Disney Trip: Toy Story Mania!

More Disney pictures... I did mention that I took 1100, didn't I? This could go on for a while...

We travel to Disney pretty much every other year. The Disney Vacation Club has helped us be able to do that. Consequently, there's not too much that's new when we do visit. Not that that's a bad thing of course. One of the few new things we got to enjoy this time was a new ride called "Toy Story Mania!" It's one of the best rides ever. I will tell you that if you're going to go and want to ride it, head over to it quickly and get a fast pass as soon as you arrive in the park. Fast Passes are often gone half way through the day so you want to get one early. We made a mistake the first time and didn't get a fast pass and we waited, and waited and waited, for well over the "estimated time" that kind of sucked but the ride is awesome so we didn't feel too bad after all was said and done. Another time, we got on the ride at the end of the day toward closing when all of the fast passes had been redeemed and there were no more being given out. That wait wasn't too long.

Here's an excerpt of the description for Toy Story Mania! From my tour book: "The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2009." by Bob Sehlinger with Len Testa. Great information even for one who thinks she knows a lot about Disney (that would be me.) It's really hard to describe this ride and the book does a great job so I'll just let you read that.

"Toy Story Mania ushers in a whole new generation of Disney attractions: "virtual dark rides." Since Disneyland opened in 1955, ride vehicles have moved past two-and three-dimensional sets often populated by audio animatronic figures. Designed by the Imagineers and constructed by skilled craftsmen, these amazingly detailed sets and robotic figures literally defined the Disney creative genius in attractions...

Conceptually, this is an interactive shooting gallery much like Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, but in Toy Story Mania!, your ride vehicle passes through a totally virtual midway, with booths offering such games as ring tossing and ball throwing. You use a cannon on your ride vehicle to play as you move along from booth to booth. Unlike the laser guns in Buzz lightyear, however, the pull-string cannons in Toy Story Mania! take advantage of CG (computer-graphic) image technology to toss rings, shoot balls even throw eggs and pies. Each game booth is manned by a Toy Story character who is right beside you in 3-D glory cheering you on. In addition to 3-D imagery, you experience various smells, vehicle motion, wind and water spray. The ride begins with a training round to familiarize you with the nature of the games, then continues through a number or "real" games in which you compete against your riding mate. The technology has the ability to self-adjust the level of difficulty, and there are plenty of easy targets for small children to reach."

Honestly, the ride is awesome! So much fun and I would have loved to go on it multiple times in a row. I just know I could have gotten a higher score! ha ha!

Here's some pictures of the line. The attention to detail as you wait in "Andy's room" is simply amazing. Disney never fails to impress, that's for sure.

The ceiling... I know it looks upside down but this is the angle from where we were standing.


I had to take this shot because I had these blocks when I was a kid and this "bridge" one was my favorite. We had a little green half circle that fit right in there. I don't know why, but I loved it.


Look how the crayon is dulled from use. I thought it was really cute that they had a pink crayon was still brand-new and fresh. I wondered if that was was intentional, like Andy didn't want to use pink?



Finally got our 3-D glasses...


I think this was outside near one of the snack stands but still it was cool...


Lastly... this guy was great! He talked to the people waiting in line. I guess there's a camera so that someone can operate him and actually see the people waiting in line. It was funny.



I'm sure this post can't quite do the ride justice, it's kind of just one of those things you have to experience to understand. Rest assured that everyone in our group from age 5 to almost 50, LOVED this ride. Thank you Walt Disney World, this one's a winner for all ages!

Have a great Tuesday everyone!