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Disney World Brings Christmas to Toy Story Land With Major Ride Update

Disney World is wasting no time getting ready for Christmas, and another attraction has officially joined the holiday celebration.

With decorations appearing across the resort, visitors are beginning to see familiar areas transform for the season. However, not every Christmas update involves decorations or special entertainment.

Entrance to Toy Story Land at Disney World
Credit: Disney

Sometimes, Disney changes the experience guests already know.

That's exactly what's happening at Disney's Hollywood Studios, where Alien Swirling Saucers has officially reopened its seasonal holiday experience with a completely updated soundtrack.

Christmas Arrives at Alien Swirling Saucers

Beginning November 4, 2026, guests visiting Toy Story Land can experience Alien Swirling Saucers with a new selection of Christmas music.

The family-friendly attraction takes visitors on a spinning adventure aboard spaceships driven by the little green aliens from the Toy Story franchise.

Since opening in 2018, the attraction has provided a colorful experience for families exploring Andy's backyard.

Buzz Lightyear meeting guests in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Credit: Disney Fanatic

During the Christmas season, however, Disney adds another layer of entertainment.

This year, the company has introduced four holiday songs that play throughout the ride.

The seasonal lineup features “Toyland,” “Swirling, Swirling, Saucers,” “Joy to the Swirl,” and “Deck the Halls.”

While some longtime visitors may recognize “Deck the Halls” from previous holiday celebrations, Disney has introduced a new version of the song for 2026.

The other three selections are new additions to the seasonal soundtrack.

Disney previously used “Up on the Housetop” as part of the attraction's Christmas entertainment, but that song is no longer included in this year's lineup.

Regular Soundtrack Removed for Christmas

One of the biggest changes involves how Disney plays the holiday music.

During previous Christmas celebrations, Alien Swirling Saucers alternated between seasonal songs and its regular soundtrack.

That approach meant guests could experience different music depending on when they boarded.

Disney has eliminated that possibility this year.

disney world guests gather around lilypad toy in toy story land area of hollywood studios
Credit: Disney

Instead, the attraction now plays Christmas music exclusively, temporarily replacing the soundtrack introduced in September.

That earlier update brought Lilypad, a character from the upcoming Toy Story 5 (2027), into the attraction as its new DJ.

Although her regular music has been replaced for the holidays, Lilypad remains involved in the experience.

The character now plays Christmas songs for visitors walking past the attraction, bringing festive entertainment beyond the ride itself.

Lilypad also continues displaying games for guests outside Alien Swirling Saucers.

The changes give visitors another reason to stop by Toy Story Land during the holiday season, especially if they haven't experienced the attraction since its September update.

Disney Confirms When the Holiday Overlay Will End

The Christmas version of Alien Swirling Saucers will remain available from November 4 through January 6.

That means visitors arriving during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the beginning of January will have an opportunity to experience the seasonal soundtrack.

Guests won't need a separate holiday party ticket to enjoy the overlay, either.

Alien Swirling Saucers continues operating as a regular Disney's Hollywood Studios attraction, with the Christmas music included in the normal ride experience.

Guests ride colorful rocket vehicles on Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Credit: Disney

Although Disney hasn't changed the attraction's basic ride system, the updated soundtrack creates a different atmosphere for returning visitors.

And for families who enjoy experiencing Disney World's seasonal attraction changes, this year's version offers something new.

With four Christmas songs, an updated DJ experience, and a soundtrack dedicated entirely to the holidays, Alien Swirling Saucers is officially celebrating the season.

Brittni Ward

Brittni is a Disney and Universal fan; one of her favorite things at both parks is collecting popcorn buckets. While at Disney World Resort, Brittni meets the princesses and rides Kilimanjaro Safaris. At Universal, Brittni enjoys the Minions and watching Animal Actors on Location! When not at Disney World Resort or Universal Orlando, Brittni spends time with her family and pets.

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