Photographing Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios

I have to admit a couple of things here. One, Toy Story Land is not a large place and still gets very crowded because its the newest land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Two, statement one makes it hard to photograph it. But, we are Disney photographers and this is good practice for later this year when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens.  Right? Right!

Woody at Toy Story Land Entrance
Woody greets guests entering Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/125s, f/11, ISO 160, EV 0, 24mm Focal Length.

In my first visit to Toy Story Land, I had to crop out a lot of people in the original photo.  On my next visit, I had better luck. I still had to be careful not to get someone in the frame as I patiently waited for people to move out of the way.

Now, as you would guess, Buzz Lightyear was not about to be upstaged by a cowboy. His life-sized figure shows up next to the Alien Swirling Saucers.  Remember, when in Toy Story Land, we are the size of the Green Army Men.

Life sized Buzz Lightyear
Life-sized Buzz Lightyear toy overlooking Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/200s, f/8, ISO 100, EV 0, 24mm Focal Length.

My next order of business was to ride Slinky Dog Dash for the first time. Alas, I was not able to get a FastPass and waited in a 75-minute queue to do so. I amused myself by photographing all aspects of the queue, including this view of the ride vehicle full of guests having a great time. At least, I think they were as they were screaming and such. Used a fast shutter speed to capture the action.

Riding Slinky Dog Dash
Guests riding Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/400s, f/5, ISO 100, EV +0.3, 120mm Focal Length.

Toy Story Land transforms after sunset with lots of bright and colorful lighting. The Alien Swirling Saucers entrance is a prime example.

Alien Swirling Saucers at Night
Alien Swirling Saucers at night in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/80s, f/4, ISO 6400, EV -0.6, 28mm Focal Length.

Nighttime is a great time to experiment with slow shutter speeds to depict a sense of motion and speed. I lined up a shot at the bottom of a Slinky Dog Dash hill. This was taken hand-held so the shutter speed was only 1/15th of a second.

Slinky Dog Dash Night Motion
Slinky Dog Dash zooming down the tracks at night in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida. Nikon D750/24-120VR, 1/15s, f/4, ISO 6400, EV -0.6, 38mm Focal Length.

Next trip, I intend to bring along a tripod to get some really long and fun exposures.

I still need to take more time to explore the photographic possibilities in Toy Story Land. If you have any suggestions or would like to share your photos, drop me a Comment below!

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Scott's "Photographic Innoventions" blog focuses on intermediate to advanced photography concepts and techniques relevant for Point and Shoot and Digital SLR cameras.

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2 Replies to “Photographing Toy Story Land in Disney’s Hollywood Studios”

  1. You should go there during Early Morning Magic OR After Hours………..but it will cost some cash, but it will be emptier!!
    Have fun!
    Laura

    1. Oh, I know but it was not in the plans for the last couple of trips. Someday it won’t be as busy, right?