On June 30, 2018 Walt Disney World officially opened Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The Toy Story franchise has been around for over 20 years so the opening of this park was a pretty big deal for anyone growing up in the 90’s. Learn all about the ins and outs of playing in Andy’s back yard with our 11 Must-Dos in Disney’s Toy Story Land.

Come and play in Andy’s backyard in the all new Toy Story Land. Photo Credit: Disney

Disclosure: Walt Disney World hosted me at the Toy Story Land media preview event, providing tickets, accommodations, and other complimentary experiences. All opinions are my own.

11 Must-Dos in Disney’s Toy Story Land

I attended the media preview surrounding the dedication and opening of this amazing new land and was able to see it before the crazy crowds hit. Wow! Toy Story Land lived up to all my expectations. I watched all of the films with my children over the years (repeatedly) so seeing this world come to life was so special to me. As with any new addition to Disney Parks the first several months will be packed with people and the lines, well you can imagine how long they will be. Follow our 11 Must-Dos in Disney’s Toy Story Land to fully immerse yourself in this new land without missing a thing.

1. Come Prepared for the Weather

Toy Story Land is located in the back of Disney’s Hollywood Studios just off Pixar Place. I mention this as my family was enjoying a preview of the land this past week when torrential rain storms hit. Of course none of us had an umbrella, poncho or raincoat. By the time we made it to the park exit we were soaked from head to toe. Literally, our shoes were filled with water. Make absolutely certain you pack a poncho in your backpack before heading to Toy Story Land. You will thank me later. It rains in Florida, A LOT.

The entire land is themed around toys playing in Andy’s back yard. There aren’t very many trees providing shade which means the sun shines brightly over this land. Make absolutely certain you pack sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. If you are visiting during the day you will need them. Also, make sure to stay hydrated.

DIStracted Tip – If visiting during the summer months, consider visiting at night (see below).

2. Take Time to Enjoy Andy’s Back Yard

Toy Story Land is themed around Andy’s back yard. The attention to detail is amazing. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles

As previously mentioned, this entire land is themed around toys playing in Andy’s backyard. Disney Imagineers went to infinity and beyond with the details and theming. Most of you will probably run straight into the land to get in line for one of the three (3) attractions. I get that, just do me a favor and pay attention to the details. As you enter the land look for Andy’s giant footprints on the ground. This detail puts into context just how small the toys are compared to Andy.

Look around and reminisce with the various toys from your childhood. You’ll see tinker toys, colored blocks, wooden train tracks, bouncy balls, board games and so much more. Even the bathroom is themed around the game Cooties. Need a place to rest? Take a seat on a popsicle bench made completely out of large “stained” popsicle sticks. Every little detail is significant.

3. Ride Slinky Dog Dash

Y’all! Slinky Dog Dash is everything! I love all of the rides in Disney Parks, however, my absolute favorites are Big Thunder Mountain Railroad (Magic Kingdom) and Rock n’ Roller Coaster (Hollywood Studios). After riding Slinky Dog Dash seven times, Yes! Seven times, this has instantly become one of my favorites. I’ll be honest I totally expected this to be a kiddie coaster similar to the Barnstormer. Boy was I wrong! Slinky Dog Dash is definitely kid-friendly (the height requirement for Slinky Dog Dash is 38 inches), however, the adults are going to love this one too. You will laugh the entire time. There’s one part in particular where you can’t help but giggle out loud.

Make sure you get a FastPass+ for Slinky Dog Dash as the lines are crazy long, yet worth every single minute.

5. Purchase Slinky Dog Ears

Renee from Tales of One Mom’s Mess and I sporting our Slinky Dog ears at the dedication ceremony. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles

These are the absolute cutest Disney ears I have ever seen. I mean, who doesn’t love Slinky Dog? These super soft plush ears can be found at the various merchandise locations in Toy Story Land. At the time of writing this article I see the ears are sold out on the Shop Disney Parks app. If you see them you better grab them now. These are going to be a hot ticket item that may be as hard to find as the coveted rose gold ears.

As someone who suffers with chronic migraines I usually can’t wear the ear headbands for long before they start hurting. I was able to wear my Slinky Dog ears the entire day without a single headache. That’s saying something.

6. Interact with the Green Army Patrol

The Green Army Patrol is my favorite part of the all new Toy Story Land. Photo Credit: Disney

I love all of the fabulous characters from Toy Story, however, the green army men have always been my favorite. My son spent countless hours as a child playing with these little guys. They bring back cherished memories of my little guy who is now 18 and about to leave for college. Sniff sniff.

In my opinion, the Green Army Patrol are the most interactive characters in Walt Disney World. If you caught my Facebook live video from the media preview you’ll know what I am talking about. I  played bouncy ball with these guys for quite some time. Was it fun? Sir, yes Sir!

If you’re lucky you may get to see them playing the drums.

Play big in the all new Toy Story Land in Walt Disney World. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles

7. Order a Lunch Box Tart from Woody’s Lunch Box

The Lunch Box Tarts are a creative spin on the popular Pop Tarts. Photo Credit: Disney

Toy Story Land is home to an all-new quick service dining location – Woody’s Lunch Box. If you are an early riser plan on having breakfast here where you can feast on Smore’s French Toast. During lunch and dinner hours you can get sandwiches, soup, and the famous Disney Totchos.

All day long you can feast on the most amazing pastry I have eaten in a while – the Lunch Box Tart. It’s like a giant Pop Tart (but much better) filled with either raspberry or chocolate hazelnut. Yum! At the great price of $3.29 you can try them both. Heads up – they are really filling so make sure to share. These aren’t your average Pop Tarts.

8. Ride Alien Swirling Saucers

Alien Swirling Saucers is such a fun, family-friendly attraction. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles

I’ll be honest – I was not looking forward to this ride. Anything with the word “swirling” in it automatically makes me think of motion sickness. I’m that one Disney fan who refuses to ride the teacups. I was so pleasantly surprised to find out the Alien Swirling Saucers are nothing like that. Yes, they swirl, but not in a “swirl and hurl” kind of motion. If you’ve been to Disney’s California Adventure Park and ridden Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree you’ll know what to expect as the rides are quite similar.

I had a blast riding this with my kids. Depending on size, up to three people can ride at one time. You must be 32 inches to ride the Alien Swirling Saucers.

9. Meet the Toys

Meet Buzz and Woody in the all new Toy Story Land. Photo Credit: Disney

At this time Disney does not have a dedicated area where you can meet the toys. I’m sure over the next several months we will have more information. What we do know at this time is that you can meet Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and the Green Army Patrol while visiting Toy Story Land. Currently we are being told that Buzz will greet guests upon entering the land while the remaining toys will be “wandering around.”

10. Take photos at the Instagram Themed Walls

If you’re on Instagram chances are you know all about the different themed Disney walls. Thousands seek out these different walls located throughout the Disney Parks to take their photograph in front of them and post on Instagram. Toy Story Land is home to three (3) themed walls that have already been a huge hit on Insta. Make sure you find them.

• Andy’s Wall – #AndysWall
• Popsicle Stick Wall – #PopsicleWall
• Block Wall – #BlockWall

11. Ride Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania has a new entrance in Toy Story Land. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles

The entrance to Toy Story Mania can now be found in Toy Story Land. This fabulous ride has been around since 2008 so chances are you’ve already ridden it. The ride is the same, however, there is an all-new queue featuring a talking Mr. Potato Head.

12. Visit Toy Story Land at Night

You absolutely must experience the beauty of Toy Story Land at night. Photo Credit: Caroline Knowles

This is probably the most important out of the 12 Must-Dos in Toy Story Land. If you only follow one thing I have recommended, let this be it. Much like the all-new Pandora in Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Toy Story Land is pretty amazing at night. The entire land lights up beneath tiny Christmas lights. Another great thing about visiting at night – the lack of sun.