If you were in love with the "Toy Story" movies like I was as a kid (and still am), then you're in for a real treat.
On Wednesday, April 20, the Disney Parks Blog website released information about plans for development of a Toy Story Land inside the Hollywood Studios park.
If you're a Disney-goer, you know that Disney's Hollywood Studios had implemented Toy Story Mania, a virtual ride in which you play carnival games, back in 2008. Based upon the company's new plans, the expansion should develop a more immersive "Toy Story" experience, beginning with the addition of a new track to the Toy Story Mania ride.
The land itself, according to the website, will be set in Andy's backyard. Park-goers will find themselves "shrunk to the size of a toy," getting to explore the area with "Toy Story" characters.
Currently, there are plans for two new attractions. One attraction will be called Slinky Dog Dash; of course, it is inspired by Slinky Dog from the films.
The family-friendly coaster will be set among Andy's play space, and along the ride, you'll get to see some other toys from the films.
The second attraction will be called Alien Swirling Saucers. Like its name suggests, the attraction will entail swirling around in saucers to the tune of "Space Jazz music." According to the website, the attraction is designed to emulate the "toy play set" that Andy won in the first "Toy Story" film. (The best part of this attraction, in my opinion, is the ominous "Claw" that will be hanging above the riders.)
I've always wanted Disney to develop a Toy Story Land, and I thought it should've been created long ago. I'm sure many other fans have felt the same way. What's interesting to me is the timing of this development; why has Disney waited so long to create attractions based on a trilogy (soon-to-be tetralogy) that has origins dating back to the '90s?
The answer is simple: nostalgia. Disney knows that people will spend money to relive some of their favorite childhood memories; for myself and for many others of my generation, "Toy Story" films were a part of simpler times. Of course we're going to want to visit the land with Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang. We want to return back to the days of our innocent youths, not preoccupied with finals season upon us. Although it's been twenty years since the first film was released, Disney couldn't have picked a better time to start breaking ground on these new attractions. We're the kids who loved the movies, and now we're paying customers.
So, who's going down to Orlando, Florida, with me to reach for the sky?
