11 Incredible Toy Story Land Tips (A First Timer’s Guide)

Are you ready to rope drop Slinky Dog Dash? You can definitely do it will these easy Toy Story Land tips.

The colorful addition to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land, has fans of both brands frolicking to the park in large numbers.

Toy Story Land is based off the Disney-Pixar franchise that stars Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the whole crew!

As you read this article you will learn 11 first timer tips to doing Toy Story Land at Disney World like a pro so you can have the best vacation ever!

Toy Story Land Guide and Tips for Disney's Hollywood Studios

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS. PLEASE READ MY DISCLOSURE FOR MORE INFO.  Which means if you click on certain links, I may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

1. PLAN AHEAD

There are days when the journey is sweeter with spontaneity. However, mapping out your day is a good way to make sure you’re able to enjoy each must do item.

Toy Story Land Colorful Toy Blocks near restroom.
Toy blocks near restrooms.

Route your path around Toy Story Land in advance by downloading a map online or on your phone.

Disney Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Popcorn with Woody and Bo Peep Character Meet and Greet with NikkyJ
Enjoying my trip to Toy Story Land!

You can also chat with an authorized Disney vacation planner to help you make the most of your trip.

Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Map

I recommend you get to the park gates at least an hour in advance. Once you’re in, make your way quickly to Slinky Dog Dash.

My recommended Toy Story Land Itinerary for you:

Ready to plan your theme park trip? Watch the best vacation planning tips on YouTube. Get started here!

2. BOOK A TOY STORY LAND GENIE+ PASS

Each morning if you want the “skip-the-line service,” simply log in to your My Disney Experience App and purchase the Genie+ feature. 

This gives you access to select rides for “Lightning Lanes” so you can save time by avoiding waiting in the regular line!

The price for the service varies depending on the day but is typically around $25-$30 per person. 

How does the Genie+ system work at Toy Story Land?

You select a one hour window of time to arrive at the attraction, then hop in the Lightning Lane line to skip most of the wait!

Disney Genie App with Genie Plus Lightning Lane

Just pick a ride, pick a window of time to visit, and voila! You get to skip the standby line!

This means you can choose any of the Toy Story Land rides and other popular attractions at Hollywood Studios for your Genie+ reservations.

Since Slinky Dog Dash has a higher demand than Alien Swirling Saucers, my top advice for you is to try really hard to get a Genie+ for Slinky Dog Dash.

Check out my Genie+ plus tips here for increasing your chances.

Hipster Power Tip: Don’t give up on your Slinky Dog Dash Genie+ Reservation! Be persistent and you may grab one on the day of your visit!

3. GET TO TOY STORY LAND EARLY

We’ve all heard the saying…

“the early bird catches the wormyou snooze, you lose”

…so on and so on. It’s the classic tip for any theme park visitor, especially any Disney guest.

Coming early to Hollywood Studios will give you a chance to pace yourself by allowing you to enjoy every aspect of Toy Story Land.

Toy Story Land tips with green army man holding up Elmer's glue.
Slinky Dog Dash Queue

If you’re staying at an offsite Disney Resort, I recommend getting to the park at least 60 minutes early, giving ample time for parking and going through security.

Toy Story Land Tips Life size domino games.
Life size games.

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

4. KNOW THE TOY STORY LAND RIDES & ATTRACTIONS

There are 3 main attractions in Toy Story Land Orlando. Let’s go through each attraction below:

Slinky Dog Dash

The Slinky Dog Dash is based on the character, Andy, from the Toy Story series. This fun coaster shows you Andy’s journey of assembling his Mega Coaster Play Kit.

Toy Story Land Slinky Dog Dash takes you on a wild, toy-filled adventure with the cute coils across Andy’s backyard!

Toy Story Land Disney World Pics with Slinky Dog Dash red roller coaster.
Slinky Dog Dash

You will bend and twist your way all throughout Andy’s newly assembled toy decorated with festive holiday lights, perfectly placed building blocks, and super cute wrangler Jessie welcoming you!

Slinky Dog Dash is a tame, but wacky coaster the whole family will enjoy and it’s actually lots of fun.

Try to ride Slinky Dog Dash multiple times if you can. The ride experience is different from each row, especially from the back.

Alien Swirling Saucers

The Alien Swirling Saucers takes you on an interstellar, out-of-this-world party! Complete with Disney flavored techno music.

Toy Story Land rides: Green Swirling Aliens
Toy Story Land Alien Swirling Saucers

You spin into space on this much friendlier version of the Mad Tea Party based off the flying saucer play set Andy won at Pizza Planet.

Toy Story Mania!

The Toy Story Mania! (formerly called Toy Story Midway Mania) ride has been at Hollywood Studios for  a decade.

Disney World Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Toy Story Mania Ride

This is a point and “shoot” type arcade experience that takes you through carnival games.

Disney World Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Toy Story Mania Ride

Toy Story Mania! places you inside Andy’s room through a toy treasure chest of classics such as Candyland® game box, Viewmaster® discs, crayon drawings and more all in the queue.

You then pick up a pair of special 3D glasses for more fun.

Disney World Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Toy Story Mania Ride

On Toy Story Mania! you play 5 unique, virtual carnival games. As each game is completed, your Carnival Ride Tram will quickly rotate and slide onto the next game.

Toy Story Mania! Ride Breakdown:

  • Game 1: Hamm & Eggs: Goal is to knock down both moving and stationary barnyard animal targets using hard-boiled eggs
  • Next Game 2: Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts: Objective is to launch darts and pop balloons in front of a bubbling volcano
  • Game 3: Green Army Men Shoot Camp: On this game you use baseballs to break plates at a green army man firing range
  • Next Game 4: Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers: With the help of Buzz Lightyear you toss rings and make them land atop the Little Green Men
  • Game 5: Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery: Goal is to shoot suction-cup-tipped darts at a variety of mine-cart

WATCH: 13 Beginner Tips for Going to Disney World This Year!

5. SEE TOY STORY LAND AT NIGHT

The whole area of Toy Story Land is much different at nighttime. Once the sun goes down, the toys come to life. At least in my imagination…

Disney World Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land entrance at Christmas with Woody

Slinky Dog Dash Christmas lights strung over the ride invites you to get lost in Andy’s backyard. The area truly takes on a life of its own.

Disney World Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Christmas

So, make it a priority to see this land in both the morning and at night. This will give you the opportunity to see all the details during the day and all the magical radiance at night.

Disney World Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Alien Swirling Saucers

This is one of the best Toy Story Land tips for your Disney World trip!

6. EAT ALL THE TOY STORY LAND FOOD

There’s two restaurant located inside Toy Story Land called Woody’s Lunch Box and Roundup Rodeo BBQ.

Toy Story Land Food Woody's Lunch Box
Toy Story Land Woody’s Lunch Box

At Woody’s Lunch Box, Disney’s goal is to take you inside Andy’s lunch box that has now turned it into a backyard walk-up window serving classic childhood treats.

Toy Story Land food Breakfast Bowl Hearty portion of Potato Barrels smothered in Smoked Brisket Country Gravy, Scrambled Eggs and a sprinkling of Green Onions
Woody’s Lunch Box – Breakfast Bowl

Best Food on Woody’s Lunch Box Menu:

  • “Totchos” 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
  • Breakfast Bowl- Hearty portion of Potato Barrels smothered in Smoked Brisket Country Gravy, Scrambled Eggs and a sprinkling of Green Onions
  • Smoked Turkey Breakfast Sandwich– Thick-sliced Smoked Turkey Breast, Melted Swiss Cheese, Sautéed Green Pepper, Onions and Scrambled Eggs on Grilled Sourdough
  • Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich – Melted Provolone, Cheddar, and American on Grilled Sourdough Bread
  • Raspberry Lunch Box Tart
  • Grown-Up’s LemonadeThree Olives Cherry Vodka, Lemonade and Black Cherry Purée

At Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Disney’s goal is for you to feel like you’re one of Andy’s honorary toys as if he’s making his toys have a rodeo experience!

Disney World Hollywood Studios Toy Story Land Roundup Rodeo Restaurant
Toy Story Land Roundup Rodeo Restaurant

Best Food on Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu:

  • The Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jelly
  • Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs
  • Buttercup’s Beef Brisket
  • There’s a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-Grilled Pork Sausage
  • BBQ Chicken – With Style
  • Cupcake à la Forky: Gooey Chocolate Cake, Graham Cracker, Buttercream, Sugar Cookie
  • Grown-up’s Peanut Butter & Jelly: Frozen Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey, Minute Maid® Vanilla Smoothie Mix, Grape Jelly
  • Whinnyin’ Whiskey Lemonade: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey, Aperol Liqueur, Strawberry Puree, Lemonade, Basil
Jessie holding Christmas lights in Toy Story Land.
Jessie holding Christmas lights.

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Listen to the latest podcast episode on Apple or on your non-Apple device now!

7. USE MOBILE ORDERING AT WOODY’S LUNCH BOX

To avoid the huge line that aggregates in front of Woody’s Lunch Box, I recommend using mobile ordering.

Disney World Hollywood Studios Backlot Express Restaurant Mobile Order
What the Mobile Order Feature Looks Like on the App

This one tip will save you time and allow you to maximize your day in Toy Story Land. You can read this post on how to use Disney Mobile Ordering for your trip.

8. SHOP YOUR HEART OUT

Make sure you take a look at all the super cool Toy Story Land merchandise.

Toy Story Land  Brown Slinky Dog Mickey Ears
Toy Story Land Slinky Dog Ears

There’s so much to choose from ranging from Buzz Lightyear toys, colorful t-shirts, and even SLINKY DOG EARS!

Flight + Hotel Packages under $499 Per Person. Book now at Expedia.com TODAY!

9. EXPLORE TOY STORY LAND

Although there are just three rides, there still is so much to see and do.

There are new Instagram worthy photo spots, popsicle stick benches, unique placement of toys, a Green Army Men presentation, and hidden Mickeys throughout the land.

Toy Story Land Andy shoe print.
Toy Story Land – Andy’s Shoe print in the backyard

Don’t forget to meet Woody, Buzz and Jessie. They are happy to greet you and have fun with you throughout Toy Story Land.

10. BEAT THE TOY STORY LAND HEAT

Summertime at Walt Disney World is like no other theme park, especially if you’re a resident of an area that experiences mild summers.

You will definitely be taken aback by the hot, humid, indescribable weather that Florida is known for.

When you add:  FLORIDA SUMMER + DISNEY + CROWDS = FRUSTRATION!

There’s basically little to no shaded area inside Toy Story Land unless you count the tables at Woody’s Lunch Box, which you will most likely need to have food in order to sit there on a busy day.

Here are a few tips to remember to beat the Florida summer heat:

You can read the full article for ways to beat the Florida theme park heat here!

11. HAVE FUN!

You’re really going to have a great time, so try not to stress too much if you find yourself spending lots of time discovering all the nooks and crannies.

NikkyJ at Orlando Toy Story Land

There’s always something going on in Toy Story Land that will bring great delight to your heart.

ORDER NOW to secure your Walt Disney World theme park ticket! GET MY TICKETS.

What to Know Before You Go Toy Story Land at Disney World

Before you make your way out to Toy Story Land in Orlando, you may have a few questions. Let’s go through some of the most asked questions about this new land.

Which park has Toy Story Land?

You can find this new area inside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios near the Pixar area of the park.

What are the new rides in Toy Story Land at Disney World?

How much is a day pass at Hollywood Studios?

A one-day REGULAR season Hollywood Studios ticket starts at $109* (prices do fluctuate based on the season).

Is Toy Story Land a separate ticket?

All of the rides, attractions, and entertainment inside Toy Story Land are included with your Hollywood Studios park ticket.

Get Your FREE Epcot Video Planning Guide TODAY!

My Final Thoughts on Your Toy Story Land Tips

You’re now loaded with all of the tips to conquering Toy Story Land. Overall, have a plan, get to the parks early, book your Genie+, and ride Slinky Dog Dash first if you can’t get a Genie+ reservation.

Toy Story Land Tips with Jessie and Buzz Lightyear on top of their rides.
Save This Article for Later Using the Share Button Below.

What tip do you think is the most helpful for planning a day inside the new area? Leave your comment below!

If you enjoyed this article, then you’ll love these:

Until next time, Happy Park Hopping Hipsters!

Hoop Dee Doo Revue NikkyJ Dinner Show Disney World. Author bio of theme park expert Nikida Metellus.

About the Author

My name is Nikky. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves ALL things amusement park related!

Traveling alone to the parks has changed my life and I want to show how you can create your own solo theme park memories.

Connect with me on Instagram!

(Original Article Date: July 2018/Updated On: April 7, 2024)

Share this article!

Leave a Comment