Thanks to the Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts Team and TravelingMom for inviting my family to attend the grand opening of Toy Story Land! All opinions are my own.
Toy Story Land is now open! Shrink down to the size of a toy, and come play big in Andy’s backyard. This fun addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios is colorful and exciting. I’ve got everything you need to know about the new land right here in this post! Keep reading for my best tips for Toy Story Land in Disney World!
Tips for Toy Story Land in Disney World
Where is Toy Story Land?
Where exactly is the new Toy Story Land located? There are four major theme parks at the Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios are the “big four.” Toy Story Land is located in Hollywood Studios.
Once inside the park, proceed toward the main “hub” of the park. There may be a stage set up for Star Wars activities or you may be looking at the replica of the Grumman’s Chinese Theater. Hang a right and walk past Voyage of the Little Mermaid and One Man’s Dream. The entrance to Toy Story Land will be on your right.
What to Bring to the Parks
Packing for a Disney vacation is another post entirely, but I would be remiss if I didn’t give some forewarning about the new land. It is HOT. Orlando is known for being incredibly humid and hot anyway, but Toy Story Land may even be hotter. There is virtually no shade, except in the ride queues, so be prepared.
I highly suggest a cooling towel, fan, and/or water bottle to keep your temperature down. I also recommend plenty of sunscreen (yes, even in the winter)!
What to Ride in Toy Story Land
Slinky Dog Dash
Obviously, everyone is jazzed for Slinky Dog Dash and for good reason! This is not your mama’s kiddie coaster. First, it’s quite lengthy. I didn’t time it when I rode, but it seemed like a good 2 minute long ride. The coaster shoots you out right from the start, and it doesn’t slow down until you pass Jesse and Rex to go under the bridge.
As you “scrunch” back to slingshot out again, you are catapulted up and over a very large hill! If you look quickly to your left, you can see the work they are doing on Galaxy’s Edge over the fence (my adrenaline went into overdrive after that view)!Don’t forget to smile (or be ridiculous) as you come down and around the curve on the last hill! That’s where the ride camera is.
Alien Swirling Saucers
Next, you’ll want to ride Alien Swirling Saucers. I had SO much fun riding this with my girls and my friends. It is not like the Mad Hatter Tea Party, no matter what anyone tells you. The speed is consistent, and the overall ride is smooth. I did time this one, and the entire ride lasted 1:25.Make sure you like your riding partner as you will “swing” from side to side, and you will bump into them! The bumping makes for great laughs and ride videos!
Toy Story Midway Mania
Toy Story Midway Mania is a beloved attraction, but, if you’re short on time, you can skip this one. Nothing about it has changed, save the queue. My kiddos love this one (who am I kidding, I love it) because we are all naturally competitive, but there is nothing really “new” about the ride itself.Make sure not to miss the new “walls” in Toy Story Land if you decide not to ride Toy Story Midway Mania. Popular Instagram photo spots (aka the “walls of Disney”), now include the “Popsicle Stick Wall” and the “Checkerboard Wall.” These photo spots can be found at the exit of Toy Story Midway Mania.
The photo below is from the “Block Wall” located at the restrooms across from Alien Swirling Saucers.
What to Eat in Toy Story Land
Woody’s Lunchbox is the only choice for food in the land itself, and it offers some interesting treats. I plan to dedicate a separate post for the food, but trust me when I say it is GOOD!Granted, I did not try breakfast, but I did get to sample enough of the lunch and dinner offerings that I am sold on the food.
What I thought was a glorified pop tart ending up being a delicious hazelnut-filled pastry with maple fondant, candied bacon, crispy pearls, and a dash of sea salt to finish it off. Yum!I also enjoyed the BBQ brisket melt with tomato-basil soup. The brisket was hot and savory, and the tomato soup was thick and flavorful. I didn’t finish it all because it was so darn hot out, but I can see myself trying it again in November.
What to Buy in Toy Story Land
I couldn’t finish this post without mentioning the all too adorable merchandise you’ll want to take home! The biggest surprise in Toy Story Land is that none of the rides “exit through the gift shop.”Merchandise carts are available at the land entrance and at the bridge entrance to the Slinky Dog Dash queue, but that’s it.
We were gifted the light up Little Green Men (aka Aliens) necklaces, but they’re also stocking Slinky Dog light up necklaces! Pins, hats, shirts, cups, and, of course, plush toys galore!My personal favorite souvenir has been the light up Alien cup and my Opening Day pin. Y’all know I love me some ears, and if you’re never gotten into the ears trend, the brand new Slinky Dog “ears” are super soft and comfortable!
