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Disney World Area Under Fire After Guest Calls It a “Waste of Space”

In the world of Disney Parks, Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has long been a beloved area. With its vibrant colors, iconic characters, and family-friendly attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, the land has brought the magic of the Toy Story franchise to life since it opened in 2018.

However, recently, a bold statement made by a guest about the area has sparked a fiery debate among Disney fans. A social media post calling Toy Story Land a “waste of space” quickly went viral, drawing mixed reactions and causing some to question the true value of this Disney World attraction.

Toy Story Land in Disney's Hollywood Studios
Credit: Disney

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It all started when a guest on X (formerly Twitter) posted their thoughts about Toy Story Land’s layout, claiming that it simply wasn’t up to par with what Disney fans expect. The post read: “Does anyone else think Toy Story Land is a waste of space?”

Lack of shade, the new rides are mediocre, the park already shrunk you down to the size of a toy, moving Toy Story Mania’s entrance made Pixar Place a weird dead space, and the layout of the land has crowding issues and is not an efficient use of space.

Related: Disney Forever Changes Toy Story Land, Corrects Wrongdoing

As you can imagine, the tweet sparked a wave of responses. Some fans agreed with the poster’s sentiments, while others quickly came to Toy Story Land’s defense, citing its charm and ability to engage families with young children. It wasn’t long before the debate spread across social media, with passionate Disney lovers sharing their views on the land’s merits and drawbacks.

The Defenders Speak Up

Despite the criticisms, many guests jumped to Toy Story Land’s defense, arguing that while it might have some shortcomings, it still provides a valuable experience for families.

One Disney World fan wrote:

Of all the parts of HS to complain about, Toy Story Land is not one of them. Three rides that pretty much the entire family can ride, two food options. The only issue is the lack of shade, but other than that, it’s about as good as it gets.

Toy Story Land _ Disney fanatic
Credit: Disney

Toy Story Land consistently ranks among the most popular areas in the park, with attractions like Slinky Dog Dash drawing long lines. On a typical day, visitors can expect to wait over an hour for a ride, especially when the park is busy.

Despite the crowds, the land’s appeal is undeniable, as it taps into the nostalgia of the beloved Toy Story (1995) movies while offering a fun, immersive experience for all ages.

Concerns Over Crowding and the Lack of Shade

One issue that many visitors have echoed is the lack of shade in Toy Story Land. Florida’s sweltering heat during the summer months can make the area particularly uncomfortable, and guests have expressed frustration over the limited options for staying cool.

A man and woman take a selfie with a large, colorful Buzz Lightyear statue in the background. The man points upward while the woman holds the phone. Both are smiling and wearing sunglasses. They are surrounded by vibrant playground scenery and a clear sky.
Credit: Disney

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As one visitor put it, “It’s the hottest place on Earth lol,” emphasizing how the lack of shade makes the land a less-than-ideal place to spend long periods of time.

Others have raised similar concerns about the area’s design, saying it could have been better optimized for guest comfort. They suggest adding more seating areas or indoor spaces where visitors can cool off and relax. These changes could make Toy Story Land a more inviting place, especially for families with young children who may need a break from the heat.

Woody_Buzz_and_Jessie_ in_ Toy Story land
Credit: Disney Parks

Related: Big Changes Confirmed for Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Is Toy Story Land a Placeholder or a Genuine Attraction?

One comment that stood out in the debate came from a guest who referred to Toy Story Land as a “budget buffer.” This perspective suggested that the area was created as a way for Disney to quickly add an attractive, recognizable theme without investing as much as they did in other parts of the park, like Galaxy’s Edge or Zootopia in Shanghai.

🪀🧸 🧱100%! From Orlando to Shanghai with Paris & Hong Kong – inbetween, #ToyStoryLand is simply a budget buffer, part of every expansion, to round out offerings with off the shelf attractions & lazy theming, to save budget for Galaxy’s Edge, Zootopia, Avengers & Mystic Point…

Roundup Rodeo BBQ in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studio
Credit: Disney

While some may see this as a fair criticism, others argue that Toy Story Land still provides a valuable experience for guests. The area may not have the grandeur of other Disney expansions, but it’s an enjoyable space that fits the needs of many families. And with the continuing popularity of the Toy Story films, it seems unlikely that Disney will be removing the land anytime soon.

Could Changes Be Coming to Toy Story Land?

As Toy Story Land continues to grow in popularity, Disney may find itself faced with the task of addressing some of the issues fans have raised. One possible avenue for change is the upcoming release of Toy Story 5, which is set to hit theaters next year. With the movie likely to introduce new characters and storylines, Disney could use this as an opportunity to refresh Toy Story Land and integrate more of the latest franchise content into the area.

Fans may soon see more character meet-and-greets, new attractions, or even small adjustments to the existing spaces. There’s also the possibility of Disney listening to fan feedback about the need for more shade and seating, which could make the land more comfortable for guests, especially during the hottest months of the year.

So, where do you stand on the issue? Is Toy Story Land truly a “waste of space,” or is it a charming addition to Disney World that provides memorable experiences for families? Do you think Disney should make changes to address the lack of shade or other concerns, or is the area just fine as it is? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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