Toy Story: that was a bloody good film wasn’t it? Ingenious idea, beautifully executed, Tom Hanks and Tim Allen: lovely stuff.
Toy Story 2: yep, same again, possibly even improving on the original.
Toy Story 3: WHAT, almost certainly the best of the lot, featuring a famous scene that had the nation’s adults crying into their teddy bears.
So, all in all, one of - if not the greatest - movie trilogy of all-time.
And it’s no surprise that Disney, owners of Pixar, who created the films, are cashing in on one of their prime assets in the form of a new themed area at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.
Bob Chapek, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman, confirmed that Toy Story Land was in the works back at the D23 Expo 2017, and now there’s finally some images of what fans can expect when it opens next summer.
Disney describe the Land as: “A whimsical place located in the larger-than-life setting of Andy’s backyard. This is your chance to discover what it’s like to be a toy with all-new attractions, quick-and-easy dining options… and so much more.
“Amid a colorful landscape filled with giant building blocks and game board pieces, you’ll be immersed in an experience straight out of Andy’s vivid imagination—together with Woody, Buzz, Slinky Dog, Rex, the Aliens and many other beloved Toy Story characters.
“So get ready to shrink down and join your Toy Story friends for some fun that never ends, only at Disney’s Hollywood Studios!”
I’m a bit concerned by that last sentence as I have seen Honey! I Shrunk The Kids and therefore know that being shrunk and chased by a giant (normal sized) cat is a very real possibility. Hopefully Disney knows what it’s doing.
There’ll be two new attractions to go along with an existing fan favourite:
’Slinky Dog Dash’, described as such: “Andy’s assembled his awesome coaster kit… and Slinky Dog is ready to take you for a wild ride on a crazy coaster - one that gives you a glimpse of all that Toy Story Land has to offer. Come along as Slinky Dog bends and twists his coils around curves, hills, bridges and drops. Make no mistake, this is one wacky attraction… and fun for the entire family!”
And ‘Alien Swirling Saucers’: “The Aliens have powered up their flying saucers to take you on a dizzying ride through space! Hang on tight as your toy rocket ride takes off, all while space electronica provides an out-of-this-world beat. And if you’re really lucky, you might just get ‘chosen’ by the claw. Oooooo!”
’Toy Story Mania’ is already present in the Pixar Place area of Hollywood Studios, so the two new attractions will complete the new Toy Story Land.
There are also additional reports that Buzz Lightyear is to get his own rocket ride, although the details are as yet unclear.
Meanwhile, Woody’s lunch box will be a food court area serving American food and old-fashioned soda floats.
Carlos Castro, vice president of Disney Corporate Alliances said: “We can’t wait for our guests to experience Toy Story Land, and the new quick-service window located within the land will surely delight hungry toys and people alike. We are thrilled to collaborate with Mini Babybel and introduce additional snack offerings in Toy Story Land and throughout Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.”
See you in Calfornia y’all…
(Images: Disney)