I have been eagerly awaiting the opening of Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since it was announced 3 years ago. This new 11 acre land opened to the public on June 30, 2018. Toy Story Land is located back by the Walt Disney Presents attraction (formerly known as One Man’s Dream). Toy Story Land is home to 3 rides, a quick service restaurant, restrooms, and character meet and greets. On Tuesday, July 24th I took a solo day trip over to check out the new land.
Toy Story Land is bright and beautiful just like you would imagine Andy’s backyard to be. As you enter the land you are greeted by a large Woody figure which talks! Next I came across the meet and greet for our favorite Space Ranger so I had to stop and get my photo with him. All the while you can hear Jessie and Rex talking as they hang out atop the Slinky Dog Dash Roller Coaster.
I had a Fastpass for Alien Swirling Saucers so that meant I was going to have to go standby for Toy Story Midway Mania and Slinky Dog Dash. All three of these attractions are tier 1 Fastpasses at Disney’s Hollywood Studios so you can only Fastpass one of these attractions in your initial 3 Fastpasses for the day.
I entered the new queue for Toy Story Midway Mania, the standby wait time said 55 minutes, my actual wait was 40 minutes. I’ve loved this attraction for years and I scored Cat and I was highest score in the vehicle, that never happens when I ride with my family! After a quick stop in the colorful restrooms, which boast 3 changing tables in the ladies room, I headed to Alien Swirling Saucers to use my Fastpass. The standby wait time was 35 minutes. I enjoyed this ride but since I was riding alone, I slid all over the place. It is a fun albeit short ride. I personally wouldn’t wait more than 30 minutes for this attraction.
My Slinky Dog Dash Experience
Next it was over to Slinky Dog Dash!!! I am not a big roller coaster fan but I have ridden all the coasters at Walt Disney World and the fact that I was riding it for the first time as a solo traveler had me a bit extra nervous. When I approached the standby line the wait time was 80 minutes, ugh! I knew this was going to be my longest wait of the day but as passholders, we are spoiled and we have a family rule that we never get in a line with a wait time of more than 30 minutes.
I like to use the stopwatch on my phone to see how long the wait times actually are. My total wait time for Slinky Dog Dash was 1 hour 58 minutes and 22 seconds. Why so long? Florida thunderstorms. The first 42 minutes in line went smoothly, except for announcements that sever weather was heading toward the area and the ride would be shut down when it arrived. At 42 minutes and 43 seconds the storm arrived, the ride was shut down and we were in a holding pattern. Thankfully I was about 2/3 of the way through the queue and well under cover so I stayed put. Several people chose to leave the line and brave the elements. After a 49 minute and 46 second rain delay they announced the ride was reopening. Everyone stood up and filled in the spaces of those who had chosen to leave. Restarting the ride took an additional 16 minutes and 6 seconds. Once the ride was operating it took only 9 minutes and 48 seconds for me to board. So, if there wasn’t a 66 minute rain delay, my wait time would have been about 52 and a half minutes.
Disney leaves no empty seats on Slinky Dog Dash so they separate odd number parties from even number parties for loading. I was seated with a 20 something year old girl who warned me she would probably scream. I assured her I was a screamer too and then we were off. We did scream, and we laughed. Slinky Dog Dash is the smoothest coaster I have ever been on! It was so much fun and is now on my must-ride list for everyone 38″ tall and taller.
After my ride I headed over to Woody’s Lunch Box to pick up my dinner which I had ordered during the rain delay using mobile ordering. I ordered the BBQ Brisket Melt with Potato Barrels, the side of cheese sauce and a soda. The sandwich was good but I wish I had checked out the condiment station for some more BBQ sauce because the sandwich was a bit dry. I also wish I had saved my money and not added the cheese sauce because it was nasty. My next visit to Woody’s Lunch Box will be a morning visit so I can try the S’mores French Toast. The only real negative to Woody’s Lunch Box is there is no where near enough seating near the restaurant.
I had a wonderful time in Toy Story Land and I can’t wait to share it with my family. Now that I have experienced this new land it also makes it for me to help my travel clients plan their magical Walt Disney World vacation. It doesn’t cost you a penny to book with a travel agent and we handle your Fastpasses, Advanced Dining Reservations, and you get expert park touring plans customized just for you. Email Me now and we can get started.
Sounds like a rally fun addition !