This new park is extremely popular, so we went first thing in the morning to beat the heat and to minimize ride wait times, which turned out to be a good strategy. With all the toys and rides sized extra large, visitors feel like they're as small as Andy's toys. In fact, being in the park gives you the feeling that you're in Andy's backyard.
Walt Disney Imagineers David Minichiello (Executive Creative Director) and Kelly Bornemann (Communication Manager) pointed out all the amazing details that went into each and every attraction in the park, with little touches that make it seem like Andy built it himself out of his toys and building sets. It's obvious the Imagineers put a lot of thought -- not to mention imagination -- into every aspect and the result is incredible.
As for rides, there are three and I couldn't decide which one was my favorite because they were all different and equally fun. They're not too scary for children, but also not too tame for adults. The Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster takes you around curves, hills and drops at breathtaking speed, while the Alien Swirling Saucers feature spaceships that are each connected to an alien in a saucer who guides and spins you around four different large circles. Although it looks like the dizzying tea cup ride in Magic Kingdom, because this ride swings you around the entire ride area instead of staying on one circle, it was just exhilarating fun without the dizziness!
There's also Toy Story Mania -- a 4D attraction in which you get in a car in an air-conditioned building that contains a selection of carnival midway games. Each car comes with two blasters so you and your partner can shoot virtual objects in a timed game, before your car whisks you to the next one. From one midway game to the next, your points are tallied and you get to see your total score at the end.
Finally, once you've worked up an appetite, you can stop at Woody's Lunch Box for a meal. It's got plenty of "kid-friendly" food that adults will enjoy too -- such as grilled cheese sandwiches and s'mores, with an ice cream float (root beer and soft service vanilla ice cream) to complete your meal.
There's even a giant-sized Play Family Camper that offers all the Toy Story merchandise and memorabilia you could want.
Best of all, there are life-sized characters walking around who are all very accomodating to visitors. We saw Buzz Lightyear, several green soldiers and Woody, greeting children and adults alike. These characters have heart, taking plenty of time with the children who were extremely excited to meet them. I also witnessed Woody having an extended meeting and hugs with a disabled young man. It was really heartwarming and in keeping with the friendly Disney atmosphere of the parks.
This exciting new park is not to be missed, especially if you're a Toy Story fan -- it will bring out the kid in you! Make sure to check all the photos below to see the details and vibrant colors of this beautiful new park.
Toy Story Land is located inside Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney Parks have shared with us an offer open to Canadian residents wanting to visit Disney World in Florida. Click here to save on an adult 4-day or longer base theme park ticket to all four Walt Disney World Parks.
Canadians who would prefer to travel to Disneyland in California, click here for a special multi-day ticket offer to Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park. ~Alexandra Heilbron
Comments & Discussion
Join The Conversation: