We’re almost a month away from the debut of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Are you excited? I can’t wait to check it out during our visit this fall. I’m on a mission to introduce my boys to the fun of Toy Story this year, and I think they’re going to love it. If your kids are Toy Story fans too, here’s how to plan the ultimate Toy Story vacation at Walt Disney World Resort!
Now, we’re going to do this a little differently than I usually do my “Ultimate Guides”. There’s plenty of Toy Story fun to go around, but there are also a lot of fun experiences awaiting young cowboys and space rangers. I’m splitting this guide into three sections so everyone can find something they’ll love!
Toy Story Fun
Let’s kick things off with everything Toy Story! Here’s what you’ll want to put on your “must do” list for your next visit:
Resorts
Toy Story fans will enjoy the Toy Story wing over at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort. This Value Resort fits most budgets and offers fun pools, an arcade, a playground, and movies under the stars (Disney films, of course). The courtyard in this area is decorated with larger-then-life statues of the toys of Andy’s room, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Rex, and Bo Peep. It’s the perfect spot for photos!
You can also find Disney-Pixar theming over at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort. These “story rooms” include the Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Finding Nemo, and Cars.
Attractions
Toy Story Land opens up June 30th at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! I know all you Toy Story fans are waiting for its debut, so I’ll focus on the attractions that will be available once it’s open to the public.
First off, we have Toy Story Mania! This attraction has been around for a while, and it’s truly fun for the whole family (our oldest even rode it when he was only three months old). You’ll board cars with cannons attached and shoot at virtual midway games with all of your Toy Story friends (aided by handy 3-D glasses). It’s always fun to see who can score the highest. This attraction is open currently and will just have a short hiatus as they move the entrance from Pixar Place into Toy Story Land.
Next up we have Slinky Dog Dash! This is a new, family-friendly roller coaster that will debut with Toy Story Land. It’s designed to look like Andy has built it in his backyard for you. The height requirement on this coaster is 38″, meaning most kids will be able to enjoy it. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World this year, I highly recommend a FastPass for this ride.
Finally, we have Alien Swirling Saucers! This attraction will also debut with Toy Story Land. You’ll board flying saucers and see if you’ll be chosen by the Claw. The height requirement on this ride will be only 32″, making it perfect for most junior space rangers.
Now, there is some Toy Story fun to be had outside of Hollywood Studios. Over in Magic Kingdom you’ll find Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland. This is another competition game, where you’ll shoot your space laser at targets and try to defeat Zurg. There is no height requirement on this ride, so everyone can enjoy the ride!
Character Meet & Greets
Would your kids (or you) love to meet the characters from Toy Story? Here’s where to find them!
From what we know of Toy Story Land, you’ll be able to meet Woody, Buzz, and Jessie throughout the day. Be sure to bring your autograph books and have your camera ready (or take advantage of Disney’s Memory Maker photo package).
You can usually find the Green Army Men playing games around Pixar Place, and this will likely continue when Toy Story Land opens. Who knows, they might even try to enlist you!
You can also find Buzz Lightyear in Tomorrowland over in Magic Kingdom, right outside Space Ranger Spin. He visit periodically throughout the day and he loves to meet aspiring space rangers.
Dining
Woody's Lunch Box will be the place to be once Toy Story Land arrives. The menu is based on kid favorites, but re-imagined for a unique experience. For breakfast, choose between a s'mores french toast sandwich or breakfast bowl filled with potato barrels. For lunch or dinner you can enjoy a BBQ brisket melt, grilled three-cheese sandwich, or a monte cristo. And for dessert you can pick up a house-made raspberry or chocolate-hazelnut lunch box tart.
Shopping
I'm sure there's going to be plenty of Toy Story merchandise available in Toy Story Land, but for now you can find a dedicated shop called Toy Story Dept. in Pixar Place.
I'll be sure to update you once I have more details on shopping locations in the new land!
Experiences
If you're looking to add something special for the kids during your visit AND get some adults-only time, look to the new Pixar Play Zone. This program at Disney's Contemporary Resort runs from 6-10:30 PM for children ages 4-12. It includes games, dinner, dessert, and interaction with Disney characters. Guests will train to be a Jr. Space Ranger, sing along with Woody and Jessie, build race cars to compete for the Piston Cup, and have the freedom to explore Bonnie's Play Room. The night ends with an Incredible Dance Party hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Incredible themselves!
Cowboy Antics
If you're a fan of Sheriff Woody, you'll want to be sure to check out Frontierland in Magic Kingdom. Here you'll find some of the following experiences that Woody would love!
Attractions:
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Country Bear Jamboree
- Frontierland Shootin' Arcade
- Tom Sawyer Island
Dining:
- The Diamond Horseshoe (Liberty Square)
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe
- Golden Oak Outpost
- Westward Ho
Shopping:
- Frontier Trading Post
- Prairie Outpost & Supply
Space Ranger Adventures
If you're a fan of Buzz Lightyear, head to Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom or Future World in Epcot. They're the perfect spots to explore the galaxy!
Attractions:
- Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
- Space Mountain
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover
- Future World in Epcot
- Advanced Training Lab
- Innoventions
- Mission: SPACE
- Spaceship Earth
- Project Tomorrow: Inventing the Wonders of the Future
Dining:
- Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom
- Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies
- Cool Ship
- Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe
- The Lunching Pad
- Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant
While it's not here yet, Disney has announced a one-of-a-kind space-themed restaurant coming to Future World in Epcot!
Shopping:
- Tomorrowland in Magic Kingdom
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Photos
- Merchant of Venus
- Mickey's Star Traders
- Tomorrowland Light & Power Co.
- Ursa's Major Minor Art
- Future World in Epcot
- Mission: SPACE Cargo Bay
Which of these experiences would your family be most excited about?
If you'd like to start planning your next visit, I'd love to help. I am a concierge vacation planner specializing in Disney Destinations. My goal is to take all the stress out of the process so you can focus on the fun! In fact, when you book your trip with me you get my personal concierge services at no additional cost!
Get started by requesting a free quote below. I'll be in touch to help you design your family's dream Disney vacation!
Get a Free Quote on a Disney Vacation!
