Toy Story Land Guide: The Attractions, Scenery, Live Entertainment, Food

in Disney, Entertainment, Theme Parks

Toy Story Land

Based on the radically successful Disney/Pixar “Toy Story” film franchise, Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios transports guests to Andy’s backyard to experience amazingly themed attractions, scenery, entertainment, and food! As you’re planning a trip to this toy-themed land or remembering a prior trip, let me be your guide as we explore all of these elements, including advice on how to tackle them all successfully, on even the shortest trip.

Background

Toy Story Land

TIM ALLEN EXPERIENCING TOY STORY LAND:

Toy Story Land first opened at Walt Disney World on June 30, 2018, and in its premiere, debuted the all-new roller coaster Slinky Dog Dash and the popular Alien Swirling Saucers attraction, which spins guests out of this world to the tunes of original Toy Story-themed music. Additionally, upon the land’s completion, Toy Story Mania!, an existing “Toy Story” ride, received a new entrance within the themed area, plus an additional ride track to accommodate the extra traffic in the park. The opening of this new land also brought a brand-new restaurant: Woody’s Lunch Box, which serves an assortment of land-exclusive drinks, sweets, and foods!

TOY STORY LAND FULL DEDICATION WITH TIM ALLEN:

TOY STORY LAND WALKING TOUR:

Toy Story Land

Attractions

Slinky Dog Dash

Theming: This attraction was inspired by a children’s coaster toy playset, which Andy enhanced himself by adding his beloved Slinky Dog toy as its coaster.

Toy Story Land

Up-Close: Upon walking up to this attraction, you’ll immediately be taken aback by all of its incredible design elements. The marquee is pieced together with tape, building blocks, Tinkertoys, and a piece of the ride’s track. The sign for the attraction is made from a piece of notebook paper with the words “Slinky Dog” written in color pencil and a sketched Slinky Dog around it. The word “Dash” was cut from another toy box and taped next to the words “Slinky Dog” on the marquee.

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

The queue features loose ride tracks, more Tinkertoys, coloring books, crayon boxes, army men, Slinky Dog drawings, liquid glue, and other items one might find around a child’s bedroom.

Toy Story Land

The ride platform is another sight to take in all by itself as its design is jam-packed with so many elements. As you come around the corner of the queue, you immediately take in the sights of a Yahtzee game box, Crayon-drawn plans of the Slinky Dog attraction, more building blocks, books, and a Slinky Dog-Gone Wrong Board Game box and its accompanying game board, all of which make up the main structure of the ride platform.

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

 

Review: Slinky Dog Dash is a fun ride suitable for younger children while still enjoyable for adults. As the ride launches from the loading platform you are immediately shot onto the track, where you start your journey around a decent portion of the land. There are no upside-down inversions on the ride, but it is still a fun coaster that takes you around fast curves, up hills, and down a few drops. My two favorite parts of the attraction have to be the power booster, where the ride momentarily pauses before you are shot through four loops, and the upward hill toward the end of the attraction, which gives you incredible views of the land.

Toy Story Land

Tips: This attraction has the longest wait time of any attraction currently in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Depending on the time of day or season you visit, wait times can range anywhere from 60 to 120 minutes. Therefore, I strongly recommend getting a FASTPASS for this ride is available. A FASTPASS for this attraction isn’t easily attainable since it is the most sought-after FASTPASS in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, so book as soon as you can. Upon booking your stay at a Walt Disney World Resort or partnered (Disney Springs or the Swan & Dolphin) hotel, be sure to immediately look for a FASTPASS to this experience once the window opens up. Guests at a Walt Disney World Resort or partnered hotel have priority access to FASTPASS reservations, starting at 60 days before the day you check into your hotel. Take advantage of this early reservation time to save yourself the time in line, which will give you the opportunity to experience more attractions throughout the day.

Also, be sure to check out this attraction at night. During the nighttime at Toy Story Land, all of the attractions light up, including the rest of the area’s Toy Story-themed elements. To get an even closer look at Slinky Dog Dash, be sure to take a look at our in-depth look at Slinky Dog Dash. To preview this experience, take a look at our nighttime POV of the attraction below:

SLINKY DOG DASH NIGHTTIME POV:

Height Requirements:

Guests must be 38 inches (97 centimeters) or taller

Alien Swirling Saucers

Toy Story Land

Theming: The story of this attraction is that Andy set up all his space toys in a special area of his backyard. This included his Swirling Saucers, which he won at Pizza Planet, his Buzz Lightyear, and his Star Command playset, which serves as the queue to the attraction. And when all these special toys came together, they created this special new attraction: Alien Swirling Saucers.

When experiencing this attraction, guests get to ride with the aliens who fly on saucers as their vehicle soars behind them through the galaxy. Some lucky visitors to Alien Swirling Saucers may even become the “chosen one,” if they are selected by the claw!

ALIEN SWIRLING SAUCERS RIDE AND POV:

Up-Close: As guests walk up to this attraction they can’t help but feel like they’ve been transported to outer space. The outside of the attraction is the housing of the ride, which resembles two big flying saucers.

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

To the left of the attraction is a big Buzz Lightyear. As guests approach the big Buzz, they can hear special catchphrases being played from the massive toy. In the video above, you can take a look at the massive replica of the beloved toy and hear one of his many sayings.

Toy Story Land

To the left of Buzz is the entrance to the queue. The exterior of the queue features bright colors from the ride and for the “Toy Story” fans out there, it also features Robot Guards that protect the Pizza Planet entrance in the films.

 

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

The physical queue line runs through the Star Command playset, which is full of interactive elements for guests to enjoy while they wait. The entire queue area is very well themed and full of bright and vivid alien and Buzz Lightyear-themed colors of purple, green, and blue. It also features Buzz Lightyear-themed murals, which line some of the queue’s walls. To take an even closer look at the attraction, take a look at our in-depth coverage of Alien Swirling Saucers.

Review: Personally, I haven’t found this to be a very exciting attraction, and as such when the lines are long I will pass it up for either of the other two rides in Toy Story Land. The ride does have some sharp spins that may make you slide back and forth in your chair, but for the most part, it is a breezy ride with fun flashing lights and nice-themed space music. This ride is most suitable for younger children.

Tips: Unlike Slinky Dog Dash, this usually doesn’t experience nearly as long of wait times. Generally, wait times are 30 to 45 minutes. On busier days, this attraction can sometimes go over the 60-minute mark. Another difference from Slinky Dog Dash is sometimes reservations for FASTPASS to this ride can be made the same day. As an Annual Passholder, I’ve been in the park on multiple occasions now where I’ve been able to book the FASTPASS while entering the park or while getting ready the morning of my visit.

Something I mentioned in my review of this attraction, Alien Swirling Saucers is by no means the best experience at Toy Story Land. If you are someone with young children, they will probably really enjoy this attraction. However, if you are an adult or someone with older kids, if the wait is over 35 minutes, then I recommend skipping this attraction entirely.

Similar to Slinky Dog Dash, this attraction also lights up at night. The experience becomes a little more dazzling as the lights, sounds, and sights really transform the experience. If time permits it, you have a FASTPASS, or the wait time is short, I would wait to experience this attraction at night as it is definitely the most entertaining after dark.

Height Requirements: 

Guests must be 32 inches (81 centimeters) or taller

Toy Story Mania!

Theming: The attraction was designed to be a virtual gallery of exciting carnival games based on a toy treasure chest of classic playthings from Andy’s bedroom.

Toy Story Mania

Up-Close: Upon walking up to the attraction’s queue, you’ll immediately feel as if you’ve been transported to a midway-style carnival, as the entrance to the experience resembles that of a large circus tent.

Toy Story Land

 

As you enter, you take in the sights of the attraction’s new queue, which premiered with the debut of Toy Story Land. The interior includes dominos, larger-than-life circus art, Tinkertoys, and many other toy-themed elements that make up the nicely themed walkway.

The number of elements may almost seem overwhelming. Although, as per its design, it will definitely make you feel as if you stepped inside Andy’s toy treasure chest of playthings. Other toys in the queue include Monopoly and Candy Land game boards, building blocks, and an Etch A Sketch with an interactive video of guess who playing.Monopoly

 

Candy Land game board

 

Etch A Sketch

What really makes this queue and brings it to another level of theming is its interactive Mr. Potato Head, which is capable of making jokes and speaking to guests waiting in the queue. To see the Mr. Potato Head in action, be sure to watch our video above. If you want to get an even closer look at this attraction’s new queue, take a look at our in-depth coverage of Toy Story Mania!

Review: If you enjoy shooting-style games, this is the attraction for you. Each of the five levels of carnival games featured in the attraction is very exciting and engaging. As soon as the experience begins, you can’t help but immediately be overtaken with a competitive edge. All of the games are themed after different characters from the films, who engage with you throughout each level. Overall, I would say this experience is very immersive and fun and really lets you become a part of the action.

Tips: This attraction is similar to Alien Swirling Saucers as it doesn’t hold quite as large of wait times as Slinky Dog Dash and is generally easier to ride during your visit to the park. On average this ride has slightly longer wait times than Alien Swirling Saucers, but usually not by much.

Generally, this experience sees wait times of anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, which isn’t too extreme. Similar to my recommendations of other Toy Story Land attractions, it is worth getting a FASTPASS to this experience, especially if it’s too late for you to pick up one for Slinky Dog instead. During slower times of the year, there is a possibility you will be able to obtain a FASTPASS for this experience as late as the day prior to your visit.

Height Requirements: 

Guests Can Be Any Height

Food

Woody’s Lunch Box

This restaurant lets guests to Toy Story Land lasso their hunger anytime during their visit to the land as the eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Not only does the restaurant serve up delicious dishes, but it also features incredible theming and design elements that only aid the rest of the land in helping guests feel like they are actually in Andy’s backyard.

Toy Story Land

FOOD AT WOODY’S LUNCH BOX:

Up-Close: Similar to the rest of the land, the walk-up quick-service window is created completely out of Andy’s toys. The restaurant itself is Woody’s lunch box, which is held open by a Woody and Jessie-themed thermos. Next to the window, inside the lunchbox, is a Mini Babybel snack cheese and a few Oreos.

Toy Story Land

Also found right in front of the restaurant window is a box of Beary Bites and Trixie’s Treats, both of which serve as stations to order food at the restaurant.

One staple element of the restaurant that can be seen from around the land is a Tinkertoy platform. The platform is constructed in the seating area of the restaurant and contains two green army men standing guard waiting for Andy’s return.

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

Some smaller elements that make up the restaurant and can also be found around the land include straws (which string lights hang from), colorful chairs and table sets, and more Tinkertoys, which make a housing for a condiment stand.

Toy Story Land

The restaurant is sponsored by Mini Babybel, which fits in well with the theming and whose logos can be found all over the umbrellas situated over the seating area’s table and chair sets.

Menu

To see the full menu, be sure to head over to the official website. However, a few of our favorite snacks and drinks that we recommend for guests can be found below.

Mystic Portal Punch – Powerade Mountain Berry Blast with lemon-lime and tangerine flavors. ($4.49)

Toy Story Land

This sweet drink with a festive green color is a must-have at Toy Story Land as it perfectly captures the essence of the famous “Toy Story” Aliens. This refreshing drink is perfect on hot summer days at the parks. You can purchase the Souvenir Alien Sipper cup for $16.19, which includes a cupful of the cosmic beverage.

Chocolate-Hazelnut & Raspberry Lunch Box Tarts

The Chocolate-Hazelnut stuffed Pastry is coated in Maple Fondant and Candied Bacon and the Raspberry version is garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit. ($3.29)

Toy Story Land

These sweets were inspired by breakfast toaster pastries and are a nice and delicious treat. I recommend trying both of these pastries as they both are scrumptious. The Raspberry version is most similar to a raspberry-flavored pop-tart, only thicker and sweeter. The Chocolate-Hazelnut version is also delicious and features a Nutella-like filling, which is to die for.

S’more French Toast Sandwich – Marshmallow and Chocolate Ganache stuffed in Grilled Custard soaked Brioche encrusted with Graham Cracker Crumbs (available during breakfast). (7.99)

Toy Story Land

Inspired by the classic campfire treat, this sandwich is the perfect bite to start your day. The marshmallow and chocolate ganache are almost overwhelming when eating this sandwich, so you definitely want to have your Mystic Portal Punch handy to wash it down. I recommend sharing this with a friend as its sweetness can be a lot for just one person.

Tip: In general, every party of Toy Story Land can be very crowded, and similar to the area’s attractions, Woody’s Lunch Box also features long lines and crowds. When you are ready to order a meal or snack, be sure to utilize mobile ordering via the My Disney Experience Mobile app. On the app, you can select and purchase any of the restaurant’s drinks, desserts, or entrees, which can be picked up at the restaurant upon their completion, minimizing your wait in a physical line.

Land Theming

Walt Disney Imagineers created Toy Story Land with 11 acres of amazingly detailed scenery, attractions, and themed land that really was designed to wow guests with its very specific detailing.

Toy Story Land

As guests walk into the land they are transformed into the size of a toy. “Everything around you in the land isn’t big, you’re just small,” said Joni Van Buren, Art Director at The Walt Disney Company. “Andy’s not here, that’s why everyone here as toys are alive. Because if you remember in the films, the toys would only come to life when Andy was away. Everything here is honorary toys.”

This idea becomes very apparent as you walk throughout the land, where guests will encounter massive Tinkertoys, Green Army Men, letter blocks, and other elements that are all much larger than many have ever seen before.

Toy Story Land

One small detail in the land that is not too noticeable at first glance, but is also well thought out, has to be the popsicle stick and domino benches located in different parts of the land. Another detail that can be found more toward the middle of the land is Andy’s footprints, which were designed to be scaled to the size of 8-year-old Andy’s foot.

DETAILS OF  TOY STORY LAND:

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

To see even more in-depth detailing of the design of Toy Story Land, take a look at our full interview with Joni Van Buren, Art Director at The Walt Disney Company. To take a look at the entire land, be sure to check out our full walking tours below. The daytime walking tour really shows the smaller details of the land, like Andy’s footprints and the popsicle stick and domino benches. The nighttime walkthrough shows the land lit up with amazing lighting on all of its attractions and marquees.

TOY STORY LAND DAYTIME WALKING TOUR:

TOY STORY LAND NIGHTTIME WALKING TOUR:

Live Entertainment

Not only does Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios shrink its guests down to the size of a toy to experience Andy’s backyard first hand, but it also features plenty of fun and engaging entertainment!

Toy Story Land

Of the many well-liked characters in the “Toy Story” movies, the Green Army Men take center stage in the land’s entertainment experiences.

Green Army Patrol Boot Camp is one of two shows visitors can experience at Toy Story Land. As you might have guessed, the show is performed entirely by Green Army Men. But, what is so special about this particular experience is its high level of interactivity with park guests.

Toy Story Land

GREEN ARMY PATROL BOOT CAMP:

This show takes place across all of Toy Story Land many times throughout the day and is completely driven by crowd engagement. Take a closer look at Green Army Patrol Boot Camp here.

Another live entertainment offering in the new land is the Green Army Patrol Drum CorpsThis experience is similar to Green Army Patrol Boot Camp as it happens throughout the land and is performed exclusively by the Green Army Men.

Toy Story Land

 

Toy Story Land

GREEN ARMY PATROL DRUM CORPS:

During this show, the Green Army Men march from the front of the land to the back while beating their drums through the crowd. When they finally come to a stop, they perform a few walking drum routines before calling on audience members to help them play their drums. It also includes silly jokes and funny banter between park guests and the Army Men. Take a closer look at Green Army Patrol Drum Corps here.

If you happen to miss either of the shows above, fear not, as the Green Army Men will walk continuously throughout the land during the day in-between either show. The characters can also be seen interacting with guests in both the Alien Swirling Saucers and the Slinky Dog Dash queues as well.

Toy Story Land

Characters

Additionally, everyone’s favorite “Toy Story” characters Woody, Jessie, and Buzz will all be available for meet and greets in the land. Buzz can be found outside of Toy Story Mania! and Jessie and Woody can be found closer to the entrance of Slinky Dog Dash.

Toy Story Land

Tip: As long as you stay in Toy Story Land consistently for a minimum of two hours, there is no way can miss Green Army Patrol Drum Corps or Green Army Patrol Boot Camp. Both of these experiences happen oppositely, several times throughout the day.

Early Morning Magic/After Hours offerings

Two newer offerings that give guests even more access to Toy Story Land, available on select mornings and evenings, are the Early Morning Magic and Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ limited-running After Hours event, which features access to the Toy-themed land.

Early Morning Magic

This experience gives guests exclusive access to Toy Story Land for a little over an hour before Disney’s Hollywood Studios park opens, with an admission price of $79 per adult (aged 10 and up) and $69 per child (aged 3 to 9). The premium price for this separately ticketed event to Disney’s Hollywood Studios guarantees short wait times and almost no crowds in the early morning, and it also gets you a bountiful breakfast in the new themed land.

Toy Story Land

As part of the experience, guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet of chilled juices, coffee, teas, seasonal fruit, berries, freshly baked pastries, cheese, and cured meats, in addition to delicious breakfast entrees. For a complete look at the event’s offerings, be sure to visit our official coverage of the experience, which also gives an in-depth review of the specially ticketed event.

Disney After Hours at Hollywood Studios

A limited-time offering, at a premium price of $125 for 3 hours, is available from , 2019. The experience allows guests to enjoy the park after normal operating hours and gives similar results to Early Morning Magic: short wait times and little crowds.

Toy Story Land

For an in-depth review of the experience, be sure to take a look at our official coverage of the event.

Holiday Decor

During the Christmas season, Toy Story Land transforms into a winter wonderland with special holiday decorations throughout the area.

Jessie and Rex can always be seen from Toy Story Land’s entrance stringing lights, but in celebration of the holidays, Rex can be seen sporting festive cardboard antlers.

Toy Story Land

Only in the park for the holidays, found outside of Woody’s Lunch Box, everyone’s favorite wisecracking piggy bank Hamm can be seen in the form of a sugar cookie.


Toy Story Land

At Woody’s Lunch Box, the restaurant temporarily features oversized cranberry-and-popcorn garland.

Toy Story Land

And over at Alien Swirling Saucers guests can find holiday decorations from out of this world, including everyone’s favorite Aliens in fun green ornaments. Three of the ornaments feature the hilarious faces of the Aliens and one is colored in a deep red, perfectly fitting for the coming Christmas season.

Toy Story Land

Other fun additions that help ring in the holidays at Toy Story Land include the sounds of sleigh bells ringing in the background while guests speed around the track on Slinky Dog Dash. Additionally, Alien Swirling Saucers also joins in on the holiday fun with the additions of special red and green lighting and iconic holiday music.

If you are planning your next trip to Walt Disney World, be sure to pay a visit to our Destinations 2 Travel, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. I highly recommend using them to help ensure your vacation planning goes smoothly and ensure you have the best experience possible. Best of all, their service is free and there is no risk checking to see if they can help out.

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