Hollywood Studios is the busiest Disney Park, making Lightning Lane Multi Pass and Single Pass purchases highly recommended. Popular attractions fill quickly, so planning ahead is essential. Remember, reservations can sell out for a day! We’re sharing our Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane tips so you can make the most of your visit.
Explore More Walt Disney World
Planning a Walt Disney World vacation involves more than planning the perfect park strategy. Before you continue, be sure to visit our Explore Walt Disney World hub, where you’ll find destination overviews, planning resources, dining recommendations, park guides, seasonal events, and the latest Disney news—all conveniently organized in one place to help you plan an unforgettable vacation.
Prioritize Your Must-Do Rides
Guests at Disney World Resort Collection hotels can pre-purchase and reserve Lightning Lanes 7 days in advance of their visit. Park guests not staying on property can pre-purchase and reserve the same 3 days in advance of visiting the parks.
This is done in the Disney Parks app and initially, reservations are made in Multi Pass one of two ways. Book (1) tier one attraction and (2) tier two attractions or (3) tier two attractions.
Lightning Lane Multi Pass Recommendations:
- Slinky Dog Dash (Multi Pass priority) (tier one) or
- Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway (tier one)
- Toy Story Mania (tier 2)
We recommend prioritizing the above because these attractions are the most likely to sell out on a busy day.
Single Pass Recommendations:
- Rise of the Resistance (Lightning Lane Single Pass)
Note: Rise of the Resistance has a single rider line, but it skips part of the immersive story-driven queue and part of the attraction.
Early Morning Burner Reservation
Using what has been referred to as a “burner reservation” allows you to immediately start booking new reservations once you use your first. Additionally, the tier system disappears once you use your first Lightning Lane reservation. Start with an easy Lightning Lane like:
- Alien Swirling Saucers
Among our Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane tips, this is a big one. Doing this lets you immediately begin booking your next Lightning Lane once you scan in for your first.
Find Lightning Lane Strategies in Magic Kingdom on a Busy Day HERE.
Refresh the App Often
Reservations sell out but more may become available as other guests cancel or modify their own reservations. Refresh the Tip Board to see new Lightning Lane windows and be ready to modify your reservation strategy throughout the day.
Standby Tips
Hollywood Studios is smaller than Epcot, so you don’t need to plan by area. However, always have at least one Lightning Lane booked. Good reservations to have in place include:
- Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
- Tower of Terror
- Rockin’ Rollercoaster
Final Thoughts
Hollywood Studios requires careful planning, Multi and Single Pass purchases, and app strategy. Start with a burner, refresh the screen, and adjust as needed to hit your top attractions.
Continue Planning Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Now that you’ve learned more about strategizing your day at Hollywood Studios, continue exploring our Walt Disney World resources to plan every part of your vacation.
You may also enjoy:
- Explore Walt Disney World – Your complete destination hub for planning resources, news, and travel inspiration.
- Disney Resort Guides – Compare Disney Resort hotels to find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.
- Park Guides – Discover attractions, entertainment, and tips for each Walt Disney World theme park.
- Dining Guides – Find character dining, quick-service favorites, signature restaurants, and must-try Disney snacks.
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