10 Great Experiences At Disney’s Toy Story Land

10 Great Experiences At Disney’s Toy Story Land

By Nancy Schretter, Editor

There’s even more for families to love at Walt Disney World Resort. Parents, grandparents and kids can play big in Andy’s backyard at Walt Disney World’s 11–acre Toy Story Land, featuring the wonderful characters from Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films. Located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land features two new rides in a magical setting filled with giant toys, games and exciting attractions.

Upon entering Toy Story Land, Disney guests are shrunk down to the size of a toy and welcomed by Sheriff Woody, standing almost 20 feet tall. In addition to exciting rides, there’s much for families to take in including an awesome counter service restaurant, character meet and greet opportunities and more. If you’re planning to visit Walt Disney World, here are ten don’t–miss experiences at Toy Story Land:

1. Riding Slinky Dog Dash. Andy dreamed up this cool ride in his backyard by combining his Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Play Kit with his beloved Slinky Dog toy. The result of Andy’s project is pure fun for Disney guests. Toy Story Land’s Slinky Dog Dash is Disney’s first double–launch roller coaster featuring plenty of spins, twists and turns. At the midway point, this popular ride stops for a quick power boost and then shoots off again – treating guests to a series of fast–moving drops, hills and curves. While you’re riding this stretched–out coaster, enjoy the views of the park including Rex balancing atop the Jenga game tower, Alien Swirling Saucers, Woody’s Lunch Box and Andy’s Green Army Men. Make sure to get a FastPass+ for this ride if it’s available. In addition, listen for all the fun sound effects and choose a seat row near the middle or back for the best views.

2. Whirling On Alien Swirling Saucers. Inspired by a flying saucer playset that Andy won at Pizza Planet restaurant, Alien Swirling Saucers is a bit like a whirling teacup ride with saucers and rockets flown by adorable three–eyed green extraterrestrial pilots. Guests will definitely feel like tiny toys as they’re spun around on this attraction, delighting in the colorful lighting and galactic versions of Toy Story music and songs. Alien Swirling Saucers is almost as fun to watch as it is to ride, so take plenty of pictures while standing in line.

3. Playing Toy Story Mania! Launched at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2008, Toy Story Mania! is a highly interactive attraction that’s incredibly popular with families. This colorful arcade–like ride features cool 4D technology and plenty of video game–like interactions with Pixar movie characters. With the opening of Toy Story Land, Toy Story Mania! has been updated and seamlessly incorporated into the park with a new entrance. The ride was outfitted with a third track to provide quicker access for guests as well. The new queue for Toy Story Mania! features colorful books, huge board game boxes, over-sized toys and more.

4. Dining At Woody’s Lunch Box. Nostalgic menu items and treats are a hit at Woody’s Lunch Box, the new counter service restaurant at Walt Disney’s Toy Story Land. Step up to Andy’s cute Woody-themed lunch box and order your favorite foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner. S’more French Toast and the Banana Split Yogurt Parfait are amazing choices for breakfast. Other lunch and dinner favorites include the BBQ Brisket Melt, Smoked Turkey Sandwich, Grilled Three–Cheese Sandwich and the classic Monte Cristo. There’s a great kids’ menu here, too. Don’t miss ordering Lunch Box Tarts, especially the raspberry ones, at any time of day. These soft pop–tart like treats are a delicious new take on childhood favorites, as are the old–fashioned root beer floats.

5. Enjoying Toy Story Character Interactions. Families will enjoy meeting all their favorite film characters in Toy Story Land including Woody, Jessie, and Buzz Lightyear. Characters are on hand to greet guests daily. Keep an eye out for Sarge and the Green Army Patrol as they march through Toy Story Land, interacting with guests. You can see them at the Green Army Patrol Boot Camp Show, too. The Green Army Drum Corps appears throughout the day to add some musical fun to the mix. You’ll find Green Army Men around the park who will happily pose, chat and take photos as well.

6. Appreciating All The Little Details. Disney understands that bringing magical stories and places to life means paying attention to thousands of little details that make dreams a reality. Families visiting Toy Story Land will marvel at what Disney has created here. You’ll spot hundreds of toys of all sizes, from giant building blocks and a roller coaster set that make guests feel toy–sized to No. 2 pencils, Crayola crayons, yo–yos, dominoes and board game pieces. Toy Story Land lampposts are designed to look like Tinkertoys, signs are built with Scrabble tiles and some park benches are seemingly constructed with Lincoln Logs and K’nex pieces while others are made of dominoes. Grandparents, parents and kids will spot many of their favorite toys here. Keep an eye out for Andy’s huge footprints in the concrete.

7. Experiencing Toy Story Land At Night. While Toy Story Land is fun during the day, don’t miss the magic of seeing it festooned with colorful lights at night. It’s a whole new experience. The park has a completely different look and the rides feel different. Make sure to ride Slinky Dog Dash at night for an amazing view of the park.

8. Taking Advantage Of Photo Opportunities. Toy Story Land is a playground filled with sets perfectly designed for taking family pictures. Character meet and greets are great choices for this, but there are lots of other options as well. Some of my favorite picture spots are by the giant Pixar Ball located near Slinky Dog Dash and the many colorful walls in the park. Check out the red and black checkerboard wall near Toy Story Mania! and the colorful block wall by the restrooms. There are plenty of wonderful photo backdrops around Alien Swirling Saucers, including a huge Buzz Lightyear action figure and an adorable green Alien sitting in its saucer right outside the ride. Posing with Sheriff Woody by the Toy Story Land entrance is fun, too.

9. Shopping For Themed Souvenirs. There are no indoor gift shops in Toy Story Land. Instead, look for the two retail stands set in a toy family camper and a toy dump truck. Families will find exclusive logoed t–shirts, Toy Story character–themed toys and merchandise, lanyards, alien–themed light–up tumblers, colorful pins and Pixar merchandise. Some favorites include the Buzz Lightyear Bubble Blower, cute Slinky Dog and Green Alien headbands, “I Played There” t–shirts and small replicas of Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers vehicles perfect for any child’s room.

10. Visiting During Extra Magic Hours. While it’s recommended that families plan to be at the Hollywood Studios entrance when the park opens, experiencing Toy Story Land during Extra Magic Hours can be even better. These extended theme park hours are a special perk available to families staying on–site at Walt Disney World’s resorts and villas, plus a few non–Disney hotels as well. On selected days, families staying at these properties can enter the park earlier or later than normal park operating hours. This makes the park less crowded and eliminates long wait times. Staying at a resort that offers Extra Magic Hours is strongly recommended. It will make your family’s Walt Disney World experience even more magical, allowing additional time for your family to enjoy the rides and make great memories together.