Williams Family: We Tried EVERYTHING in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

When planning for our summer 2018 family vacation, we soon realized that we would NOT be at Walt Disney World for the opening of Toy Story Land--we would be boarding the Disney Dream the day before!  Not wanting to miss out on all the fun, we added a couple of days at Walt Disney World after our cruise.  So, on Thursday, July 5, 2018, we woke up before the crack of dawn and made our way to Disney's Hollywood Studios to tackle Toy Story Land.

Coming upon the entrance.

Welcome! Be sure to listen to the tall statues.

See the big footprint on the ground?  You're the size of a toy!

Crossing the bridge to Slinky Dog Dash entrance.

Extra Magic Hours, 7:00-8:00 am, were being offered to Walt Disney World Resort guests.  We were at the bus stop at our resort at 6:00 am and on a bus--with other guests--by 6:15.  When we arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios around 6:30, guests were already being allowed into the park and the majority of folks were walking right to Toy Story Land.

We walked on Slinky Dog Dash for our first ride by 6:45, rode, exited, and back in line by 6:55 am with a 30 minute wait posted.

Next, we took a turn on Alien Swirling Saucers.

This matched the theme of our shirts for the day, so thought it appropriate to take a picture!

The music and queue at Alien Swirling Saucers is quite fun!

We then found the new entrance to Toy Story Mania and discovered that Mr. Potato Head was back in the stand-by queue!

We'd had a busy morning and it was time for a snack at Woody's Lunch Box.  The line wasn't too bad and we tried the Breakfast Bowl and Raspberry Lunch Box Tart along with the Mini Babybel Snack Cheese.

Babybel, by the way, is the sponsor for Woody's so be on the look out for Babybel chairs!  All dining is outdoors with tables for both sitting and standing.  We didn't have any issues finding a spot to sit for our mid-morning snack.

While we didn't stop for photos on our way into Toy Story Land, we did stop on the way out.  There were two Photopass photographers taking photos at the entrance sign, which made the process much quicker!

We took a break from Toy Story Land, but did come back later in the day as we had FP for Toy Story Mania.  When we returned, we met the characters located in Toy Story Land, too.

You can see the bathroom entrance behind in this photo.

The Green Army Patrol march back and forth Toy Story Land, interacting with guests and they now have their own drum corp.

Now, for our review:

The land itself is cute and creative.  The boy noticed all the "sponsorships" that the land would need to make it look all plastic--Lego, K'Nex, Tinker Toy, etc.  The queues are creatively done and do look like everything is a toy.

We would rate Slinky Dog Dash, just under Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in terms of thrill level.  The last big hill is great!  There's more room for legs, bottoms, bags, etc. on Slinky Dog than Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Coaster!  Thank goodness!

There's a ride photo on Slinky Dog Dash that "automagically" connects to your MagicBand, just like FROZEN.  So, no congregating at the exit to check out photos and watch guests take a photo of the ride photo.  You get the photo with your Photopass account.

There are 7 attractions--including character meet & greets in Toy Story Land--and 5 of those are outside.  Which means, only Toy Story Mania and Alien Swirling Saucers remain open during inclement weather.  Add wind, and Alien Swirling Saucers will close down.  We asked Cast Members what, if any, plans were in the works to relocate character meet & greets inside, and we were directed to Guest Services to ask/advocate.

If you Fastpass Toy Story Mania, you will miss Mr. Potato Head, so we recommend using the Stand-by queue at least once.  Be ready for the LONG walk to exit Toy Story Mania as it now exits in Toy Story Land.

Stand-by entrance on the left, Fastpass on the right

If you look at this photo, the Stand-by entrance  for Slinky Dog Dash is on the left, while FP is on the right, but the long lines for Slinky Dog seemed to be to the right of the red umbrellas--look at photo below--most of the day, so I'm confused about what happens when those lines cross at the entrance!

Guests in the Stand-by queue stand to the right of the red umbrellas.

Bathrooms.  There is one located on far to the left, across from Alien Swirling Saucers.  It's themed and colorful--reminds me of Legoland Hotel.  It's also big, which is helpful.  What's not helpful is that there is only ONE paper towel dispenser for the entire location.  Not one near the diaper changing station only ONE above one of the sinks.  There are two other "blade" dryers above the sink area that require guests to stand in front of the sink and dry their hands making other guests wait to wash their hands AND since the "blade" dryers are above the sink, little kiddos can't reach them to dry their hands, nor can they reach the paper towel dispenser.  I used the women's bathroom 4 times during our day and 2 out of 4 times that ONE paper towel dispenser was, you guessed it, empty.

We will add Toy Story Land into our touring plans.  Slinky Dog Dash Fastpasses are now the hottest commodity on Walt Disney World property and will be until Star Wars Land opens in the Fall of 2019.

We came to tackle Toy Story Land, and we did!

Splitting Up While At Walt Disney World--Point and Counterpoint

From the Husband’s Perspective:

My lovely wife really loved the Frozen sing along so much that she wanted to see it again. I enjoyed it but not enough to see it a second time. The boy claimed he hated most of it. Our brand new teenage son thought it was too girlish. What to do? How about splitting up for a little bit?

This decision worked out great for several reasons. The first one is that the vacationing Williams Family members need a smidge of time away from each other’s company. For me it gives my brain a chance to re-set. I can have a “guy” relationship with the boy which is slightly different when the spouse is about.

Slumbering fellas

Then there is sleeping in. Usually the Williams Family gets up early so we can do our favorite rides and attractions at the parks before it gets too crowded and not have to use  the coveted Fast Pass. Doing this several days in a row does wear me down. The opportunity for extra “Z”s was nice. The boy and I also were allowed to putz around the room a bit.

We can do some non scheduled stuff. Don’t get me wrong. I love the tremendous effort my spouse puts forth organizing and deciding so we get the most fun out of our trips. Going off script does allow the Williams Family to appreciate the little things of the vacation. The wife enjoyed the people watching in the Frozen audience as much as the show itself. The boy and I explored our resort and talking to Star Wars cast members at Hollywood Studios before reconnecting with my better half.

When the Williams Family got back together we shared our separate experiences and proceeded to have a magical day.

From my perspective:

On this particular day, we had NO plans—other than dinner.  Options for our day included Disney Springs, miniature golf, hanging by the pool.  I know that sounds like plans, but they weren’t firm, no times, no order of events, just suggestions.

I was already up and decided to shower and get ready.  Then, I checked my phone.  There were Fastpasses available for the FROZEN Sing-Along at Disney’s Hollywood Studios at 10:00 (which I thought meant the show was at 10:00) and I snagged them. 

So, I let the slumbering guys know that I was taken off.  I would grab some breakfast at Studios, they could get breakfast at Pepper Market and meet me at Studios around 10:30. 

The husband mumbled a few questions including asking if I had laid their clothes out.  Yes.

My Trolley Car Cafe breakfast!

Out the door to the bus stop, on the bus and headed to the park, and I arrived just shortly after 9:00 am, when the park opened.  Breakfast—I went to Starring Rolls Café but nothing was appetizing, so I hopped across the street to The Trolley Car Café, sponsored by Starbucks, and ordered breakfast.  It was lovely dining on the umbrella tables just outside the café. 

When I finished, around 9:30 am, I headed to the Hyperion Theater, where the FROZEN Sing-Along takes place and discovered the first show was at 10:30 am, not 10:00.  Sent the husband a text—that I wouldn’t be able to meet until shortly after 11:00 and then got in line for The Great Movie Ride which had minimal wait.  Oh, and I met Max who was greeting guests just outside the theater.  You know who Max is, right?  He’s Goofy’s son!

Exited The Great Movie Ride just in time to queue up for the show, using the Fastpass entrance which is around the corner from the stand-by entrance.

By this time the guys had gone to breakfast.  I had sent some reminder texts—be sure to tell the bus driver you’re getting off at stop 1 (we had had a transportation issue on another day while traveling to breakfast).  March of the First Order was happening at 11:00—we had only seen a few seconds of it on another day as it had started raining.

I got a great seat for the show and did a Live Facebook feed.  This show really is cool—pun somewhat intended—and the jokes are very timely.  It reminded me of the Aladdin show at Disneyland last summer. 

I had a text from the husband that they were watching March of the First Order.  I messaged back—show over, going to the bathroom, meet you there.  Actually, I could see them in the crowd as I headed to the restroom, so they were easy to find.

When we met up, we had a few photos taken on the way out of the park, ordered large glasses of ice water at The Trolley Car Café, and then caught a boat to the Swan and Dolphin so we could walk across the street for some miniature golf.

Why splitting up worked:

• We weren’t worried about using a day of park ticket.  Because we have Annual Passes, we can come and go to any park on any day. 
• Everyone was familiar with the transportation system, the park, everything.  If there was uncertainty, splitting up would have been harder.
• Cell phones.  We kept each other informed.

While I certainly enjoy traveling and touring with my family, going solo was freeing.  I felt light and nimble, not having to be concerned if the people who usually follow me were following.  I didn’t have to announce the next destination and wait for any feedback, I just decided and went on my way.  And, it was a great opportunity for the husband and boy to navigate without me. 

Three New Character Meet and Greets At Disney's Hollywood Studios

During our Summer 2016 visit to the Walt Disney World Resort we took advantage of three new character meet and greets at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Located back to back of each other in the area circled on the map below.

We thought the meet and greets were easy to find although we saw guests walking right past “Red Carpet Dreams” entrance for a couple of reasons:  One-they had no idea what it was--some thought it was a show and two, Chip and Dale were greeting guests just steps away across from Sci-Fi Diner entrance.  Since guests could physically see Chip and Dale, that’s where they went to queue up, outside, in the heat, and the sun.  While, the other character meet and greets had covered queues with fans and eventually led inside, to the air conditioning!

Celebrity Spotlight features Olaf.  Guests can find the entrance in the Echo Lake area, just past the Jedi Training Academy sign-up area but before the bathrooms.  Wait time is posted prior to the queue and we found it accurate. 

We met Olaf twice and enjoyed the interactions both times.

Spoiler Alert:  There are two Olafs!  There was a family of 10 ahead of us in the queue, they were taken in and we were told to stand behind the line to wait our turn, still outside, but far enough to block our view of the door.  When it was our turn to go in, there was another family in front of us. . . not the family of 10.  I made mention to the Cast Member handling the line inside and she just smiled.  I’m on to you Disney, but way to go to make the best use of space and guests’ time!  If you’re going to build one set why not build two?  

Red Carpet Dreams entrance is on Commissary Lane, with the queue being side by side to Celebrity Spotlight.  This meet and greet features both Minnie and Mickey.

Guests meet Minnie first in her plush digs and beautiful dress.

Then, travel down a corridor to find Sorcerer Mickey.  His “workshop” is very well appointed and he gave us a personal tour!  There’s magic there, so be sure to ask to see some!

Here are our Top Tips:

• Check the Times Guide for character availability and plan accordingly.
• Have your camera and autograph books ( for us it is a pillow case) ready.  Use that time in the queue to ready your materials rather than waiting until you’re with the character.
• Have something to say to the characters.  I complimented Minnie’s dress, asked for a tour of Mickey’s workshop, and asked Olaf for a warm hug.  While the characters can’t speak, they can sure communicate!
• Photopass Photographers are on hand so relax and let them do the work!  Then, scan your MagicBand or Photopass card to add the photos to your account.

Ready. Set. Smile!

A Heartfelt Farewell to Lights, Motors, Action! at Disney's Hollywood Studios

One week from today, the last performances of Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be performed.  An import from Disneyland Paris, we have enjoyed this show numerous times.

The stands can hold thousands of guests and we've sat high, low, and on either side and in the middle.  There isn't a bad seat in the house.  We like to sit close enough to feel the heat of the flames during the various fires and explosions. 

We've seen the show before Lightning McQueen and Mater were added.  And, we enjoy the trivia questions displayed on the big screen prior to the show.  Our best tip for viewing is to bring in water and/or a snack to enjoy during the 38 minute show.  We also use our inflatable Pocket Seats (click here to read more) and find the looks from other guests when we start to blow up the cushions a hoot.

We've been escorted past guests, to an elevator, and to special seating when the husband used a Birthday Fastpass in 2010 when there were special offers for being a Walt Disney World on your actual birthday. 

But our most recent and last time at Lights, Motors, Action! was the best!  Part way through the show, a Cast Member comes into the stands looking for a volunteer to drive a "remote control" car.  We've seen this part multiple times and the boy did stand up and wave. . . this time as he has done before.  Well, this time it worked and he was picked out of the crowd to join the show!

He did a great job of driving the car.  He said he "pretended" he didn't know that it was really a hidden driver actually driving the "remote control" car. 

He received a certificate and commemorative Disney pin only given to the children picked for this special part of the show.  The boy's plan now that the show is closing--keep the pin and let it increase in value.  Then, he has designs of selling it on Ebay.  (We've never sold anything on Ebay so I have no idea where he came up with that one!)

Lights, Motors, Action!, you have given us many great family memories as well as respite for our feet in the middle of the day while visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios.  We thank you and bid you fond farewell!