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Hollywood Studios

A Guide to Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge

by Jamie Rumph August 14, 2019

A Guide to Visiting Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge

Boarding NOW for the planet of Batuu from Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Opening August 29th, Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge will take guests to a galaxy far far away in an immersive land that will bring your childhood dreams of Star Wars to life!

Upon arriving on the planet of Batuu you’ll be visiting Black Spire, a remote trading outpost filled with smugglers, traders and the resistance looking to gather forces. They’re all doing their best to avoid the First Order who have arrived in Black Spire to maintain control. Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge brings the Star Wars story to life with you in it!

Looking back at the entrance to Star Wars Land Galaxy's Edge

As you enter Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge you’re in the outskirts of Black Spire where the Resistance comes together in order and tries to steer clear of the First Order. This is where the Rise of the Resistance attraction is (opening December 5th) and the Resistance Supply kiosks where you can purchase all of your Resistance gear.

Star Wars Land

As you move towards the middle of Star Wars land you’ll encounter the First Order as they patrol the area. Make sure to interact with all of the characters you come into contact with and watch the story unfold while you’re part of it. Being able to be part of the story is part of the fun!

What you need to know:

The 14 acre, fully immersive land (similar in size to Toy Story Land) is home to 2 attractions, Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (opening December 5, 2019), shopping, dining, and entertainment.

There are two entrances into Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios. The main entrance is near the Muppet’s Vision 3D and Baseline Tap House which sits next to the remains of the once standing Streets of America. I was so happy when Disney left a nod to the past behind!

Star Wars Land Galaxys Edge map

The Resistance (good guys) and the First Order (dark side) can be found roaming throughout Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge including Kylo Ren, Stormtroopers, Chewbacca and Rey. Storm Troopers roaming Star Wars Land

Character Experiences

Roaming characters are Batuu’s version of a character meet and greet. It is similar to how the Storm Troopers have previously roamed outside Star Wars Launch Bay.

Characters won’t stop for photographs, you’ll have to grab them on the move. If you’re looking for a more traditional character experience, head back to Star Wars Launch Bay.

Meet Chewbaca outside Star Wars Land at the Star Wars Launch Bay

However, it never hurts to ask for a picture. Just don’t expect it! My kids were really lucky and were able to get their picture taken with Rey.

Reservations are suggested for:

Oga’s Cantina
Savi’s workshop – lightsaber building experience
Droid Depot – build an interactive droid

How to make reservations:

Reservations can be made 180 days prior to arrival on your My Disney Experience account or by calling 407-WDW-DINE
Reservations require a credit card to hold your spot but won’t be charged at the time of booking.
No shows will be charged a fee of $10 per person for dining, and the cost of the experience for Savi’s Workshop and the Droid Depot.

You should also know:

Fast Passes are currently NOT available for the two attractions inside Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge.
It is unknown when FastPasses will be available inside Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge.
We assume boarding times will be distributed for Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, similar as to how they are done at Disneyland but no information has been given by Disney at this time.

Attractions:

There are two attractions (rides) inside Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge. Fast passes are NOT available for either attraction at this time.

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38” Ride Height
Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40” Ride Height (opening December 5, 2019)

Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run – 38” ride height

Millenium Falcon Smugglers Run at Star Wars Galaxys Edge

After waiting in line, guests will be split into two groups of 24 to watch Hondo share your mission details.

After viewing the mission you’ll be split into smaller groups of 6. These six guests will be assigned one of three roles, pilot, engineer or gunner and then board the Millenium Falcon to complete a smuggling job for Hondo.

Your group will be working together to gather co-axiom on your smuggling run. There are two opportunities to get the co-axiom IF you do a good job.

Millenium Falcon ride cards

There are three roles to be played on the ride. Your boarding card will assign your role:

2 Pilots – the most desired role. One pilot steers the Falcon up and down, the other right to left. The pilots have the best view of the mission screen but note that if you’re prone to motion sickness, it may not be the spot for you!
2 Gunners – The gunners do exactly what it sounds like. Shoot at the enemy! HINT: you can hold down the button and the guns will rapid fire keeping your hand from becoming tired while shooting!
2 Engineers – The engineers fix the ship by pressing buttons on the sidewall of the cockpit. This role requires you to miss quite a bit of the “show” because you’re having to keep an eye on the buttons to know what to press next. (The buttons light up when you need to press them)

For the full ride video go here.

Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance – 40″ ride height

(opening December 5, 2019)

Star Wars Land Rise of the Resistance ride

We know very little about Rise of the Resistance at this point. What we do know is that it will be the E-ticket attraction inside Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge and will offer a state of the art ride experience! I’m excited to give it a try on December 5, 2019, when it first opens!

Shopping at Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge:

There are four shopping areas inside Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge.

Depending on crowd size there may be limited access into the shops. A line will form outside the shop for entrance. This is a GOOD thing!

It means that you’ll be able to see all there is to purchase without fighting the crowd and have a much more enjoyable experience!

So bring your patience and know that Disney does everything they can to ensure a great visit to Battu!

Resistance Supply

The Resistance Supply is located near the Star Wars land entrance on the outskirts of Black Spire far from where the First Order patrols. You can purchase your resistance attire and memorabilia here.

Resistance Outpost shopping area

First Order Cargo

First Order Cargo is in the back corner of Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge and filled with all things First Order. Costumes, t-shirts, and memorabilia. First Order shopping area.

Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities

This is the strangest little shop of memorabilia and other collectibles. Look up, if you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll see all sorts of things from the movies. As my husband says, “if you’re a Star Wars nerd like him, this is your place.”

Dok Andars Den of Antiquities

The Marketplace

The Market Place at Star Wars Land Galaxys Edge

The Marketplace is a large outdoor shopping area with multiple smaller shops, “stalls”, showcasing the galaxy’s strange merchandise.

Make sure you look up and take the whole area in while you’re visiting. The attention to detail is mesmerizing! It’s one of my favorite areas in Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge.

Inside the Market Place at Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Creature Stall

I LOVE this little shop! It’s probably my favorite in the whole land!

The creatures are cute and strange and I just want to hug them all! Beware of the caged Loth-Cat! I think he’s smiling. But my family isn’t so sure!

While you’re here you can adopt your own strange creatures from across the galaxy.

You can see my creature experience on Instagram on my Galaxy’s Edge Instagram highlights. This guy was fun to hold in a strange kinda alien way.

Creatures in the Galaxys Edge Marketplace

Toydarian Toymaker

You’ll find the cutest and very different toys at the Toydarian Toymaker. They all take on a bit of a homemade appearance which gives them some extra charm. I almost brought them all home!

Toys at the Toydarian Toy Maker stall in Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Jewels of Bith

This is probably the most basic of stalls in the Marketplace. It has Black Spire T-shirts, bags, trading pins and some very popular outta this world looking fans.

Jewels of the Bith Stall at the Marketplace in Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Fans, tshirts and hats at the Marketplace in Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Black Spire Outfitters

There are some fun character inspired clothing options here. Some are over the top, others are subtle enough you could wear them to work.

Star Wars costumes at the Black Spire Outfitters Galaxys Edge

Shopping Experiences:

There’s shopping in Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge and then there’s shopping with an experience attached to it! Galaxy’s Edge has a few of these fun opportunities while visiting. The Droid Depot where you can build your own BB or R droid and Savi’s Workshop where you’ll build your own lightsaber that chooses you!

Droid Depot

Droid Depot Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

At the Droid Depot, you can build your own droid that interacts with the land. You’ll decide if you want an R-series or BB-series droid and then pull the parts you want off of the conveyer belt.

After you’ve assembled your droid you can purchase additional accessories like color panels (for the R series) and voice chips (for the BB series) to make them even more unique.

Don’t forget to get your droid carrying bag as well. I’ve deemed this the American Girl of droid shopping!

There is other merchandise in the Droid Depot so stop in even if you don’t want to build a droid. You may find yourself walking out with a double set of droid ears like me!

Reservations are suggested to build a droid.
Each droid is $99.99 plus tax.
One droid builder plus two watchers can enter the droid building area.
The way this shop is laid out, it would be easy for additional guests to watch from a distance.

Build a droid conveyor belt at the Droid Depot Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Savi’s Workshop

At Savi’s Workshop, you’ll build your own custom lightsaber under the watchful eyes of a Gatherer who’s looking for the next generation of Jedi hopefuls.

My buddy Rob after buidling his lightsaber at Savi's Workshop at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge When building your lightsaber you’ll have four Hilt themes to choose from: “peace and justice”, “power and control”, “elemental nature” or “protection and defense”.

After choosing your hilt, you’ll select the heart of the lightsaber – the kyber crystal which also determines the color of your lightsaber.

lightsaber building at Savi's Workshop Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Reservations are suggested to build a custom lightsaber.
One lightsaber per reservation/experience.
Each lightsaber is $199.99 plus tax.
Only the lightsaber builder and one guest are allowed inside the experience.

Dining:

Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo

This quick-service location is the only place to eat a meal in Star Wars Land: Galaxies Edge. Although the food looks somewhat weird, it’s actually pretty good!

Docking Bay 7 is located near the Millenium Falcon and reservations are NOT available. Mobile Ordering is not currently available although I hope they make it available soon.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at Docking Bay 7. I haven’t had breakfast but will be back to try it soon. Lunch/dinner was great!

Breakfast menu at Docking Bay 7 Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

I LOVED the Roasted Endorian Tip-Yip Salad! It looks really strange but it was so good! Docking Bay 7 salad at Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Lunch and dinner menu at Docking Bay 7 Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Ronto Roasters

Ronto Roasters is located inside the Marketplace where a “pod racing engine-turned barbecue spit” turns meat for snacks. and light wraps. We tried the sweet jerky and didn’t love it. It was tough and hard to chew.

The wrap isn’t gluten-free (I haven’t checked to see if there is a gluten-free wrap option) but I’ve heard that it’s pretty good.

Menu at Rontos Roasters Star Wars Galaxy's Edge

Oga’s Cantina

I LOVE Oga’s Cantina! It’s a must-visit spot on your visit to Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge.

This bar/lounge is full of lively fun and creative drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic to suit all travelers.

As you enter, look around and take in all of the theming! It’s amazing!

Most of the cantina is standing room only, however, there are several large booths surrounding the outside walls. The booths hold about 10 travelers, so if you’re seated here you’ll most likely sit with other travelers, not in your party.

Bar at Ogas Cantina at Star Wars Galaxys Edge

All of the drinks at Oga’s are on tap and can be seen around the bar. The set up is really intricate and fun so make sure you really take the time to look it over!

Rodian Ration at Ogas Cantina at Star Wars Galaxys Edge Oga’s has a few rules:

2 drinks per traveler
45 mins max stay
No blasters or lightsabers allowed out inside. She doesn’t want her walls shot up!

Before leaving Oga’s make sure you roam the cantina and take in the sights and sounds of DJ Rex and the bar with all of the drinks on tap! Fuzzy Tauntaun at Ogas Cantina Star Wars Galaxys Edge

I tried both the Fuzzy Tauntaun and the Rodian Ration. They were fun and both pretty good. I’d have them again.

The Fuzzy Tauntaun will make your mouth buzz a little bit but nothing like my Vegas favorite the Buzz Button at The Chandelier bar. The Rodian Ration is sour apple jello with Pop Rocks on top and balboa balls on the bottom. It’s a fun treat to try!

Reservations suggested and can be made 180 days in advance for Oga’s Cantina on your My Disney Experience app or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Milk Stand

The stand is beautiful, the milk… interesting. I’d say it has a consistency of a milkshake but it’s not actually milk. It’s a plant-based vegan drink. I do think it’s worth a try, although I couldn’t drink a whole one by myself. I personally don’t prefer one flavor over the other.

Blue and Green Milk are $7.99 each or $14 with alcohol.
Blue Milk is fruity in flavor and can have rum added.
Green Milk is citrus in flavor and can have tequila added.
The Bubo Wamba Family Farms Light-Up Souvenir Sipper is $24.99 and comes with one milk of your choice. (without alcohol only)

Kat Saka’s Kettle

Kat Saka’s Kettle stall is inside the marketplace and where you can feast on spicy popcorn and galactic beverages. Don’t forget to pick up your special Batuu popcorn bucket that actually rolls! (popcorn buckets do not have refills like in other Disney locations)

Kat Sakas Kettle popcorn stall at Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Drink Stands

You can’t leave Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge without your thermal detonator Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or water. I don’t even drink Coke and thought this was a must have! Each detonator is $7 but surprisingly that little bottle is a full 12 oz.

Entertainment:

Characters

Rey and the resistance followers can be seen roaming Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge and you may even see Kylo Ren and the First Order Officer’s patrolling the area as well. Beware, they’re always looking for any Resistance sympathizer. Play along and get into the story. These characters are meant to interact with you in a more natural way than your traditional character meet and greet.

Storm Trooper in Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Play Disney Parks App

With the opening of Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge, Disney has updated the Play Disney Parks app with new games and music for the land. You can even use the app to decode some of the signs in the land’s strange written language.

Make sure to download the app before you go and then use the parks wifi to play. You may also want to bring along a portable battery to avoid a dead phone after playing. Personally, I love to keep a Fuel Rod in my Disney bag. It can be exchanged all over Disney World, including the parks, so I never have to worry if I’ve charged my portable battery before visiting.

Play Disney parks app Star Wars Galaxys Edge games and music

When you’re not at Disney World you can use the Play Disney Parks app to play music! That’s right, you’ll find all of your favorite Star Wars tunes right in the app to play while you’re home or out!

Star Wars music on play Disney parks app

Fast Passes:

There are currently NO Fast Passes offered in Galaxy’s Edge. I will update this section when Disney makes future announcements on Fast Pass availability.

Photo Pass and Picture Opportunities

There are so many great photo ops inside Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge! The Photo Pass photographers do an amazing job getting more than just a picture. This is another reason I always recommend the Memory Maker!

I need to work on my “force” face but the picture is so fun none the less!

Photo Pass Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Hanging out with the resistance photo pass picture Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Don’t forget to look for your own great photo opportunities as well! This one is in the most inconspicuous place! The exit line from the Millenium Falcon! And depending on where you exit, you don’t always see it!

photo opportunities Star Wars Galaxys Edge

If you have fun and play along with the Photo Pass photographers you can end up with some really great shots! And laughs! Here we went to take that “perfect photo shot” but busted out laughing at ourselves instead!
Photo pass Star Wars Galaxys Edge

Stay into the evening hours for great shots of the Millenium Falcon.

And grab this great photo op inside the Millenium Falcon. You’ll reach this area once you’ve been assigned your job. You can then look around the Millenium Falcon and take this picture while you’re waiting for your boarding color to be called.

And this is one of my favorite photo ops in Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge but you’ll have to be fast!

AFTER you pilot the Millenium Falcon and after everyone has left the cockpit have your camera and photographer ready and grab this shot quick! Others are waiting to board so you’ll need to be super fast!

Millenium Falcon Star Wars Land Galaxy's Edge

I hope that helps with your plans to visit Star Wars Land: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Drop on over, say hello, and ask all of your questions on my Instagram and Facebook page.

I’d love to send you traveling to a galaxy far, far away!

Star Wars Galaxys Edge pin

August 14, 2019

Disney World Planning Touring Plans

Disney World Fast Pass Tiers and Ride Heights

by Jamie Rumph August 3, 2019

written by Jamie Rumph

Before diving into Fast Pass options and ride heights you first need to understand a few things about how Fast Pass+ works and options available for families with smaller children, who don’t meet the height requirements of some rides.

Fast Pass+

Fast Pass day often causes stress for many guests. Don’t let it! It’s simply a tool to maximize your time in the park.

It does NOT mean you won’t get to ride the attractions you don’t have Fast Passes for!

In fact, if you aren’t able to get a Fast Pass for one of the suggested attractions, just plan to ride that attraction early in the day and then use your Fast Passes. You can use my park touring plans to help guide your day.

Fast Pass is not available at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach water parks.

How it Works

More on how to set up and use Fast Pass at Disney World here.

Note: Fast Passes can be selected at 7 am EST 60 days prior to arrival for all guests staying on property (at a Disney Resort) and 30 days prior to arrival for guests staying off property.

Rider Swap

Rider Swap gives parents and other members of the traveling party the opportunity to ride any attraction their child can not, or does not want to ride.

How it Works

All guests will approach the ride entrance and let the Cast Member know they would like to use rider swap.

Group one will get in line for the attraction and group twos Magic Bands will be scanned by the Cast Member to add a rider swap pass to their account.

Rider swap passes work for up to four people, (works like a Fast Pass) and is used for re-entry into the Fast Pass line, after group one returns. You can see the addition of the rider swap in your My Disney Experience account.

Group two is free to do something else in the area until group one returns.

After group one has completed the ride, group two can scan their Magic Bands at the Fast Pass entry touch point to ride the attraction. Group two has up to one hour to use their pass. You can arrive up to 10 minutes late just like a Fast Pass.

Attractions with a ride height requirement have the rider swap option.

There are a couple of things I really love about this!

One, both parents get to experience the attraction with their children.

Two, this eliminates parents missing some really great attractions when traveling with younger children. Disney is for adults too!

So, if you’re considering skipping the big kid rides because your kids are small, I’d reconsider and use rider swap to help make this your Disney Vacation too!

Touring Plans

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

Hollywood Studios – Coming soon

Animal Kingdom – Coming soon

Ride Heights and Fast Pass Tiers by park

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom touring plan

Magic Kingdom does not have any Fast Pass tiers, meaning you can choose your three preferred Fast Passes.

Main Street, U.S.A

Meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Town Square Theater – through September 30, 2019

Meet Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater

Tomorrowland

Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin

Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

Space Mountain – 44″

Tomorrowland Speedway – 32″

Fantasyland

Mad Tea Party

The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – 38″

Mickeys PhilharMagic

Peter Pan’s Flight

it’s a small world

The Barnstormer – 35″

Dumbo the Flying Elephant

Enchanted Tales with Belle

Meet Ariel at Her Grotto

Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid

Meet Cinderella and Elena at Princess Fairytale Hall

Meet Rapunzel and Tiana at Princess Fairytale Hall

Liberty Square

Haunted Mansion

Frontierland

Big Thunder Mountian Railroad – 40″

Splash Mountain – 40″

Adventureland

Pirates of the Caribbean

Jungle Cruise

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
Space Mountian
Splash Mountain
Big Thunder Mountian

If the above are not available:

Pirates of the Caribbean
Haunted Mansion

Families with Small Children:

Peter Pan’s Flight
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (great first coaster)
Goofy’s Barnstormer (great first coaster)
Meet Mickey Mouse if children are not tall enough for the roller coasters above.

Epcot

Spaceship Earth at Disney’s Epcot

Tier One

*Guests are only able to choose one Fast Pass from the tier one category. Fast Pass selections two and three must be chosen from tier two.

Frozen Ever After

IllumiNations Reflections of Earth reserved seating – through August 29, 2019.

Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot

Soarin’ Around the World – 40″

Test Track – 40″

Tier Two

Disney and Pixar Short Film Festival

Journey Into Imagination With Figment

Living with the Land

The Seas with Nemo & Friends

Spaceship Earth

Turtle Talk With Crush

Mission Space – 44″

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Tier One:

Test Track
Soarin’

Tier Two:

Spaceship Earth
Mission Space
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Living with the Land

Families with Small Children:

Tier One:

Frozen Ever After

Tier Two:

Spaceship Earth
The Seas with Nemo and Friends
Living with the Land

Hollywood Studios

Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

*Guests are only able to choose one Fast Pass from the tier one category. Fast Pass selections two and three must be chosen from tier two.

Fast Pass is not currently available for Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run (opening August 29, 2019) or Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance (opening December 5, 2019).

Tier One

Alien Swirling Saucers

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48″

Slinky Dog Dash – 38″

Toy Story Mania!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″

Star Tours – The Adventure Continues – 40″

Tier Two

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Disney Junior Dance Party!

Fantasmic!

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!

Muppet*Vision 3D

Voyage of The Little Mermaid

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Tier One

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – 48″

Slinky Dog Dash – 38″

Toy Story Mania!

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – 40″

Tier Two

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Families with Small Children:

Tier One

Slinky Dog Dash – 38″

Toy Story Mania!

Tier Two

For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration

Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage

Families who are only interested in meeting characters:

Animal Kingdom

Avatar Flight of Passage at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

*Guests are only able to choose one Fast Pass from the tier one category. Fast Pass selections two and three must be chosen from tier two.

Tier One

Avatar Flight of Passage – 44″

Na’vi River Journey

Tier Two

Dinosaur – 40″

Primeval Whirl – 48″

Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountian – 44″

Festival of the Lion King

Finding Nemo – The Musical

It’s Tough to be a Bug!

Kali River Rapids

Kilimanjaro Safaris

Meet Favorite Disney Pals at Adventures Outpost

Rivers of Light: We Are One – preferred seating

Up! A Great Bird Adventure

The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

Suggested Fast Passes:

Ride Lovers:

Tier One

Avatar Flight of Passage – 44″

Tier Two

Kilimanjaro Safaris
Expedition Everest- Legend of the Forbidden Mountian – 44″
Dinosaur
Kali River Rapids

Families with Small Children:

Tier One

Na’vi River Journey

Tier Two

Kilimanjaro Safaris
Festival of the Lion King
Finding Nemo – The Musical
The Animation Experience at Conservation Station

And truly, the best way to plan your Disney vacation is to let someone else do it for you!

At Love of the Magic Vacations, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, we make visiting Disney World easy!

Find out more about what a travel agent specializing in Disney can do to help plan your Disney Destination vacation.

Email today for a free no obligation quote! Hello@LOTMV.com

August 3, 2019

Animal Kingdom Disney Resorts Epcot Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom Planning

New at Disney World in 2019

by Jamie Rumph November 27, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Disney World has many new and highly anticipated additions coming in 2019! Here is a complete list of what we have to look forward to in the new year!

I’ll continue to add pictures to this post so bookmark it and check back to see the progress!

Magic Kingdom

Mickey and Minnies Surprise Celebration

Mickey and Minnies Surprise Celebration begins on January 18th at Magic Kingdom. Mickey and Minnie will finally be together in one spot for a picture taking opportunity! I’m so excited!

Move It, Shake It, MousekeDance It!

Move It, Shake It, MousekeDance It also begins on January 18th. This updated version of the current Move It, Shake It, Dance It, Play It parade will have new music and costumes celebrating our favorite mouse!

EPCOT

EPCOT Forever Nighttime Spectacular

Summer 2019, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth, a long-standing fan favorite will end and a new show Epcot Forever, will begin. It’s unknown if this will happen simultaneously. The new show will play for a limited time as Disney reimagines the feel of Epcot.

Hollywood Studios

Galaxies Edge

Perhaps the most anticipated new addition at Disney World is Galaxies Edge (Star Wars Land) at Hollywood Studios. This fully immersive land will feature two new attractions “Millenium Falcon – Smugglers Run” and “Star Wars Rise of the Resistance” when it opens in the Fall of 2019 along with new dining locations and of course a gift shop. The new Star Wars Hotel will also be part of the land but is not slated to open in 2019.

I’m not even a huge Star Wars fan and I’m really excited to experience this new land! Sorry guys, Star Wars is great and all I’m just not a diehard.

However, seeing glimpses of what’s to come while riding Slinky Dog Dash and just what’s peering over the tops of the walls has me pretty excited to experience what Disney has dreamed up this time!

Mickey’s Runaway Railway

This Mickey filled experience is taking the place of the Great Movie Ride inside Hollywood Studios. I was completely sad when Disney closed the Great Movie Ride I’m equally excited about the opening of Mickey’s Runaway Railway! This new 3-D attraction is scheduled to open in 2019 and is sure to be loved by all mouse fans!

Metroville

Pixar Place is currently being reimagined at Metroville home to the Incredibles and will open on January 18th. This area was once the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania and home to the Woody and Buzz meet and greet but upon the new Toy Story land opening Disney quickly put up walls and began construction on something new.

Meet Mike and Sully

On January 18th, Mike and Sully from Monsters Inc will be coming to Hollywood Studios for a new meet and greet. You will find them inside One Man’s Dream in the same spot we’ve seen Guardians of the Galaxy, Moana and some other character favorites. Because of where they are meeting I anticipate they will only stick around for a short time.

Lightning McQueen Racing Academy

Beginning in early 2019 Lightning McQueen and his racing buddies Tow Mater and Cruz Ramirez will star in a new show located near Rockin Rollercoaster. I anticipate this show to be in the building behind the coaster that has featured a few dance parties in the past. Lightning McQueen is excited to share his racing knowledge with all of us but has to think on his feet when it doesn’t go as planned.

Wonderful World of Animation Show

Disney continues to celebrate the history of animation and movies in Hollywood Studios with the debut of a new nighttime show beginning May 2019. This projection show will share 90 years of Disney Animation and is assumed to be another projection show on the Chinese Theater. As long as they include the original animation Steamboat Willie my little Disney heart will be happy!

Animal Kingdom

Hakuna Matata Time

A new dance party titled “Hakuna Matata Time” begins on January 18th as part of the celebration of Mickey throughout Disney World. I don’t anticipate this one to draw crowds like the shows featuring Mickey.

New Transportation at Disney World!

Disney’s Skyliner

Opening in the fall of 2019, this new gondola system will connect 4 resorts, Disney’s Art of Animation, Pop Century, Caribbean Beach and the new Rivera Resort, to both Hollywood Studios and Epcot.

All of the connector poles are in place and the cable system is being installed. Each of the 4 new platforms to board the gondola are also well underway. Each platform has been designed to match the theming of its location.

Resorts

Rivera Resort

In the Fall of 2019, just in time for Galaxies Edge, Disney’s new Rivera Resort will be opening at Disney World. This new resort is the fifteenth Disney Vacation Club resort. There will be approximately 300 new rooms and views of Hollywood Studios and Epcot fireworks from the top floor restaurant.

Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

In July 2019 this new 545 room tower which includes 50 suites will begin welcoming guests in a two-story grand lobby. This new tower is situated to the right of the original resort and will be the new check-in location. Two new restaurants will also open at the resort. One on the rooftop of the tower and the second on an island in the middle of the 14 acre Lago Dorado lake. The original rooms at Coronado Springs are also getting a facelift to match the resorts new style.

Disney Springs

City Works Eatery & Pour House

Disney Springs has had an abundance of “new” over that last several years as it was transformed from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs. This shopping, eating and entertainment area has been very popular among guests and is often quite crowded in the afternoons and evenings.

City Works Eatery and Pour House will open in the summeopen019 and will feature over 80 beers on tap and abundance of large screen TVs. This sports bar type atmosphere will be family-friendly and perhaps a favorite hang out location for all of the sports-loving dads out there.

November 27, 2018

Animal Kingdom Epcot Extra Magic Hollywood Studios Magic Kingdom

Disney Worlds Private VIP Tour – Everything You Need to Know

by Jamie Rumph November 26, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Recently I experienced a Private VIP Tour at Disney World. You don’t want to miss this magical extra! Here’s why!

My Private VIP Tour Experience

I went on a Private VIP Tour with a large group, 13 total including myself. Each Private VIP Tour has a maximum of 10 people and therefore we needed two guides for our group size.

In our 7 hour tour, we wanted to cover all 4 parks and the majority of the E-Ticket attractions in one day.

E-Ticket means the most popular attractions. This term comes from when Disneyland first opened and guests bought ticket booklets to ride the different attractions instead of the all-encompassing ticket we purchase now.

Our guides picked us up at 10 am at Disney’s Polynesian Resort. This is where the excitement really began! We piled into our two private vehicles and we were off to Magic Kingdom!

Park One: Magic Kingdom

One of the greatest perks on the tour is entering each park from backstage and skipping the long ticket and bag check lines!

At the Magic Kingdom, we entered through “Park One” near Space Mountain. This parking lot is heavily restricted and only the most important Cast Members are allowed in. In fact, after your VIP Tour Guide lets you out of the vehicle and escorts you into the park another Cast Member moves the vehicle out of the way until your return! That’s just how small and coveted this parking space is!

After arriving in Park One/Magic Kingdom we were given water bottles and snacks, our Magic Bands were scanned and off we went!

We entered Magic Kingdom via the bypass that runs behind Main Street USA. The bypass is only opened on really busy nights after fireworks or during Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

Attraction One: Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin

From there we walked straight to Tomorrowland and rode Buzz Light Year’s Space Ranger Spin. We went into through the exit door, loaded the attraction and off we went. I was lucky to ride with one of our tour guides Kelvin. He pointed out all the targets to shoot for the highest score! It seems however if you can’t aim very well, you still can’t win! Even the greatest tour guide can’t fix my lousy aim!

Attraction Two: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train

Unfortunately, Space Mountain was temporarily closed so we passed it up for our next great attraction Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. This attraction consistently has a 90 – 120 minute wait time and a FastPass can be pretty hard to get if you don’t grab them at 60 days prior to arrival.

Another perk of the Private VIP Tour Guide is unlimited FastPasses so to speak! We entered Seven Dwarfs Mine Train via the FastPass line and went straight to the front! In a matter of minutes, Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho It’s off to work we went!

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train is one of my favorite attractions at Magic Kingdom. This short smooth roller coaster is great for all ages. A starter coaster I sometimes call it!

I don’t get to ride if often because of the long wait so this was a real treat for the day! An extra treat was riding it with our other VIP Tour Guide, Julia, where she pointed out TWO hidden Mickey’s! I’ll give you a clue, they’re both in the mine!

Attraction Three: Haunted Mansion

After Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, we walked through a crazy congested Fantasyland and straight in the back door of the Haunted Mansion. We entered this attraction in the same place as I did with the Keys to the Kingdom Tour, another magical extra that you must try!

This special entrance takes you right into the holding room, skipping the standby line and FastPass line. We then entered the stretching room. (Did you know there are actually two stretching rooms?) After the stretching room, we made our way to the attraction queue. (Another side note, when touring by yourself always stand under the “Pink Lady” the door opens under her!) We entered behind the crowd in order to keep our large group together but were then escorted from the back of the line to the front of the line bypassing the remaining queue. I tell you this VIP Tour has perks!

Because I had ridden Haunted Mansion on the Key’s to the Kingdom Tour I knew the magical secrets being shared here! It’s fascinating how this attraction works! And of course, there’s a hidden Mickey and a few other great secrets in here as well! I don’t want to give them all away so if you want to know more take the Keys to the Kingdom Tour!

Attraction Four: Big Thunder Mountain

By the time we’d exited Haunted Mansion, it was about 11:15 am. We had been in the park for just over an hour and already ridden three of the most popular attractions. We continued our loop around the Kingdom and over towards Big Thunder Mountain. The crowds were insane at this point and it took some maneuvering to get through Liberty Square and Frontierland.

At Big Thunder Mountain we joined the FastPass queue which was somewhat backed up. The wait was not long by any means but we didn’t hop right on as we had at the other attractions. At most I’d say we waited 10 minutes which truly isn’t a bad wait!

Once again I rode with our VIP Tour Guide Julia and she shared the hidden Mickey at Big Thunder. Big clue, it’s near the end as you make your way back into the mine house.

Attraction Five: Pirates of the Caribbean

Our fifth and final attraction at Magic Kingdom was Pirates of the Caribbean. We used the FastPass entrance and were whisked right through to boarding the boat. Our tour guides stayed behind to have our VIP vehicle called back to Park One while we enjoyed the attraction. As our boat pulled away our guide yelled from behind the jail bars “the Hidden Mickey, he’s in the locks scene”.

This is an attraction I have ridden so many times that I couldn’t even begin to count but I loved listening to the guests who have never ridden this infamous ride! And of course, help them locate that Hidden Mickey in the locks scene!

From there we walked through Adventureland and across Main Street USA, stopped for a quick picture with the castle and continued our march back to the bypass and out of Magic Kingdom. It was an odd feeling to have experienced Main Street and the “Castle shot” and the end of our Magic Kingdom tour and not in the beginning but it’s a feeling I could get over if it meant I got to tour the park VIP style!

Park Two: Animal Kindom

After getting back to our private vehicles we headed across Disney property to the other side of the World and Animal Kingdom. If you’re a park guest it’s a long way to the other side! A minimum 20-minute drive and that’s if the traffic is decent. But when you tour with the VIP Tour Guides everything magically takes less time!

We drove from Magic Kingdom to Animal Kingdom in 10 minutes via a back road that only Cast Members have access to. I’ve seen this road many times and have wished to enter but never been able too. One of the downsides of living with a Cast Member is knowing all of the cool backstage access they have and wondering what it’s all like! I’ve seen a few things here and there while participating in RunDisney events but this Private VIP Tour took me all the places! (ok not all the places but quite a few) and this magical shortcut road to the Animal Kingdom was one of them!

Attraction Six: Flight of Passage

We entered Animal Kingdom from backstage and parked directly behind Pandora – World of Avatar and Flight of Passage. Which would be our sixth attraction of the day! The line here is consistently 120 minutes long and the Fast Passes are gone often before you’re able to get them 60 days prior to arrival. (Trick: make Animal Kingdom your third of forth park day to have a better chance of getting a Fast Pass for this attraction). We accessed the line via the FastPass entrance and walked right to the first holding point to get on the attraction.

This is arguably the best ride in all of Disney World! I say arguably because there are so many elements that go into a ride being the best! Therefore we could choose other attractions based on various factors, however, Flight of Passage definitely earns the best attraction for the most innovative and immersive attraction at Disney World. Here you are truly whisked away on the back of banshee inside the world of Pandora. I LOVE to watch newbies experience this and listen to their awes and exasperations as they dip, drop and smell their way through this awesome attraction!

Lunch Break

We stopped for a quick lunch at Pizzafari with the kids, which I mobile ordered while waiting in line for Flight of Passage. The adults opted for Flame Tree Barbecue. (My favorite quick service location inside Animal Kingdom).

Ideally, we would have mobile ordered this as well but the service was not working. The adults instead walked over to order and brought their good back to Pizzafari to join the kids. After lunch, we proceeded to our next attraction!

Attraction Seven: Expedition Everest

Expedition Everest was our next stop! I was surprised when the VIP Tour Guides loaded us back into the vehicles and drove us around the backside of Animal Kingdom to get closer to the entrance of Expedition Everest. We parked behind Finding Nemo – The Musical building and quickly walked to Everest.

Did you know Animal Kingdom is the largest park at Disney World? Magic Kingdom has more ground for guests to cover and a manages a higher capacity of people but because of the large savannah that is part of Kilimanjaro Safaris Animal Kingdom is actually the largest of the parks!

Here we used the FastPass entrance to board the attraction and ride through the Forbidden Mountain Pass and past the trouble making Yeti all on full tummies! This may not have been our smartest move of the day but everyone survived so that counts for something!

With our final descent from Everest, we were off to our forth park of the day just a little over 4 and a half hours from our 10 am start time.

Park Three: Hollywood Studios

Our next stop on this Private VIP tour was Hollywood Studios. At Hollywood Studios, you park behind Rockin Rollercoaster and walk the entire length of the park to do the attractions on the other side. Granted this is the smallest of the four parks at Disney World and therefore fewer steps to cover it all. But it can also feel the most crowded due to its smaller size. By 3 pm when we arrived it was really crowded!

Our guides warned us that we were starting to cut close our ability to do four parks in one day. Even though we were able to utilize the FastPass lines for everything we had done, it still took some time to maneuver around the parks with the crowds.

Because we wanted to cover all four parks without adding any time to our private tour, we opted to only ride Slinky Dog Dash and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios.

Attraction Eight: Slinky Dog Dash

After grabbing a quick coffee we joined the other toys in Andy’s Backyard, bypassed the 180-minute wait to ride Slinky Dog Dash, and slinked our way over the backyard on the backside of Slinky Dog catching a quick glimpse of Galaxies Edge in the distance. This attraction always has me giggling like a kid and living up the endless childhood nostalgia that screams 90’s kid!

Attraction Nine: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror

I have a lot of favorites at Disney World! In fact, I have so many that if you ask me what my favorite is I can’t tell you! I can’t choose just one. But Tower of Terror is right at the top of my list!

I love Tower because it’s different every single time! Yes, I know what’s going to happen, but the order of elevator drops is never the same, always leaving me in the same childhood anticipation that every great theme park ride gives you.

What I had forgotten I loved so much about this attraction was experiencing it with someone who has never ridden it before! This was the case with my group of 12! The majority of them had never been on the ride and it was terrifyingly funny listening to their every gasp as doors opened and closed and the elevator car moved about the storyline.

When the elevator finally clicked into the drop zone and the ride truly began all I could do was laugh and scream as we all experienced this part for the first time. One of those first-timers may have let out an “I hate you all” on the final drop! I”ll never tell who.

There is something about laughs of joy, screams of delight (ok maybe terror) that make family theme park days so much fun!

Park Four: Epcot

And with that, it was time for Epcot! At this point, we’d already walked over 15,000 steps and everyone was Disney exhausted! You only know exactly what this means if you’ve walked Disney World through your exhaustion and kept on moving by the magic of Disney! Somehow your feet just keep going!

We parked behind Test Track and entered to the side of it which was fantastic because that’s exactly where we were headed!

Attraction Ten: Test Track

The kids on our tour we’re dying to try out Test Track and that’s just what we did! We joined the FastPass line, built our streamlined cars in the waiting queue and then buckled ourselves in! After break checks and a responsiveness test we went from 0 to 60 in seconds and circled the outside of the building with the cool breeze in our hair. It was the perfect carefree ride to end our VIP Touring day!

The End

After loading back up into the van our guides dropped us back off at Disney’s Polynesian Resort were our VIP Tour had come full circle.

This was a truly amazing, one of a kind park day that I highly recommend! 4 parks, 10 E-ticket attractions all in 7 hours on the day before Thanksgiving with holiday-sized crowds! Wow!

Why 4 Parks in One Day?

Four Parks in one day at Disney World is a Disney bucket list item for many Disney parks fans. It can be done many ways but often includes one to two E-ticket attractions at each park to say you’ve done it. I have to say it was exhausting doing it on a Private VIP Tour and I’m positive it would be even more exhausting if I’d had to navigate Disney parks transportation, ticket ques and bag checks.

It’s a Disney World bucket list item I have not done in the past simply because I’m spoiled by having Disney in my backyard and access to the parks weekly. I will say however that I have the Parkology Challenge has been looming in the back of my head to be completed at some point. I should do that soon since it’s only going to get harder to accomplish with the opening of Galaxies Edge in the Fall of 2019!

How Disney’s Private VIP Tour works

Tours have a maximum guest count of 10 people per tour guide.
All guests including infants count in the guest count for the group.
There is a minimum touring time of 7 continuous hours
The start time is flexible, you can begin when you’d like.
Guests can add on time in increments of 15 minutes to their touring time prior to the start of the tour or while the tour is taking place.
Tours are prepaid 48 hours prior and range in price from $425 – $625 per hour, per tour guide. (Prices can change at any time) Holidays and peak season will be higher in price.
VIP Touring guides will pick you up at your desired location and return you to your next destination at the end of your tour.
Everyone in your group will ride in the VIP Touring vehicle that your tour guide will drive.

How to reserve your VIP Tour guide:

To book your VIP Tour guide call your Love of the Magic Vacations travel agent or 407-WDW-PLAY (our travel agents make a small commission off your tour and help us keep our blog running. Your price is the same as if you booked it directly)
VIP Tour guides can be reserved 180 days prior to arrival.

FAQs

What’s included?

Included in the cost of your VIP Tour is one Disney VIP Tour Guide specific to your group.
Access to any of the four parks from backstage skipping the ticket entrance and main bag check.
Your VIP Tour Guide will tour you through any of the four parks, your choice, and give you FastPass access to any attraction with a FastPass queue.
VIP Tour Guides will make suggestions based on your attraction style and offer expertise in touring the parks and the parks history and details if you’re interested.
VIP seating at most parades, stage shows, and live nighttime spectaculars.

Do you need a Disney World park ticket for the VIP Tour?

Yes, all guests need a park admission ticket for the tour.
The VIP Tour price does not include park admission.
If you’ll be touring more than one park in a day like I did you’ll need the Hopper option added to your park ticket.

Is lunch included?

The cost of lunch is not included on your VIP Tour, however, your Tour Guide will be happy to stop for lunch (or any meal) as desired.
Tour Guides can make suggestions of where to eat in each park.
Keep in mind that time spent eating is less time touring the parks and truth be told, make for a very expensive meal if you eat slowly!

Should you tip your VIP Tour Guide?

It is customary to tip your VIP Tour Guide 10% of the total cost of your tour.
Please keep this in mind when budgeting for your tour total.

Do I have to do the same tour you did?

You do not have to do the same touring plan or attractions our group did on our tour.
Your groups VIP Tour can be customized to the experience you want to have at Disney World.

Does Disney offer group VIP Tours?

Yes, Disney offers a handful of group tours that you can join. These tours are not customizable and have a schedule the VIP Tour Guide follows.
View the Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour, Ultimate Disney Classics VIP Tour, and Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour here.

Can you go to the front of the Photopass/Character lines?

VIP Tour Guides have the ability to move you through any attraction or character meet and greet through the FastPass line.
Guides can not cut other lines or lines without FastPass ques. For example, if you’d like your picture taken on Main Street by a Photopass photographer you will have to wait in line like other guests or have your guide take your picture with your camera.
Other examples include characters that have lines to meet guests on the streets do not have FastPass ques and therefore VIP Tour Guides do not have the ability to get you to the front of the line. You will have to wait in the same line as non VIP Touring guests.

Was it worth it?

100% without a doubt YES! I’m a Disney World local and visit the parks weekly. I know my way around all four parks, never need a map and know the ins and outs of the parks like any great Disney junkie does. I have literally ridden ALL of the attractions more times than I can count (yes I love it every single time, it never gets old) and I still say this tour is 100% worth it!
Why? Because it’s a Disney experience like none other! Having the ability to have unlimited FastPasses to the attractions is just part of the fun. Skipping the lines is great but skipping the ticket lines, parking lots, trams, and bag checks all while seeing backstage and having your VIP Tour Guide share cool Disney news with you is what makes it worth it for me! I LOVED it!

Do you recommend dining with your VIP Tour Guide?

We all have to eat something during the 7-hour tour timespan and a snack probably isn’t going to cut it so do plan on eating a meal while on your VIP Tour.
I would suggest a quick service meal that you can mobile order from your My Disney Experience app. Your VIP Tour Guide can help suggest when and where to do so on your tour.
I do not recommend a table service (think waitstaff) dining experience while you’re on your VIP Tour simply because of the amount of time it takes for a sitdown meal. I don’t personally think it’s a good use of your VIP Tour time or expense.

Can the VIP Tour Guides get a reserved parade or show spot?

Yes, your VIP Tour Guide can utilize VIP reserved viewing areas during parades and shows including the fireworks displays. Simply let them know that’s one of the items you’d like to do on your tour.

Can the VIP Tour Guide get you in to hard to eat places?

As part of the concierge level of services the VIP team provides they will check on and make your dining reservations at 180 days prior to your arrival for the entire duration of your Disney World vacation, not just your VIP Touring day.
However, they do not have the ability to book reservations at restaurants that show no availability.
While you are in the parks your VIP Tour Guide can inquire at any location you’d like to eat to see if there is an opening. They can not guarantee you’ll be able to eat at your desired location. See above about using your VIP Touring time for table service restaurants and my thoughts on that.

Are your bags checked on entry?

Yes, your bags are checked as you enter the backstage parking lots in your VIP vehicle.

Are your tickets scanned at each park?

Yes, your park admission ticket or MagicBand is scanned at each park you enter on your VIP Tour.
Valid park admission is required for any of the four parks you enter.

What if I cancel my Private VIP Tour?

VIP tours can be canceled at any time prior to 48 hours of your scheduled tour without penalty.
If you cancel inside the 48-hour window you will pay a cancellation fee equalling two hours of the booked tour rate.

What kind of vehicles do the VIP Tours use?

Depending on your party size you will be driven around in a large van or Suburban.

How to do a VIP Tour more affordably.

If you’re dying to try out the VIP Tour but it’s out of budget consider these options to make the experience more affordable:

Book your tour during low season. Use my crowd calendars to determine lower crowd levels and off-peak seasons.
Gather a group of 10 friends and split the cost. At the lowest price of $450 per hour and 7 hours that makes the cost of the tour around $315 per person plus tip.
Instead of doing the Private VIP Tour you can choose one of the group VIP Tours Disney offers.
Consider taking off one of your park days to help defer the cost. With the VIP Tour you will cover more attractions in one day and theoretically can shave off a day of your park tickets or even a night of your stay.

November 26, 2018

Hollywood Studios Planning

Toy Story Land- Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit!

by Jamie Rumph July 4, 2018

written by Jamie Rumph

Toy Story Land –

Everything You Need to Know to Plan Your Visit

Toy Story Land entrance with talking Woody

Toy Story Land! The latest Disney craze opened a few days ago (June 30th) and it’s all it’s hyped up to be!

Opening Day Happenings

The grand opening was scheduled for Saturday, June 30th at 8 am but Disney switched things up last minute and did an unannounced soft opening on the afternoon of June 29th and then officially opened the land at 6 am on June 30th.

Yep, you’ve read it correctly! Hollywood Studios opened unannounced at 6 am on Saturday, June 30th!

If you’re tuned into the happenings of Disney fans at all, either via Facebook or Instagram, this is where you find these types of rumors. And then you just have to decide if it’s worth the risk of it happening or not!

A friend and I had planned to be at the park by 6 AM to get lined up, but figured what’s an hour less sleep and left the house at 4:30 am for a park arrival time at 5 am. It was the perfect timing!

When we arrived there was a relatively small crowd that was being held at bag check. Each bag check station had a security guard that was waiting for the green light to start moving people though. At about 5:15 am that’s just what they did.

Opening day of Toy Story Land outside the turnstiles at about 5:30 am

After going through bag check we were then held at the ticket entrance. Again the crowd was still relatively small. The area between the turnstiles and the ticket booths were filled with people standing in lines, many sitting and not super close in.

Waiting for Hollywood Studios to open

We all stood around and talked and took in the excitement of something so fun about to happen!? There may have even been a group-wide signing of Mickey Mouse Club too.? Appropriate don’t you think?

About 10 mins until 6 AM Disney made an announcement that they would be opening Hollywood Studios at 6 am and would escort us, walking not running, into Toy Story Land.

The remainder of the park would be open at 6:30 AM. I would venture to guess there wasn’t a soul in the rest of the park!

Hollywood Blvd on Toy Story Land opening day at 6 am

Hollywood Studios Opens Early

At 6 am our park tickets were scanned via iPad, not the typical Disney tap the ticket and hold your finger admission style. And each guest walked towards the new magic being debuted!

My ticket didn’t seem to want to scan so I got a nice Cast Member who helped me out. I can only imagine the day these guest Services Cast Members were about to have! Just the sheer number of people anticipated on coming to Hollywood Studios that day would have had me stressed out!

Me with a guest Services Cast Member on opening day.

As I made the turn to head into Toy Story Land I was giddy with excitement! I had decided not to stop for pictures and get straight in line for Slinky Dog Dash since I knew it would fill up the quickest.

Toy Story Land opening day

We waited a total of 40 minutes and were off Slinky Dog before 7 am. Not too shabby and totally worth the 4:00 am wake up time!

What to Expect when visiting Toy Story Land

Toy Story Land is a completely immersive experience.? As you walk in you’re leaving Hollywood Studios and entering Andy’s backyard. You’re transformed into one of Andy’s toys and every detail helps you to feel as if you are one!

Make sure to really stop and take in the little things like straws as light poles, the sketched drawings of Andy’s plan to create Slinky Dog Dash, the price tag that tells us the year Toy Story the movie came out and so much more!

Straw light poles inside Toy Story Land

Andy?s Top Secret plan for Slinky Dog Dash inside the ride que

Andy?s Slinky Dog Dash Coaster Plan

Price tag showing the opening date of the original Toy Story movie

Attractions

There are three attractions in Toy Story Land. One of them being the long-standing Toy Story Midway Mania ride.

Don’t be fooled though, just because it’s been here a while doesn’t mean it’s not a great attraction. In fact, I would venture to guess its continued popularity helped to fuel the decision for a whole land of similar theming.

New line entrance for Toy Story Midway Mania inside Toy Story Land

Midway Mania

Prior to Toy Story Land opening Toy Story Midway Mania was accessed via Pixar Place. In fact, it was so popular that a third track was added a year or so ago.

With the opening of Toy Story Land, the attraction is now accessed via the land rather than Pixar Place. The old entrance has been patched closed.

Old entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania

Pixar Studios sign has been removed.

It will be very interesting to see how this area develops and the character meet (Woody & Buzz, sometimes Jesse) that is across from the old entrance feels tied to the new land. Currently, it’s pretty separated.

The new cue line for Toy Story Midway Mania is right on theme with the new land! And the exit is home to some very popular social media picture spots! More on that below!

New que line for Toy Story Midway Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania que line

Slinky Dog Dash

The newest most popular e-ticket attraction is none other than Slinky Dog Dash. The newest coaster to arrive at Disney World.

Entrance to Slinky Dog Dash Part of the Slinky Dog Dash Coaster where Jesse is

This coaster feels like a mash-up of Big Thunder Mountain in speed and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in smoothness. And unlike Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, it’s NOT too short!

The coaster has the perfect amount of dips, swirls, and drops that are fun for all ages. Nothing too scary for little kids but still all sorts of fun for adults!

It’s made up of two parts. The first as you leave the loading area and start your ride through Andy’s backyard. Don’t miss the fence that makes up the walls of the new land and the Tinker Toys that surround the coaster and build all of the guest areas throughout the land.

Fence wall inside Toy Story Land

The second part of the coaster begins just under the bridge that leads you to the coaster queue line.

Slinky Dog, the coaster car, comes to a stop under the “Go, Go, Go” signs. As Slinky Dog stops he then goes backward?and the forward again as if you launch you into the second part of the coaster. Don’t worry the actual launch of the coaster from this area is not too intense.

Go, go, go

Go,go, go

Slinky Dog going through the go, go, go spot

Slinky Dog on backside of the coaster

As you speed off under the “Go, Go, Go” tunnel you’ll fly up over the second half of the land and right on by the Alien Saucer Swirl. The third attraction in the new land.

Then as you finish up you’ll pass by Wheezy the singing penguin from Toy Story Two and Mr. Spell who are both wishing you farewell.

Wheezy Penguin Mr. Spell

Slinky Dog Dash is so well done you’ll be wanting to ride it again and again!

Alien Saucer Swirl

The third attraction in the new land is Alien Saucer Swirl. This little twirling ride has the same ride system as Tow Matter in Carsland at Disney’s California Adventure. The ride cars have been rethemed to match the land.

While this attraction does spin it does not feel like the teacups. It’s milder than that kind of spinning. Those of you that literally can not stomach the teacups, there is hope you can handle Alien Saucer Swirl.

The Alien in the spaceship (main car) twirls around a larger circle while the rocket car you’re riding in is being towed behind it.? As the alien swirls around the big circle, your car gets kicks out behind it, swirling you back and forth.

Ride cars in Alien Saucer Swirl

The length of the ride was just about perfect for me. I’d had just enough fun and swirling and was ready to get off about the time it ended.

The music along with the aliens saying “safety, safety” of course brought it all full circle and perfectly to Toy Story life.

Food

Andy’s Lunchbox is the only dining option in Toy Story Land.? It’s a quick service location and it looks like an open lunch box.? The lid of the lunch box is being held open by Andy’s thermos.? The seating area comprised of bright colored chairs and tables plus some benches shaped like wedges of Babybel cheese.

Babybelle cheese chair

When I was visiting there wasn’t quite enough seating but I attribute this more to it being opening day mayhem than an actual issue. I think once the hype subsides a bit there will be plenty of space.

Andy’s Lunchbox is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has allergy friendly options at each. Because of my, 6 am arrival on opening day I ate off the breakfast menu.

Woodys Lunchbox Menu

Breakfast Menu

Woody's Lunch Box Menu - Beverages

The one thing I was disappointed in was there isn’t an actual allergy menu to look over while waiting in line. The Cast Member handing out the menus assured me there were gluten free choices but I would need to talk to a coordinator once I reached the ordering podium.

Doing it this way is not my preference as I prefer to have time to look over the menu, compare the gluten free and dairy free items since I’m somewhat sensitive to dairy as well, and then be ready to order when I arrive at the front.

I also absolutely hate to hold up the line behind me. I get it, most people are patient to these kinds of things and even if they’re not it is what it is, but I still don’t love to be the one holding up the line!

When I reached the front a coordinator told me that each item on the breakfast menu could be made gluten-free. Yeah! I didn’t even inquire about the dairy. Sometimes to my own detriment I do these stupid things!

Food allergies and eating out are the pits! Disney makes it much more accessible than many places but still, it’s just not fun!

Smores French Toast Sandwich

S’mores French Toast Sandwich

I ordered the S’mores French Toast Sandwich with marshmallows and chocolate ganache ($7.99) and my friend ordered the Smoked Turkey Breakfast Sandwich with cheese, green peppers, onions and scrambled eggs. ($7.49) They are exactly like they sound and oh so yummy!

The S’mores Sandwich tasted exactly like a S’mores and even though many people were like yuck “all that sugar for breakfast” I was happy to consume it all! In all fairness by the time I ate it, I’d been up for the better part of 5 hours. So it was truly lunch! Who am I kidding, I would have happily had it for breakfast too! I heard one guest return to the counter wanting something different because they said it was “utterly awful” but honestly I just can’t understand that. It tasted 100% like a S’mores!

Smoked Turkey Breakfast Sandwich

The Smoked Turkey Breakfast Sandwich was “really yummy” too! I didn’t have a bite since it wasn’t prepared with GF bread but it did look very good!

Smoked Turkey Sandwich

Mystic Portal Punch

The other fun thing we both ordered was the Mystic Portal Punch. It’s a green power aid of sorts that can be ordered just as a drink or with a souvenir cup upgrade. The punch itself is $4.49 and the oh so popular Alien Claw Cup it comes in if you upgrade is $16.19.

The cup alone is $14.99 so if you want both the better value is the combo. I didn’t love the punch but I’m guessing my sugar loving kids would have!

Claw Cup with Mystic Portal Punch

As for the lunch and dinner menu, I’ve not tried it yet. But as soon as I do I’ll happily add to this post as well as my Facebook page and Instagram Stories!

Merchandise

Inside Toy Story Land there is not an actual store for merchandise. There are however two cute little kiosks, made from some of our favorite childhood toys, of course, that house Toy Story themed merchandise.

Fisher Price Play Family Camper Merchandise kiosk

Play Family Camper top

Dump Truck merchandise kiosk

There isn’t a lot of merchandise inside the land. A couple of different headband options, the oh so popular Claw Cup (which you can also get at Andy’s Lunchbox) some Slinky Dog toys and that’s about it. But it’s not all Disney has to offer in terms of Toy Story merch.

Alien Popcorn Holder

Alien Claw Cups

Slinky Dog Dash toy

Woody and Jesse dolls

Me wearing the new Slinky Dog headband

Slinky Dog headbands

Alien headband

Disney for a long time has offered a great line of Toy Story items throughout its stores and especially in the Hollywood Blvd shops like Mickey’s of Hollywood and Disney & Co.? You can find things like T-shirt’s, plushes and trading pins there. It’s nice to get off an attraction and not be directed through a large souvenir shop!

Things Not to Miss

There are soooo many details inside the land that it’s truly hard to take it all in! So to help you “see it all” I’ll post pics of things you should look for along with their location!

If you know of something I’ve missed but should see, message or email me! I love to see all of the well thought out details. It speaks to my inner Interior Designer!

The Popsicle Wall has been all the rage! Walls of Disney have become a social media thing and it seems Disney is playing along!

Water fountain built in blocks Sinks

Women?s bathroom

Women?s bathroom stalls Green Army Men

There are Green Army Men everywhere! This one is holding a Babybel cheese.

I loved these more than anything! I grew up building them!

Domino benches

Tinker Toys and plastic ants Ticonderoga pencil light pole

Ticonderoga pencils as light poles! Only the best pencils being used in Andy?s Backyard

Midway Mania Games photo op Buzz Lightyear

Fast Pass and Park Planning Strategy

Since Toy Story Land is the newest addition to Disney World, planning is going to be key to enjoying your experience! If it’s anything like Pandora – World of Avatar, and I suspect it will be, the wait times for the Slinky Dog Dash Coaster will not be getting shorter anytime soon!

Toy Story Land map

You will want a fast pass for this attraction, and at least for the immediate future, you’ll want to get it at exactly 60 days prior to arrival.

To have access to fast passes at 60 days prior to your trip, you’ll need to be staying at a Disney Resort. Guests staying off property can book fast passes at 30 days prior to arrival. Slinky Dog Dash Fast Passes will be long gone by then.

Another thing I found with Flight of Passage at Pandora is that Fast Passes were gone for day one and two of a guests vacation, but I could find them for day’s three or four.

So if you’re looking for Slinky Dog Dash Fast Pass on your first few days of vacation and you don’t see them, look towards the end of your trip.

Of course, you’ll need to be flexible with your dining reservations and planned days to visit each park but it still can work out.

In fact, I highly recommend you plan your Hollywood Studios day for at least day three and maybe even day four of your Disney World vacation.? Just to be safe.

Park Arrival

The best strategy for busy parks is to arrive early for park opening.? Disney fanatics call this rope drop. Be at the ticket gate about 45 minutes prior. This will give you time to go through baggage check and be ready to enter when the park opens.

Most of the time Hollywood Studios will let guests enter the park and meander down Hollywood Blvd prior to the rest of the park opening. This will give you time to take pictures, shop or get coffee and be ready to make your way to Toy Story Land when the Cast Members allow it.

Despite your fast pass time, if your priority is Toy Story Land, you should walk not run directly to the new land.? Then you will be able to ride the two attractions that you don’t have Fast Passes for and see more of Andy’s backyard without large crowds.

The earlier in the day the lower the crowds and honestly the more enjoyable it is. Toy Story Land is not overly large, only about 11 acres and it will become crowded quickly. So head there first, at park open, and get in line for whichever new attraction you don’t have a fast pass for. Make sure to enjoy the details and a S’mores French Toast Sandwich too!

Tiered Fast Passes?

A tiered Fast Pass System is currently in place at Hollywood Studios. This means you can only have one Fast Pass selection from the three Toy Story Land attractions, Slinky Dog Dash, Toy Story Midway Mania or Alien Saucer Swirl.

You will be able to select one Fast Pass from tier one and two Fast Passes in tier two. I’ve highlighted in red the attractions I would recommend choosing.

You’ll notice in tier two I highlight more than two options. If you like coasters pick the two coaster options if you don’t like coasters or drops pick my other two highlighted suggestions.

Tier 1 Attractions

Slinky Dog Dash (38″)
Toy Story Midway Mania
Aliens Swirling Saucer (32″)

Tier 2 Attractions

Tower of Terror (40″)
Rocking Roller Coaster (48″)
Beauty and the Beast
Star Tours (40″)
Fantasmic
Frozen Sing Along
Muppet Vision 3D
Indiana Jones
Voyage of the Little Mermaid
Disney Jr. Live on Stage

Once you have your Fast Passes selections made you’re good to go!? Now sit back, relax and of course work on your Disney outfits for your upcoming trip!

I hope the helps you to navigate the new excitement that has arrived at Hollywood Studios.?Toy Story Land is truly a great new addition to Hollywood Studios!

If you have questions please email at Jamie@LOTMV.com or follow along on my Facebook or Instagram page! @loveofthemagic

July 4, 2018