Tips & Tricks for Visiting Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios Now That Toy Story Land is Open

Between new rides, larger crowds and a slightly changed layout to the park, it might be time to change how you plan your visit to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Keep reading to learn some tips and tricks for making the most of a day in this park while experiencing all that Toy Story Land has to offer.

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1. Arrive Early

Like any Disney park, arriving early can make a huge difference when planning what attractions you’d like to prioritize over the course of the day. With wait times for Slinky Dog Dash or Alien Swirling Saucers regularly reaching over two hours during peak times, arriving in time for rope drop (or even earlier) instead of say an hour after Disney’s Hollywood Studios opens can mean a difference of hours in terms of ride wait times.

2. Pay Close Attention to Park Hours

In line with the previous tip, be sure to check out the times guide or the My Disney Experience app ahead of visiting. Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours to maximize your time in the park. If you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel and arrive for early Extra Magic Hours you can easily ride the new rides (sometimes multiple times!) before the park fully opens for everyone. At the same time, be aware that Toy Story Land sometimes has special ticketed access in the morning, so you’ll want to either get an extra ticket for Early Morning Magic or plan a visit on a different day of your trip.

3. Know the New Park Layout

With the opening of Toy Story Land and work continuing on Galaxy’s Edge, there have been some changes to Disney’s Hollywood Studios’ layout. For example, now that Toy Story Land is open Woody, Buzz, and the Green army men have moved from Pixar Place to Andy’s backyard. Along with the new meet and greet locations, the entrance to Toy Story Mania has moved around the corner from its original location in Pixar Place to its new location just inside of Toy Story Land. Also, you can no longer cut behind the ABC Commisary through Pixar Place. Instead, try going in front of Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater and Walt Disney Presents if you are coming from the Star Tours side of the park.

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4. Prioritize Rides

Even if you are not a big Toy Story fan, you can still use its opening to your advantage to check out some of your other favorite rides in the park. With the new land opening, other parts of the park will be less crowded than before. Popular rides like Rock n’ Roller Coaster and The Twilight Zone:Tower of Terror can be very short, even at busier times of the day. Keep checking the wait times on the My Disney Experience app to know where to head next.

5. Check for FastPasses Frequently

While you are waiting for your trip, be sure to check for FastPasses often. You can start making selections as early as 60 days before your trip, so be sure to make them early if you see them. While it will be difficult to get a FastPass for some of the new rides, you just might get lucky and snag one for Slinky Dog Dash or Aliens Swirling Saucers! Even when you are already at the park and have used all your FastPasses for the day, keep checking. You may get lucky and find just the FastPass you’re looking for at the most random times, so it never hurts to check!

6. Try the New Quick Service Restaurant

With a new land opening, comes a new dining option! In Toy Story Land is Woody’s Lunchbox where you can get a large variety of grilled sandwiches as well as pasta salad and Babybel cheese snacks. Avoid the line and be sure to Mobile Order via the My Disney Experience App! Even though it is not in Toy Story Land, be sure to check out Baseline Taphouse if you haven’t been yet and want to try some craft beer or some bavarian pretzels and charcuterie plates for a decent price.

7. Check the Times Guide or the My Disney Experience App for Showtimes

While there are no new shows for Toy Story Land, be sure to check your times guide or My Disney Experience app for your favorite shows as their times may have changed. With new, longer hours at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, some shows will now start earlier or later. And like always, many shows only take place up until a certain point in the day, so while prioritizing new rides makes sense it’s helpful to stay on top of showtimes while touring the park.

8. See Toy Story Land Both During the Day and Night

Many fans say Toy Story Land is one of the best themed lands in Walt Disney World, but if you only come during the day, you’re only seeing half of it! Seeing Andy’s backyard come to life with over-sized Christmas lights and fun lighting on Slinky Dog Dash’s launch make for an entirely different experience. Much like Pandora, if you’re new to Toy Story Land altogether seeing it at night as well as during the day is a must.