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Credit: DisneyDisney’s parks never stand still for long. Just when fans think they know every corner, Imagineers roll out new changes that transform the experience all over again. Right now, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is in the spotlight thanks to a brand-new permit that signals another addition to Toy Story Land.
At the same time, over in Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland’s Cool Ship kiosk has just re-emerged with a sleek redesign that ties into the land’s retro-futuristic theme.
Both projects might seem small compared to massive expansions like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge or TRON Lightcycle Run, but kiosks and food stands play a surprisingly big role in shaping a park’s atmosphere. Together, these updates hint at Disney’s ongoing strategy: making even the little details count.
A Fresh Addition to Toy Story Land
The latest development at Hollywood Studios comes from a Notice of Commencement filed by Walt Disney Imagineering. This permit, tied to a new snack kiosk near the Toy Story Land restrooms, outlines “install set elements” as the project’s scope.
That may sound straightforward, but in Disney terms, it suggests Imagineers are focusing heavily on theming. Guests won’t just get a snack stand—they’ll be treated to something that feels right at home in Andy’s backyard.
The kiosk is being handled by Mecca Productions, Inc., and earlier permits had named Icarus Exhibits and Aim Strategic Group. With multiple contractors in play, it looks like Disney is layering both construction and creative design.
Much like other prefabricated kiosks across the resort, this one will likely be built offsite and then craned into place. That’s exactly what happened with Tomorrowland’s new Cool Ship, making it easier to assemble detailed structures without long-term closures.
Why Toy Story Land Needs It
Since opening in 2018, Toy Story Land has been a colorful, family-friendly hub, but one consistent complaint has been the lack of food and beverage options. Woody’s Lunch Box, while charming, often struggles to keep up with demand, leading to long lines and limited seating.
The placement of this new kiosk is clever. Located next to the restrooms and not far from Galaxy’s Edge, it’s perfectly positioned to grab both Toy Story Land fans and those making the transition into Star Wars territory. The kiosk will likely help spread out crowds, easing congestion at Woody’s Lunch Box and providing quicker snack stops for guests who just want something on the go.
While Disney hasn’t revealed the kiosk’s name or menu yet, history suggests we’ll see playful, themed offerings. Guests still talk about the early days when Woody’s Lunch Box rolled out “Lunch Box Tarts” that felt like an upgraded childhood snack. If Imagineers take a similar approach here, the kiosk could become more than just a grab-and-go stop—it could add another layer of storytelling to the land.
Hollywood Studios in Motion
This kiosk is just one of several moves signaling Disney’s ongoing investment in Hollywood Studios. After years of playing catch-up to accommodate Galaxy’s Edge, the park continues to evolve. Smaller but meaningful updates, like shaded dining areas, new meet-and-greets, and now this kiosk, point to Disney refining the guest experience rather than just chasing big-ticket rides.
It’s also worth noting that Hollywood Studios thrives on synergy. By positioning the kiosk between Toy Story Land and Galaxy’s Edge, Disney is reinforcing the idea that this park is a series of immersive mini-worlds, each one tightly themed but connected through smart transitions. A well-placed snack kiosk may not sound groundbreaking, but in a park this compact, it can change the flow of guest traffic and reduce friction.
Meanwhile, Over in Magic Kingdom…
As Hollywood Studios builds something new, Magic Kingdom has quietly upgraded one of its long-standing Tomorrowland fixtures: the Cool Ship kiosk. The original version was a quirky snack spot, complete with a red spaceship perched on top and misting fans to cool off overheated guests.
Over the years, the menu rotated from sushi to standard theme park snacks like popcorn and soda. But time took its toll, and earlier this year, construction walls went up around the kiosk.
Now, the Cool Ship has returned with a completely new look. Gone are the hard, industrial metals of the past. In their place: soft curves and sweeping mid-century modern lines. The redesign feels right at home in Tomorrowland’s evolving aesthetic, which has been moving toward a retro-futuristic style.
In fact, many fans have compared the new design to Los Angeles International Airport’s iconic Theme Building, a Space Age structure completed in 1961.
Disney hasn’t announced a reopening date yet, but the changes suggest the company wants Cool Ship to be more than just a snack stop. The refreshed design adds to the land’s visual identity and keeps Tomorrowland evolving. For longtime fans, it may sting a little to lose the spaceship misting feature, but the new look helps ensure the area feels cohesive heading into the next decade.
Big Picture: Why These Changes Matter
It’s easy to overlook kiosks compared to rides like Rise of the Resistance or TRON Lightcycle Run. But Disney knows that the little things shape the guest experience just as much as the big ones. A kiosk with smart theming and convenient placement can keep crowds moving, reduce frustration, and add an extra dash of magic.
At Hollywood Studios, the Toy Story Land kiosk promises relief for hungry guests and a more balanced experience in one of the park’s busiest sections. Over in Magic Kingdom, the Cool Ship’s redesign shows how even small details can refresh an entire land’s vibe. Together, they’re reminders that Imagineering’s vision stretches from the marquee attractions all the way down to the snack stands.
Disney’s parks are always in motion, and while not every change comes with fireworks or a headliner announcement, these quieter projects are the ones guests will notice every time they stop for a snack or pass through a busy walkway. The new permit in Toy Story Land and the sleek Cool Ship upgrade are proof that Disney is still investing in both the big and small touches that make its parks feel alive.