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Disney World Ride Filing Sparks Speculation Over Toy Story Mania

Two children wearing 3D glasses sit in a colorful amusement park ride, smiling and holding toy blasters. The background features vibrant lights and playful decor, creating a fun and lively atmosphere.
Credit: Disney

In a park where blockbuster franchises dominate the skyline, Toy Story Mania remains one of Disney’s most enduring attractions.

Despite its age, the interactive 4D ride continues to pull long lines at Disney’s Hollywood Studios—no small feat in a park packed with the likes of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

Now, Disney appears to be prepping a new round of behind-the-scenes work.

Two people in 3D glasses sit in a ride vehicle shooting at targets with toy blasters in a carnival-themed setting. The ride is decorated with characters and colorful graphics under bright lights.

Credit: Disney

Permit Reveals General Construction Plans For Toy Story Mania

A recently filed Notice of Commencement has confirmed that changes are in store for Toy Story Mania. The permit, submitted to Orange County, lists “General Construction” as the scope of work and names Adena Corporation as the contractor. Crucially, the work falls under Disney’s Facilities Asset Management (FAM) division—rather than Walt Disney Imagineering—signaling that this is likely operational maintenance, not a creative overhaul.

The permit runs through September 26, 2025, allowing over a year for the work to be completed. While there’s no announced closure or refurbishment date yet, the filing suggests a temporary closure could be on the horizon.

Two children ride Toy Story Mania

Credit: Disney

Toy Story Mania hasn’t seen significant updates since it first opened in 2008, beyond receiving an additional track to increase capacity. It remained largely unchanged even during the 2018 debut of Toy Story Land, where it simply received a new entrance to better integrate with the themed area. The core ride experience—carnival games hosted by Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and friends—has stayed the same, and that consistency has been part of its success.

Hollywood Studios in Transition

The update to Toy Story Mania comes amid a broader shift across Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Just steps away, MuppetVision 3D is preparing for its final curtain call. Disney plans to replace the attraction and surrounding area with a new Monsters, Inc.-themed land. Early concept art reveals a door-based roller coaster and a stage show that, judging by the artwork, may be Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, suggesting the company is leaning further into character-driven experiences.

The Muppets themselves won’t disappear entirely, however. Disney has confirmed a reimagined version of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, though no timeline has been confirmed.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster entrance

Credit: Disney

As the park continues evolving into a highly themed IP hub, Toy Story Mania stands out for its ability to remain relevant without major reinvention. Its appeal cuts across age groups, and the competitive element ensures high re-rideability (especially if you know the best hacks to win). If anything, the newly filed permit underscores Disney’s commitment to keeping the experience running smoothly, even as the rest of the park undergoes more dramatic transformations.

It’s not flashy, and it won’t involve any changes to Woody or Buzz. But in a park increasingly shaped by high-tech upgrades and heavy storytelling, this kind of maintenance matters. Because for an attraction that still sees wait times rivaling much newer rides, keeping it in peak condition may be the smartest move of all.

What changes would you like to see at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?

About Chloe James

Chloë is a theme park addict and self-proclaimed novelty hunter. She's obsessed with all things Star Wars, loves roller coasters (but hates Pixar Pal-A-Round), and lives for Disney's next Muppets project.

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