A new area has opened in Walt Disney World.
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Guests can now bask in the shade as Walt Disney World has finally completed the long-awaited seating expansion inside Toy Story Land at Hollywood Studios.
The journey to bring shade to Toy Story Land began in 2022, culminating in a project that would take over three years to complete. The ambitious initiative aimed to create an inviting shaded environment around Woody’s Lunch Box, a beloved quick-service eatery in the area. Throughout these years, Disney made gradual progress, releasing updates and unveiling segments of the shaded area at different points.
Despite the initial long wait, the first part of the shaded seating area was opened in April 2025, sparking excitement among guests. Finally, on June 17, 2025, the project reached its official completion, marking a significant milestone for Disney that reflected its commitment to guest satisfaction and comfort.
The addition of shaded seating is set to enhance the overall experience for visitors at Toy Story Land. Shaded areas provide essential relief from the heat, allowing guests to enjoy their meals without the discomfort of high temperatures and direct sunlight. Families can now linger longer, enjoy conversations, and create lasting memories while comfortably seated in the new shaded region.
With the improvements made near Woody’s Lunch Box, the dining experience now feels significantly elevated. Patrons can dine without constantly moving to find cooler spots or necessarily retreating to air-conditioned environments elsewhere in the park. Such efforts also likely influence foot traffic, as parents may be more inclined to extend their stay in Toy Story Land, leading to increased utilization of attractions, merchandise shops, and dining options in the vicinity.
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The introduction of the shaded area in Toy Story Land is just one of many exciting changes coming to Walt Disney World in 2025. The theme park is undergoing several upgrades, with plans to refresh both Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Among these changes is the anticipated closure of certain classic experiences, such as Tom Sawyer Island and iconic riverboat rides, to make way for new attractions.
At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the departure of beloved experiences is paving the way for the development of the new land, Monstropolis, inspired by the popular Monsters Inc. franchise. Additionally, Animal Kingdom is gearing up for a revamp with a South America-themed area that will feature attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones, with phases of the project set to unfold over the next few years.
As Disney continues its commitment to improving the guest experience, these upgrades—combined with the newly completed shaded areas—ensure that every visitor can create magical memories while enjoying more comfort and excitement in the parks. The anticipation surrounding each project adds to the shimmer of magic that Walt Disney World is renowned for, promising a brighter future for visitors of all ages.
