Hollywood Studios may be the most unique of all the parks to take preschoolers. There has been a ton of stuff added to Hollywood Studios over the last few years and if you haven’t been in a while, you’ll be surprised with all the changes. There are a lot of big thrill rides including Rise of the Resistance, Slinky Dog Dash, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway that everyone rushes to each day.
Now for the interesting part if you go with a preschooler, they may not like or want to go on any of those rides. So, I would suggest watching some ride throughs and determine if those rides stay on the to do list as a family. Some can be pretty intense for a 3, 4, or 5 year old even if they are tall enough to ride.
That brings us to the next topic: Rider Switch
Be Prepared to Rider Switch
Rider Switch is a great way for parents to take turns waiting with the child and not have to stay in line twice. It works really well, just go to the Cast Member station in front of the attraction to check in for Rider Switch. The first adult will get in line, while the other adults waits. After the first adult rides, they’ll switch off and the next adult can go through the lightning lane.
Rider Switch is a great way to still ride the attractions and not have your preschooler wait twice for the same ride. In addition, if your child’s napping you don’t have to wake them up. Big Win for everyone!
Rider Switch Available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Alien Swirling Saucers
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
Slinky Dog Dash
Star Tours® – The Adventures Continue
Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Hollywood Studios Attractions Height Requirements
- Alien Swirling Saucers – Guests must be 32 inches (81 centimeters) or taller
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway – Any height
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – Guests must be 38″ (97 cm) or taller
- Muppet*Vision 3D – Any height
- Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – Guests must be 48 inches (122 centimeters) or taller
- Slinky Dog Dash – Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller
- Star Tours – The Adventures Continue – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
- Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – Guests must be 40″ (102 cm) or taller
- Toy Story Mania! – Any height
- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ – Guests must be 40 inches (102 centimeters) or taller
Don’t Miss the Shows
Disney’s Hollywood Studios has some really great shows so take the time and build those in to your plans. It’s also a great opportunity to get out of the heat and in to some air conditioning. I just recently saw Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular and would highly recommend everyone of all ages see it. Some others to be sure to check out at Hollywood Studios with preschoolers:
- Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage
- For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
- Muppet*Vision 3D
DHS Restaurants for Picky Eaters
Our Favorite Disney Restaurant, Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre, is located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. An added bonus is that it’s great for Picky Eaters and preschoolers. The old school B-Movie sci fi films are great to watch.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theatre
This is a sit down restaurant with a 50’s Drive In Theatre theme. It’s very popular and we’ve been lucky enough to get reservations but it took up to the day before. It also has an American theme so think burger, chicken strips, fries, etc.
Menu Highlights
- Sci-Fi Smoked Wings
- Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Classic American Burger
- Pan-Seared Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Strips
- Cheeseburger
- Macaroni & Cheese
Woody’s Lunch Box
This is another great spot located in Toy Story Land. It’s set up to look like you are shrunk down to the size of a toy and eating from an actual Lunch Box. It may seem like really simple items but it’s great even for adults.
Menu Highlights
- Kids’ Breakfast Bowl
- BBQ Brisket Melt
- Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich
- Totchos
- Banana-Peanut Butter Fudge Lunch Box Tart
- Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart
- Raspberry Lunch Box Tart
Disney’s Hollywood Studios with Preschoolers – Overall Tips
Hollywood Studios may be the trickiest from an attractions stand point compared to the other parks. My 5 year old loves Toy Story Mania and Aliens Swirling Saucers and we ride those multiple times a visit. But he would never get on Slinky Dog Dash, even if he meets the height requirement. It really depends how adventurous your preschooler is and if they want to ride the larger rides.
Don’t miss the shows and restaurants here. Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre is one of the few table service restaurants that I would recommend because the scenery is so immersive. It’ll keep the kids busy for the entire meal. Also, if your kids have ever watched Frozen, don’t miss the Sing Along.
This is the 4th in the series of the Theme Parks with Preschoolers. So be sure to check out the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and Animal Kingdom guides.
Affiliate Disclosure
Sometimes I use affiliate links. That just means that I may earn a commission when you use one of the products or services that I write reviews for. My goal is to write blog posts about my experience and share that with you. If you end up purchasing based on a review on the site, I might get back a few dollars to plan the next Disney World Trip. I’m trying to find a good balance where I take more trips and provide more reviews!
Leave a Reply