Is there a more iconic IP at Disney World than Toy Story?
Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios is one of our favorite places to be when we go to the parks. I mean, where else can you shrink down to the size of a toy and get to play with some of your favorite characters from the Toy Story movies? It’s pure joy, and in particular we love Toy Story Mania. This ride has been a hit for years, and that’s actually what got us thinking that it’s really about time for Disney to bring some new rules to this ride. So let’s talk about it!
As we were saying, at a certain point in an attraction’s life cycle something has to change about it. That way it can still feel fresh and current. So we were thinking that there are a couple of the rules that Disney needs to implement for Toy Story Mania. Let’s break them down!
Character Selection Mode
First up, how about we get a Character Selection Mode? Right now, you’re just a generic rider, but imagine if you were able to pick your favorite Toy Story character before the ride starts. Want to team up with Woody or go full space ranger with Buzz Lightyear? Maybe Jessie’s your girl or you have a soft spot for Rex. A selection like this would make the ride feel more personal, and Disney could even take it up a notch by adding character-specific abilities.
For example, Woody could have a lasso to rope in targets or Buzz could zap them with his laser. Adding strategy based on which character you choose would add a whole new layer of excitement, giving a lot of us a reason to come back multiple times and try different characters. It would be kind of like the excitement around Mario Kart but for Toy Story fans.
Dynamic Difficulty Levels
I’m here to tell you that one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to scoring on Toy Story Mania. Some of us are pros, while others are just there to have a good time. What if the ride could remember how well you did in the past (thanks to your MagicBand+) and offer up Dynamic Difficulty Levels? That way, if you’ve mastered the basics, you could unlock a “god mode” that pushes your skills to the max.
Casual players can stick with a chill version, but for those of us who live for the high score, we’d have a chance to push our limits. It would definitely make every ride feel like a new challenge, with different difficulty settings to keep all of us thoroughly engaged.
Themed Days
How about this idea: We could have Themed Days! So, picture this: Woody Wednesdays where Woody’s targets give you double points, or Slinky Sundays with unique obstacles designed around everyone’s favorite stretchy dog.
Each day could come with specific perks or bonuses tied to different characters. This would absolutely make each visit to the park feel unique. You’d probably have people lining up to ride on their favorite character’s themed day!
Gamification
A lot of this sounds like gamification, right? And it is. I mean, Disney has already proven that this concept works by releasing a standalone video game version of Toy Story Mania and versions of the game available for home consoles.
Which begs the question, “Why not integrate some of those features into the ride itself?” Adding achievements, unlockable content, and maybe even special trophies or badges would make riders feel like they’re progressing every time they hop on.
After all, Toy Story Mania is basically an interactive video game already, so adding elements like multiplayer challenges or customizable features would make it even more replayable. Maybe we could also win unique in-ride rewards to show off our skills, like a virtual Buzz Lightyear badge for hitting certain milestones.
Now, don’t get me wrong, Toy Story Mania is still a blast, but it’s also been around since 2008, and it could use a little love. If Disney were to make some updates like character selection, difficulty modes, themed days, and gamification, it could end up feeling like a whole new ride. So, maybe the next time we’re at the park, we’ll be racking up points as Buzz on a high-stakes, god-mode Buzz Blitz Friday. You with me?
There you have it. These are just a couple of the rules that Disney needs to implement for Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and now we’d love to hear your takes about it in the comments below.
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What new rules do you think Disney needs to implement for Toy Story Mania at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments!
The attraction consistently has 60 minute waits. I think it’s doing just fine.
The ONLY things they need to change are to provide method for faster fire rates (especially for Guests w/ Disabilities who use button option) and Photopass option where it shows your score in the photo (same applies to Buzz at MK). Outide of that, in the future they might upgrade the resolution and improve the 3D visibility, but this ride attraction does not need any of what you are suggesting because the Cost/Benefit analysis yields better use of available finances being applied elsewhere until Guests literally stop going on it to the point wait times are under 15 minutes all day every day.
First and foremost I’d like to say these are all great ideas.
That being said, as a former TSM cast member and supervisor I can tell you that ride system just isn’t that smart and would require a lot of expensive software and ride vehicle upgrades and a rather extensive closure to do so. And that is just not something they are will to do for an already popular attraction.