Toy Story Land, three years in the making, opened June 30 to huge crowds and long lines.
Published: August 1, 2018
By: Becky J. Beall
The latest addition to Walt Disney World is none other than Toy Story Land, fashioned after the successful Pixar film that debuted in 1995. Set on about 11 acres in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the fun, new land is aptly dubbed Andy’s backyard and houses a scattering of oversized toys guaranteed to resonate with every age group in your vacationing party.
Toy Story Land, three years in the making, opened June 30 to huge crowds and long lines. New rides, fabulous eats and an immersive experience is what guests will find including a giant Sheriff Woody overlooking the park upon entrance. A primary color scheme is noted throughout the land as well as strings of multi-colored Christmas lights overhead, which are so fabulous in the evening.
Strolling through Andy’s backyard, guests will feel small among the oversized, larger-than-life toys. Common sightings include wooden blocks, dominos, tinker toys, little green army men and scrabble tiles just to name a few of them. And, the new rides are patterned after familiar icons from the hit films as well.
The Rides of Toy Story Land
Slinky Dog Dash is a mild-mannered rollercoaster perfect for the entire family. Andy built this in his backyard from a Mega Coaster Play Kit and then, for kicks and giggles, added Slinky Dog, creating the most amazing coaster around! No huge drops or upside-down loops, but awesome fun and a great introduction for little ones to the world of coasters. (Note: check out fun scenes in this attraction like Cowgirl Jessie and T Rex. Keep your eyes open!)
Alien Swirling Saucers is also a new ride, bringing back memories of Pizza Planet’s alien claw game from the original Toy Story film. Guests will enjoy riding on a spinning toy rocket ship sure to please all ages.
Toy Story Mania! is the crowd-pleasing attraction that came with the land, gaining a new entrance to correctly incorporate into the landscape. Open in 2008, Toy Story Mania! recently received a new, third track for the grand opening of Toy Story Land. Guests will marvel at this 4D attraction zipping through a virtual gallery of carnival games. All ages will love this new addition to an old favorite.
Other Notes from Toy Story Land
Character encounters are a big deal at Disney parks and little guests will be thrilled to meet up with Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody and Cowgirl Jessie for autographs and photo opportunities.
Sarge and the little green army men randomly roam about the park and often interact with guests including performances, audibles and perhaps preparing the men for anything that doesn’t look right. Be on the lookout for the full-grown men who, in true Disney fashion, look exactly like little green army men (well, maybe not so little).
Hungry guests need to look no further than Woody’s Lunchbox for creative, yet simple, snacks and meals. Choose from grilled sandwiches, kids meals, grown-up drinks, ice cream floats and breakfast-time favorite – S’mores French Toast Sandwich. Adults and kids alike will enjoy this tasty treat to fuel a long, fun day in the new land.
Don’t miss the Fisher-Price Family Camper, also known as the souvenir stand! It’s so cute and there are fantastic, unique treasures to see and purchase.
Tips for Enjoying Toy Story Land
Try to hit up a new theme-land like this one during park extra hours when staying on property. It’ll definitely be less crowded. Early morning and late evening are also times when crowds start to thin, so plan to visit then if you are able, with the added nighttime benefit of seeing Toy Story Land all lit up!
Plan well with fast passes! Download the My Disney Experience app and set fast passes for both Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash as soon as possible to avoid lengthy wait times.
Relax and take it all in. Sit on a bench and look around. Andy’s things are everywhere – and they look a lot like your things, too.
Becky J. Beall is a freelance travel journalist who enjoys Disney as much as the kiddos. Follow her for more travel inspiration at TheTravelVoiceByBecky.com.