Star Wars, Toy Story and big thrill rides – the Disney park for older kids and teens

Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World

By David Myers, Broker Associate · MyOrlandoVacationHome.com · Last updated October 2026

Disney's Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 and is themed to movies, television and entertainment. It is home to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land, two of Disney's most in-demand areas. The park's thrill rides make it a favorite with older kids, teens and adults. Vacation home resorts on Hwy 192 and in Lake Buena Vista are closest to Walt Disney World. For owners, it is one more reason families with teenagers choose a longer Disney trip.

Hollywood Studios is the Disney park teenagers ask for, thanks to Star Wars and some of Disney's biggest thrill rides.

Here is how it fits into a guest's Disney trip and how far it is from the resort areas.

What Is Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Disney's movie-themed park, home to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land.

Disney's Hollywood Studios opened in 1989 at Walt Disney World. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land are its biggest draws, alongside thrill rides and stage shows. It connects to EPCOT-area Disney resorts by walkway and boat.

How Close Are Vacation Home Resorts to Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Distances are to the center of Walt Disney World; the parks are a few miles apart inside it.

Straight-line miles to the center of Walt Disney World. Driving distances are longer.

Who Is Disney's Hollywood Studios Best For?

Families with older kids and teens, Star Wars fans and thrill seekers.

The park's rides suit older children and teens better than toddlers, so it rounds out a Disney trip for families with mixed ages. Those families often need more bedrooms, which suits larger vacation homes.

How Does Disney's Hollywood Studios Affect Vacation Rental Demand?

It adds a day to longer Disney trips, especially for families with teens.

Few guests book Orlando for Hollywood Studios alone, but its Star Wars and Toy Story areas are a big reason families with older kids plan four or five park days instead of two or three – and longer trips mean longer bookings.

How Can Owners Help Guests Visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Help them plan an early start for the most popular rides.

The park's most popular rides build long lines. Suggest guests check Disney's app and plan an early arrival, and make sure your home's check-out time and directions do not get in the way of a park day.

How Much Can Owners Use Their Vacation Home?

It depends on the resort and, for condotels, on the rental program.

Depending on the resort, owners may use the home either up to 6 months a year or without limit. If the on-site rental program manages your unit, it may set a lower limit. Contact us for current terms, or compare resorts by maximum owner usage.

Pros, Cons and Our Take

Pros

  • Star Wars and Toy Story draw families with older kids and teens.
  • It helps stretch Disney trips into more park days.
  • The closest resorts are only a few miles from Walt Disney World.

Cons

  • It rarely drives a booking on its own.
  • Lines for top rides can frustrate guests who arrive late.

Our Take

Hollywood Studios is part of why families with teenagers book longer Orlando stays. Homes with separate space for teens – a game room or bunk room – fit that guest well.

What Owners Should Know

See our Walt Disney World guide.

Official Sources

Buying or selling an Orlando vacation home? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or send us a message.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vacation home resorts are closest to Hollywood Studios?

Resorts on Hwy 192 and in Lake Buena Vista are closest to Walt Disney World, a few miles in a straight line from its center.

What is at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Toy Story Land, thrill rides and stage shows themed to movies and television.

When did Hollywood Studios open?

It opened in 1989, originally as Disney-MGM Studios.