Disney Permanently Demolishing 'Toy Story' From Park, Offers Guests One Day To Say Goodbye

Tomorrow marks the last day to experience Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters at Tokyo Disney Resort, with the popular attraction closing permanently on October 31.

A family enjoys an interactive ride, with a child and two adults shooting light guns in a dimly lit, colorful arcade-style environment. they appear excited and engaged in the fun activity. — Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

This family-friendly, interactive ride has given guests the chance to team up with Buzz Lightyear himself, battling Emperor Zurg in a mission to save the galaxy. For fans of this arcade-style adventure, tomorrow will be the last opportunity to take part in Buzz’s heroic quest before it closes to make way for exciting new developments at the resort.

A Farewell Celebration for Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters

Tokyo Disney Resort has been celebrating Astro Blasters’ final season with a farewell event that began in July, including a two-part celebration allowing fans to collect special edition stickers and take home a memento of the ride.

The Oriental Land Company, which owns Tokyo Disney Resort, has also created limited “Complete the Mission” stickers, showcasing Buzz, a little green alien, and Zurg himself as souvenirs for fans. As Tomorrowland undergoes an extensive, multi-year transformation, Astro Blasters’ final farewell will usher in new experiences, bringing exciting updates and expansions to Tokyo Disney Resort.

**The Success of Toy Story: A Global Disney Phenomenon**

Buzz Lightyear and Emperor Zurg engage in a space battle, surrounded by vibrant cosmic imagery and futuristic weapons, in a vivid and colorful setting from a 'Toy Story' themed attraction. — Credit: Tokyo Disney Resort

Since the release of the first Toy Story film in 1995, Pixar’s beloved characters have become an international phenomenon, captivating audiences with each new installment. Buzz Lightyear and Woody have become household names, and Toy Story’s impact on popular culture is seen in Disney theme parks worldwide.

Fans can find Toy Story-themed attractions at each Disney resort:

Disneyland (California): The iconic Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters invites guests to take on Emperor Zurg in Tomorrowland, while Toy Story Midway Mania is a fan-favorite at Disney California Adventure.
Walt Disney World (Florida): Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios features Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania, immersing guests in a larger-than-life world with beloved Toy Story characters.
Disneyland Paris: In Toy Story Playland, visitors experience Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, RC Racer, and more, bringing the magic of Toy Story to life in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Hong Kong Disneyland: Toy Story Land includes RC Racer, Slinky Dog Spin, and Toy Soldier Parachute Drop.
Shanghai Disneyland: Buzz Lightyear Planet Rescue, a high-tech update to Astro Blasters, features interactive gameplay with enhanced 3D projections, while Woody’s Roundup and Rex’s Racer entertain guests in Toy Story Land.
Tokyo Disney Resort: Alongside Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, Tokyo Disney features Toy Story Mania! at Tokyo DisneySea, a highly popular 4D shooting game that allows guests to compete in carnival-themed games hosted by Woody and Buzz.

Each Toy Story attraction has given fans a unique way to experience the films, becoming a hallmark of Disney parks globally.

What’s Next for Buzz and Woody? A Look at Toy Story 5

Guests shoot laser guns while riding Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters — Credit: Disney

Following the success of Toy Story 4 in 2019, Pixar recently confirmed Toy Story 5 is in development. While details remain under wraps, audiences can expect the return of beloved characters like Woody and Buzz. Speculation hints at new adventures that could explore Buzz’s space hero origins further or even reintroduce characters like Bo Peep in expanded roles.

Although Pixar has not released a trailer or official synopsis, early reports suggest Toy Story 5 will continue the saga’s legacy of heartfelt storytelling with fresh challenges and friendships.

With Pixar’s dedication to animation excellence, Toy Story 5 promises to blend the warmth and humor that have made the series a global success with innovative storytelling that will appeal to fans new and old. As details continue to emerge, Toy Story enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the next chapter in this unforgettable story of toys who come to life.

Looking Ahead at Tokyo Disney Resort

A group of animated characters from various video games stand together. The central character, a large man in red overalls, smiles confidently. Surrounding him are characters like a blue hedgehog, a princess, and various other colorful and distinctive figures. — Credit: Disney

As Tokyo Disney Resort bids farewell to Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, the resort is also looking ahead to extensive developments. Tomorrowland, which recently saw the closing of Space Mountain for an upcoming reimagining.

The closure of Space Mountain was announced by The Oriental Land Company in 2022, sending a shockwave throughout the entire Disney theme park community. The company revealed it would be closing its original version of Space Mountain forever, rebuilding the coaster from the ground up.

To commemorate and celebrate Space Mountain at Tokyo Disney, a farewell event was held for the coaster starting on April 9 and lasting through the ride’s final day on July 31, 2024. This special event was called Space Mountain: The Final Ignition!, allowing guests to say goodbye to this legendary coaster one last time.

Tomorrowland’s transformation is part of Tokyo Disney Resort’s ambitious expansion plan, aiming to create the most advanced and immersive experiences for guests. For fans of Buzz Lightyear, October 31 marks the last day to join him in his final mission, but the future of Tokyo Disney Resort looks as exciting as ever.

What do you think about this upcoming ride closure?