Credit: DisneyMagic Kingdom may always hold the crown as Disney World’s most family-focused park, but Hollywood Studios is closing the gap faster than anyone expected. What used to be a destination geared mainly toward thrill-seekers and movie lovers is now packed with shows, character experiences, gentle rides, and themed lands that speak directly to families with younger kids.
The shift hasn’t happened overnight, but if you look around the park today—especially with everything coming in 2026—it’s clear Hollywood Studios is transforming into one of the easiest and most enjoyable parks for families to navigate. And with Florida weather always ready to strike, having a park full of indoor attractions and shaded entertainment gives parents a huge sense of relief.
A Park Full of Indoor Escapes for Families
When the heat cranks up or the rain rolls in, families need a place to cool off without cutting their day short. Hollywood Studios shines here more than any other park besides Magic Kingdom. It offers some of the most comfortable, air-conditioned shows on property, which can make a huge difference for families with little ones.
The Frozen Sing-Along Celebration remains one of the most reliable hits in the park. Kids get to sing, laugh, and relive moments from Frozen while parents enjoy a cool, dark theater and a chance to recharge. Over on Sunset Boulevard, Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage gives guests a Broadway-style performance that captures the magic of the animated classic in a larger-than-life format.
The Little Mermaid show adds another indoor option for families, offering recognizable songs and a gentle pace that fits kids of all ages. And of course, you can’t talk about major family-friendly entertainment at Hollywood Studios without mentioning Fantasmic!
The nighttime spectacular remains a must-see thanks to its mix of water effects, fireworks, live performers, and Disney characters. It’s a show families plan their whole evening around, and it’s the perfect way to end the night without waiting shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowd on Main Street.
With so many shows that double as weather protection, Hollywood Studios helps families avoid the long afternoons standing in the sun—something that sets it apart from EPCOT and Animal Kingdom.
A Huge Family Expansion Arriving in 2026
If Hollywood Studios feels family-friendly now, the next year will push it even further in that direction. The Animation Courtyard is being reworked into a bright, interactive space where kids, especially younger ones, can spend big chunks of their day.
A brand-new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show is opening in 2026, giving toddlers and preschoolers a chance to sing and dance with some of the most iconic characters in Disney history. It’s high-energy, colorful, and designed specifically for families who want something engaging that doesn’t involve waiting in long lines.
Later in the summer, The Magic of Disney Animation space will open with hands-on experiences, character greetings, and a Mary Blair-inspired playground. It’s shaping up to be a huge indoor escape filled with activities that kids can explore at their own pace, making it a great option for parents who want something flexible rather than a scheduled showtime.
The area is also set to include a new Rapunzel meet-and-greet, giving fans of Tangled a dedicated home in the park. For families who love character interactions, this single addition makes the Animation Courtyard a must-visit spot.
Altogether, these offerings shift the park’s focus even more toward children, giving families an entirely new section to enjoy without feeling rushed.
Rides Everyone in the Family Can Enjoy
Hollywood Studios has a reputation for thrill rides—Tower of Terror, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster, and Rise of the Resistance usually grab the attention. But the number of family-friendly attractions has grown, and these gentler options now stand out as some of the park’s biggest hits.
Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway is the perfect example. It’s colorful, silly, and filled with visual surprises from beginning to end. There’s no height requirement, which makes it one of the few major Disney dark rides in any park that families with babies, toddlers, and older kids can all enjoy together.
Over in Toy Story Land, Toy Story Mania has been a kid favorite for years. With no height requirement and an energetic, competitive setup, it’s one of the rare attractions where kids feel fully involved from the moment they board. The ride is bursting with bright colors, cartoon charm, and fun storytelling—everything younger guests look for.
Even walking through the surrounding land feels like stepping into Andy’s backyard. Oversized toys, giant blocks, and playful design elements make it one of the most visually engaging areas for children anywhere in Disney World.
Lands That Feel Designed for Kids
Hollywood Studios has leaned heavily into immersive storytelling, but two lands in particular speak directly to kids.
Toy Story Land is the most obvious example, with every corner designed to feel larger than life. Kids love the idea of being toy-sized, and the land embraces that concept completely. Between the theming, the familiar characters, and the family-friendly rides, it’s one of the most appealing areas for parents traveling with little ones.
Then there’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. While Star Wars fans come in every age, kids light up the second they see droids rolling around, stormtroopers patrolling the walkways, and the Millennium Falcon sitting right in front of them. A brand-new Mandalorian-themed mission arrives to Smugglers Run in 2026, bringing Grogu into the story and making the experience even more inviting for younger Star Wars fans.
Plenty of Characters for Kids to Meet
Hollywood Studios is packed with character opportunities, and these interactions often become kids’ favorite part of the day. Buzz, Woody, and Jessie are regulars in Toy Story Land, and they draw huge lines because families love capturing those moments.
Around Echo Lake, you’ll often find Donald or Daisy greeting guests, creating a fun, energetic atmosphere right in the center of the park. And with Rapunzel joining the lineup next year, the variety only grows.
These character offerings give families a break from ride hopping while still making the day feel special and memorable.
The Park Is Evolving Into a Family Favorite
Hollywood Studios is in the middle of a major transformation. While Magic Kingdom will always be the top pick for families, Hollywood Studios is carving out space as a strong second option thanks to its constant additions for kids, expanded indoor entertainment, and lands built around beloved stories.
The park that once depended on action and thrills is now packed with shows, character greetings, gentle rides, and themed spaces that appeal to families just as much as the big attractions do. And with even more arriving in 2026, it’s clear that Hollywood Studios isn’t just becoming family-friendly—it’s becoming one of the best parks at Disney World for kids of all ages.