Monday, May 12, 2008

Toy Story Mania Rocks!

Toy Story Mania Rocks! We LOVED this ride, the latest addition to Disney Hollywood Studios™. As mentioned in my earlier blog entry, we headed straight over to the Pixar Studios area (located in the former soundstages used for the park's Who Wants To Be A Millionaire-Play It! attraction on Mickey Avenue) as soon as we docked. The facade, as well as the surrounding area, resembles Pixar Animation Studios' campus in Emeryville, California.

There was an Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Preview on Saturday, May 10th thru Monday, May 12th from 9:00am to 7:00pm. To be admitted, you needed to present your valid Walt Disney World Annual Pass or DVC Card and photo ID at the attraction's entrance.

Once inside, you walked through the queing area which was done really well. You passed Crayola Crayons, Lincoln Logs, Tinker Toys and was greeted by an interactive Mr. Potato Head. You then ascended a set of stairs and then descended down stairs to the loading area. The cars were a 4-seater with 2 people on one side of the car and 2 people on the other. The ride was amazing! A definite great addition to the Disney Hollywood Studios theme park. I personally preferred much better to the Buzz Lightyear attraction located in Tomorrowland in the Magic Kingdom™.

As we left the ride, a castmember was on hand getting feedback on our thoughts on the ride. She said an actual date hasn't been confirmed for it's official opening but was posted on Mouseplanet they were going to be doing soft openings until the ride opens on May 30th. Earlier reports had the ride opening on May 20th.

Below are photos I took today of the outside of the attraction and a couple photos taken inside. Enjoy!!





7 comments:

Babette said...

Thanks for the recaps Don!!! Wish I was there with you all!

Like the Pixar logo lamp in the shot with Mr Potato Head....although it's pink, so not sure it truly is meant to be representative of the Pixar lamp. The resemblence just struck me when I saw the picture you posted.

Stay away from those Yetis!

Herc said...

Hey Michelle, I thought the same thing with the lamp. Wouldn't put it passed them to add hidden things like that. Don the attraction looks great. Can't wait to see it.
Anything else different at Pixar Place. Any clues on what might be added?
Did you check out Mickey's new digs at the Animation Building? Is the Coke Bottle mister gone? What does the old Hunchback Theater look like enclosed? Any rumors to what might go in there? Or are they just trying to get it ready for Night of Joy in September?
Questions, questions, questions.

Glad you're there and loving the up to the minute reporting. Hope Mary and Amanda don't mind.

Enjoy your trip. Looking forward to more blog reports.

Cheryl S. said...

I'm so glad that you're having a great time!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the great pictures & info!

~Cheryl

DC Pop Fanatic said...

Catching up on earlier blog comments.

Michelle-Good observation. Didn't catch that. We should have asked Chris today. I will drop him an email.

Jeff-We were only able to see Toy Story Mania. There was an area across from it, somewhat still boarded up. Heard a few rumors today :)

We plan on spending Sunday at Disney Hollywood Studios. We went in on Monday, only to ride Toy Story Mania and checked on the Pirate on Bridge for Michelle and headed back to Magic Kingdom. Didn't get a chance to check anything else out.

Been really enjoying the blogging of the trip and thankfully Mary and Amanda don't seem to mind.

Cheryl-Your welcome. Glad you're enjoying them!

Matthew said...

Don, is there any TSM merchandise available yet? I doesn't look like there's a shop open.

I would really like to see a Mr. Potato Head Carnival Barker toy!

Babette said...

Hey Matthew
No TSM merchandise yet. The only TSM item was a passholder exclusive pin. There is supposed to be a shop in that area as well as some sort of a restaurant/eatery. Al's Toy Barn will relocate over there too.

DC Pop Fanatic said...

Matthew-Sorry, I missed your question.

Babs-Thanks for answering Matthew's questions. Don't forget, there was also a grand opening t-shirt featuring the Alien with splattered paint, the same colors as the guns in the ride vehicle -- red, yellow, blue and green.