Category: Attractions

Slinky Dog Dash Stretches the Fun in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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
- Type of attraction: Family-friendly roller coaster, first at Disney Parks with a second mid-ride launch
- Track type: Steel
- Number of passengers per train: 18
- Height restrictions: 38 inches
- FastPass+: Yes
Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!
June 30, 2018
Toy Story Land Is Officially Open in Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World
The new Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort officially opens today! Inspired by Pixar Animation Studios’ Toy Story films, the new land turns guests of all ages into “honorary toys” and allows them to PLAY BIG in the whimsical world of a child’s imagination.

In Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Woody, Jessie, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, Green Army Men and other fun-loving Toy Story characters come to life in the outdoor setting of Andy’s backyard. A world of toys surrounds guests: giant building blocks, Tinkertoys, yo-yos, board-game pieces, dominoes, Scrabble tiles, and even a giant roller coaster set. The entire land encourages the best playtime ever.

Toy Story Land includes two all-new attractions and a new entrance for an enduring favorite. Guests hop on Slinky Dog for a family-friendly roller coaster ride, take a spin with the little green Aliens from Pizza Planet and go for the high score in midway games populated by beloved Toy Story toys. Guests will also love to chow down on tasty vittles available for purchase at Woody’s Lunch Box

Toy Story Land also celebrates what defines entertainment for kids of all ages. Crayola crayons, a Rubik’s Cube, Cooties, and other toys and games pour on the nostalgia for park-goers – and fascinate young ones. With building blocks around every corner, there are lampposts shaped like Tinkertoys and benches built from Lincoln Logs and K’nex pieces. A balsa-wood glider, a Barrel of Monkeys, giant playing cards and jacks add to the visual tapestry of the new land. Sheriff Woody, standing nearly 20 feet tall, welcomes all to Toy Story Land by jauntily leaning on a tall assemblage of colorful wooden blocks, tipping his wide-brimmed hat to guests while holding onto his trusty lasso.

“With set pieces, staging, attractions and experiences, Toy Story Land represents the best of Walt Disney Imagineering’s collaboration with our storytelling partners at Pixar Animation Studios,” said Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products. “This new land will place guests inside the wondrous world of Woody, Buzz and their pals – and invite everyone to experience the joy of being a toy.”

Check out the list of related posts below for more on Toy Story Land now open at Hollywood Studios!
June 30, 2018
New Concept Art Unveiled for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

The Great Movie Ride closed on August 13, 2017, to make room for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway and today, new concept art from the upcoming attraction has been released by Disney.

Though it was sad for many guests to see The Great Movie Ride go, what is to come is pretty unique. Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway makes for the first ever Mickey-themed ride-through attraction. The new attraction will totally immerse guests in a cartoon world and will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction.

On Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, you’ll step through the movie screen and join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction will put you inside the wacky and unpredictable world of a Mickey Mouse Cartoon Short where you’re the star and anything can happen. This zany out-of-control adventure features surprising twists and turns, dazzling visual effects and mind-boggling transformations that happen before your very eyes.

The fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy’s train for a wacky, wild ride.

The teams helping create the attraction are currently working with partners at Disney Television Animation to keep the characters and storyline authentic – and allow guests to join Mickey and his friends like never before. The attraction is planned to open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2019.

June 29, 2018
Aerial Footage of Toy Story Land Offers Birds-Eye View of Slinky Dog Dash & More

The June 30 grand opening of Toy Story Land is almost here and we have some amazing aerial shots to show you.

Over the past few months, we’ve kept you up to date on all of the Toy Story Land construction progress and now that it’s finished Disney Parks has released a daytime aerial flyover of the new land that just may be the best yet.

In the video below, you see a different view of Slinky Dog Dash that shows the width and scope of the coaster, as friendly little Slinky appears and glides around the track. You can also see a new view of the Alien Swirling Saucers Building.

As we’ve previously shared, Toy Story Land will give guests a “toy’s-eye-view” of Andy’s backyard, and allow them to join in on the fun that Woody, Jessie, Buzz, and Andy’s other beloved toys are having. Here, guests can ride Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster Andy has assembled from his Mega Coaster Play Kit, take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, grab a tasty snack at Woody’s Lunchbox – and meet some of the characters from “Toy Story” films!

June 27, 2018
UPDATE: New Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster Construction Aerial Photos

Construction on the Guardians of the Galaxy Roller Coaster at Epcot is well under way and we can see some real progress now. With these amazing aerial photos of the project we get a scope of just how out of this galaxy the new attraction is going to be.

The highly anticipated “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed roller coaster attraction will be one of the biggest indoor coasters ever built.

Guardians of the Galaxy building frame seen from Epcot monorail station. pic.twitter.com/YeEa1v2ypr

— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) June 24, 2018

Back in April, 960 trucks’ worth of concrete was poured to create the foundation of what will soon take shape as Epcot’s mammoth attraction. Take a look below at an amazing close-up of the Guardians of the Galaxy show building frame so far as seen from World Showcase.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

The “Guardians of the Galaxy”-inspired coaster is part of Disney’s ongoing work to transform Epcot into a place that’s more family, more relevant, more timeless and more Disney. Below you can see the show building frame so far currently spans about 1/4 of the foundation.

Photo: @bioreconstruct

Inspired by the films, the “Guardians of the Galaxy”-themed attraction will expand on the original vision of Epcot’s Future World, with an epic storyline being developed by Walt Disney Imagineering in close collaboration with the original filmmakers.

The attraction will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021.

June 25, 2018
New Inside Out Ride To Open in 2019 at Disney California Adventure

Pixar Pier opens tomorrow in Disney California Adventure park and today, Disney released some exciting details on a new “Inside Out” ride set to open in 2019 at the Inside Out Headquarters.

Located on the western end of the pier, the lush and colorful Inside Out Headquarters will be the future home of Inside Out Emotional Whirlwind! When it debuts, this whimsical family-friendly attraction inspired by “Inside Out” will be—not surprisingly—full of emotions.

There will be four exciting neighborhoods to discover at Pixar Pier in Disney California Adventure park —Incredibles Park, Toy Story Boardwalk, Pixar Promenade and Inside Out Headquarters.

Also joining Pixar Pier in 2019 is Jessie’s Critter Carousel. Inspired by Jessie’s wilderness friends in the “Woody’s Roundup” television show from “Toy Story 2,” this reimagined attraction is a classic boardwalk carousel with a rootin’ tootin’ spin.

In the meantime, visit Pixar Pier when it opens tomorrow, June 23 to discover many new experiences, including the Incredicoaster and Pixar Pal-A-Round attractions, Lamplight Lounge, Pixar-themed food locations and more!

June 22, 2018
Pirates of the Caribbean Returns to Disneyland with New Magic

Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland has been under refurbishment since mid April and the newly revamped ride will finally be back up and running beginning Friday June 8.

As we previously shared, guests now sailing will be introduced to a new scene, that’s familiar to those who have visited Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris, which features a pirate auctioneer overseeing a sale of the townspeople’s most prized possessions and goods. The familiar redhead figure, known as Redd, has also switched sides to become a pirate who’s just pillaged the town’s rum supply.

The redhead has been part of the auction scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since it first opened, but last year Disney announced that it would be reimagining that section of the ride. The attraction has already opened in Disney World with its new scene, but Disneyland guests are anxiously awaiting the reopening of the classic attraction.

Timed to coincide with the re-opening of the attraction, now you will actually be able to meet the redhead who has now turned pirate. Beginning Friday, June 8, the brassy buccaneer known as Redd will be arriving at Disneyland and you can meet her in person in New Orleans Square.

In the video below you can see another new bit of magic developed by Disney’s team of Imagineers. Kim Irvine, Art Director for Walt Disney Imagineering, gives a peek at what’s new inside Pirates of the Caribbean!

As Kim mentions, another fun element has been added, which fans from the attraction’s early days may recognize—but you’ll have to experience it for yourself and listen closely to find out!

June 9, 2018
The Redhead’s Debut at Disneyland Now Has an Official Date

You wanted the redhead, well now you got her! As we reported back in may, a brassy buccaneer known as Redd will be arriving at Disneyland. Well mateys, this fierce and independent pirate will be sailing into New Orleans Square on Friday, June 8!

The redhead has been part of the auction scene in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction since it first opened, but last year Disney announced that it would be reimagining that section of the ride. The attraction has already opened in Disney World with its new scene and refurbishment for the attraction at Disneyland is currently underway. The attraction is schedued to reopen with fastpasses the same day Redd starts making her apperances.

In Disney World’s new version the famed redhead is no longer being auctioned off. She has a new look and a new attitude! Now she sports a rifle and clearly isn’t taking any guff from any scurvy pirates.

A bit mysterious by nature, Redd travels to various ports throughout the Caribbean—selling rum and collecting coin. She has been given a full back story and even told Disney when asked if she knew Captain Jack Sparrow, “That Sparrow owes me a new ship. Wouldn’t be surprised if he found himself in irons once more. If you see Mister Sparrow, I’m lookin’ for ‘em!”

Keep an eye out for Redd—you may encounter this mysterious pirate as she travels from port to port throughout the Caribbean!

June 5, 2018
Today In Disney History: ‘it’s a small world’ Opens 52 Years Ago at Disneyland Park

52 years ago today, It’s A Small World opened in Fantasyland at Disneyland. Also stylized as “it’s a small world,” the interior boat ride features 297 animated children, 256 toys, a canal filled with 233,000 gallons of water, and the 30-foot tall kinetic clock tower centerpiece, which puts on a show every 15 minutes as a parade of characters mark the time with pomp and fanfare.

Following its run as one of the four Walt Disney-developed attractions at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York, “it’s a small world” was shipped piece by piece to Disneyland, where it debuted in Fantasyland on May 28, 1966.

Walt was joined at the opening ceremonies that day by over 50 foreign consulate representatives along with children wearing the traditional dress of many countries. Some of these children helped Walt pour water collected from every ocean plus major rivers and bodies of water from around the world into the flume, truly symbolizing the attraction’s theme of global unity.

It was the park’s first continually loading high-capacity ride. The day was marked by special ceremonies attended by Walt Disney himself in which water from all over the world is poured into the attraction’s moat.

Showcasing the classic work of Disney Legends including art director Mary Blair and costume designer Alice Davis, with an unforgettable theme song by the Sherman Brothers, the Disneyland version of “it’s a small world” famously introduced the gleaming white and gold-tinged facade, incorporating legendary international landmarks.

Disneyland threw another grand opening celebration for the attraction two days later. It’s A Small World proved to be so popular that versions were later added at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World, Tokyo Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and Hong Kong Disneyland.

May 28, 2018
Dwayne The Rock Johnson Signs Biggest Contract of His Career for Disney’s Jungle Cruise

Dwayne The Rock Johnson maybe the highest paid actor in the world, but he still gets nervous just like everyone else. The Rock posted a video on social media that shows him about to sign what he says is “the biggest contract of my career” for Jungle Cruise.

He confirms the movie will begin filming next week in the video, but it also shows the super star standing next to a huge contract, both metaphorically and physically. You can see in the video below The Rock is visibly nervous while he is talking about it and he explains that it is because “about 15 years ago i dreamed of this moment. I saw the first trailer for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean and I thought man one day I would love to make a movie for Disney”

He talks about Walt Disney who was the very first Jungle Cruise skipper and doing everything in his DNA to make a movie that would make Walt proud.

The film is a live-action adaptation of Disneyland’s iconic theme park ride which takes guests on a guided tour through Africa’s Nile and Congo rivers to South America’s Amazon. Disney hopes to develop the film as a possible franchise much like its billion-dollar “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.

Jungle Cruise the movie takes place in the early 20th century and follows riverboat captain Frank (Johnson) as he takes a scientist (Emily Blunt) and her brother (Jack Whitehall) on a journey to find a mystical tree in South America. Edgar Ramírez and Jesse Plemons costar as a pair of villains who, naturally, want the film’s magical MacGuffin for themselves and compete with Frank in the race to find the tree first.

Jaume Collet-Serra is directing the movie based on the classic theme park attraction and “Logan” writer Michael Green penned the most recent draft of the script, rewritten from screenplay by J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay.

Pretty much everything Johnson touches turns to box office gold. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle,” which starred Johnson grossed almost $1 billion worldwide and “Rampage” opened to No. 1 at the box office, grossing $155 million worldwide. With this mega star leading the cast, Disney may just get the next franchise behemoth they are looking for.

May 16, 2018