Big changes are officially reshaping how you tour Disney’s Hollywood Studios right now.

Between a major coaster re-theme, a fully upgraded Star Wars mission, and a brand-new land rolling out in phases, your usual game plan might not cut it anymore. If you want to stay ahead of the crowds and actually experience the newest offerings, you’ll need to adjust how you approach this park.

Here’s exactly what’s changing and the new “rules” you’ll want to follow.

A Whole New Strategy for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets

The days of sprinting to Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith are officially over. That version closed permanently on March 2nd, 2026, and in its place, we’re getting something completely different when the Muppets take over on May 26th.

This isn’t just a light re-theme. The entire story is shifting to center around the Electric Mayhem band, with guests stepping into G-Force Records as the group prepares for their biggest concert ever. You’ll be part of the chaos as Scooter tries to get the band moving, and yes, you’ll be blasting off to a soundtrack filled with their rock-inspired hits.

So what’s the new procedure here? Expect this ride to be wildly popular at opening. If you’re visiting in late May or beyond, you’ll want to prioritize it early in your day or be prepared for long waits. This is not going to be a “ride it later” situation for a while.

Also, take time to actually look around the queue. Disney is giving the exterior a bold makeover, including a colorful guitar inspired by Electric Mayhem’s van and new details tied to Muppet lore. This is one of those attractions where the pre-show experience will matter more than ever.

The Engineer Role Just Became the Star on Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run

Starting May 22nd, Smugglers Run is getting one of its biggest updates since opening, and it completely changes how you should ride it.

For the first time, guests will experience a new storyline featuring Mando and Grogu, along with upgraded visuals that are rendered in real time. That means your mission can feel different every single time you ride, which is a huge shift from the more predictable version we’ve had.

But the biggest change is this: you’ll now be able to choose your destination. That choice adds a layer of strategy that didn’t exist before, and suddenly, the engineer role is the one everyone wants.

Previously, most guests aimed for the pilot. Now, the engineer gets to influence key elements of the mission, making it a much more interactive and desirable position. If you’re riding with a group, you may want to plan roles ahead of time instead of deciding on the spot.

The new procedure here is simple. Ride more than once if you can. With multiple possible destinations and enhanced interactivity, this attraction is no longer a one-and-done experience.

A New Touring Plan for The Walt Disney Studios Land

Another major shift is happening with the transformation of Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios land, which begins opening in phases starting in May and continues into late summer 2026. But specifically, the Walt Disney Studios Outdoor Courtyard opens on May 26th, so there’s already going to be something new to explore when you’re heading over to ride the Muppets coaster.

The headliner here in this new land is The Magic of Disney Animation, a reimagined experience that lets you step inside a whimsical version of the animation studio itself. Inspired by the Once Upon a Studio short, this attraction brings characters to life in interactive ways, with environments that feel like you’ve walked into the creative process.

Inside, you’ll find experiences like Olaf Draws, where a new Audio-Animatronics Olaf leads drawing classes alongside real Disney Animation artists. The classes rotate characters, which means repeat visits will offer something new each time.

There’s also “Off the Page,” a unique character greeting concept where Disney characters appear throughout different animation departments. From Mulan in Story to Goofy in Lighting, these meet-and-greets are designed to feel more immersive and less like standard photo ops.

For families, the Drawn to Wonderland playground will add a much-needed indoor play space, which could become a go-to break spot during busy park days.

The new procedure here is pacing. This area isn’t opening all at once, and it’s packed with experiences that reward exploration. Instead of rushing through, you’ll want to carve out dedicated time to fully enjoy it.

You Need a Smarter Lightning Lane Game Plan

With two major attraction updates hitting the park within days of each other, having a solid Lightning Lane plan is going to matter more than usual this summer. Here’s how the system breaks down for Hollywood Studios specifically, and how to use it to your advantage.

Hollywood Studios uses a tiered Lightning Lane Multi Pass system. Your one advance Tier 1 pick covers Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, or Slinky Dog Dash. Your remaining two advance selections come from the Tier 2 list, which includes Tower of Terror, Toy Story Mania, Star Tours, and a few others. The key thing to know is that tiers only apply to your advance bookings. Once you scan into your first Lightning Lane on the day of your visit, you can book any available ride from either tier going forward.

This is where the “throwaway” strategy that we talk about comes in handy. Book a lower-demand Tier 2 attraction like Alien Swirling Saucers or the Frozen Sing-Along as one of your early selections, scan in right when the park opens, and then immediately use that freed-up slot to grab another Tier 1 pick before availability disappears. It’s a simple move that gives you a lot more flexibility throughout the day.

For the heavy hitters, Rise of the Resistance is a Lightning Lane Single Pass attraction, meaning it costs extra on top of Multi Pass and is sold separately. It runs $15 to $25 per person and books up fast, so if that ride is a priority for your group, lock it in the moment your booking window opens. Resort guests get a seven-day advance window, while off-site guests can book three days out. Both windows open at 7 AM Eastern.

If you’re visiting right when Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets and the new Smugglers Run mission launch, expect demand for those Tier 1 slots to spike. Smugglers Run is already a Tier 1 Multi Pass attraction, and the new Muppets coaster will almost certainly follow suit. Plan accordingly and get your selections in as early as possible.

Final Thoughts

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in the middle of a major evolution, and the way you tour the park needs to evolve with it. From rope-dropping a brand-new Muppets coaster to rethinking your role on Smugglers Run and slowing down in an immersive new land, the old strategies just don’t apply anymore. If you adjust your plans now, you’ll be in a much better position to enjoy everything these updates have to offer without feeling overwhelmed.

We’ll be there when everything opens to report on all the changes, so keep it right here for all the latest!

Disney Is Set to Make 8 Big Changes at Hollywood Studios This Summer

Which of these new experiences are you planning to prioritize first on your next Hollywood Studios day? Tell us in the comments!