Toy Story Land Invites You to 'Play Big'
Entertainment Michael Schottey June 29, 2018

It might be the most playful addition Disney has ever done.
With Toy Story Land officially opened at Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Disney executives and staff have invited everyone to “Play Big” at the parks in a way which re-imagines the backyard of Toy Story's Andy where guests get to join his favorite toys: Buzz Lightyear, Sheriff Woody, Slinky Dog and so many more.
“Disney World is enjoying the most significant period of growth in the last two decades, thanks in large part to Toy Story Land,” said George A. Kalogridis, President of Walt Disney World Resort.
The opening moment was presided over by Disney Parks Chairman Bob Chapek with some help from Toy Story’s most-beloved characters. However—in perfect Disney fashion—there was a twist in the festivities when the team needed “more power” to open the park. To save the day was Tim Allen, who made “more power” his catchphrase on ABC’s Home Improvement and also provides the voice for Buzz Lightyear.
Allen, with more than a little nostalgia, seemed choked up as he looked around at the moment and what the movie’s legacy has become after so many years.
Crowning the addition is “Slinky Dog Dash,” a family-friendly coaster with a height requirement perfect for the little ones (38 inches) but just enough thrill and ingenuity for older kids and mom and dad as well.
The story behind the coaster is that Andy built the track (you can even spy plans, drawn in crayon) around his favorite toys in his backyard to give guests a ride on his favorite Slinky Dog. The ride boasts some hard banking turns and camelback humps—perfect for a ride car built with springs! It also has a second starting point, which is a nice feature leading to a little extra adrenaline rush.
Toy Story Land also features the new “Alien Swirling Saucers,” a playful, spinning ride that is reminiscent (if not a little tamer to the stomach) than the infamous teacups at Magic Kingdom. Toy Story Mania, an already existing and very popular ride at Hollywood Studios, also got a new entrance to make it a part of the Toy Story Land area.
Foodies also get something to enjoy at “Woody’s Lunch Box,” the casual restaurant in the new area. Set up to look like a vintage lunch box and a picnic set up for green army men, the restaurant features kid-friendly fare that is elevated in fun and unique ways. Put another way, it’s food reminiscent of what Andy may have eaten while playing in the backyard—if Andy’s mom was a rockstar Disney chef.
Offerings include: S’More French Toast, Grilled Three-Cheese Toast and Tomato Soup, BBQ Brisket Melt, Totchos, Monte Cristo, Banana Split Yogurt Parfait and Lunch Box Tarts.
That last item is an amazing reimagination of the toaster pastries many of us grew up with, only taken to a new level with either raspberry filling or chocolate-hazelnut filling—the second of which is garnished with caramelized bacon.
Yes, bacon.
Throughout their time as honorary toys, guests get to interact with Toy Story characters including that well-fed Green Army Men brigade, who will march around the park playing games and running interactive toy boot camps.
With Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios not only gets a nice boost with new attractions and experiences, but may start to creep toward the front of many longtime Disney fans’ minds as their favorite of the parks—a trend that will only continue moving forward.
"The opening of Toy Story Land is a big step in the evolution of Disney's Hollywood Studios," said Chapek, "as we transform it from a place that took guests behind the scenes into one that puts them at the center of the action."
The park is adding previously announced additions like “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” and “Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.” Following the Toy Story Land opening, Disney also announced “Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy,” a whole new experience to be located near Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
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