Disney Pros Know: These 5 Hollywood Studios Rides Have “Good” and “Bad” Seats

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If you’re waiting 65 minutes to ride your favorite attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you want to make sure you get a good seat.

Tower of Terror

On some attractions, one row gives you the best view, the biggest thrill, or the best ride photo, while another leaves you staring at the back of someone’s head (or a giant dog’s head — more on that in a sec). Our team has ridden these attractions more times than we can count, and we’ve got opinions. Here are the Hollywood Studios rides where there really is a “good” seat and a “bad” seat.

First, you might be thinking, “Can you actually ask for a seat”? Often, yes! Politely ask the Cast Member at the spot where they assign rows. If it’s doable, they may have you wait for the next vehicle. It’s never guaranteed, and it can depend on how busy the ride is, but it never hurts to ask.

Slinky Dog Dash

1. Slinky Dog Dash

Best Seat: The back row

We’re going with roller coaster rules on this one — sit in the back for the most thrilling experience. It feels like you’re going faster because you’ve got the momentum of all the cars in front of you pulling you along. We think you feel every little twist, bend, and dip a little more, too. WHEE!!!

Bad Seat: The front row

In all honesty, most seats are great on Slinky. The one exception? The very front row. It sounds like it should be the best seat in the house, but Slinky’s giant head sits right in front of you, and it blocks a surprising amount of your view. You came to see Andy’s backyard, not the back of a Slinky! If you love that front-row feeling on other coasters, this is the one time we’d say skip it.

Slinky Dog Dash

2. Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railroad

Best Seat: The front row of the first car

There’s a clear winner for us here. The front row of the first car gives you the best view of the whole ride, with nobody’s head blocking anything in front of you. On a ride that’s all about the cartoon world popping up around you, that unobstructed view makes a big difference.

Bad Seats: The back two cars (and sharing)

This ride has two seats we’d avoid if we could. First, the back two cars. During the ride, these cars swap back and forth for who rolls into each scene last. When you’re the last one in, you can miss some of the dialogue that’s already started, and that’s a bummer on a ride with so much storytelling packed in. Second, sharing a row with another party. During the dance scene, your car spins and twirls, and you’ll likely end up bumping into the strangers next to you. It’s a little awkward. If your group can fill a row on its own, go for it! If not, just know what you’re in for and laugh it off.

Runaway Railway

3. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets

Best Seat: The back row (but the front is a close second)

The Muppets may have taken over this coaster, but the ride itself is just as fast and intense as ever, so our seat advice hasn’t changed. We usually recommend the back seat on coasters, and we’re sticking with that here because it just feels faster. BUT the front ain’t so bad either. Up there, you get an awesome view as the coaster launches and goes from 0 to 57 mph in under 3 seconds flat. If you’ve ridden in the back before, the front row is a fun way to switch things up on your next ride.

Bad Seat: The middle rows

To be fair, “bad” is a strong term on this ride, as you get great views and thrilling fun no matter where you sit. It’s just that the front and the back give you a more intense experience.

This is a job for a SUPER STRETCH Limo…

4. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

Best Seat: The front row

Welcome to the Hollywood Tower Hotel… and the Twilight Zone. To get the full experience, sit in the front row. That’s where you’ll get the best view of Hollywood Studios spread out before you, just before you plunge — multiple times — back to Earth. Fun, amirite? The front row is also the way to go if you want a great ride photo. Your face will be front and center, with nothing in the way.

Bad Seats: The back rows (if you care about your PhotoPass picture)

The back rows still give you all the drops, but they’re a gamble for your ride photo. When the drop hits, everyone throws their hands in the air, and those hands can block your face entirely. Speaking from experience, this has happened to us way too many times! If the photo matters to you, ask for the front.

Tower of Terror

5. Star Tours – The Adventures Continue

Best Seat: The front (or wherever the Rebel Spy is sitting!)

If you’re hoping to be chosen as the Rebel Spy, the best seat is simply wherever you’re sitting when you get picked. Unfortunately (or fortunately?), that happens at random, so no seat guarantees it. Otherwise, the front seems to toss you around a little less than the rest of the ride. That makes it the better choice for anyone prone to motion sickness.

Bad Seat: The back (especially if you get motion sick)

The flip side? The back seat can feel more extreme. The motion seems bigger back there, so if your stomach isn’t a fan of simulators, try to sit closer to the front. Thrill seekers who love feeling every jolt, though, may actually prefer it!

Star Tours

You’ll have a blast on every one of these rides no matter where you sit, but a little seat strategy can make a good ride even better. So next time you reach the loading area, don’t be shy: politely ask the Cast Member for your favorite row and see what happens! For more Disney tips and tricks, follow us at DFB!

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Do you have a favorite seat on any of these rides? Or a seat you always try to avoid? Let us know in the comments!

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