Planning a Toy Story Themed Trip to Disney World
Photo credit: www.thebudgetmouse.com
I am very fortunate to be able to visit Walt Disney World multiple times each year. Even though I visit regularly I know I will NEVER be able to experience everything that Disney has to offer. That is why once a year I try to designate a theme for one of my trips. I started the series with my Princess themed trip I am currently planning for my daughter, continued it with Pirates to appeal to the adventurous but today’s theme is a little more universal – every preschooler I know has gone through a Toy Story stage.
But I am not going to keep it strictly to the Pixar series – I am going to include anything that will appeal to young cowboys and space rangers.
WHERE TO STAY
All Star Movies – Value Resort
All Star Movies resort has 5 separate sections with larger than life icons from your favorite movies. The Toy Story Section is perfect for this itinerary. While the rooms can not be booked by theme you can book a preferred room and request the Toy Story section, while it is not guaranteed I have never had the request not granted. The courtyard in this area is decorated with giant statues of the toys of Andy’s room, including Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Rex, and Bo Peep. It’s the perfect spot for photos!
Art of Animation – Value Resort
If you have a larger brood the family suites at Art of Animation are a great option. There isn’t anything particularly Toy Story about it but two of the sections are themed to Cars and Finding Nemo which are often appealing to Toy Story Fans. It also offers convenient access to Disney’s Hollywood Studios on the new skyliner.
The Cabins at Fort Wilderness – Moderate Resort
Little cowpokes will love the rustic setting of the Fort Wilderness campground. If camping is not really your speed, they offer incredible cabins that sleep up to 6 and have a full kitchen. What makes this really appealing though is the Tri-Circle-D Ranch. You can schedule horseback riding for children 9 and up or just stop by for a pony ride. For more information on the extra activities that Fort Wilderness provides check out this post.
Contemporary Resort – Deluxe Resort
For the space rangers the Contemporary Resort has a modern theme with the sleek monorail passing through the concourse regularly. If you book a theme park view room your balcony will look right over Tomorrowland. The walking path to the Magic Kingdom makes this incredibly convenient for younger children (and some adults) needing to return to their hotel regularly for an afternoon nap.
WHERE TO EAT
Andy’s taken his lunch box and turned it into a backyard walk-up window serving tasty eats & treats—only at Toy Story Land! I love the grilled cheese and tomato soup at lunchtime but the loaded potato barrels (aka tater tots) are my absolute favourite.
Round Up Rodeo
Walt Disney World has announced a new table service restaurant for Toy Story Land in Hollywood Studios named Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant. This Toy Story Roundup Rodeo BBQ Restaurant will be themed to a backyard barbecue with Andy and his toys inviting guests to participate in fun. It was originally slated to open sometime in 2020 but with covid related closures I would expect this to come online in early 2021.
Rustle up some grub at this Old West saloon! Tell tall tales over chicken fajitas, southwestern salad, and the bacon cheeseburger—all before riding off into the sunset to the taste of sweet treats like mini churros with dipping chocolate.
Round up the whole family for hearty Western fare with all-you-care-to-enjoy skillets and shenanigans! Junior gunslingers will find all kinds of shenanigans to get into: coloring, spirited sing-alongs, and even hobby horse races. And the wise-cracking wait staff will make sure that grownup cowpokes get in on the fun too!
Explore a galaxy of enticing options from our out-of-this-world bacon cheeseburgers to chicken breast nuggets to plant-based sloppy joes. Plus, have a blast enjoying the stellar musical entertainment of Sonny Eclipse!
To begin your journey, board a special space elevator that will ascend to the stars! Along the way, viewports will give you an aerial view of Epcot as you travel high above the planet. Upon your arrival, you will dine from a menu featuring modern American cuisine, more than 1,000 bottles of the world’s finest wines and a wide selection of craft beer.
WHAT TO DO
Upon arrival check in to your hotel and enjoy a fast-casual meal at the counter service restaurant then take Disney transportation over to EPCOT, ride Mission:Space using a Fastpass. Enjoy dinner at Space 220 and ride Guardians of the Galaxy when they both open sometime in 2021.
Day Two is dedicated to the cowboy, head to Magic Kingdom early and spend time enjoying Frontierland. Make sure to take the raft over to explore Tom Sawyer’s Island and grab lunch at Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Cafe. Meet Woody and Jesse near the exit to Splash Mountain then take the boat over to Fort Wilderness for a pony ride. Jump on the boat again but get off at the Wilderness Lodge and enjoy dinner at Whispering Canyon Cafe before moseying back to your hotel for the night.
What Toy Story trip wouldn’t be complete without a day in Toy Story Land? As soon as the park opens enjoy all 3 attractions in this land, grab lunch at Woody’s Lunchbox and spend the afternoon meeting all your favorite characters. Make your Fastpasses to experience the attractions again in the evening after your dinner at Round Up Rodeo.
Travel to infinity and beyond again today before you depart. Head to Magic Kingdom as soon as it opens and enjoy some of the attractions in Tomorrowland. In addition to the Fastpass attractions recommended below I would also check out the Astro-Orbitors and Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Grab lunch at Cosmic Ray’s before heading back to your hotel and catching the Magical Express for your evening flight.
FASTPASSES TO MAKE
Arrival Day – EPCOT
Mission:Space
Spaceship Earth
Guardians of the Galaxy Coaster (when opened)
Day One – Magic Kingdom
Thunder Mountain
Day Two – Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Slinky Dog Dash
Alien Swirling Saucers
Toy Story Midway Mania
Day Three – Magic Kingdom
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin
Space Mountain
Tomorrowland Speedway
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