Drink in the cantina. Tangle with a bounty hunter. Befriend a Loth-cat. Dodge blaster fire. Fly the Millennium Falcon.
You’ll be able to live inside your own Star Wars story at Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge, a whole new type of immersive theme-park experience opening in 2019.
Three-eyed Toy Story Aliens take guests on a whirling flying saucer ride in toy rocket ships as part of Alien Swirling Saucers, one of the new attractions inside Toy Story Land, opening June 30 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
As guests become “honorary toys” in the new land, they encounter Alien Swirling Saucers, a playset that toy-owner Andy of Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films won at the Pizza Planet restaurant. The new attraction whirls and blinks with colorful lighting, electronic space music and nonstop fun.
Alien saucer pilots are straight out of the Toy Story movies, with their pointy ears, three eyes, short antennae and facial expressions designed to convey surprise or delight. Each extraterrestrial has hitched its flying saucer to one of 22 rocket ships; together, flying saucers and rockets spin through the Pizza Planet galaxy.
With “The Claw” dangling overhead, guests climb aboard their rocket ships and hover in Pizza Planet’s version of “deep-dish space” for an out-of-this-world saucer whirl to the beat of new versions of Toy Story songs and musical themes. During the adventure, the Aliens spin guests around toy icons like Planet Pepperonia and a pizza-inspired space station.
Before boarding Alien Swirling Saucers, guests can pose for a photo with a Buzz Lightyear action figure standing more than 14 feet tall on top of toy building blocks near the entrance to his Star Command Space Station Playset. Toy robot guards flank the Pizza Planet-inspired marquee.
Inside Star Command, there are buttons to push, dials to turn and a switch to toggle for audio and visual effects. His creativity never flagging, Andy built a toy gantry with his Construx toy pieces that guests use to traverse from Buzz’s command center to the Swirling Saucers game.
Guests who are spin-averse can swirl vicariously by watching from the viewing area in between and around the playset.
“This is a world created by a boy’s imagination,” said Dave Fisher, Walt Disney Imagineering Senior Story Editor. “Andy has brought out all his space toys – it’s a really fun and high-energy attraction.”
Before or after a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, guests can pose for an out-of-this-world selfie with a stationary, photo-ready green Alien in its colorful saucer just outside the attraction. Toys of all makes and sizes – from a 10-foot-diameter “rubber” ball to colorful Cooties – have been carefully placed by Andy among the landscape of overgrown grasses, toy shrubs and playset trees throughout Toy Story Land.
Alien Swirling Saucers: At a Glance
Going to San Diego Comic-Con this year? D23 is presenting two exciting panels—Celebrating 90 Years of Mickey Mouse with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, and 25 Years of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club during the weekend of July 18-22.
From Toontown to Halloweentown, D23: The Official Disney Fan Club bringing two amazing presentations to the San Diego Convention Center during Comic-Con San Diego 2018!
Friday, July 20, from 4:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m., Room 6A
Beginning with Steamboat Willie, Mickey’s career has taken him on an epic journey that has endeared him to fans around the world. D23’s Justin Arthur hosts a panel including Bret Iwan (Voice Actor), Becky Cline (Director, the Walt Disney Archives), and Mark Henn (Master Disney Animator), who look at Mickey’s legendary roles in animated films and television shows, the Magic Kingdoms, and beyond!
Saturday, July 21, from 7:45 p.m.-8:45 p.m., Room 6BCF
D23 pulls the curtain back on the classic stop-motion Halloween (and Christmas!) favorite, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, with a behind-the-scenes retrospective panel featuring the team that brought the movie to life 25 years ago, including Henry Selick (Director), Kelly Asbury (Art Director), Edie Ichioka (Editor), and Anthony Scott (Animator)
Jumping on the coolest canine toy ever, guests are in for a rollicking good time as Disney’s Hollywood Studios unleashes Slinky Dog Dash in the new Toy Story Land at the Walt Disney World Resort. This multi-launch, family-friendly roller coaster careens around bends and “catches air” over camelback humps as it runs across the 11-acre land.
As honorary toys, guests have Andy of Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films to thank for this incredibly fun experience. They get to ride his creation and be inside Slinky Dog’s coils as the lovable pooch twists and turns around the track. It all takes place in Andy’s backyard, where he used the Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Play Kit to assemble this speedy toy.
Andy’s idea for his double-launch coaster – a Disney first – was to pick everyone’s favorite floppy-eared dachshund with the stretching coil body – Slinky Dog – to send guests around the track. The attraction’s ride vehicles are spring-tailed spinoffs of Slinky, the iconic American toy from the 1940s. Track and supports for the coaster are done up in bright colors of red, orange, yellow and blue.
Guests approaching the ride launch see Andy’s plans sketched out in Crayola crayon on notebook paper. Glue bottles, empty toy boxes and stray coaster parts and pieces are strewn about – Andy’s pet project was clearly a work in progress when he was called away. But that’s when the toys will play!
In one hilarious scene, the coaster swoops around blocks Andy stacked around his Jenga game. Rex, the toy dinosaur, is precariously perched atop the unstable Jenga stack trying to decorate the toy block city by stringing up colored Christmas lights – a daunting task when you’re a dinosaur with short front arms! Jessie comes to his rescue, working to untangle Rex’s dino-sized predicament.
Andy also tricked out his coaster creation with a power booster. When Slinky Dog Dash hits its midway point, the coaster stops, reverses a few yards, then shoots through multiple rings pulsing with sounds, spinners and flashing lights to launch riders into the second act of the ride experience.
“The first half of the ride is many swirls, turns and dips, and after the second launch come a drop and camelback humps – as if you were playing with a Slinky Dog toy,” explained Dave Minichiello, Executive Creative Director of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Andy saved one last surprise for his coaster’s finale: Wheezy, the squeaky toy penguin from the Toy Story films, breaks into a rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” Created especially for Slinky Dog Dash, the Audio-Animatronics figure of Wheezy is unique among Disney Parks globally. Toys and toy packaging complete the scene, including a Rubik’s Cube, a game canister for Pick-Up Snakes and toy wooden blocks spelling out F-U-N – all against the backdrop of a towering book, Mr. Pricklepants’ “Songs for Singing,” compiled by the huggable hedgehog from “Toy Story 3.”
“As Toy Story Land welcomes our guests – as toys – into Andy’s backyard, Slinky Dog Dash invites them into Andy’s imagination,” said Phil Holmes, Vice President of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. “What Andy has dreamed up will deliver nonstop coaster fun for all ages.”
Slinky Dog Dash: At a Glance
With Toy Story Land opening last weekend there is now a new entry into Toy Story Midway Mania. Take a look at the previous entrance now. While this is a bit sad to look at I have to admit the new entrance is amazing! Hopefully this area can be re-utilized.
Guests can explore the Disney theme parks like never before with the Play Disney Parks mobile app, a transformative new digital entertainment offering that made its official debut on June 30 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.
The Play Disney Parks app will bring to life unique interactive experiences that enable guests of all ages to access a wide range of activities including themed games, Disney trivia, digital achievements, music and so much more – whether they are playing on Main Street, U.S.A. or waiting in line at beloved attractions.
Developed in close collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering, Play Disney Parks was designed for families and guests to enjoy together, with group play options that enable everyone to join in on the fun while staying fully engaged in the immersive environments of Disney parks. The app will be available for iOS and Android platforms and will be free to download.
“Play Disney Parks represents the next step in how we use innovative digital technology to enhance the guest experience in our parks,” said Vivek Sharma, Senior Vice President of Digital Guest Experience and eCommerce for Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “The app is designed to help guests immerse themselves in the Disney stories they know and love in a whole new way.”
Turn Wait Time into Play Time
With an imaginative set of in-queue games, wait time will turn into play time at select in-park locations as guests play games that interact with the physical environment around them – from activating special show effects to uncovering magical surprises during their experience.
Joy-filled experiences and quests can be found throughout the four theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort and the two theme parks at Disneyland Resort, including discovering happy thoughts with Tinker Bell before setting sail on Peter Pan’s Flight, embarking on galactic training missions prior to boarding Space Mountain and even playing a whimsical series of mini-games with Buzz, Woody and the “Toy Story” gang at new Disney·Pixar areas opening this summer:
Earn Themed Achievements
Guests signed into their Disney account, available to guests 13 and over, can also earn, collect and share uniquely themed achievements, rewarded for experiences both in the app and across the Disney parks. Whether venturing to certain attractions in the parks or accomplishing an impressive feat at an in-queue game, guests are able to use this feature to showcase their in-park experiences and Disney fandom while filling their “Playfile” with these special achievements.
Listen to the Songs and Sounds of Disney
Guests will be able to celebrate their Disney vacation with an enchanting audio experience featuring the music of Disney and the classic sounds of the Disney theme parks. Before, after or during their next visit, guests can listen to Apple Music in the Play Disney Parks app to access curated playlists inspired by beloved lands, attractions and characters – and some favorite memories too.*
Uncover Disney Trivia and Fun Facts
Through the Disney trivia feature, guests can band together before, during or after their visit to see if they have what it takes to become Disney trivia masters as they discover fun facts about their favorite theme parks.
The new Play Disney Parks app is the latest addition to the Disney Parks digital app portfolio. Play Disney Parks complements the popular My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland App at Disneyland Resort, the convenient places for guests to plan their visit, access important information such as attraction wait times and park hours and utilize services like mobile food ordering.
And this is just the beginning. Play Disney Parks is planned to grow and evolve over time with new experiences and offerings at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, including at the eagerly anticipated Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, coming to Disneyland Resort in summer 2019 and Walt Disney World Resort in late fall 2019. For the latest updates, follow the dedicated Play Disney Parks app pages – Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort – as well as the #PlayDisneyParks hashtag on social media.
Message, data and roaming rates may apply. Availability subject to handset limitations, and features may vary by handset, service provider or otherwise. Coverage and app stores not available everywhere. If you’re under 18, get your parents’ permission first.
*Some features require Apple Music subscription and are only available on iOS devices. Separate terms and conditions apply.
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and Apple Music are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
Fun extends to food in the new Toy Story Land opening June 30 at the Walt Disney World Resort. Here, mealtime comes with a heavy helping of nostalgia, as Woody’s Lunch Box serves up classic on-the-go menu items with a creative twist.
Located in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the new 11-acre land brings to life all the magic and fun of Pixar Animation Studios’ hit Toy Story films. In this land – inspired by Andy’s backyard – guests are honorary toys and set off for thrills and laughs on three signature attractions.
“Everyone has a special food memory, so it can be tricky putting a modern spin on the favorites,” explained Lenny DeGeorge, Concept Development Culinary Director for Walt Disney World. “We honored these classic dishes by using the best ingredients to elevate the flavors. How we constructed the sandwiches was important, such as layering the ingredients in a specific order, to maximize textures and flavors. Why have a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted, hot, gooey, cheese-filled one?”
With apologies to Mom, lunch-box cuisine was never like this!
S’more French Toast
Inspired by the classic American campfire treat, this breakfast sandwich oozes goodness in a chocolate ganache- and marshmallow-stuffed French toast topped with graham cracker crumbles.
Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich
To ensure a soft gooey middle, Disney chefs created a sharp cheddar cream cheese spread, layered in provolone and cheddar and wrapped the sandwich in garlic butter-grilled French bread.
BBQ Brisket Melt
With a nod to cowboy Woody, this Texas-style smoked brisket features cheddar, Monterey Jack, pickles, BBQ sauce and garlic butter-grilled sourdough.
Totchos
This bite-sized treat combines potato barrels, corn chips, chili and queso.
Lunch Box Tarts
A modern interpretation of a breakfast toaster pastry as a hand-held dessert, these feature a uniquely delicate crust. Layer in high-quality ingredients for fillings, add a decorative garnish, and these tasty tarts beat anything Mom ever packed. Choice of Raspberry Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Dried Fruit and Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart garnished with Icing and Caramelized Bacon
Other menu options include:
In addition to fountain drinks and refreshing lemonade, beverage offerings include a classic Barq’s root beer float and a Mystic Portal Punch (PowerAde Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine). For the big kids, there’s a Grown Up’s Lemonade with cherry vodka, Odwalla Lemonade, and black cherry purée.
Woody’s Lunch Box at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will dish up nostalgia daily beginning June 30 from park open until the toys close up shop – that is, park close. Disney Dining Plan accepted.
The aromas and flavors of more than 30 global food and beverage marketplaces, plus a full menu of new offerings such as “Sunday Brunch with the Chef” series, will welcome guests to Epcot during the 23rd Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, Aug. 30-Nov. 12, 2018.
Throughout the celebrated 75-day event, guests will have a chance to meet their favorite celebrity chefs, try a new Food & Beverage Pairing in the Festival Center each Friday through Sunday, and get their gourmet groove on at nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series shows. The first of five popular Party for the Senses events will kick off Sept. 22 in the park’s World ShowPlace Events pavilion.
One of America’s top food festivals since 1996, the Epcot dine-around extravaganza will surprise guests with new and inspiring sips and bites throughout the park’s World Showcase and on into several Future World venues.
Here’s the latest festival buzz:
Throughout the festival, park guests can pair wines, beers and cocktails with savory and sweet dishes as they stroll the park and let their complimentary festival passports be their guide. As guests explore, they’ll find something for everyone in the family:
Other returning favorites include:
Included with Epcot Admission
Back to Basics series, book signings, Eat to the Beat concerts, Festival Passport and all attractions and park entertainment are included with regular Epcot admission.
Special Programming by Reservation
Party for the Senses grand tasting events, signature dinners and other special wine and culinary programs require reservations and separate event admission. Guests can call (407) WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations and find more details at TasteEpcot.com.
If you are like us the Starbucks coffee mugs at the Disney Parks and a nice collectible on your Disney vacation. Check out this new one featuring the Alien from Toy Story at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Check out the amazing details from Woody’s Lunchbox at Toy Story Land o the Babybel Themed Table and Chairs.
