There’s a certain hierarchy to Walt Disney World. Magic Kingdom is the alpha park, home to Cinderella’s castle and meet-and-greets with Mickey himself (and Space Mountain, so, yeah). Epcot is low-key the adults-only park where your primary goal is to drink “around the world.” Animal Kingdom is for those who want less rides and more show, like Festival of The Lion King. And Hollywood Studios...has the Tower of Terror, if you’re into that sort of thing.
But to be honest, Hollywood Studios may be moving up the ranks now that Toy Story Land is open. Guests lined up starting at 4:00 a.m. for the grand opening today to try to make it to the new Slinky Dog Dash coaster without using a FastPass.
Some are...less than thrilled.
Personally, I can’t imagine these new rides will ever live up to Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin (which resides in Magic Kingdom because it’s awesome), but I’m willing to let them try and change my mind.
Along with larger-than-life toys and actual "toy" soldiers dubbed the “Green Army Patrol” now that it includes female soldiers (yay for progressive Disney!), Toy Story Land offers food and fun that will do what Disney does best: transport you back to your childhood. Sign me up for the s’mores french toast breakfast sandwich and tater tot chili-cheese nachos.
It seems that we just can’t get enough of "Toy Story" or Pixar in general. Pixar Pier opened last weekend at Disney’s California Adventure, converted from Paradise Pier complete with the Incredicoaster and food vendors based on “Monsters, Inc.” and “Inside Out.”
And ICYMI, “Toy Story 4” is in the works, eight years after the third installment brought entire theaters to tears. We all thought it was the end of the Woody and Buzz franchise, but Pixar works almost as hard as Kris Jenner.
We’re just under a year out from the official release, so that gives you plenty of time to prepare at Toy Story Land.