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Why Alien Swirling Saucers at Walt Disney World Is Worth the Spin

A family of three enjoys a colorful amusement park ride. The child sits between two adults, all smiling and having fun. The ride is vibrant with playful designs, and the background is filled with bright lights and other attractions.
Credit: Disney

Disney and Pixar fans of all ages will fall in love with Toy Story Land! This 11-acre wonderland inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort offers a plethora of attractions and experiences that transport you straight into Andy’s backyard. While many consider Slinky Dog Dash the most thrilling ride, the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction offers its own unique charm.

Let’s dive into the delightful details of Alien Swirling Saucers and explore what makes it a must-visit experience.

An Intergalactic Adventure Awaits

Alien Swirling Saucers invites guests to board a toy rocket for an interstellar spin with the adorable green aliens from Toy Story. The attraction is designed as a playset that Andy won at Pizza Planet, complete with vibrant colors and playful details that immerse you in the whimsical world of the beloved film series.

Unpredictable Fun: Lose Control!

One of the most exciting aspects of Alien Swirling Saucers is the ride’s unpredictability. Unlike traditional spinning rides where riders can control the motion, here, your vehicle “swirls” on its own. This lack of control adds to the thrill, as you’re taken on a whimsical journey orchestrated by the ride itself. The sensation of being gently whipped around the track creates a delightful experience for guests of all ages.

A Nostalgic Nod: Reminiscent of Classic Attractions

The motion of the swirling spaceships in Alien Swirling Saucers is reminiscent of the spinning teacups at the Mad Tea Party attraction in Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland. However, unlike the Mad Tea Party, where guests can control the spinning, the swirling in Alien Swirling Saucers is entirely automated, offering a different kind of thrill.

Entrance to the "Alien Swirling Saucers" ride at a theme park, featuring colorful structures and a large statue of a space ranger character. Bright signage and playful design elements create a whimsical atmosphere.

Credit: Disney

This design ensures a unique experience each time you ride, as the patterns and movements vary, keeping guests coming back for more.

Meet Your Co-Pilot: The Green Alien

As you embark on your swirling adventure, you’ll notice a friendly Green Alien figure from Toy Story accompanying you in your spaceship. This charming detail adds to the immersive experience, making you feel like you’ve stepped right into the movie. The presence of the Green Alien enhances the thematic elements of the ride, delighting fans of the franchise.

Rider Comfort: Hold On Tight!

Each ride vehicle can accommodate up to three guests, making it perfect for families and groups. With each unexpected swirl, you’ll find yourself sliding on the seat, adding to the excitement. Riding with more passengers can help minimize sliding, making for a more comfortable experience. It’s advisable to hold on to your hats or Mickey’s ears to prevent them from flying off during the ride!

Immersive Queue Experience

The adventure begins even before you board the ride. The standby queue for Alien Swirling Saucers features colorful artwork and thematic elements that immerse you in the Toy Story universe. As you wait, you’ll be treated to vibrant murals and playful designs that set the stage for the intergalactic fun ahead. The attention to detail in the queue area enhances the overall experience, making the wait time enjoyable.

Nighttime Magic: A Different Perspective

Experiencing Alien Swirling Saucers after dark offers a unique visual treat. The attraction features multi-colored spotlights that illuminate the area, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere as you swirl around. The vibrant lights against the night sky add a new dimension to the ride, making it a must-do both during the day and at night.

Iconic Feature: The Claw

In the center of the ride, you’ll notice a giant claw, reminiscent of the game machine at Pizza Planet in Toy Story. While it doesn’t move, its presence adds to the thematic authenticity, making you feel like you’re right in Andy’s backyard. This iconic feature is a favorite among fans and makes for a great photo opportunity.

Two children wearing 3D glasses enjoy a ride at an amusement park. The background is colorful with playful decor and bright lights. Both are smiling and seated in a ride vehicle equipped with toy lasers.

Credit: Disney

Accessibility and Rider Requirements

Alien Swirling Saucers is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of guests. The height requirement for the attraction is 32 inches (81 cm), making it accessible to younger children who meet the requirement. Additionally, the ride is transfer accessible, ensuring that guests with mobility challenges can experience the fun.

For families with varying interests, the Rider Switch option is available, allowing one adult to wait with a non-rider while the rest of the party enjoys the attraction, and then switch without waiting in line again.

Enhance Your Experience: Lightning Lane Access

To make the most of your day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, consider utilizing the Lightning Lane access for Alien Swirling Saucers. This feature allows you to bypass the regular standby line, reducing your wait time and giving you more opportunities to explore other attractions in the park. Check the My Disney Experience app for availability and pricing, as options may vary.

Explore More: Other Attractions in Toy Story Land

While Alien Swirling Saucers offers a delightful experience, Toy Story Land is home to several other attractions that are not to be missed:

Slinky Dog Dash: A family-friendly roller coaster that takes you on a thrilling ride aboard Slinky Dog, offering twists, turns, and drops that are fun for all ages.

Toy Story Mania!: An interactive 4D shooting game where you can compete with friends and family in a series of carnival-inspired challenges featuring your favorite Toy Story characters.

About Rebekah Tyndall Burkett

Rebekah grew up in Forney, Texas and lives just outside of Dallas. She’s been a Disney superfan since childhood, experiencing the magic at Walt Disney World for the first time at the age of 11. Journeys to Neverland are at least a yearly occurrence for her, her husband and her four children (the Fab Four). When they go to the parks, they stay in Florida for three weeks at a time. Rebekah loves exploring the history of the parks, the genius behind the Magic in the person of Walt Disney, and she is intrigued by all things Disney World and Disney Imagineering. When in the parks, Rebekah and her husband Scott make the most of their time by enjoying every minute with their Fab Four, by delving deeper into Walt’s vision for the parks and into the history behind the Walt Disney World Resort, and by photographing the many different types of architecture at Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and on the World Showcase at EPCOT. When she’s not in the parks, Rebekah is excitedly setting travel dates and planning her family’s next adventure to their happy place deep within the Sunshine State. On breaks from planning her next trip, Rebekah is a writer, journalist and children’s author, penning children’s books about kids with special needs that she affectionately calls “believement-achievement” stories. Her hobbies include creative writing, paper crafting and interviewing Imagineers. She is also an advocate for Autism Awareness and for children with developmental disabilities of all kinds.

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