Woody’s 7 Tips to Make the Most of Disney’s Toy Story Land

Hey howdy hey…Toy Story Land is open today! This beloved movie gets its very own zone at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Do your homework ahead of time by becoming familiar with what’s there and how to save time. Take a sneak peek into Andy’s backyard experience and learn a few tips (from Woody himself) on how to maximize your time in this entertaining new land at Walt Disney World.

Coming up with these Toy Story Land tips was a labor of love. Naturally, I was thrilled that my family was invited to participate in a sneak peek at Toy Story Land during its media preview June 28 and 29. My kids have grown up alongside Andy, and these movies hold a special place in my heart. (I’m certain I’m not the only mom who cried when Andy left for college). So you can see why I’m thankful to have partnered with Disney in this hosted event.

Toy Story Land First Impressions

My first sensory reaction to Toy Story Land: it’s big, bold, and FUN! We were blown away by bright primary colors and larger than life theming. They say the devil’s in the details, but here, the fun is in the details. From the family-friendly coaster in Slinky Dog Dash to a spin with solar system aliens in Alien Spinning Saucers, Toy Story Land delivers big on fun and fancy.

The Imagineers’ goal  was to create Andy’s backyard where guests feel like they are now toy-sized. As Sarge would say to his army men, “Mission accomplished!” Giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set make this happen. My favorite touch is a park bench made to resemble a wooden train track piece.

Check out my Facebook live from the media event:

Woody’s Tips to Make the Most of Disney’s Toy Story Land

Slinky Dog says in the Toy Story movie: “If Woody says it’s all right then darn, it’s good enough for me.” So here are some tips, which we’ll call Woody’s tips to make Slinky Dog convinced of what to do to prepare for Toy Story Land:

Woody’s Tip # 1: FastPass to Infinity and Beyond

Get a FastPass for either Slinky Dog Dash or Alien Swirling Saucers. The My Disney Experience app currently provides the option to choose between either one, but not both. I recommend Slinky Dog Dash as it will be the more in demand attraction.

Remember that Disney resort guests AND guests of select Disney Springs hotels can book FastPass reservations 60 days in advance, so that will give a leg up to those guests on securing Toy Story Land FPs.

Woody’s Tip # 2: Use Mobile Ordering

Just as FastPass gives shortened wait times for the attractions, mobile ordering saves TONS of time when ordering. And as the only counter service option in Toy Story Land, Woody’s Lunch Box will get very crowded! So use this service that will give much more time to play big and less time waiting in line.

How Mobile Ordering Works:

• Tap on the image of your character, scroll down to “My Plans” and press the “Order Food” button.
• Select “Dining” from the top of the app, tap on the restaurant you want and press the “Order Food” button.
• Be sure to do this step: when you get to the restaurant, press the “I’m Here, Prepare My Order” button. Once the food is ready, the app sends a notification, and your food is ready at the “Mobile Order Pick Up” sign. Easy breezy lemon squeezy. Even Wheezy the penguin would agree!

It would also help to know what food options are available to speed up the mobile ordering process. Check the menus online beforehand. For instance, if I were ordering breakfast, I would already know to look for the S’more French Toast Sandwich on the mobile app for me and the Raspberry and Chocolate-Hazelnut lunch box tarts. Bet you’re hungry now!

And my friend Tania introduced me to the concept of totchos, so my lunch or dinner order would include these! The Toy Story Land description: 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. Nomnom!

Woody’s Tip # 3: Get the Play Disney Parks app

Turn wait time into play time with the all new Play Disney parks app. Think themed games, Disney trivia, digital achievements, and music.

For instance, “guests can extend their play time at the new Slinky Dog Dash coaster with ‘Andy’s Board Game Blast,’ a fun game that Andy has crafted in his backyard from some spare toys, cardboard boxes and his own imagination. Guests visiting this new land will also be able to experience ‘Playset Party,’ a game in which they help assemble the Toy Story Mania! Playset.”

Play Disney Parks is now available on iOS and Android devices.

Woody’s Tip # 4: Sunscreen and Hydrate

This may seem common sense, but be prepared for lots of sunshine and heat. While visually appealing and a feast for all the senses, Toy Story Land is also not very well shaded. So apply that sunscreen, bring an umbrella if you like, and for the love, drink plenty of water!

Woody’s Tip # 5: Don’t Miss New Entrance to Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Mania had to get in on the fun, so it has a brand new entrance that’s now IN Toy Story Land. Seems fitting, right? The queue area still gives that midway games feel that we all know and love about Toy Story Mania, but it’s fun to be greeted in a different way.

Woody’s Tip # 6: Shop Away!

Don’t forget to look at all the merchandise! There’s a merch cart sporting lots of Toy Story Land items. I’m certain this Slinky Dog headband will be all the rage if being asked about it in the parks is any indication. My daughter was wearing them and several people approached us and asked where we got them. You can say you heard it here first! LOL

Although pricey at $15, the souvenir Alien Sipper at Woody’s Lunch Box may be the coolest drink cup ever and also fun to photograph. Essentially adds about $ 10 to the drink order, so it may be worth it for this galactic memento.

And the final tip,

Woody’s Tip # 7: Nighttime too!

Try everything again at night! The entire vibe in Toy Story Land changes in the evening. As much as I loved riding Slinky Dog Dash during the day, it was far more amazing in the dark when it’s all aglow with lights.

Now that you’ve read Woody’s tips, what are you waiting for? Get to Toy Story Land ASAP. That’s an order from Sarge!

My family was hosted by Disney to attend the Toy Story Land media preview along with my fellow Traveling Moms. However, you can always count on me to be fair and truthful in my reporting-Scout’s honor!