resort is the 30-minute Early Theme Park Entry at each of the four parks: Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, EPCOT and Animal Kingdom. Having that early access is a brilliant advantage, and we always try to make the most of it.

We get asked all the time: what’s the best way to use Early Entry at Hollywood Studios? With a short window and a handful of big-name rides that build queues quickly, having a plan makes a huge difference. Below are our go-to Early Entry strategies for Hollywood Studios, plus our best tips for squeezing the most out of your extra 30 minutes.

How Do Early Entry and Rope Drop Work at Hollywood Studios?

Hollywood Studios typically opens between 8am and 9am:

• In 2026, it’s common for all guests to be allowed into the front of the park early, but Early Entry is managed using checkpoints. You’ll usually wait at the checkpoint closest to your first ride until Cast Members begin releasing eligible resort/early entry guests.

• Early Entry is 30 minutes prior to opening – so 8am for an 8.30am opening. Guests are typically granted entry in advance of 8am so aim to arrive early – more details below!

• Regular rope drop for non-Disney resort guests is at park opening, so typically 8.30am. Early Entry guests have access to every ride in the park so rope dropping is less effective than say Magic Kingdom where some lands remain closed until the park opens- however, lower crowds mean that rope dropping is still beneficial.

Hollywood Studios Early Entry tip: Hollywood Studios often lets guests tap into the park before the posted Early Entry time, but Early Entry is controlled at checkpoints. You’ll usually be held at a checkpoint until Cast Members begin releasing eligible resort guests. Once released, queues are already formed at the ride entrances, and on some mornings ride loading begins right around the Early Entry start time (occasionally a few minutes either side). It can feel early, but it varies day to day and isn’t guaranteed.

What rides are open during Early Entry at Hollywood Studios?

Hollywood Studios is awesome for early entry as every ride is open (assuming there are no operating issues on the day) so you can usually head straight for a headliner and get a big ride done before the crowds build. Typically, there are 9 rides available at Hollywood Studios in the early entry period. The rides, and their minimum height requirements, are:

2026 update: Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith closes in early March 2026 ahead of its re-theme. Guests can ride the Aerosmith version until March 1, 2026.

• The shows and meet and greets start to operate at, or in the hour after the regular opening.

Early Entry at Hollywood Studios

We change up our Early Entry strategy depending on whether we have Lightning Lane Multi Pass, whether our young kids are with us, whether we’re willing to splash out on a Lightning Lane Single Pass, and even something as simple as what rides we’re in the mood for that morning!

Here’s some info you need to know prior to choosing your early entry strategy:

• Rise of the Resistance is available via standby or Lightning Lane Single Pass: Rise is Hollywood Studios’ most popular ride. You can join the standby line (regular walk-up queue) or purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass (pay-per-ride). It is not included in Lightning Lane Multi Pass.

• Lightning Lane Multi Pass: with the exception of Rise of the Resistance, all the Hollywood Studios rides can be reserved with the Lightning Lane Multi Pass. Lightning Lane Multi Pass is a ticket add-on which costs around $15 to $35 and allows guests to reserve a timed slot to ride a Lightning Lane ride.
• Most popular rides at Hollywood Studios: this is based on our experiences and wait times at Hollywood Studios. Slinky Dog Dash is wildly popular alongside Rise of the Resistance. These are followed by Smugglers Run, Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roll Coaster, Toy Story Mania and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Alien Swirling Saucers and Star Tours typically have wait times on the lower end of the Hollywood Studio rides.

• Early Entry guest entry time: it’s common to be allowed into the front of the park well before the posted Early Entry time. However, access is managed at checkpoints, so you may be held at a checkpoint until Cast Members begin releasing eligible resort guests. Once released, you’ll move with the rope-drop pack into the queue for your first ride. Some mornings loading starts very close to the posted start time, but it varies.
• Crowds: like any park, crowds at Hollywood Studios vary depending on events, time of year and even the day of the week. If you are lucky you might hit Hollywood Studios on a slower day but we’ve found it consistently busy on the days we’ve visited – we’ve definitely had a few lower-crowd days which are a bonus but it’s never been ‘quiet’ for us. We always find it a little random in that it can be crowded on days when it is predicted to be quiet and vice versa. Our strategies and recommendations will help you navigate either way.

Early Entry Strategies at Hollywood Studios

Here are some of our favorite Early Entry Strategies and our ride priorities for Hollywood Studios:

Early Entry Strategy 1: Rise of the Resistance

Prioritise for Early Entry: Star Wars fans / you don’t want to wait in a long line / you don’t want to purchase a Lightning Lane Single Pass for Rise / if you have a Lightning Lane Multi Pass (so you can cover other rides later) / your party are over 40″

With an average wait time of over 60 minutes and the only alternative a Lightning Lane Single Pass, Rise of the Resistance is one of the best rides to tick off during Early Entry – it’s also one of the best rides in Hollywood Studios and Disney World, period!

Make sure you are through security and ready to enter at least 45 minutes before Early Entry if you want to be close to the top of the Rise of the Resistance pack. Hollywood Studios often admits guests into the front of the park well before the posted Early Entry time. You’ll typically be held at the Galaxy’s Edge checkpoint on Grand Avenue until Cast Members begin releasing eligible Early Entry guests, then you’ll be directed into the Rise queue (assuming it’s operating).

What to Ride Next

If you have Lightning Lane Multi Pass: this is dependent on the rides you have booked in advance. Slinky Dog, Tower of Terror or Smuggler’s Run are good bets for your next ride in Early Entry if you haven’t secured a reservation for these later in the day.

If you don’t have Lightning Lane Multi Pass: The next obvious choice is Slinky Dog, but the wait can already be climbing by the time you’re off Rise — so we’d only do it next if it’s a must-ride. Tower of Terror, Smugglers Run and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway are all good options. If you’re a Star Wars fan, it’s also a great time to explore Galaxy’s Edge and grab photos while crowds are low.

How to get to Rise of the Resistance: Walk down Hollywood Boulevard, take a left on Commissary Lane (this is in line with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad) and a right onto Grand Avenue at Baseline Tap House. You’ll pass through a tunnel which marks the entry to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Rise of the Resistance is on the left just through the tunnel – there are often Cast Members directing guests or you can ask a Cast Member directions as you walk. Note, you can’t access Galaxy’s Edge through Toy Story land until the regular park opening time.

What if Rise of the Resistance is down at Early Entry?

Rise of the Resistance is a complex ride and can often experience periods of downtime so there is a chance it might not be up and running on the morning you want to ride it.

You have a few options if Cast Members announce Rise is down:

• you can wait it out but it’s a lottery. We’ve waited and been on in 15 minutes but we’ve also waited and had to admit defeat! We’d probably give it at least 15/20 minutes grace and hope that it opens but it does leave you open to disappointment and wasting valuable Early Entry time.
• switch to our Early Entry Strategy 2 and take a brisk walk to Toy Story Land for Slinky Dog Dash. You’ll have lost some time in the line but, if it’s still early (pre-Early Entry official opening) you still have a chance of a shorter line.
• go to Tower of Terror or Smugglers Run. Our preference is Tower of Terror because it keeps you flexible for your next move (and if Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster is operating during your visit, it’s nearby — but after the early March 2026 closure, you’ll want to pivot to another headliner instead).

Early Entry Strategy 2: Slinky Dog Dash

Prioritise for Early Entry:Toy Story fans/ families with younger kids (2/3+)/ if you don’t have Lightning Lane Multi Pass/ if your party are over 38″

Slinky Dog Dash is wildly popular in part because of Toy Story, in part because it’s a rollercoaster accessible to kids from around age 3 and in part because it’s a really wholesome and fun ride! Our entire family are huge fans and we all really love starting the day with Slinky Dog Dash.

Again, the best strategy is to be ready to enter the park 45 minutes before Early Entry. You will be held outside the Slinky Dog Dash entrance until the Cast Members are ready to start boarding the ride.

How to get to Slinky Dog Dash: Walk down Hollywood Boulevard and take a right at the raised area in front of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad. Go straight on past the theater for Walt Disney Presents and The Market Kiosk then keep right for Toy Story Land – the giant Woody at the entrance will give it away! You will see Slinky Dog Dash straight ahead but you’ll need to walk along its perimeter (left at the giant Woody and take the next right).

What to ride after Slinky Dog Dash

Toy Story Mania or Alien Swirling Saucers are nice add-ons to Slinky Dog.

The Toy Story Meet and Greets typically start 1 hour after the regular park opening so sometimes we go over to see Mickey and Minnie at the Meet Disney Stars at Red Carpet Dreams or join the line for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway- if you have Lightning Lane Multi Pass then it’s nice to focus on meet and greets and use your Lightning Multi Pass for the rides.

Early Entry Strategy 3: Tower of Terror or Smugglers Run

Prioritise for Early Entry: ride preference/ you have purchased a Lightning Lane Single Pass for Rise of the Resistance and you have a reserved Lightning Lane return time for Slinky Dog Dash/ you arrive after Early Entry has started and lines are long for Slinky Dog Dash and Rise

Tower of Terror and Smugglers Run are popular Hollywood Studio rides and both typically take around 25 minutes to ride even when the line is short – both have preshows and, after the preshow is over, it takes a bit of time to board and ride – so it is great to ride one of them during early entry.

We prefer Tower of Terror for Early Entry due to its location — it keeps you flexible for your next move. Smugglers Run is tucked right at the back of Galaxy’s Edge, so it can be harder to squeeze in a second ride during Early Entry.

What to ride after Tower of Terror/Smugglers Run: Remember If you’re visiting after Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster’s early March 2026 closure, you’ll want to plan your next ride on Sunset Boulevard accordingly. If you opt for Tower of Terror, our next choice is the nearby Aerosmith Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or try and catch Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway if the wait time is low. For Smugglers Run, Star Wars fans could try Star Tours (although it generally has relatively short wait times throughout the day) or make their way to the Star Wars Launch Bay for the Star Wars Meets and Greets which typically start at 9am – Darth Vader, Chewbacca and BB-8 all hold meet and greets (you need to wait in line for each separately) most days. If it’s past 9 you can enter Toy Story Land directly from Galaxy’s Edge so Alien Swirling Saucers or Toy Story Mania are a good choice if the wait times are low.

How to get to Tower of Terror/Smugglers Run: head down Hollywood Boulevard for both rides. For Tower of Terror, take a right at Sunset Boulevard and walk back to Tower of Terror which is in line with the entrance. For Smugglers Run, take a left on Commissary Lane (this is in line with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad) and a right onto Grand Avenue at Baseline Tap House. You’ll pass through a tunnel which marks the entry to Star Wars: Galaxy Edge and Smugglers Run is right at the back behind the Millennium Falcon.

Early Entry Strategy 4: Toy Story Mania/ Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Prioritise for Early Entry: no height requirement (suitable for babies)/ride preference/ you have purchased an Individual Lightning Lane for Rise of the Resistance and you have a reserved Lightning Lane return time for Slinky Dog Dash/ you arrive after Early Entry has started and lines are long for Slinky Dog Dash and Rise

Toy Story Mania and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway are the only two rides in Hollywood Studios that have no height requirement – they are both suitable for lap babies and those who prefer a gentle ride with no drops. They are fantastic rides and there’s a good chance you will be able to ride both during Early Entry!

I like to start with Toy Story Mania as it can get busy with the early Slinky Dash riders and then head to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

What to Ride Next

If you have a baby in your party then Toy Story Mania and Runaway Railway are the only two rides they can go on in Hollywood Studios. However, there’s still plenty to do – we love the Frozen Sing Along so tend to head there next (it typically starts bout 30 minutes after park opening) and, later in the day, Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage. The Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy, a fantastic fast pace show, also starts early and is another great option.

We also love meet and greets, so once they begin operating later in the morning, we’ll often prioritise one or two character lines while ride wait times climb. Character locations and schedules change regularly, so check the My Disney Experience app on the day.

Early Entry Hollywood Studios tip: we have 3 young kids so we often split for Early Entry – one of us takes the older kids on their ride of choice (usually Slinky Dog Dash or Rise) and the other rides Toy Story Mania with our youngest. Our 4 and 5 year old can’t ride Slinky Dog alone so Toy Story Mania also works great in this case – it’s next to Slinky Dog Dash so they can ride with the youngest and then do a rider swap onto Slinky Dog Dash.

How to get to Toy Story Mania: Walk down Hollywood Boulevard and take a right at the raised area in front of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad. Go straight on past the theater for Walt Disney Presents and The Market Kiosk then keep right for Toy Story Land marked by the giant Woody at the entrance will give it away! Toy Story Mania is just around the corner to the left.

Since you are going to need to fuel up after all the early entry fun, check out our guide to the best snacks at Hollywood Studios!

What time do I need to arrive for Early Entry at Hollywood Studios?

If you’re planning to ride Slinky Dog Dash or Rise of the Resistance first, we recommend arriving 45–60 minutes before the posted Early Entry time. That gives you time for security, tapping in, and getting into position near the front before Cast Members begin releasing guests.

This means you will be at the front of the line, among the first to tap into the park, and will be close to the front of the line for your preferred ride.

If you opt for Early Entry Strategy 3 or 4 or choose another first ride, then you can arrive a little later – it’s always best to arrive around 30 minutes prior to Early Entry but it’s still worth getting into the park any time before the regular opening time so you beat the rope drop crowds.

After arriving at the park via your chosen means of transport (see below for the Early Entry transport options) you will need to allow time for:

• Security: the security checkpoint is located adjacent to the entrance at Hollywood Studios. We’ve always found it relatively quick – guests walk through a metal detector with their backpacks and a bag search is typically only required if the metal detector alarm sounds. Guests with strollers are directed to a separate line where the stroller is checked and then the same process applies. The stroller line can take an extra 10/15 minutes depending on how many strollers are passing through.
• Park entrance: after you pass through security you will then make your way across the courtyard to the Hollywood Studios entrance. There are signs above each line indicating if it is for hotel guests (and therefore Early Entry) or general entry (and therefore rope drop). The first guests are usually scanned up to 45 minutes prior to the park opening, so at around 7.15am for an 8am Early Entry. You can tap in with your Disney ticket card, a Magic Band or a ticket saved to your cell phone wallet and then verify your fingerprint. Your Resort stay should be linked to the My Disney Experience App – if the Cast Member can’t see you will be asked to show your reservation/room key to confirm Early Entry eligibility.
• Early Entry: once you are scanned in you will then walk down Hollywood Boulevard and towards your ride of choice.

How to get to Hollywood Studios for Early Entry?

Depending on where you are staying there are a few options for getting to Hollywood Studios in advance for Early Entry:

Bus: buses start running around 45 to 60 minutes prior to Early Entry. We recommend arriving at the bus stop prior to this (up to 30 minutes) so you are towards the front of the line.

Skyliner: Art of Animation, Caribbean Beach, Pop Century and the Rivieria are all on the Skyliner. The Skyliner starts operating around 60 minutes prior to Early Entry. We recommend arriving at the Skyliner station prior to this (up to 30 minutes) so you are towards the front of the line.

Driving: the parking lot at Hollywood Studios opens 60 minutes prior to Early Entry. Hollywood Studios can be really strict with cars arriving prior to opening – if you arrive even 1 minute before this you can be instructed to turn your car do a loop around to reenter.

Boat: a small ferry operates between Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, the Beach Club, the Yacht Club, the Boardwalk, the Swan and Dolphin and the Swan Reserve. The hours are dependent on park hours and it began operating at 7am on our most recent visit – make sure to check with your hotel for the current hours when you arrive. Guests at the Boardwalk Inn are the first to board, then those at the Beach and Yacht Club followed by the Swan and Dolphin. Allow plenty of time (it took us over 30 minutes to travel from the Boardwalk Inn to Hollywood Studios) and be prepared to collapse your stroller (unless tagged).

Walk: EPCOT and Hollywood Studios can be reached by walking from the Beach Club, the Yacht Club, the Boardwalk and the Swan and Dolphin and the Swan Reserve. Allow around 20 to 30 minutes depending on your resort.

Minnie Van/Uber/Lyft: you can also use the Minnie Van (a ride service for Resort Guests) or a regular Uber or Lyft.

Is Early Entry Worth it at Hollywood Studios?

We often get asked if Early Entry is Worth it at Disney parks. Personally, we rarely miss an early entry opportunity and we love the quieter mornings in the parks. Here are some thoughts on Early Entry:

• crowds are lower: crowds are generally lower during Early Entry and in the couple of hours following. However, don’t expect to have the park to yourself – there are over 35,000 resort rooms at Disney, all of which benefit from Early Entry. We came to Walt Disney World having visited Disneyland Paris with 6 hotels granted Early Entry) and Disneyland California where 3 hotels benefit – it was a surprise to realise that it was possible over 100,000 guests have access to Early Entry across the 4 parks!

• save on Lightning Lane Single or Multi Pass: park tickets and Lightning Lanes can really add up so we like to focus on covering the Lightning Lane rides at rope drop to save the extra expense/likely long lines. We have 3 kids under 6 so often purchase Lightning Lanes to save on waiting in line but Early Entry reduces the need for it especially in Animal Kingdom, EPCOT and, to a lesser extent, Hollywood Studios. So, on a busy day, you might save $50 per person by not needing Lightning Lanes and still be able to ride everything you want.

• ‘Why bother getting up early and having to wait in line for an hour before the park opens? Why not just stay in bed and wait in line for the rides when you have to?’: we were asked this before and I thought it was a fantastic and accurate question! For us, we’re up way before Early Entry anyway (special shout out to our 1-year-old!) and we love being able to use that time to our advantage – it also means we can bail out of the park before the temperatures peak or we can take an extended afternoon break and enjoy the resort facilities because we’ve done most of what we wanted early in the morning.

So here’s when we think Early Entry is/isn’t worth it at Hollywood Studios:

Worth it:

• you have 1 day to cover Hollywood Studios
• you want to do a mix of rides, shows and meet and greets and need the extra time in the park
• you are up early anyway
• you want to ride Rise of the Resistance or Slinky Dog Dash during Early Entry

Consider if it is worth it

• you have Lightning Lane Multi Pass: you can stay in bed or hang by the pool and easily stack rides for later if you have Lightning Lane Multi Pass – only Rise of the Resistance is excluded from Lightning Lane Multi Phoass in Hollywood Studios so you can certainly cover everything.
• you don’t mind purchasing a Lightning Lane Single Pass or waiting in line for Rise of the Resistance
• you have more than 1 day in Hollywood Studios
• you have very young children: only Toy Story Mania and Runaway Railway are accessible with babies and young children so consider if you need to get there for early entry. We sometimes end up hanging around and waiting with our youngest if we cover both rides quickly as there’s not much else to do before the shows and meet and greets open up later in the morning.