Top 10 Things To Do At Disney's Hollywood Studios

So much to do and so little time. If you get through Hollywood Studios (formerly MGM Studios) with these 10 things under your belt, you will not be disappointed.

1. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

This is one of the biggest thrill rides in all the Disney World Resort. It takes place in the Hollywood Hotel. Guests are ushered to the elevator in order to go to their rooms. However, once on the elevator something goes terribly wrong. The elevator plummets 13 stories. The elevator rises back up only to plummet again. This ride cannot be missed. Height requirement-40”. Fast passes available. Tip: As soon as the park opens head straight to this ride and get a fast pass. Then go ride Rockin’ Rollercoaster. Most people ride the Tower first so the lines at Rockin’ are shorter.

2. Rockin’ Rollercoaster

Set to the tunes of Aerosmith this attraction is the second fastest ride at Disney World. Guests begin their ride in a limo-shaped rollercoaster and then flung from 0 - 57 miles an hour in just 2.8 seconds. The rollercoaster has 3 inversions in the indoor setting which supposedly represents interstate 5. Height requirement-48”. Fast passes available. Tip: After your fast pass for Tower of Terror is used come back and get fast passes for Rockin’ Rollercoaster.

3. Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular

This show takes place in a huge covered amphitheater. The cast members demonstrate how stunts were done for the Indiana Jones movies. It is very well done and entertaining. There is also a great twist at the end. Several volunteers are recruited for the show. Tip: This is a good show to see in the hot part of the day. The theater is well shaded and cool.

4. Star Tours

This is a must for all Star Wars fans. There are some great photo ops while waiting in line. This is a simulator ride. The premise is that space tourists (you) are en route to the moon of Endor when the accident prone robot pilot accidentally veers off course. Tourists now find themselves right in the middle of the battle to destroy the Death Star. Height Requirement- 40”. Fast passes available. Tip: Be sure to look around in the Star Wars shop. There are some really neat limited edition and one of a kind items - great gifts for the Star Wars fan.

5. Voyage of the Little Mermaid

Whether you liked the Little Mermaid or not this show is awesome. It is a mixture of live action, audio-animatronics and black-light puppetry. There are several shows throughout the day. Fast passes are available although probably not needed. Tip: This is another great show to see during the hottest part of the day. It is in an indoor theater and there is some light water spraying on the audience.

6. Muppet Vision 3-D

This is one of several 3-D shows at Disney World. The premise is that the Muppet Characters are preparing to present a show using the new 3-D technology developed by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant Beaker. There are some really great 3-D moments in the show.

7. The Great Movie Ride

This ride takes guests through a review of some of the greatest movies of all-time with the use of audio-animatronics. Each car has tour guide who gives information on each movie and actually becomes part of the action later in the ride. Height requirement - none.

8. Lights, Motor, Action! Stunt Show

This stunt show features cars and motorcycles during fast pace chase sequences. Guests are shown some of the tricks used when filming these types of scenes for movies and television. The show is pretty good but drags on a little long. It is a must see at least once though.

9. Beauty and the Beast - Live on Stage

This Broadway style show is located in the amphitheater next to the Tower of Terror. It begins with a cute comedy act who are supposedly the janitors. The costuming and set for this production are beautiful. The performances are wonderful. This is one of the greatest live actions shows at Disney. Tip: Try to see this show just prior to the seating for Fantasmic! which is right next door. You can leave Beauty & the Beast and go right into Fantasmic!

10. Fantasmic!

Fantasmic! is the closing act at Hollywood Studios. It takes place in an outdoor amphitheater and is set on water. Mickey appears as the Sorcerers’ Apprentice and battles with the Disney villains. There are neat visual hydrotechnics