Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios just opened – yay! Filled with cute touches from the movie, fun dining options, and giggle-inducing rides, it’s THE place to visit at Walt Disney World for fans. So, exactly what do you need to know for your visit? Here are the best Toy Story Land tips and tricks to make the most of your time in the park.
On Thursday, June 28, members of the media had a chance to check out Toy Story Land, myself included. From the moment I walked through the entrance my eyes and ears were delighted with details from “Toy Story”.
And, while those couple of hours may have been enough for some, I couldn’t resist spending some additional time in Toy Story Land to really lock down the feel and flow. From which FastPass+ selection to make first to when to eat and what, I’ve got your questions covered.
Toy Story Land Tips: What Is Toy Story Land?
Just in case you haven’t gotten the full scoop, Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (DHS) is just around 11 acres in size. Based on the 1995 Disney film, the premise is this: Andy, the owner of Buzz, Woody, and all of the other toys in the film, has turned his backyard into his own personal playground.
When he’s gone, the toys come to life and play! So, from the moment a Disney guest walks through the Toy Story Land entrance, their shrunk down to the size of toys. I loved walking into TSL and being greeted with “Welcome, Toys! Let’s Play!” from castmembers.
Just in case you need it, here’s the link to the official Disney’s Hollywood Studios map.
Toy Story Land Tips – What Rides and Attractions Are In Toy Story Land?
There are three rides in Toy Story Land (TSL) – two new ones and one with a new entrance.
Slinky Dog Dash – an easy, smooth roller coaster. Guests 38″ and taller may ride.
Alien Swirling Saucers – Think the Tea Cups ride in Magic Kingdom (if you want a comparable Walt Disney World ride) but far less intense. And it’s not as much spinning as it is whipping – but very easy. If you’re familiar with Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Disney’s California Adventure, it’s very similar.
Toy Story Mania – Originally called Toy Story Midway Mania, it’s a moving 3-D ride that tallies points for shooting skills. It was easily in the top three popular rides at DHS before TSL opened.
Toy Story Land Tips: Toy Story Land Dining Options?
There isn’t a table service restaurant in TSL, but there is a fun option for dining: Woody’s Lunch Box. Remember in the movie when Andy gets a lunch box for his birthday? Think of it, tipped on its side, using the Thermos as a lid holder.
At Woody’s Lunch Box you’ll find everything from Grilled Cheese Sandwiches to Lunch Box Tarts (personally, my fave). There’s Mystic Portal Punch, a light green, flavorful beverage made from POWERade® Mountain Berry Blast.
Woody’s Lunch Box is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and for the three days that I was there the line is notably lengthy.
Tip: You can Mobile Order meals at Woody’s Lunch Box via the My Disney Experience app. Not only can you order ahead of time while you’re waiting in line for a ride or in other parts of the park, you’ll save some serious time in line.
Toy Story Land Tips – Which Toy Story Land FastPass+ Should I Choose?
Edit: Fastpass is no more, sadly. But you can choose to purchase a Genie+ pass for rides and attractions – leaving this in for posterity!
When making FastPass+ selections for Toy Story Land, keep this in mind: you may only make a selection for one of the three rides with your initial three selections. So, you’ll really have to consider which one you want to ride without waiting in a standby queue.
At this point, Slinky Dog Dash is, by far, the most popular ride in TSL. On opening day, the wait time for SDD was showing 270 minutes! Having written that, when your window opens for selecting FP+ for your visit, my suggestion is to lock down a FastPass for Slinky Dog Dash and hit Alien Swirling Saucer at rope drop.
Toy Story Land Tips – Is There Any Way to Not Wait in Line for Toy Story Land Rides?
The answer is this: unless you have a FastPass, you’ll be waiting in line. There is, however, a way to not wait in line for so long and that involves the ebb and flow of WDW theme parks. When it’s time for an in-park show, the standby queues are less crowded. Also, right before a theme park closes, ride queues are much shorter.
So if you don’t mind missing both and are willing to stay in the park until closing, you’ll save time in line.
Toy Story Land Tips – What Toy Story Land Characters Can I Meet?
Here’s the scoop on the characters you’ll find in Toy Story Land. Buzz Lightyear, Woody, and Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl are available for photos and autographs in TSL in a couple of different ways. You’ll also see Green Army Men around TSL, too.
Wandering through the park area – When I visited, both Jessie and Woody walked around the area and actually offered a meet and greet in TSL. If you want a photo while the Toy Story characters are walking through the land, you’ve gotta be quick – the castmembers like to keep them moving!
Standing Location – To the left of the new Toy Story Mania! entrance inside of Toy Story Land, there’s a cute backdrop. It’s there you’ll find the Toy Story characters throughout the day for photos and autographs. I saw PhotoPass photogs there, too.
Tip: There’s also another location outside Toy Story Land to meet Buzz and Woody. Head to Pixar Place just outside of the Toy Story Land entrance (across from the old entrance to Toy Story Mania!) to find both.
Where to Take Photos in Toy Story Land?
What I’ve noticed is that the land is so colorful you can take a great photo just about anywhere. Of course, there are several must-dos:
Woody at Toy Story Land Entrance – there’s usually a PhotoPass photographer there as well.
Buzz Lightyear – beside Alien Swirling Saucers
Slinky Dog Dash – just as Slinky’s coming over the hill near the front fence, try to time your photo so he’s the backdrop. So cute!
Toy Alien – Near Alien Swirling Saucers
As for Instagram worthy walls in Toy Story Land, I’ve found four great ones.
What Else?
If you’re staying at a WDW resort, you should take advantage of Extra Magic Hours. My family and I did during the last day of our visit and I did notice shorter ride queues.
Alright, who’s ready to shrink down to the size of toys and visit Toy Story Land? I can’t wait to go back!
Disclosure: I was invited to a sneak preview media event for Toy Story Land. All opinions are my own!
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