Guests visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios experienced an unusual ride evacuation last week when Toy Story Mania! unexpectedly stopped operations. While ride breakdowns aren’t uncommon at the Central Florida theme parks, the evacuation process left some Walt Disney World Resort guests surprised as they were instructed to line up against a wall for safety.
What Happened on Toy Story Mania!?
On November 28, 2024, a Redditor identified as u/hitmanrocks01 shared their firsthand account of the incident during their evening visit to Toy Story Mania!, the interactive 4-D attraction in Toy Story Land. According to the Disney Park guest, the ride abruptly stopped around 8:30 p.m., leaving guests stranded in their ride vehicles.
“Ride was stopped for about 20 minutes,” the Redditor explained.
Shortly afterward, Disney cast members began walking through the attraction, unlocking ride vehicles and assisting guests. As part of the evacuation procedure, they “had people line up on the walls.”
The Redditor continued, “My kids heard some kid crying, and then they were given fast passes.”
While it remains unclear what caused the breakdown or if the crying child was directly related to the stoppage, Disney cast members handled the situation efficiently. Guests were compensated with Lightning Lane passes, allowing them to skip the line at another attraction later that evening.
Why Were Disney World Florida Guests Lined Up Against a Wall?
Although some may find it unusual, lining guests against a wall is a standard safety measure during ride evacuations at Disney Parks. This procedure ensures guests remain in a safe, confined area while Disney cast members navigate the ride’s mechanics and assist others. Disney minimizes the risk of injuries during evacuations by keeping everyone away from tracks or moving parts.
The incident was resolved quickly, and Toy Story Mania! reopened shortly after, operating normally by the time of this article’s publication.
A Beloved Pixar Ride with a Storied History
Toy Story Mania! first opened in 2008 and has been a fan favorite for over a decade. Initially located in Pixar Place, the attraction’s entrance moved to Toy Story Land in 2018, giving guests a fully immersive Pixar experience. The ride invites players to compete in a carnival game setting alongside their favorite characters from Disney and Pixar’s Toy Story franchise.
Have you ever gotten stuck on a ride at Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, or EPCOT? Share your story with Disney Fanatic in the comments.