Summary
Howdy, partner! If you've got an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World, it's time to saddle up for your visit to Toy Story Land inside Disney's Hollywood Studios. Be prepared to feel like a toy yourself as you walk around the land where everything is oversized. There is so much to see and explore ... and who doesn't LOVE "Toy Story!?!" Plus, the new Roundup Rodeo BBQ table-service restaurant opens March 23! Our guide to Toy Story Land at Disney World offers the full scoop on what to expect, including the rides, characters, dining and more. So, as our pal Woody would say, let's get this wagon train a-movin'!
Hop To
The Buzz-Eyed View of Toy Story Land at Disney World
Toy Story Land is located within Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is based, of course, on the hit Disney/Pixar franchise, starring Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the whole gang! To get to this toy-rific land, you'll venture down Hollywood Boulevard and veer right at the Chinese Theater. Head down the stairs and turn left. After passing Walt Disney Presents, you'll make one final right turn and make your way into Andy's backyard! (There is another entrance accessible from Star Wats: Galaxy's Edge).
Upon entering Toy Story Land, you'll be shrunk down to the size of a toy and surrounded by a toy-filled landscape, complete with your favorite characters. You're free to roam among all of Andy's toys, including a flying saucer toy set, a lunch box and so much more. In fact, there are more than 400 toys in Andy's backyard!
We are absolutely obsessed with Toy Story Land's theming. It's all we dreamed of and more! Leap and I were filled with nostalgia upon seeing replicas of our childhood toys (and even some of Tad and Lily's). There are a million details to comment on, but we'll let you experience the surprise for yourself and just point out our highlights: The Christmas lights knotted around giant drinking straws and #2 pencils, and the fences made of K'nex. Just like Pandora – The World of Avatar or Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, visiting at night is a must and will offer a completely different, extra magical experience.
Remember that you'll need a valid park pass reservation to enter Hollywood Studios and visit Andy's backyard.
Toy Story Land Special Events
In spring 2023, Disney After Hours returned to Disney's Hollywood Studios. This separately ticketed, limited-capacity event allows party-goers to stay in the park from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on select nights. This is a great time to take advantage of low wait times for the rides in Toy Story Land, plus the land is so beautiful at night. When we attended After Hours at Hollywood Studios, we waited only five minutes for Toy Story Mania and ten minutes for Slinky Dog Dash! We even got to meet Woody and Bo Peep for a short wait (Bo Peep no longer meets regularly so that was an extra surprise!). You can also get free unlimited ice cream, popcorn and select beverages. If you'd rather rope drop, take note of when these events occur, as this usually means more park-goers later in the evening.
Toy Story Land Rides
Guests can enjoy three toyriffic attractions in Toy Story Land.
Slinky Dog Dash
Andy has set up his Mega Coaster Play Kit and is taking Slinky Dog (and you!) along for the ride through Toy Story Land on Slinky Dog Dash. This coaster is adorned with faux holiday lights, oversized building blocks and cowgirl Jessie herself. Be sure to admire the lighting and sound effects of the ride. We don't want to spoil the ending, but the "Grand Finale" of Slinky Dog Dash is the cherry on top of an already fun, feel-good ride. If possible, avoid the front row on this ride (shocking, I know!) for ultimate views — otherwise, you'll see the back of Slinky's head the entire time.
This is a very mild, classic coaster — no corkscrews or loops here! If your tadpoles can handle rides such as Big Thunder Mountain Railroad or Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, they'll enjoy Slinky Dog Dash. The main difference here is that it appears much more coaster-like (since Andy built it out of a toy roller coaster set in his backyard, duh!) than most coasters at Disney World and might frighten little tadpoles like Lily at first. The good news is that there are tons of cute details throughout to keep little ones entertained as they soar through the toys. There are just a couple of mild bunny hops (after which, a ride photo will capture your face as you curve down the final hill). Other than that, there is one "big" hill, which is the one you'll see as you enter Toy Story Land across from Toy Story Mania.
Slinky Dog Dash has the Frog Family's general consensus of being one of our favorite rides in all of Walt Disney World. Not only is the ride itself smooth and enjoyable with the type of hills that just make you giggle, but there are gorgeous, fun visuals throughout the entire thing that will WOW you from start to finish.
Oh, and one last thing! Take a close listen to the safety spiel over the speakers right before you board the train ... it makes a cute reference to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!
Toy Story Mania!
Most of us already know Toy Story Mania!, which has been around for about a decade now at Hollywood Studios. This arcade-style game takes you through a series of 3D virtual carnival games, complete with your favorite characters cheering you along. We especially love the queue for this ride, adorned with oversized board game boxes, books and more. Thanks to the recent addition of a third track, there is more availability and lower waits for this popular ride! Oh, and be sure to chat with Mr. Potato Head on your way in ... he's interactive and will want to say hello!
Alien Swirling Saucers
Think of an intergalactic, extra fun take on Mad Tea Party, and there you have Alien Swirling Saucers. Andy won a flying saucer playset at Pizza Planet, where the aliens spin your toy rocket into space. You might just get chosen by "the claaaaaaaaw."
Hold on tight! This ride does whip you around a bit, but it won't leave you feeling dizzy like the teacups. There are two "sides" to this ride — similar to Space Mountain — but which side you get won't make any difference in your experience, so don't fret! The ride vehicles swirl in something similar to a figure-eight pattern around the pizza planet (literally, there are planets that appear to be covered in cheese and toppings) and there are a few sharp turns along the way. After all, those crazy green aliens are guiding you! If you've ridden Mater's Junkyard Jamboree at Disney's California Adventure, this ride setup is very similar.
This is a super fun ride, but we don't recommend waiting more than 30 to 45 minutes unless you have alien-obsessed tadpoles in tow (but we promise, it will be worth seeing their thrilled faces as the galaxy lights mesmerize them!). While the ride itself is a blast, most of the magic is simply found in the scenery that can be observed from the outside.
Toy Story Land with Disney Genie+
With the addition of Disney Genie+ service, guests have the option of paying each day per person to skip the standby queue and enter via the Lightning Lane. You can book arrival times throughout the day for shows and attractions, including all three Toy Story Land rides. With Slinky Dog Dash still being very popular, we recommend booking your selection early in the morning. Even booking early could mean the next available time isn't until late afternoon. If the arrival window is later in the day, you can wait two hours and then book another ride. If not purchasing Genie+, we recommend prioritizing Slinky Dog Dash either first thing in the morning or at park close.
It is a lot easier to get a Lightning Lane selection for Toy Story Mania, and we recommend using it for this attraction to cut down on waiting in lines. We don't necessarily recommend using up one of your slots for Alien Swirling Saucers, as waits are normally low. It's perfect for riding while waiting for another Lightning Lane selection time to start.
Toy Story Land Characters
Toy Story Land wouldn't be complete without being able to interact with the films' beloved characters. Currently, the Toy Story gang meets in select areas throughout Toy Story Land. We usually catch Buzz near the entrance, just beyond the large Woody statue in front of Slinky Dog Dash. Jessie and Woody often meet together outside of the adorable Toy Story Mania entrance. It makes a perfect backdrop for family photos ... with or without characters!
Don't forget about the brave soldiers who protect Andy's backyard! The Green Army Patrol roam around the area ready to chat and take photos. You may see a group of them marching to the beat of their drums through the land. While this isn't the standard character meet-and-greet, it's definitely worth taking the time to interact with these toys!
Toy Story Land Dining Options
With the new addition of Roundup Rodeo BBQ as of March 23, 2023, Toy Story Land now offers both a quick-service and table-service option.
Woody's Lunch Box
Not only does this quick-service dining location have impeccable theming (counter-service through Andy's Woody-themed lunch box), but there is also an unbelievable selection of food. The breakfast highlight is a Breakfast Bowl, which is a hearty portion of potato barrels (aka tater tots) smothered in smoked brisket country gravy, scrambled eggs and green onions.
As for lunch and dinner, the grilled cheese has my stamp of approval, and the BBQ Brisket Melt is Leap's new fave! The best part? I literally couldn't finish my sandwich ... which means portion sizes are generous. I'll be going halfsies with Tad moving forward. AND with each sandwich, you get your choice of a side of macaroni salad, tomato basil soup or potato barrels. All of these options are delish!
There is also a "Totchos" bowl, which is much bigger in real life than we imagined based on photos. This chili-cheese-tater-tot masterpiece is easily a whole meal's worth of food. We can't forget about the raspberry and chocolate-hazelnut Lunch Box tarts, which are like a craftier, cuter take on a Pop-Tart. Keep an eye out for seasonal flavors! We're so hoppy about this delicious, budget-friendly spot. Just be sure to have a member of your squad hold a table while you wait in line for food, and admire every little detail of Woody's Lunch Box! (Spoiler alert: The windows are little Tupperware containers ... just one of many ADORABLE details to keep an eye out for.)
Mama and papa frogs, get ready! Woody's Lunch Box is serving up alcoholic beverages, offering Grown-Up's Lemonade and a great beer and cider selection, including one of Leap's faves: Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider. You'll be able to grab your favorite Joffrey's coffee here, as well. Be warned: The Grown-Up's Lemonade has a very sweet taste that will remind you of a melted cherry popsicle ... only give it a whirl if you've got a candy obsession, like me! (And even if you don't try it, check out the cute tap it's served out of, made from toy blocks.)
Tadpoles have plenty of drink options too! They can choose from apple or orange juice, milk (low-fat or chocolate) or the usual soft-drink products. Or even better, kick it up a notch and sip on a root beer float.
Nowadays, you'll want to use mobile ordering to eat at Woody's Lunch Box. Fair warning, it's a hoppin' spot, so we recommend placing an order ahead of time, rather than waiting until you're ready to eat!
Roundup Rodeo BBQ — Table-Service Restaurant Opening March 23, 2023
We are so hoppy to hear that Toy Story Land is getting its own table-service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ! Andy has set up a new play area — a rodeo!— with three cardboard boxes cut and taped together and some of his favorite toys and games. With a western-themed atmosphere, this immersive restaurant will have toys, games and playsets scattered around, including toy versions of Jessie riding on the back of a Trixie pull-toy and Bo Peep and her sheep performing in the rodeo together.
Recently announced, Roundup Rodeo will be family-style with lots of delicious "comfort food" options! Start off your meal with Prospector's Homemade Cheddar Biscuits, fruit and salads. For the main course, enjoy house-smoked meats like beef brisket, smoked ribs, pork sausage and BBQ chicken, along with sweet, traditional and spicy BBQ sauces. Plant-based options like slow-smoked cauliflower and impossible "rib chop" are also available upon request. There's a variety of sides to choose from like fried picked, loaded potato barrels and more (we are especially intrigued by Slinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese). Finish off with desserts such as apple pie or lemon and blueberry cheesecake. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty beverages are also available for purchase.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ officially opens March 23, 2023, and reservations are now available. Stay tuned for our froggy review!
Toy Story Land Tips and Touring Strategy
Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is a must-visit for many park-goers. For this reason, you'll want to have some plan for when you want to enjoy this themed land!
- If Slinky Dog Dash is a priority, either ride it first thing in the morning (especially if using early entry for hotel resort guests) or at night as wait times are typically lower. Also consider purchasing Genie+, which includes all three Toy Story Land rides.
- Woody's Lunchbox is very popular and mobile ordering ahead of time is highly recommended. If wanting to eat during prime meal times, select your designated time slot at least 30 minutes in advance.
- With a lack of shade, Toy Story Land can be very hot in those Florida summers. We recommend focusing on the land in the morning or evening. Either way, make sure you walk back through the land at night!
- Use our park plans and our Orlando Planning App. They both include step-by-step plans for the park and general when-to-visit information for each ride.
We've already hopped through every inch of this fun, immersive area, and can't wait to come back for more! Slinky Dog Dash is our new fave Disney coaster ... what are you most excited to check out? Snag your discounted tickets now to start planning your trip to visit Woody and the gang!
Related: Not-to-Miss Rides and Experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Hoppy planning!
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