Hollywood Studios With Kids 5 and Under: The Best Rides, Shows, Characters, and More
Hollywood Studios with kids 5 and under can be fantastic! Find the best rides, shows, characters, kid-friendly food, play areas, and touring tips.
Estimated reading time: 30 minutes
Disney’s Hollywood Studios can be a slightly confusing park when you’re planning a Disney World vacation with toddlers and preschoolers.
After all, some of the biggest attractions here are things like Tower of Terror, Rise of the Resistance, and Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster. If you’re traveling with a three-year-old who isn’t tall enough to ride half of those things—or has absolutely no interest in being dropped down an elevator shaft—you might wonder whether Hollywood Studios is even worth your time.
I absolutely think it is.
In fact, Hollywood Studios has gotten much better for younger kids, especially with the opening of the new Magic of Disney Animation area.
And the trick is not to look at Hollywood Studios as a list of rides your child can’t ride.
Instead, look at everything they can do.
There are Toy Story characters. Mickey and Minnie. Disney Junior characters. Frozen. Ariel. Olaf. An Alice in Wonderland playground. Animation experiences. Toy Story Mania. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Live shows. Ice cream. Character meals.
And at the end of the night, there’s Fantasmic.
That is a pretty fantastic Disney day for a five-year-old.
The key is simply touring Hollywood Studios differently than you would with older kids or adults.
Is Hollywood Studios Worth It With Toddlers and Preschoolers?
Yes.
But I probably wouldn’t approach Hollywood Studios with a preschooler as a ride-heavy park.
Magic Kingdom has far more attractions that the entire family can ride together. Animal Kingdom has animals and trails everywhere. EPCOT has quite a few surprisingly preschool-friendly attractions.
Hollywood Studios is different.
This is the park where I would build the day around a combination of gentle rides, shows, characters, playtime, meals, and little experiences.
And honestly? That can make for a really lovely Disney day.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with young kids at Disney World is assuming that the goal is to cram as many attractions into the day as possible.
It isn’t.
Your preschooler might be considerably more excited about meeting Woody than shaving 20 minutes off your wait for another ride.
Give them some room to experience the park at their speed.
Hollywood Studios Rides With No Height Requirement
Let’s start with the easiest category.
There aren’t a ton of rides at Hollywood Studios without a height requirement, but the two that are available are excellent choices for younger kids.
Toy Story Mania!
If I were visiting Hollywood Studios with a preschooler, Toy Story Mania would be very high on my list.
There is no height requirement, and the entire attraction is basically an enormous interactive Toy Story carnival game. You wear 3D glasses, travel from game to game, and shoot at targets featuring familiar Toy Story characters.
It’s bright, silly, and competitive enough to entertain the adults, but a little kid doesn’t have to understand the scoring system to have fun.
And you’re already in Toy Story Land.
That means you can combine the ride with meeting characters, watching the Green Army Drum Corps, exploring the oversized-toy details, and getting something to eat at Woody’s Lunch Box.
This is exactly the kind of area where I would slow down with a preschooler rather than treating it like a place to grab a ride and leave.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the other major Hollywood Studios ride without a height requirement.
And this one is especially important for families with very young children because it’s a real Disney dark ride that everyone can experience together.
You aren’t splitting up because somebody is too short. You aren’t using Rider Switch. Nobody is sitting outside with the stroller.
Everybody gets to go.
The ride itself has plenty of movement and a little bit of chaos—this isn’t “it’s a small world”—but it’s colorful, funny, and packed with Mickey and friends.
For most preschoolers, I think this is one of the best rides in the park.
Hollywood Studios Rides Your Preschooler May Be Tall Enough to Ride
This is where things get interesting.
Because five and under covers a gigantic range.
A two-year-old and a tall five-year-old are going to have completely different attraction options.
And even if your child meets the height requirement, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ready for the attraction.
You know your kid.
Some preschoolers LIVE for thrill rides. Others would like to file a formal complaint because Alien Swirling Saucers moved slightly faster than anticipated. 😂
Alien Swirling Saucers — 32 Inches
Alien Swirling Saucers has a 32-inch height requirement, which means many preschoolers—and even some toddlers—will be tall enough to ride. Disney describes it as a gentle spinning attraction.
This is a really cute little ride.
It’s not something I would build my entire Hollywood Studios strategy around, but with a younger child who loves Toy Story, absolutely.
And because the height requirement is so low, it can also give a little kid the satisfaction of getting to ride something that feels slightly more exciting than the typical toddler ride.
Slinky Dog Dash — 38 Inches
Now we’re getting into know your kid territory.
Slinky Dog Dash has a 38-inch height requirement, and I actually think this can be a fantastic first Disney coaster for the right preschooler.
It’s a real roller coaster. There are launches, hills, speed, and that wonderful bouncing section.
But it isn’t remotely in the same universe as something like Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster.
If your four- or five-year-old meets the height requirement and has been begging to ride a roller coaster, Slinky Dog could be a huge moment.
If your child is nervous about rides?
There is absolutely no reason that their Disney vacation needs to become the day Mom and Dad convinced them to ride Slinky Dog Dash and they regretted every life choice that brought them to this moment. 😂
Let them watch it first. You can see a good portion of the coaster from Toy Story Land.
Then let them help decide.
Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run — 38 Inches
Here’s another one that I wouldn’t automatically dismiss just because we’re talking about preschoolers.
Smugglers Run currently has a 38-inch height requirement, and the attraction is dark, loud, interactive, and includes small drops and plenty of motion.
But you’re also flying the Millennium Falcon.
For a little kid who already loves Star Wars, that could be absolutely incredible.
I wouldn’t classify this as a universally preschool-friendly attraction. A child who is sensitive to motion, noise, darkness, or simulated flying may not enjoy it at all.
But if your kid meets the height requirement and thinks the Millennium Falcon is the coolest thing they’ve ever seen?
I wouldn’t automatically skip it.
Star Tours — 40 Inches
Star Tours is another attraction where the height requirement only tells you part of the story.
It’s a motion simulator, so there is quite a bit of movement. Some kids think that’s hilarious.
Some adults emerge looking like they need to lie down for an hour.
Ask me how I know. 😂
A Star Wars-loving preschooler who meets the 40-inch height requirement may have a blast. A motion-sensitive kid may be happier staying on planet Earth.
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance — 40 Inches
And then there’s Rise.
Disney lists Rise of the Resistance at 40 inches and describes it as dark and loud with small drops.
But I wouldn’t put Rise in the same category as Tower of Terror simply because they share a 40-inch height requirement.
Rise is an experience.
You’re moving through an entire Star Wars story. There are enormous sets, stormtroopers, First Order officers, Resistance characters, vehicles, special effects, and a relatively short drop.
For a preschooler who loves Star Wars and isn’t easily frightened, this could be one of the absolute highlights of the trip.
There are also plenty of reasons another preschooler could hate it.
The First Order portions are deliberately intimidating. It’s loud. It’s dark in places. Cast Members are playing their roles. And the story involves being captured by the First Order.
Again:
Know. Your. Kid.
I would never tell parents that Rise is automatically inappropriate for a four- or five-year-old who meets the height requirement.
But I also wouldn’t put a nervous preschooler on it just because Disney says they’re tall enough.
Shows Are One of the BEST Things About Hollywood Studios With Little Kids
This is where Hollywood Studios really starts making up for its relatively small number of no-height-requirement rides.
The shows here are fantastic.
And unlike a ride that lasts four minutes, a show can give you a substantial chunk of entertainment while everyone sits down.
Parents of preschoolers, I assume I don’t need to explain why the phrase “everyone sits down” is sometimes the most beautiful sentence in the English language.
For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration
If your child is in their Frozen era, put this one on the list.
Actually, even if your child isn’t particularly obsessed with Frozen, I would still strongly consider it.
The Frozen Sing-Along is funny enough for adults, incredibly entertaining for kids, and packed with songs they probably already know.
And you get to sit inside in the air conditioning.
Winner winner chicken dinner.
Disney currently schedules numerous performances throughout the day, which also makes Frozen relatively easy to work around naps, meals, rides, and preschooler emotional emergencies.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
This is another obvious preschool choice.
Ariel. Sebastian. Music. Colorful effects. Familiar story.
You don’t need to explain the complicated backstory of the attraction to a four-year-old. 😂
If your child loves The Little Mermaid, this is exactly the sort of Hollywood Studios experience I’d prioritize.
Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage
Beauty and the Beast is another excellent option, particularly for kids who already know the movie and its music.
This is a larger outdoor theater production rather than an indoor show, but you’re still getting a chance to sit down and watch familiar Disney characters perform.
And there’s something lovely about giving young kids experiences that aren’t simply rides.
Disney currently lists Beauty and the Beast as an all-ages experience.
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
This one depends a little more on your child.
Indiana Jones is loud. There are explosions. There are fights and stunts.
But there is also a LOT happening.
For the kid who loves action, vehicles, explosions, and people falling off buildings?
Congratulations. You may have just discovered their favorite show at Disney World. 😂
For a child who covers their ears every time something loud happens, this probably isn’t where I’d start.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
Disney officially lists Villains as an all-ages show, and it’s only about 18 minutes long.
But I’m adding a gigantic parental discretion asterisk.
This show is dark. It’s loud. The Magic Mirror is filled with villains. Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, and plenty of other Disney bad guys are part of the experience.
Some five-year-olds are going to think this is the coolest thing in Hollywood Studios.
Some are going to take one look at the room and say:
NOPE.
Both responses are perfectly reasonable.
This is another case where you know your kid better than anybody writing a Disney World guide ever will.
The New Magic of Disney Animation Is a HUGE Addition for Little Kids
This may be the biggest change to the entire equation.
The Magic of Disney Animation opened at Hollywood Studios on September 14, 2026, and it gives families with young children something Hollywood Studios desperately needed: a substantial area built around characters, creativity, and play instead of thrill rides.
I haven’t experienced the new area yet, so I can’t give you my firsthand verdict.
But on paper?
This looks fantastic for younger kids.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is exactly the kind of experience that can be a REALLY big deal when you’re traveling with a preschooler.
Disney describes it as an all-ages live entertainment experience featuring Mickey and friends, with multiple performances throughout the day.
Your teenager may not care.
Your three-year-old may think you have personally arranged for celebrities to appear before them.
Different demographic. 😂
Drawn to Wonderland
And THIS is one of the additions I’m particularly happy to see.
Drawn to Wonderland is a playground inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland. Disney specifically describes it as a place for little ones to explore and play.
YES.
Sometimes a preschooler doesn’t need another attraction.
They need to run around.
They’ve spent the morning standing in lines, sitting in a stroller, sitting through shows, eating meals, and being told not to climb on things.
Give that kid a playground.
This could become an excellent reset point in the middle of a Hollywood Studios day.
Olaf Draws!
Olaf Draws! is an animation class where guests learn to draw Disney characters with guidance from Disney Animation artists—and Olaf is incorporated into the experience.
Obviously, whether this works for your particular preschooler depends on age and attention span.
A five-year-old who loves drawing might be completely enchanted.
A two-year-old might eat the pencil.
Again. Know your kid. 😂
Off the Page! and Once Upon a Studio Theater
The new animation area also includes Off the Page!, where guests can encounter Disney characters in spaces themed around different parts of the animation process, plus a theater showing Once Upon a Studio, celebrating more than 100 years of Disney animation.
And taken together, this is why I think the new area matters so much.
Hollywood Studios suddenly has an entire pocket of the park where the preschooler isn’t the person you’re trying to entertain while everyone else does the exciting stuff.
They’re the target audience.
And that’s a pretty significant change.
Meet as Many Characters as You Can
If you’re visiting Hollywood Studios with a toddler or preschooler, characters can easily become as important as rides.
Maybe more important.
Adults tend to plan Disney vacations around attractions. A four-year-old may have completely different priorities.
They might not care that Rise of the Resistance is one of the most technologically impressive attractions Disney has ever created.
But if they see Woody?
WOODY IS REAL AND HE IS RIGHT THERE.
😂
Hollywood Studios has a fantastic collection of characters, and they’re spread throughout the park.
Meet Toy Story Characters
Toy Story Land is an obvious place to start.
Woody, Jessie and Buzz are some of the best characters for younger kids because chances are pretty good that even a preschooler knows exactly who they are.
And the setting makes the whole thing even better.
You’re already standing in Andy’s backyard surrounded by enormous toys, blocks, crayons and Christmas lights. Then you get to meet the actual Toy Story characters.
For a little kid, that’s pretty freaking magical.
Find Pixar Characters
Nearby Pixar Plaza gives you even more character opportunities, including the Edna Mode Experience and other Pixar friends.
This is one of the reasons I’d allow plenty of time around Toy Story Land and Pixar Plaza with younger children.
Don’t make the entire morning:
Toy Story Mania → Slinky Dog → LEAVE.
The characters and little experiences around these areas may end up being some of the things your child remembers most.
Meet Mickey and Minnie
And obviously, we cannot visit Disney World without mentioning Mickey Mouse.
Red Carpet Dreams gives you a more traditional character experience, including Minnie Mouse dressed for Hollywood.
Hollywood Studios has historically shifted its character lineup around from time to time, so I always check the current offerings before a trip.
But if Mickey and Minnie are important to your child, Hollywood Studios can absolutely be part of your character plan.
Meet Olaf
Olaf has his own character experience near the Animation Courtyard area.
And if your preschooler has just spent the Frozen Sing-Along yelling “Let It Go” at the top of their lungs, meeting Olaf afterward seems like a fairly logical next step. 😂
Look for Star Wars Characters
Galaxy’s Edge character interactions are completely different from the traditional meet-and-greets.
You may see Rey.
Chewbacca.
Mando and Grogu.
Stormtroopers.
And instead of always standing in a conventional queue to meet them, you may simply encounter them while you’re exploring Batuu.
For a young Star Wars fan, this could be incredibly fun.
Just remember that stormtroopers are not particularly interested in being warm and cuddly.
They’re stormtroopers.
They may question you.
Your four-year-old may think this is hilarious.
Or your four-year-old may decide they have committed several intergalactic crimes and would like to leave Batuu immediately.
Know your kid. 😂
Don’t Rush Past the Smaller Entertainment
Young kids can be really good at something adults sometimes forget how to do at Disney World:
Stop because something interesting is happening.
Adults have the app open.
We have Lightning Lane times, lunch reservations, and we know the most direct path from Smuggler’s Run to Tower of Terror.
A preschooler hears drums and says:
WHAT IS THAT?!
Maybe listen to the preschooler occasionally. 😂
Watch the Green Army Men
The Green Army Drum Corps is exactly this kind of entertainment.
If you hear them while you’re in Toy Story Land, stop and watch.
They’re colorful, loud, and super fun! They fit perfectly into the giant-toy world around you.
And you don’t need to stand in a 45-minute line to enjoy them.
Watch the First Order in Galaxy’s Edge
The First Order entertainment in Galaxy’s Edge is another fun thing to encounter while you’re exploring.
Kylo Ren and stormtroopers appear, and the whole thing reinforces the idea that you’re actually visiting Black Spire Outpost.
Again, I’d use a little parental judgment here.
A Star Wars-loving five-year-old might think Kylo Ren is the coolest person they’ve seen all day.
A sensitive three-year-old may have a different opinion. 😂
Eat Something Your Kid Will Actually Eat
Disney dining is wonderful.
Disney dining with a preschooler can sometimes be:
I have paid $19 for you to lick one french fry.
😂
Fortunately, Hollywood Studios has several places that work particularly well with younger kids.
Woody’s Lunch Box
Woody’s Lunch Box would be very high on my list for a Toy Story Land day.
The food is approachable, the location is convenient, and you don’t have to pull your child away from Andy’s backyard for an elaborate meal.
This is especially useful if your preschooler is having the time of their life in Toy Story Land and you don’t want to destroy everyone’s happiness by announcing that it is now time to walk across the park for lunch.
ABC Commissary
ABC Commissary is practical.
And sometimes practical wins.
You get straightforward food options, indoor seating and glorious air conditioning.
With little kids, I would never underestimate the value of a meal that lets everyone sit inside and reset for a while.
Rosie’s All-American Café and Catalina Eddie’s
The Sunset Boulevard quick-service locations can also work well when you’re looking for familiar theme-park food without committing to a long meal.
Rosie’s All-American Café and Catalina Eddie’s are especially convenient if you’re already spending time around Beauty and the Beast, Villains, Tower of Terror or Fantasmic.
Again, check current menus before your trip because Disney changes things constantly.
But this is the general category of:
My child needs food. Immediately. Please give me something recognizable. 😂
Hollywood Scoops
And then there’s ice cream.
I don’t think this requires extensive analysis.
You are at Disney World.
Your child is five.
There is ice cream.
Proceed accordingly. 😂
Hollywood Scoops is especially convenient when you’re already spending time on Sunset Boulevard.
Character Dining at Hollywood & Vine Can Be a GREAT Use of Time
If I were choosing one table-service restaurant specifically for a family with preschoolers, Hollywood & Vine would be very high on my list.
I’ve eaten here multiple times, and the big advantage is obvious:
You’re combining food + characters + air conditioning + sitting down.
That is efficient Disney parenting.
Instead of eating lunch and then spending another chunk of the afternoon waiting to meet characters, you’re doing both at once.
And younger kids are exactly the age when character dining can be completely magical.
Obviously, whether it’s worth the price depends on your family. If your child couldn’t care less about characters, you don’t need to pay character-dining prices simply because somebody on the internet told you to.
But for a preschooler who lights up when Disney characters walk into the room?
This can be a really good splurge.
Sci-Fi Dine-In Can Be an Attraction AND a Meal
Sci-Fi Dine-In is another restaurant I’d seriously consider with younger kids.
Because you eat inside a car at a drive-in movie theater.
That’s fun.
The restaurant is dark, which could bother a particularly sensitive child, and the old science-fiction clips are wonderfully weird.
But for many kids, the restaurant itself is going to be entertaining enough that lunch becomes another attraction.
And everybody sits down.
Inside.
In air conditioning.
Have I mentioned that enough yet? 😂
Don’t Overlook Roundup Rodeo BBQ
For a Toy Story-loving preschooler, Roundup Rodeo BBQ is another really fun possibility.
There aren’t characters walking around the restaurant, so don’t book it expecting Woody to come to your table.
But the entire restaurant looks like Andy built a rodeo out of toys, cardboard, stickers, drawings and random stuff from his room.
It’s ridiculously cute.
There are interactive moments throughout the meal, and the theming alone could make this really fun for younger kids.
The meal is all-you-care-to-enjoy and served family style, so whether the food works for your particular picky eater is something I’d consider before booking.
But I love this restaurant.
And the biscuits.
THE BISCUITS.
Your preschooler can have the rest of the meal.
I’ll take those. 😂
Build Breaks Into Your Hollywood Studios Day
This may be more important than squeezing in another attraction.
Hollywood Studios can get hot.
And compared with Animal Kingdom, there aren’t nearly as many lush, shady places where you naturally slow down while wandering around.
So with younger kids, I would deliberately use indoor attractions, shows and meals as breaks.
Frozen Sing-Along?
Break.
Little Mermaid?
Break.
ABC Commissary?
Break.
Hollywood & Vine?
Very expensive break with Minnie Mouse. 😂
Walt Disney Presents can also give you some time indoors away from the crowds and heat.
And the new Magic of Disney Animation area gives families another place where the day doesn’t have to revolve around standing in attraction queues.
Don’t wait until your child is completely exhausted to slow down.
That’s how you end up carrying a sweaty, furious 42-pound human being down Hollywood Boulevard while everyone cries.
Possibly including you.
Use the New Alice Playground as a Reset
I think Drawn to Wonderland could become particularly useful for this.
Again, I haven’t experienced it yet because it literally just opened.
But the idea of giving a toddler or preschooler a place to play in the middle of a theme-park day is fantastic.
Think about how much of Disney World involves telling a little kid what to do.
Stand here.
Wait.
Hold my hand.
Sit down.
Don’t climb that.
Don’t touch that.
We have to go now.
Here’s your Lightning Lane.
No, we cannot ride Slinky again.
😂
Sometimes they need 20 minutes where they get to decide what happens.
Build that into the day.
Use Rider Switch If the Adults Want to Ride the Big Stuff
Traveling with a preschooler does not mean the adults have to give up Tower of Terror, Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster or the other attractions your child can’t ride.
This is exactly what Rider Switch is designed for.
One adult can wait with the child while the other rides, and then the adults can switch without the second person having to repeat the entire standby wait.
Check Disney’s current Rider Switch procedures before your trip because operational details can change.
But know that this option exists.
And use it strategically rather than dragging a little kid through an adult touring plan all day.
What Would I Skip—or Approach Carefully—with Very Young Kids?
I don’t actually have a giant list of attractions I think preschoolers shouldn’t do.
Because kids are wildly different.
But there are several experiences where I would think about the individual child rather than simply looking at the height requirement.
Tower of Terror
This is the obvious one.
Even if your child is tall enough, this is a dark haunted hotel followed by repeated elevator drops.
Some five-year-olds will emerge screaming:
AGAIN!
Others will be discussing this experience with their therapist in 2047. 😂
There is no prize for getting your preschooler onto Tower of Terror.
Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster
Same basic principle.
If your unusually tall five-year-old meets the height requirement and genuinely loves coasters, that’s your decision.
But I certainly wouldn’t view this as something a young child needs to conquer.
Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After
As I mentioned earlier, I’d use some caution with Villains.
There’s no height requirement. That doesn’t automatically mean every preschooler will enjoy it.
It’s intentionally dark and dramatic, with villains, loud moments and ominous imagery.
Watch your child’s reaction to Disney villains elsewhere.
If they think Maleficent is awesome?
Great.
If they hide behind you when the Evil Queen appears?
Maybe go meet Olaf instead. 😂
Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
I’m not necessarily skipping Indiana Jones.
I’m just warning parents that things explode.
If your child is noise-sensitive, bring hearing protection or choose something else.
Rise of the Resistance and Smugglers Run
I’m specifically not putting these in the automatic-skip category.
If your child meets the height requirement and loves Star Wars, either attraction could be fantastic.
Rise has intimidating First Order scenes, darkness, noise and a small drop.
Smugglers Run has simulator motion and plenty of chaos.
But a Star Wars-loving five-year-old may walk into that stormtrooper hangar on Rise and have the exact same:
OH. MY. GOSH.
reaction that I do.
Don’t assume preschooler automatically means no Star Wars rides.
Bring—or Rent—a Stroller
If your child is remotely on the fence about needing a stroller?
Get the stroller.
Even if they haven’t used one regularly at home for a year.
Disney World is not home.
A five-year-old who happily walks around the neighborhood is not necessarily prepared to walk several miles around Hollywood Studios in Florida heat and then stay awake for Fantasmic.
And the stroller isn’t merely transportation.
It’s a place to rest.
It carries the water bottles, snacks, extra clothes…
… and the random souvenir your child desperately needed and then stopped caring about 11 minutes later.
The stroller is now a member of the family. 😂
Just remember that you’ll have to park it outside many attractions and shows, and Cast Members may reorganize stroller parking while you’re inside.
Should You Stay for Fantasmic With a Preschooler?
I would try.
Fantasmic is my favorite nighttime spectacular at Disney World.
Period.
Full stop.
And for many kids, it is absolutely spectacular.
Mickey Mouse is there. Disney characters are everywhere. There are boats, music, projections, water effects and enormous set pieces.
But…
There are also villains, fire, and loud effects.
And some of the scenes are pretty intense.
And most importantly for the preschool crowd:
It is late.
😂
This is where your child’s normal schedule matters.
If your three-year-old normally turns into a tiny irrational dictator at 7:15 PM, forcing them to remain awake through Fantasmic because Mommy says it’s the best show at Disney World may not produce the magical family memory you envisioned.
If your child can handle a late night—or has napped in the stroller—I would absolutely consider it.
And if they can’t?
Fantasmic will still be there on another trip.
What My Hollywood Studios Day With a Preschooler Would Look Like
I wouldn’t make this a minute-by-minute itinerary.
Preschoolers laugh at minute-by-minute itineraries.
They sense weakness. 😂
Instead, I’d think about the rhythm of the day.
Start in Toy Story Land while everyone is fresh.
Ride Toy Story Mania. If your child is tall enough and interested, consider Slinky Dog Dash or Alien Swirling Saucers. Meet Woody, Jessie or Buzz. Watch the Green Army Men if you encounter them.
Then move toward the Animation Courtyard area.
Let your child play. Meet characters. Check out the new animation experiences. See Olaf.
Work Frozen or Little Mermaid into the late morning or early afternoon.
Then eat lunch somewhere indoors.
Hollywood & Vine would be my character-dining splurge. ABC Commissary works beautifully if I want something quicker. Sci-Fi could be a really fun experience if that appeals to my child.
After lunch, slow down.
See another show.
Visit Walt Disney Presents.
Meet characters.
If your child still has energy and meets the height requirements, this might be when you tackle a Star Wars attraction or another ride.
Then take another break.
Eat ice cream.
Because Disney.
If everybody is still functioning by evening, wander through Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge after dark.
And then finish with Fantasmic.
Notice what’s missing from this plan?
Running back and forth across Hollywood Studios trying to conquer every attraction.
With a preschooler, I wouldn’t even try.
Final Thoughts on Hollywood Studios With Kids 5 and Under
Hollywood Studios isn’t Magic Kingdom.
It doesn’t have dozens of gentle rides designed for tiny children.
And if you judge the park entirely by how many rides your two-, three-, four- or five-year-old can ride, it can look pretty limited.
But that’s the wrong way to look at Hollywood Studios.
Your child can ride Toy Story Mania and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
They may be tall enough for Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, Smugglers Run or even Rise of the Resistance.
They can sing with Elsa.
Watch Ariel.
Meet Woody.
Hug Olaf.
See Mickey and Minnie.
Play in Wonderland.
Watch the Green Army Men march through Toy Story Land.
Eat inside a drive-in movie theater.
Have ice cream underneath Tower of Terror.
And potentially end the night watching Mickey Mouse fight a dragon.
That’s a great Disney day.
The secret isn’t figuring out how to make your preschooler keep up with your normal Hollywood Studios touring plan.
It’s building a Hollywood Studios day that actually works for them.
More Disney World Planning Tips for Families With Young Kids
Planning more than one park with a toddler or preschooler? These guides can help you figure out what to prioritize—and what you can happily skip—throughout your Disney World vacation.
- Magic Kingdom for People Who Are Scared of Rides – Magic Kingdom has more gentle attractions than any other Disney World park, making this a great place to start if you’re visiting with a younger child who isn’t ready for big drops, fast coasters, or intense rides.
- EPCOT With Kids 5 and Under – EPCOT is much more preschool-friendly than you might expect, especially once you factor in rides, characters, play areas, aquarium exhibits, and World Showcase.
- Animal Kingdom With Kids 5 and Under – Animals, trails, shows, characters, the Safari, and plenty of opportunities to slow down make Animal Kingdom fantastic at preschool speed.
And if you’re spending more time at Hollywood Studios, these guides can help you plan the rest of your day:
- Best Things to Do at Hollywood Studios Besides Rides – Find even more shows, characters, entertainment, dining, shopping, and other experiences that don’t require getting on a ride.
- Toy Story Land Guide – Everything you need to know about Toy Story Land, including rides, characters, food, entertainment, and all that ridiculously adorable oversized-toy theming.
- Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Guide – If your little Star Wars fan meets the height requirements—or just wants to see Chewbacca and the Millennium Falcon—this guide covers the rides, characters, food, shopping, and immersive details throughout Batuu.
- Hollywood Studios Character Guide – Find Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, Toy Story friends, Pixar characters, Star Wars characters, and more throughout the park.
- Hollywood Studios Shows and Entertainment Guide – Compare the live shows and nighttime entertainment so you can decide which ones make sense for your family.
- Hollywood Studios Lightning Lane Guide – Figure out which attractions are worth prioritizing with Lightning Lane when you’re touring Hollywood Studios with younger kids.
