“Strange things are happening…” as the Toy Story song goes – and at Toy Story Playland, it’s not just a lyric, it’s a reality! With its 4-meter-high Buzz Lightyear statue, its 25-meter-long half-pipe track and its 27-meter-high training tower for miniature soldiers, this beloved themed area raises one curious question: have the toys gotten bigger – or have the guests been shrunk?
As a matter of fact, both options can be true! Thanks to clever design tricks, guests feel as though they’ve been shrunk to toy size the moment they step into Andy’s backyard.
The opening of Toy Story Playland on August 17, 2010 was a groundbreaking moment for Walt Disney Studios Park, as it was the park’s very first fully immersive themed area. From décor inspired by toybox treasures to plants resembling giant blades of grass, every little detail was carefully crafted to transport guests into the world of Woody and his friends, allowing them to live out the experience as real-life toys. Indeed, while the toys stop moving when they see human beings in the movie series, Slinky, Rex, the Green Army Men, and the rest of the gang come to life and interact with guests at Toy Story Playland. Their mission is simple: to ensure their new friends have an unforgettable time! To that end, guests can enjoy a swirling adventure at Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, take part in parachute training in Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, and soar high above the ground with RC as he rockets through the thrilling racetrack of RC Racer!
And the fun doesn’t stop there! When Disney Adventure World opens next year, guests will be able to access Toy Story Playland by walking through Adventure Way, an all-new setting that will be home to a themed garden featuring giant statues of Woody and Jessie. Yee-haw! How exciting!