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Toy Story Land Ride Secrets and Tips at Disney World Hollywood Studios

The brand new land in Walt Disney World Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land, is now open! Here’s your guide for info and tips about the rides, food, and merchandise. Read up on what you need to know to make the most of your visit.

Toy Story Land Disney World tips for rides, food, and fastpass at Hollywood Studios WDW

I’m currently sitting in the Orlando airport after spending the last couple of days in the brand new Toy Story Land. I’m sure anyone planning a family vacation to Disney World will want to check out this new land!

Thank you to Disney Parks for hosting me during my visit. Affiliate links are included in this post to recommend my personal picks.

Where is Toy Story Land?

Toy Story Land is located in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The new land is located behind Pixar Place with an entrance between what used to be the line for Toy Story Mania! and the Walt Disney Presents theater.

As you enter the land you’ll be greeted by a giant Woody statue that makes an excellent photo backdrop. I expect line-ups, and a Photopass photographer will probably be stationed here.

As you pass Woody you’ll wrap around to the left and finally enter the main “street” of the land. Your first attraction will be Toy Story Mania! on your left. Past that, you can break off to the right for Slinky Dog Dash. If you continue straight you’ll pass Woody’s Lunch Box on your left and eventually reach the end of the land. At the end are the restrooms on the left and Alien Swirling Saucers on the right. Peek over Andy’s fence to see Star Wars Galaxy Edge being built.

The land is fairly compact with three ride attractions, one restaurant, and two shopping carts. Don’t let its small size fool you though, there are some great attractions you must try and so many photo opportunities you don’t want to miss! I’m a sucker for the obvious giant Woody and Buzz photo opp backdrops. But, the popsicle wall (popular from Shanghai Disneyland) will probably soon become popular on Instagram. Find it at the exit of Toy Story Mania!

Find the best hotels near Disney Hollywood Studios on TripAdvisor

What are the Rides in Toy Story Land?

The main ride attractions in Toy Story Land are Slinky Dog Dash (new), Alien Swirling Saucers (new), and Toy Story Mania! (not new).

Slinky Dog Dash

slinky dog dash ride in toy story land disney world hollywood studios

Slinky Dog Dash at Toy Story Land in WDW Florida

This was my favorite ride attraction in Toy Story Land! I think Disney Imagineering did a fabulous job at keeping the ride fun for adults and making it great for kids. I think it’s a fabulous starter roller coaster for older kids with drops, hills, and some good g-force turns. With a ride height of 38″ it welcomes many families who otherwise have been left out of the roller coaster game in Hollywood Studios. Slinky Dog Dash is a Fastpass+ attraction.

The ride itself is a train of nine two-seater cars. If I had to explain the ride I’d compare it most closely with Big Thunder Mountain. You start off easy with a quick pick-up of speed and then the curves come. You’ll wrap around Jessie and Rex and have one final great curve before finding yourself stopped. Reminiscent of old pull-back toys, Slinky Dog will wind back and slingshot you through light tunnels and up a big hill. You’ll start to drop and go into a “whoop” section of four mini up-and-down hills. Now you have one more great curve before the photo spot and finish. At the finish you’ll see some more classic toys including Wheezy, singing the Toy Story classic, ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’.

Where’s the Best Seat on Slinky Dog Dash?

where's the best place to sit on slinky dog dash toy story land tips

Where’s the Best Seat on Slinky Dog Dash and Where is the Ride Camera on Slinky Dog Dash?
© Kimberly Tate

I rode four times in different spots so I feel pretty confident in my recommendations here. The best seat on Slinky Dog Dash is going to depend on what you want out of the ride. I personally think the back seat is the best! It whipped me around the most of any other spot and I got the most drop action after the big slingshot hill. I also think the back seat gives you the best view of Slinky Dog looking like a slinky on the track!

Many will want to ride in the front, and it’s not a bad seat either. The front car has a cute view of Slinky Dog for the entire ride, and you’ll get a great view of the park on each curve and rise. In the back I felt a lot more movement so had less time to look around!

However, don’t knock the middle seats either. My very first experience was in the middle, and I loved the ride. I even think the middle might be just as good as the front car since you’ll get that fun slinky dog accordion look as he dips and rises and turns.

Where is the Camera on Slinky Dog Dash?

ride camera location on toy story land slink dog dash

Ride Camera position on Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land Walt Disney World.
© Kimberly Tate from Disney PhotoPass

If you want to get a ride photo, and pose for the camera, you’ll want to be ready towards the end of the ride. After your four mini hills you’ll take a tight u-turn to the left then a final right turn to the end. The camera is just before Slinky Dog starts to turn back right towards the end. And the camera is shooting from the right car side, so whoever is sitting on the right is closest to the camera.

In the photo above showing the big curve on Slinky Dog, you can actually see the camera position in the green block on the right middle of the photo.

find out the location of the ride camera on Slinky Dog Dash in Disney World

Where is the ride camera on Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land?
© Kimberly Tate

Alien Swirling Saucers

riding the alien swirling saucers ride in toy story land in florida

Aliens Swirling Saucers ride attraction at Disney World Toy Story Land Florida.
© Kimberly Tate

This ride actually takes up quite a bit of ground space in Toy Story Land. There are two separate sections of the ride, so imagine two sets of teacups running next to each other. This ride isn’t near as spin-y as the teacups though. For my California readers, this ride is a lot like Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Disney’s California Adventure Park at Disneyland.

One or two riders will climb into the back of an alien spaceship and the aliens will then swing you around and around. I actually hesitated riding this ride because I get motion sickness, however I did just fine. This ride has a 32″ height requirement.

If you’re waiting for your party to ride, try to keep your eye on which ride section they end up getting “sorted” into. The exits for the two cycles are in different places so you don’t want to miss your little ones getting off.

Toy Story Mania!

ride entrance for toy story mania! in disney world florida

New ride entrance for Toy Story Mania! in Toy Story Land at Disney Hollywood Studios.
© Kimberly Tate

This is not a new ride, however there is a whole new entrance and ride queue that is so much better than the original. You’ll enter what almost seems to look like a marquee circus toy box. The line winds around and around rooms filled with board game and toy decor. Be sure to look up on the ceilings, and watch the etch-a-sketch draw you a little something. Then you’ll come around to meet Mr. Potato Head! For us Disneyland fans he’ll be a familiar face. But for the Disney World crowd, he’ll delight you with funny jokes and smirking puns.

mr potato head in line toy story mania ride

Mr. Potato Head has come to Walt Disney World. Listen to his punny jokes while waiting in line on Toy Story Mania! at Walt Disney World Toy Story Land.
© Kimberly Tate

Toy Story Mania! will continue to be an excellent spot to escape the rain and sun, and one of the few places in Toy Story Land to find that.

Where’s the Food in Toy Story Land?

woodys lunch box food spot in toy story land wdw

Woody’s Lunch Box restaurant in Toy Story Land.
© Kimberly Tate

Woody’s Lunch Box is the one restaurant in Toy Story Land. It’s located mid-land across from the Slinky Dog Dash entrance bridge. The food here is very creative and reminded me of childhood classics.

food at toy story land

Grilled sandwiches at Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land.
© Kimberly Tate

They have a great menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I was able to try the BBQ Brisket and Grilled Cheese sandwiches and they’re not your average theme park food. I was really impressed with the gourmet look and taste of each. The big talk of the land is the S’more French Toast Sandwich served for breakfast, so consider giving that a try.

menu at woodys lunch box

Menu for Toy Story Land Woody’s Lunch Box.
© Kimberly Tate

I will note, there seemed to be very limited seating, so avoid busy meal times if you want to sit and eat at Woody’s Lunch Box. If you can find seating, be sure to look at the adorably themed Babybel tables and benches.

mobile order at woodys lunch box

Mobile order your food with the My Disney app to avoid long lines.
© Kimberly Tate

Mobile ordering is available at Woody’s Lunch Box, so be sure you have the My Disney Experience app installed before your visit. You can order your food on your phone versus standing in line at the ordering kiosks. Then you’ll get an alert when your order is ready for pickup.

Breakfast at Woody’s Lunch Box

food breakfast at toy story land

New gourmet inspired food menu at Toy Story Land.
© Kimberly Tate

Breakfast Bowl ($8.49 adult and $5.49 kid) – Hearty portion of Potato Barrels smothered in Smoked Brisket Country Gravy, Scrambled Eggs and a sprinkling of Green Onions

Smoked Turkey Breakfast Sandwich ($7.49 adult and $5.49 kid) – Thick-sliced Smoked Turkey Breast, Melted Swiss Cheese, Sautéed Green Pepper, Onions and Scrambled Eggs on Grilled Sourdough

S’more French Toast Sandwich ($7.99 adult and $5.99 kid) – Marshmallow and Chocolate Ganache stuffed in Grilled Custard soaked Brioche encrusted with Graham Cracker Crumbs

Banana Split Yogurt Parfait ($5.99) – Pineapple, Strawberries and Banana between layers of Vanilla Yogurt and Honey topped with Granola and Dark Chocolate Chips

Lunch and Dinner at Woody’s Lunch Box

BBQ Brisket Sandwich ($12.99) – Sliced Smoked Brisket, Pickles and tangy BBQ Sauce between melted Cheddar and Monterey Jack Cheeses on Grilled Sourdough

Smoked Turkey Sandwich ($9.99 adult and $6.79 kid) – Thick-sliced Smoked Turkey Breast, Lettuce and Tomato with Dijonnaise spread served chilled on Sunflower Multigrain

“Totchos” ($8.99) – Potato Barrels coated with Beef and Bean Chili, Shredded Cheese and signature Queso with Tomatoes and Corn Chips finished with Sour Cream and a sprinkle of Green Onions

Monte Cristo ($11.99) – Thick-sliced Smoked Turkey Breast, Ham, Raspberry Marmalade, Dijon Mustard and Melted Swiss Cheese on Grilled Custard soaked Brioche

Grilled Three Cheese Sandwich ($8.99 adult $5.99 kid) – Melted Provolone and Cheddar Cheeses with a Cheddar Cream Cheese Spread on Garlic Buttered Grilled Artisan French Bread

Sides and Desserts

Tomato Basil Soup – $3.69

Vegetable Macaroni Salad – $2.99

Potato Barrels – $3.49

Mini Babybel Snack Cheese [3 pk] – $3.49

Lunch Box Tart – Raspberry [Raspberry Marmalade stuffed Pastry coated in a Strawberry Fondant and Crispy Pearls] or Chocolate Hazelnut [Chocolate-Hazelnut stuffed Pastry coated in Maple Fondant and Candied Bacon] – $3.29

Drinks

Mystic Portal Punch ($4.49) – POWERade® Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of Lemon-Lime and Tangerine

Mystic Portal Punch – Souvenir Alien Sipper ($16.19) – POWERade® Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of Lemon-Lime and Tangerine served in a Souvenir Alien Sipper

Ice Cream Float with Barq’s® Root Beer ($4.99) – made with Vanilla Soft Serve Ice Cream

Souvenir Alien Sipper ($14.99) – your choice of Fountain Beverage served in a Souvenir Alien Sipper

Alcoholic Drinks

Grown-Up’s Lemonade ($9.25) – Three Olives Cherry Vodka, odwalla® All-Natural Lemonade and Black Cherry Purée

Blue Moon Belgian White Ale – Golden, CO ($7.25 Draft Beer 16 oz, $8.50 Draft Beer 22 oz) – easy and refreshing with light notes of Citrus and Spice with low bitterness

Bud Light Lager – St. Louis, MO ($6.75 Draft Beer 16 oz, $8.00 Draft Beer 22 oz) – golden colored with flavors that are dry, clean, crisp and refreshing with subtle bitterness

Angry Orchard Crisp Apple Hard Cider – Cincinnati, OH ($6.00 Draft 16 oz, $9.25 Draft 22 oz) – sweet and refreshing, a favorite since Colonial times

Shopping in Toy Story Land

shopping merchandise for toy story land

Shopping in Toy Story Land is at two toy-themed kiosks.
© Kimberly Tate

There are no foundation built shops in Toy Story Land, just two kiosk carts. I will say the kiosks themselves are extremely cute and are themed like toys themselves. One kiosk is located across from Toy Story Mania!

There are new toys coming to the parks to celebrate Toy Story Land including a very popular Buzz Lightyear bubble blower and a Slinky Dog headband (mouse-ears style). They also have two toys based on the Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers ride attractions.

The Disney cast members I spoke with said the merchandise will be available in a few of the park shops in addition to the two land kiosks.

Tips for Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios at Disney World

Fastpass for Toy Story Land

Fastpass+ will be available for all three rides in Toy Story Land. Be sure to read my post about how Disney World Fastpass+ works so you understand more about what that means. When selecting a Fastpass+, you get three a day at first, but only one can be a tier 1 attraction. Unfortunately, all the tier 1 attractions are now all three of the Toy Story Land rides.

For Toy Story Land, it’s going to mean that you’ll only get to choose one of the rides for your initial three Fastpass+ selections. Once you’ve used all three of those fastpasses you can get more, however I highly suspect that there won’t be any left at that point. At least initially, while the land is new.

This means, that you need to prepare yourself for at least one long wait. My initial guess is that the Alien Swirling Saucers will process riders more quickly, so I’d probably go after the Slinky Dog Dash fastpass. I also think the ride queue for Toy Story Mania! is the best in terms of things to look at and escaping the heat so I’d rather spend my waiting time there.

Your best chance for getting a fastpass for one of these attractions is if you are staying at a Disney World hotel property. If you’re staying on site and have your tickets purchased you can book fastpasses 60 days before your trip starts. Guests not staying on site can book 30 days in advance.

Disney Play App

Play Disney Parks app for games while waiting in line

Download the new Play Disney Parks app for fun games activated only when you’re in a ride line.
© Kimberly Tate

Disney just launched a brand-new app for Disney fans. The Play Disney Parks app is free and can be used at home and in the WDW and Disneyland parks. If you’re heading to Disney World you definitely want the app since there are cute themed games you can play only while in line on some attractions. I got to test out Andy’s Board Game with a friend while waiting in line at Slinky Dog Dash. The app is for more than just Toy Story Land though. I hear Space Mountain has an exciting in queue experience. And you can also play at home when you’re dreaming of Disney.

Sun / Shade Tips

Toy Story Land is built to be Andy’s backyard, with you having shrunk into a small toy. This great open backyard feel brings with it the challenge of limited shade. We had some hot days during our visit and wow, it felt hot in the land. Slinky Dog Dash has a ride queue that is mostly outdoors with small shaded sections. Alien Swirling Saucers might have a bit more, but not tons. Toy Story Mania! is going to be your best place to escape the heat.

I’d recommend these items to buy and take with you for surviving hot days in Toy Story Land, and in Disney World:

Travel Umbrella  |  Portable Mister Fan  |  Cooling Towel  |  Sun Hat  |  Sunscreen

Rain

The lack of shade also means there isn’t a lot of cover from the rain if a Florida thunderstorm happens while you’re in Toy Story Land. But in addition to the lack of cover, both Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers will not operate in the rain. Of course, check the My Disney Experience app for ride information, but be prepared for the rides to close if there is rain. Again, Toy Story Mania! is indoors and so this isn’t a problem.

Day / Night

Do Toy Story Land during the day and at night for a different ride experience.

Toy Story Land at Night is definitely worth checking out!
© Kimberly Tate

My final tip is to try to experience the land both during the day and at night. During the day the colors really pop and you’re able to capture all the amazing detail the imagineers put into this land. During the night, the land lights up with colorful string lights overhead and each ride attraction glows.

Hopefully that answers all your questions about Toy Story Land in Disney World Florida! If you have any other questions, comment below and I’ll try to help. Happy planning and play big, toys!

Toy Story Land in Disney World tips for rides, food, fastpass, and games in Hollywood Studios new land.

Guide to Toy Story Land rides, food, toys, and tips!
© Kimberly Tate

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