Lights. Camera. Action! Disney’s Hollywood Studios takes you on an unforgettable adventure into the movies. This park has some of Disney World’s biggest thrills and most incredible attractions. But is Hollywood Studios a good park for toddlers in 2023? That’s exactly what we’re answering in this part of the Guide 2 Disney World with Toddlers.
Compared to WDW’s other three parks, Hollywood Studios is less focused on toddlers and small children. Magic Kingdom has the biggest lineup of toddler-friendly rides, EPCOT has an aquarium and several play areas that are awesome for toddlers, and Animal Kingdom has a world-class zoo built with theme park trappings. If you’re going to Disney World with entertaining your toddler as your main goal, Hollywood Studios should definitely be your lowest priority park.
However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t a ton to do with toddlers at Hollywood Studios! In fact, there are some great attractions and entertainment that your little one will absolutely love. From an adventure with Mickey & Minnie to a dance party with Disney Junior faves, here are all the best things to do with a toddler at Hollywood Studios.
Update 3-30-2023 – We’ve updated our 2023 Hollywood Studios Toddler Guide with new recommendations and information on where to find characters in the parks.
The Best Rides and Attractions for Toddlers at Hollywood Studios
Toddler-Friendly Favorites with No Height Requirement
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (Hollywood Boulevard) – Get transported into the animated world of Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Daisy, and all their friends. Based on the delightful new Mickey Mouse shorts and Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse on Disney+, this trackless ride features a catchy song, colorful scenes, and plenty of fun with everyone’s favorite mice. This is currently the only toddler-friendly ride with no height requirement in the park (in addition to Toy Story Mania, but more on that in a bit), which adds to its popularity. It might be worth considering purchasing Genie+ to skip the line.
Disney Junior Play and Dance (Animation Courtyard) – Join Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Mickey Mouse, and more in this Disney Junior dance party! With upbeat music and dazzling effects, this show is guaranteed to be a hit with toddlers and little kids. Dancing along to the music is a great way to let them get their wiggles out. When we took our son to Disney, we found having a toddler harness was really handy for this attraction. It let our one year old move around to his heart’s content, and we didn’t have to chase him or hold him back. That’s why a harness is one of our must-pack items for bringing a toddler to Disney World.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration (Echo Lake) – If your child can’t get enough of Anna and Elsa, this sing along is a must-do. Featuring the iconic songs from Frozen, this is your kid’s chance to see some of their favorite characters on stage, as well as sing along to the music.
Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy (Sunset Boulevard) – This show is a ton of fun, whether your kid loves Cars or just loves cars in general. Featuring a really impressive Lightning McQueen animatronic and an extremely wide screen, this is a great way to entertain kids for 10 minutes.
Beauty and the Beast Live On Stage (Sunset Boulevard) – One of the longest running stage shows at Disney World, this is an abbreviated musical version of the animated classic. Your little one will really enjoy seeing songs like “Belle” and “Be Our Guest” performed on stage, but the “Kill the Beast” sequence might be frightening for more sensitive viewers.
Vacation Fun – An Original Animated Short with Mickey & Minnie (Echo Lake) – Head to the Mickey Shorts Theater in Echo Lake to see an exclusive Mickey Mouse Short called Vacation Fun. If you are a fan of the Mickey Shorts or Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse, you won’t want to miss this. As an added bonus, this is a great way to get a little air conditioned break without much of a wait. However, since there is so much similar content that you can watch at home on YouTube, I wouldn’t put this high on my list of priorities.
For Bigger Toddlers: Rides With A Height Requirement
Alien Swirling Saucers (Toy Story Land) – 32 Inches – Similar to Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in California Adventure, this ride delightfully swings you back and forth. The whipping motion can really move you from side to side in the car, so be sure to hold onto your little one tight.
Attractions to Use Your Own Judgement
Toy Story Midway Mania (Toy Story Land) – It’s a ride that’s a game. It’s a game that’s a ride. It’s also in 3D. The American Optometric Association doesn’t recommend children watch 3D movies or games until the age of 3. Of course, you can make your own call if you want your toddler to go on Toy Story Midway Mania. They don’t have to wear the 3D glasses, which might not make it the most compelling for them. Depending on where your child is developmentally, they might understand the game, or they might not.
Muppet*Vision 3D (Grand Avenue) – Muppet*Vision 3D has a lot going for it. It has amazing gags, some fun musical numbers, and it’s the last thing Jim Henson ever directed for the Muppets. However, it’s also in 3D, so the same caveat applies as above. Also, there are certain parts that a small child might find frightening, such as the shootout between the Swedish Chef and Waldo. In fact, when I was a kid, I found Waldo to be really scary, and I’m not exactly sure why.
Slinky Dog Dash (Toy Story Land) – First of all, Slinky Dog Dash has a 38” height requirement, which could be stretching the limits of who can be considered a toddler. But I wanted to highlight this ride here, because Slinky Dog is marketed as a family coaster, and the ride cars are just so darn cute. While it is true that Slinky Dog Dash is kid friendly, it also can be a little intense. The ride has two launches, and I’ve found it to be thrilling as an adult. From personal experience, my niece found the ride to be too scary until she was around 6 years old. All children are different, but I wouldn’t make Slinky Dog Dash your child’s first roller coaster. The Barnstormer or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train are better candidates at Magic Kingdom. I would let my child master those before graduating to Slinky Dog.
The Best Activities for Toddlers at Hollywood Studios
Let your toddler roam around Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge — Both of the rides at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge have a height requirement, but that doesn’t mean your little Ewok can’t have a blast in Batuu. Built with extra-wide walkways, Galaxy’s Edge is great for letting your toddler run around if you go during an uncrowded time of day. We went during the evening and it was fantastic. Here are a few activities that you can enjoy with a toddler in Galaxy’s Edge.
- Explore The Marketplace – Your toddler will love seeing the toys and stuffed animals in each stall.
- Look Inside The Droid Depot – You don’t need to build a droid in order to see the assembly line.
- Go on a Creature Hunt – There are tons of fun aliens to see throughout Galaxy’s Edge, especially inside Dok Undar’s Den of Antiquities.
Where to Find Characters at Hollywood Studios
You can find characters all over Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Disney World has brought back traditional meet and greets, which allow hugs and autographs. Check out our Hollywood Studios Character Guide for the most up to date list.
Character Cavalcades (Mini Parades)
- Pixar Pals Motorcade – Characters from Toy Story and the Incredibles
Character Meet & Greets and Sightings
- Olaf – Echo Lake (Lightning Lane available with Genie+)
- Mr & Mrs. Incredible – Near the edge of Echo Lake, close to the Dockside Diner
- Chip and Dale: Rescue Rangers – Near Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular
- Mickey – Red Carpet Dreams in Commissary Lane
- Minnie – Red Carpet Dreams in Commissary Lane
- Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, Pluto – Animation Courtyard
- Darth Vader, BB-8, and Chewbacca – Star Wars Launch Bay
- The Mandalorian and Grogu – Near the Marketplace in Galaxy’s Edge
- Rey – Around Galaxy’s Edge
- Chewbacca – Around Galaxy’s Edge
- Stormtroopers – Galaxy’s Edge
- Kylo Ren – Galaxy’s Edge
- Woody, Buzz, Jessie – Toy Story Land
- Mickey & Friends – Around Hollywood Boulevard
- Vacation Goofy & Powerline Max – Grand Avenue
- Cruz and DJ from Cars – Sunset Boulevard
Guide 2 Disney World With Toddlers
Be sure to check out our other toddler guides for Disney World, featuring must-know tips for any parent bringing their little ones to WDW.
- Magic Kingdom Toddler Guide
- EPCOT Toddler Guide
- Hollywood Studios Toddler Guide
- Animal Kingdom Toddler Guide
- Disney World Toddler Packing Guide – Free PDF Checklist
- Disney World Stroller Guide – Renting vs. Bringing Your Own
If you want more help, get in touch with our friends at Vacationeer. Their travel agents are Disney experts who can help you plan a vacation full of magical moments for your toddler. Plus, they’ve helped tons of families, so they know a ton of advice for taking kids to WDW.
We want to hear your thoughts!
Let us know in the comments below: What are your favorite things to do with toddlers at Hollywood Studios?
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