Debate Erupts as Guest Calls Beloved Disney World Area a "Waste of Space"

It’s easy to say that Toy Story is one of the most popular franchises in Disney history. The first film, released in 1995, changed the film industry by being the first movie to be made completely using computer animation. The original film was so popular that three more films were made, and a fifth film is currently in the works, set to be released in 2026. There have also been spinoff movies, multiple short films, three animated series, and two television specials.

Toy Story is also frequently featured in Disney theme parks as part of parades and nighttime spectaculars. Guests can even watch some of their favorite characters in various Disney On Ice productions.

Rex in a scene from Toy Story 4 — Credit: Disney/Pixar

In 2014, an entire land dedicated to the beloved franchise opened in Walt Disney Studios Park in Disneyland Paris. One year later, Hong Kong Disneyland opened a similar area, and in April 2018, Shanghai Disneyland got its own Toy Story Land.

Finally, on June 30, 2018, Toy Story Land opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort. The new land features attractions like Alien Swirling Saucers and Slinky Dog Dash. Guests can relax and dine on Totchos and Lunch Box Tarts at Woody’s Lunch Box, or make a reservation at Roundup Rodeo BBQ and enjoy options like smoked ribs, pork sausage, baked beans, and BBQ chicken, all served family style.

Toy Story Land always seems to be one of the most crowded areas of the theme park, with some attractions like Slinky Dog Dash averaging wait times of more than an hour.

Slinky Dog Dash Disney roller coaster in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios — Credit: Disney

With Toy Story Land’s unyielding popularity, fans were shocked when one X (formerly Twitter) user asked if anyone else thought the area was a “waste of space.” When asked why, the poster cited various issues, like a lack of shade, that others had noted with the area.

lack of shade, new rides are mediocre, the park already shrunk you down to the size of toy, moving toy story manias entrance made pixar place a weird dead space, and the layout of the land has crowding issues and is not an efficient use of space

However, despite the problems the OP (Original Poster) noted, many disagreed with their assessment and said that they loved the area.

Of all the parts of HS to complain about, Toy Story Land is not one of them. 3 rides, that pretty much the entire family can ride. 2 food options. The only issue is lack of shade but other than that it’s about as good as it gets.

Of all the parts of HS to complain about, Toy Story Land is not one of them. 3 rides, that pretty much the entire family can ride. 2 food options. The only issue is lack of shade but other than that it’s about as good as it gets.

— El Barto (@wittytweetsetc) June 19, 2025

Of course, it wouldn’t be a debate if there weren’t people who also agreed with OP. But it should be noted that most of the comments weren’t in full agreement, but they felt that the area did need more shade and that Disney could have done “more.”

We enjoy it but they could’ve definitely done more with it. Needs more shade. Needs more inside shopping or seating. It’s the hottest place on earth lol

One person called it a “budget buffer” and thought that the area should have had a different theme, considering so many other Disney resorts have their own Toy Story Land.

🪀🧸 🧱100%! From Orlando to Shanghai with Paris & Hong Kong – inbetween, #ToyStoryLand is simply a budget buffer, part of every expansion, to round out offerings with off the shelf attractions & lazy theming, to save budget for Galaxy’s Edge, Zootopia, Avengers & Mystic Point…

With a new Toy Story movie set to hit theaters next year, it’s possible that some changes might be in store for the area. Disney could choose to add more character meet-and-greets, and maybe even make some small changes to the attractions and restaurants to incorporate the new characters and storyline into the existing spots.

However, we must admit that we hope Disney will listen to fans and add more shade in order to make things more comfortable and safer for guests, especially during the incredibly warm summer months.

Do you agree with the Original Poster who called Toy Story Land a waste of space, or do you enjoy spending time in the area when visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Do you think Disney needs to make improvements to Toy Story Land, like adding more shade? What other changes do you think are necessary? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!