Tag: toy story mania

Toy Story Land is a blast!

We had a chance to visit Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and it was a blast!

Woody greeting guests at the entrance to Toy Story Land.

Woody is there to greet you with a “Howdy, Pardner!” and you find yourself shrunk down to the size of one of Andy’s toys.

We went during Extra Magic Hours, from 7 to 8 AM. Disney World is offering daily Extra Magic Hours for Hollywood Studios through August, 2018. If you can, take advantage of them! Crowds were incredibly light. Everyone seems to be running straight to Slinky Dog Dash, and you can do that too and have only a short wait. We walked onto Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania twice, each, no waiting. We also were able to meet Buzz, Woody, and Jessie with waits of less than five minutes.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Woody before but I’ve been waiting FOREVER to meet Jessie!

The new entrance to Toy Story Mania.

Toy Story Mania has a new entrance and queue, but it’s still the amazingly fun ride you know and love. Alien Swirling Saucers is kind of like the teacups on steroids — all the swirly fun but some added bits. I loved it, but I’m a fan of spinny rides.

We had been chosen! Swirling around in Alien Swirling Saucers.

As for Slinky Dog Dash, it’s a great coaster. Not a thrill ride for sure, but not a kiddie coaster either. The speed is comparable to Seven Dwarves Mine Train and the trajectory is similar to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, but the ride is very, very smooth. For a more intense ride, sit in the back; for a calmer experience, try the front.

One disappointment was Woody’s lunchbox. Some of the more interesting items, the brisket sandwich and the grilled cheese and totchos, are only served at lunch, after 10:30 AM. The breakfast offerings we tried did not impress. The turkey and egg sandwich was okay but not exciting and the tater tots were cold.

There’s no actual gift shop in Toy Story Land, which is a little surprising — for one thing, it would be nice if there was one place to go that provided shelter from the elements and even a little air conditioning. Instead, merchandise is sold from carts. There are a few fun toys, Slink eats, alien ears, and an alien souvenir cup, as well as t-shirts, hats, and pins.

Toy Story Land isn’t jaw-droppingly innovative, but it is a great and much-needed addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, which has been rightly called a “half-day Park” for some time. The Toy Story franchise has enthralled both children and adults for years and this new land is a long-overdue expansion we were very glad to see.

NEW: Early Morning Magic at Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Mania Hollywood Studios Early Morning MagicWalt Disney World will begin offering its Early Morning Magic program at Hollywood Studios on August 1, 2016. This program is currently available on select days at the Magic Kingdom, and has received mostly positive reviews. (For a great run down on how it works, read Kenny the Pirate’s post about it here.)

I’m not surprised by this (in fact, I’m thrilled — and hoping it’s still booking for my next trip in December). Folks, Disney is on to the fact that a lot of people book pre-park ADRs (Advanced Dining Reservations) just to get a jump on liming up for the most popular rides — making an 8 AM reservation at Be Our Guest, for example, just to get in line for Seven Dwarfs Mine Train ahead of the crowds. And rather than fight it, they’re just monetizing it instead. For a fee you can skip the shenanigans and ride in peace, and enjoy a nice breakfast at the same time. The price is a little steep, but then again, it’s far from mandatory, and it’s all about what the experience is worth to you, personally.

Disney World to begin offering Early Morning Magic at Hollywood Studios on August 1. Click To Tweet

So, the details:

  • Early admission to Hollywood studios at 7:45 AM
  • Rides open: Star Tours, Toy Story Mania!, meet Buzz & Woody, and photos with Mickey, Minnie and Olaf
  • All you can eat buffet breakfast at the ABC Commissary, which includes:
    • Assorted chilled fruit juices
    • Sliced seasonal fruit and berries
    • A variety of freshly baked breakfast pastries, served with butter, preserves and marmalade
    • Fluffy scrambled eggs
    • Spinach and mushroom frittata
    • Bacon and pork sausage
    • Cheesy potatoes
    • Puffed French toast with butter & syrup
    • Muesli with assorted toppings
    • Coffee, decaf, milk, chocolate milk and a selection of teas
  • Cost: $69 for adults and $59 for children. Separate Hollywood Studios admission is required.
  • Reservations now available for Mondays and Wednesdays in August and September, 2016.