PHOTOS: First Guests Arrive at Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

When Toy Story Land opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios earlier today, thousands of excited guests were ready and waiting to be among the first to "play big" in Andy's backyard!

Excited guests flooded into the land, eager to ride on Slinky Dog Dash, spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, and play their way through Toy Story Mania! Also on many guest must-do lists: stop at Woody's Lunch Box for a tasty snack, and of course, grab some character photos as well.

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Toy Story Land Welcomes Firsts Guests

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Check out the images above for a look at some of the first guests to ever step into the land.

Many guests also showed their enthusiasm for the land's opening by wearing "Toy Story"-themed attire. Keep your eye on the Disney Parks Blog Instagram account later today for a look at some of the fun!

The Rootin’-est Tootin’-est Attraction Photo at Slinky Dog Dash Coaster in Toy Story Land

The newly opened Toy Story Land is the perfect place where guests of all ages can play together at Disney's Hollywood Studios!

There's so much to enjoy in this fun-filled, 11-acre land, and Disney PhotoPass Service wants to help you preserve those memories. It's easy and convenient to use, and no assembly is required.

One of the best Disney PhotoPass opportunities in Toy Story Land is found at Slinky Dog Dash coaster, a roller coaster that covers the land. As you're dashing through Andy's backyard, Disney PhotoPass Service will capture your adventure!

To preview, purchase and download this attraction photo, you must be wearing an active MagicBand or MagicBand 2 Icon in a MagicKeeper that's linked to your Disney account. Your photo will be automatically linked to your account, where it can be viewed at MyDisneyPhotoPass.com or in the My Disney Experience app alongside all of your vacation memories from Disney PhotoPass Service.

To take home all of your photos from Toy Story Land and beyond, purchase Memory Maker! You'll receive unlimited digital downloads of all Disney PhotoPass photos linked to your account and taken during your vacation.*

*Memory Maker is subject to the applicable terms and policies available here. Includes photos taken during the applicable Memory Maker Window as defined in such terms (generally, photos taken (i) within one day for the One Day product or (ii) within 30 days from the date of first activation for standard Memory Maker). If Memory Maker is purchased at the advance purchase price, any photos taken within 3 days of the date Memory Maker is purchased are not included and must be purchased separately. A MagicBand is required to receive certain attraction photos and other digital content. Online registration required. Disney PhotoPass Photos in your account will expire pursuant to the expiration policy available here. Downloads are restricted to personal use only. Not responsible for missing, lost or damaged photos. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Valid theme park admission required for certain photo locations.

Woody’s Lunch Box Now Open at Toy Story Land!

Calling all Honorary Toys – Woody's Lunch Box is now open for business! Located in the heart of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios, Andy has propped open his Woody-themed lunch box to turn it into a walk-up window where his toys can grab a bite to eat. So if you're getting hungry while playing around in Andy's backyard, then come on down to refuel with a few tasty bites.

Here you'll find ooey-gooey toasted, cheese-filled sandwiches that will melt in your mouth! I have to say, the Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich is definitely my favorite – it has melted provolone and cheddar cheese with a cheddar cream cheese spread on garlic buttered and grilled artisan French bread. AND THAT'S JUST ONE SANDWICH! There's also a BBQ Brisket Melt with sliced smoked brisket, pickles, and tangy BBQ sauce between melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese on grilled sourdough. If you're looking for more a more healthful option, the Smoked Turkey Sandwich is the way to go! This sandwich has thin-sliced smoked turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, and dijonnaise spread and is served chilled on sunflower multigrain bread.

Of course, you can always pair these yummy sandwiches with some Mini Babybel Snack Cheese or a tasty side such as the Potato Barrels or the Tomato-Basil Soup. The Vegetable Macaroni Salad is also a great choice with onion, red and green peppers, diced tomato, green olive, and Italian dressing.

AND THEN THERE'S DESSERT! These Lunch Box Tarts are SO TASTY! And they're available all day too. There's two tasty tarts – Raspberry and Chocolate-Hazelnut. The Raspberry Lunch Box Tart is stuffed with raspberry marmalade, coated in strawberry fondant, and topped with strawberry crispy pearls and dried strawberry pieces. The Chocolate-Hazelnut Lunch Box Tart is stuffed with chocolate-hazelnut filling, coated in maple fondant, and topped with chocolate crispy pearls and candied bacon.

And of course I can't forget the drinks! Cool down with a Mystic Portal Punch (POWERade® Mountain Berry Blast with flavors of lemon-lime and tangerine) or an Ice Cream Float with Barq's® Root Beer. Fountain beverages and water are also available.

All of these bites are totally delicious and can even make for some cute photo-ops – and there's definitely no shortage of adorable backdrops throughout the land! So what are you waiting for? Come on out to Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios to get in on all the tasty fun! Woody's Lunch Box is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Check out the full menu on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Toy Story Land Officially Opens Today at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Earlier today, Disney's Hollywood Studios officially welcomed the very first guests to "Play Big" in Toy Story Land.

After months of anticipation, guests can now enjoy everything Toy Story Land has to offer – on a daily basis! They can step into the land and explore the fun that Woody, Jessie and many other "Toy Story" friends are having in Andy's backyard. Guests can glide along with Slinky aboard Slinky Dog Dash, a family coaster Andy built from his Mega Coaster Play Kit that whisks guests high above and around a scattering of Andy's favorite toys – including Wheezy and Rex. Families can take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, play their way through Toy Story Mania!, or stop to enjoy tasty snacks – like Raspberry Lunchbox Tarts and S'mores French Toast Sandwiches – at Woody's Lunchbox. Just walking through the land, guests can marvel at the land's collection of toys, enjoy awe-inspiring drum sequences by the Green Army Drum Corps, or play "Sarge Says" with Sarge and his Green Army Patrol. And of course, Woody, Buzz and Jessie will greet guests throughout Toy Story Land on a daily basis.

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Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

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Toy Story Land is the largest expansion yet in the history of Disney's Hollywood Studios, an achievement that required the creative talents of a skilled project team made up of Imagineers, cast members and Pixar partners that together took this project "to infinity and beyond!"

Toy Story Land was officially dedicated on Friday, June 29, in a special star-studded and toy-filled celebration. Bob Chapek, Chairman, Disney Parks Experiences and Consumer Products, led the ceremony and shared his excitement for a land he calls unforgettable.

"With this new land, we're taking what we do best – creating magical experiences – and combining them with the heart, the humor, and the adventure of 'Toy Story.'" Bob said. "We've created an unbelievable place where you will magically transform to the size of a toy, and experience new adventures for the whole family. With new attractions, including the one-of-a-kind Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers, you're in store for an experience that you will never forget."

Actor Tim Allen, who has voiced Buzz Lightyear since the first "Toy Story" film debuted in 1995, also made a special appearance and thanked Disney for bringing such a meaningful film and its characters to life at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Want to watch the dedication ceremony in its entirety? Check out the replay above. You can also join in on the conversation online on Twitter with the hashtag #ToyStoryLand.

Pixar Best-Dressed at Disney California Adventure Park

When Pixar Pier opened on June 23 at Disney California Adventure park, many guests showed up donning their "Pixar best." Take a look at some opening day fashions:

Beloved Pixar stories and characters come to life in the newly reimagined Pixar Pier. You'll find the thrilling Incredicoaster and whimsical Pixar Pal-A-Round attractions, imaginative neighborhoods, Pixar-inspired food, the Lamplight Lounge, plus exciting entertainment and more!

New Image Unveiled for Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Earlier today, a new image was shared of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, an attraction planned to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

The attraction will totally immerse guests in a cartoon world and will feature a new catchy theme song created especially for the attraction.

The fun begins when you see the premiere of a new cartoon short with Mickey and Minnie preparing for a picnic. As they head out, they drive alongside a train and find out that the engineer is Goofy. Then, one magical moment lets you step into the movie and on Goofy's train for a wacky, wild ride.

The teams helping create the attraction are currently working with partners at Disney Television Animation to keep the characters and storyline authentic – and allow guests to join Mickey and his friends like never before.

Keep checking the Disney Parks Blog for future updates on the Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway.

New Show Lightning McQueen’s Racing Academy Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Early 2019

Calling aspiring racers of all ages! I feel a big ol' Ka-Chow coming on, because beginning in early 2019, there's going to be another exciting reason to get revved up about a visit to Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, a high-octane first-of-its-kind new show that'll put you right in the middle of the world of Disney•Pixar's "Cars."

At Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, located near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, you'll come face-to-face with racing legend Lightning McQueen, who is excited to showcase what he's learned over the years with you – the next generation of rookie racers. Of course, as Lightning McQueen has discovered throughout his career, things don't always go according to plan, and he has to think fast to get back on course. With friends Tow Mater, Cruz Ramirez and the gang from Radiator Springs on his side, Lightning gears up for the challenge.

What will happen? You'll have to speed on over to find out when Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy opens early next year!

Celebrate Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios with a Slinky Dog Headband

As you just heard during our #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the official dedication of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios – we're celebrating the occasion here on the Disney Parks Blog by offering readers a chance to be one of 10 winners to receive a Slinky Dog headband. You can enter now for a chance to win one Slinky Dog headband!

The character of Slinky Dog is the inspiration for the ride vehicles on our new family coaster Slinky Dog Dash. The Slinky coaster is themed as if Andy built it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and some other favorite toys, including Jessie and Rex! Also beginning tomorrow, you can take a spin on Alien Swirling Saucers, walk through a new carnival game box to experience Toy Story Mania!, grab a tasty snack at Woody's Lunchbox, meet some of the characters from "Toy Story" films and much more!

Enter for a chance to win one Slinky Dog Headband here and follow the entry instructions to complete an official entry form. Your entry must state your valid email address and full name.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes starts 6/29/18 at 11:01 a.m. ET and ends 6/29/18 at 1:01 p.m. ET. Open only to persons who, upon entering, are not deemed minors in their jurisdiction of primary residence and are legal residents of, and physically located within, the 50 U.S. or D.C. Limit 1 entry per person/per email address. For complete details, including full eligibility requirements, odds of winning and limitations, see Official Rules. Void where prohibited by law.

Download Our Toy Story Land-Inspired Wallpapers Now

Yee-haw! Giddy-up partner! Our favorite toys are here to play! The opening of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is nearly here! Designer, Brittany Ungvarsky, has created two super fun digital wallpapers to mark this special date.

It's time to become honorary toys and visit Andy's backyard!

Be sure to check out the terms of use about using the wallpaper before you download it. Want to check out other designs? Visit our complete gallery of wallpapers.

#DisneyKids: Cool Off this Summer at Walt Disney World Resort

Summer is here and it's time to get wet!

There are tons of ways to beat the heat and cool off when you stay at a Walt Disney World Resort resort hotel. My favorite splash pad is the Alice in Wonderland Splash Park at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. It offers lots of water slides and waterfalls, and there's even an adorable Mad Hatter hat that fills with water and dumps it on unsuspecting little ones.

The Big Blue Pool area at Disney's Art of Animation Resort is also a big draw for kids with splashing fountains and larger-than-life pals from the "Finding Nemo" film.

Take a look at these youngsters splashing their way around Walt Disney World Resort.

Shopping for Toy Story Land Merchandise Made Easy at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Toy Story Land will feel like they have magically transformed to the size of a toy as fun-loving "Toy Story" characters come to life in the larger-than-life outdoor setting of Andy's backyard. Shoppers can commemorate their visit with new logo merchandise, must-have collectibles and unique gifts. With the opening of the new land on June 30, the merchandise team has made shopping for these products even easier at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

"We want guests to have a convenient and fun shopping experience," explained Rachel Swears, Manager for Location Strategy at the theme park. "Two retail carts in Toy Story Land – resembling a toy camper and toy dump truck – will carry new logo items including pins, accessories and of course, toys. We've also expanded the assortment to other shops in the park, making it easy for guests to find the products they love."

Two of those new products include small scale replica toys inspired by the new attractions. Designed using 3D models created in partnership by Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Imagineering, the Slinky Dog Dash & Dodge Power Boost Set features spinning flames and launching vehicle action. The three pullback toys resembling vehicles from the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction launch forward on their next adventure once released.

Additional locations at Disney's Hollywood Studios will carry these toys and other logo products include Beverly Sunset. Located on Sunset Boulevard, this spot has a show-stopping selection of Pixar-themed merchandise. Guests will find the full Toy Story Land assortment, and a curated collection of "Toy Story" apparel and accessories perfect for creating stylish looks when visiting the 11-acre land.

Guests will also find Toy Story Land merchandise at Mickey's of Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard and at In Character located in the Animation Courtyard area.

Once the land opens at Walt Disney World Resort, select products will be offered on ShopDisney.com.

Epcot Is the Place to be This Fourth of July!

Have you made your plans yet for the 4th of July? If you're coming to Walt Disney World Resort for the holiday, Epcot is the #1 spot for Independence Day celebrations! There's so much going on across the park that day:

• Special Fireworks: "The Heartbeat of Freedom" What would a 4th of July celebration be without fireworks? And Epcot has the best show around! It starts at 9 p.m. with a performance of "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth," which concludes with the addition of a heart-pounding, all-American grand finale. This one-night-only fireworks extravaganza unites music from great American composers with more pyrotechnics than you can imagine!
• Voices of Liberty – An Epcot tradition for more than 35 years, this legendary a cappella group will perform a series of special evening concerts of great American songs in the America Gardens Theatre at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Joining the Voices of Liberty on stage will be Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy, dressed for the occasion in their special "Spirit of '76" attire. You can also catch Voices of Liberty performing special patriotic songs in the rotunda of The American Adventure at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.


• Disney Characters – During the day, you'll have the opportunity to get a special photo with Mickey, Goofy, Pluto and Chip 'n' Dale, all wearing their patriotic best, right outside The American Adventure pavilion.
• Specialty Foods – Add some flavor to your celebration with all-American foods throughout the park. There will be decadent red, white and blue cupcakes available at Fountain View and Sunshine Seasons, where you can also nosh on their yummy BBQ pork sandwich. Refreshment Port will have specially decorated croissant doughnuts (Who can resist those?!) and Liberty Inn has got you covered with the all-American burger, southern fried chicken sandwich, apple pie cheesecake and –just for the 4th – a slice of watermelon!
• The American Adventure – This epic attraction, another Epcot original, has recently been updated with an all-digital projection system, a new screen, new speakers and an all-new recording of the iconic "Golden Dream" anthem. And look for new faces added to the show's finale including composer John Williams, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson and noted ballerina Misty Copeland.

It's America's 242nd birthday, and Epcot is hosting the biggest, grandest, most red-white-and-blue-est celebration around!

Disney Parks After Dark: Exploring Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure Park

Tonight's Disney Parks After Dark photograph takes us to Pixar Pier at Disney California Adventure park as an Incredicoaster train flies through the loop above Toy Story Midway Mania! Ah, Pixar Pier, where beloved Pixar characters and stories come to life through attractions, games, food, music, and architectural features. I've spent a lot of time photographing Pixar Pier in recent weeks and the place is simply wonderful.

There are quite a few things to discover in Pixar Pier's Toy Story Boardwalk. You'll shrink down to the size of a toy on the fan-favorite Toy Story Midway Mania! At Poultry Palace, big appetites and small fries alike can enjoy a fun chicken meal inspired by Pixar's short, "Toy Story Toon: Small Fry." You can also stop by Señor Buzz Churros, where Buzz has switched into Spanish mode to offer this classic treat.

Pixar Pier is now open at Disney California Adventure park! Learn more about this newly reimagined land here.

Join Some of Your Favorite Characters for a Pixar Pals Dance Party During Pixar Fest at Disneyland Park

The first-ever Pixar Fest is taking place all across the Disneyland Resort, bringing the playful spirit of Pixar to life in a celebration of friendship and beyond, and we keep adding to the fun!

Each evening, you're invited to drop in at Tomorrowland Terrace in Disneyland park for the Pixar Pals Dance Party. Hit the dance floor, as a DJ keeps things hopping, and you never know who may stop by! You could find yourself groovin' alongside Mike and Sulley from "Monsters, Inc.," Woody and Jessie from "Toy Story," or even some Green Army Men getting a little R&R. The party gets going nightly at 7 p.m. and continues through 10:30 p.m.

With the Pixar Pals Dance Party, "Pixar Play Parade," "Paint the Night" parade, "Together Forever – A Pixar Nighttime Spectacular" and so much more, you'll want to check out everything going on during Pixar Fest, now through September 3 at Disneyland Resort!

runDisney Medal Reveal: 2018 Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend

Bonjour les coureurs from runDisney! Just under three months until the 2018 Disneyland Paris Magic Run Weekend kicks off at Disneyland Paris, September 20-23. This year's event will feature four races plus two new challenges, making the weekend one unforgettable experience. Finisher medals highlight some of your favorite Disney villains as well as the classic Sorcerer Mickey Mouse. Take a look at what will be awaiting you at this year's ligne d'arrivée:

Casting his shadow into the start of the race weekend celebration, Thanos from the Marvel Universe appears on the Disneyland Paris 5K finisher medal. Runners taking on 6.2 heroic miles will receive a medal spotlighting Pain and Panic from the Disney classic "Hercules" during the Disneyland Paris 10K. Those completing 13.1 magical miles through Disneyland Paris theme parks and the beautiful French countryside will earn a finisher medal featuring Sorcerer Mickey and the Sleeping Beauty Castle during the Disneyland Paris-Val d'Europe Half Marathon.

New to the race weekend this year is the opportunity to take on up to three exciting challenges. Those who complete both the 10K and Half Marathon for the 31K Challenge will earn a captivating medal highlighting Maleficent from the Disney classic "Sleeping Beauty." Runners going the extra mile to finish the 5K, 10K and Half Marathon during the 36K Challenge will commemorate their accomplishments with a medal featuring Maleficent after her dragon transformation. Lastly, runners who complete the Half Marathon at Disneyland Paris and one of our Half Marathon or Marathon races at Walt Disney World Resort in the same calendar year will be awarded the Castle to Château Challenge medal.

Start getting excited for this year's events with a look back at the 2017 Disneyland Paris Half Marathon Weekend:

Joining us this September for the fairy-tale celebration? Let us know which race you'll be participating in using the hashtag #DisneylandParisHalf on our social channels! Follow runDisney on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Learn more about other runDisney events here!

Cruising Europe 2019: A Scenic Stroll Through Cartagena, Spain

One of my favorite things about visiting a new place is exploring it by foot. I don't feel fully immersed in a city until I've walked its streets, parks and markets … preferably with a delicious local treat in hand!

If you're like me, then you're going to love learning more about beautiful Cartagena, Spain, one of our new ports-of-call for next summer. Cartagena is a relatively quiet and unspoiled area of Spain—with less mass tourism than the surrounding areas—and it is super pedestrian friendly, so you can explore all the best attractions at your leisure.

And you'll want to take your time, because this city is a sight to behold! Its diverse heritage has resulted in a rare blend of striking modern architecture and millennia of ancient historical influence.

Here are a few highlights you can look forward to experiencing in Cartagena …

Roman Theatre
You wouldn't know it by looking at it, but this spectacular display of ancient Roman architecture was hidden from the world until just 30 years ago! It was discovered buried beneath a series of other buildings built by the powerful civilizations that came into power following the Roman Empire. The site's impressive museum features a treasure trove of artifacts from the theater's layered history.

Castillo de la Concepción
In the heart of the city, at the top of its highest hill, a stunning castle presides above the streets of Cartagena. Built on the site of a Roman temple, the Castillo de la Concepción also faced years of changes as the empire du jour conquered the city and repurposed the site. It was eventually turned into a medieval fortress and is now home to a museum chronicling Cartagena's maritime history.

Cala Cortina Beach
Located in a lovely cove, Cartagena's pristine playa is the perfect place for relaxation after you've met your daily step count goal roaming the city. If you're looking for more activity, check out the beach's snorkeling options, fun bars and restaurants, and children's play areas.

There's so much more to be discovered in Cartagena for guests sailing aboard the Disney Magic's transatlantic voyage on May 12, 2019. Stay tuned for more in-depth looks at our new European ports!

Look How Far You’ll Go Wearing Moana-Inspired Attire at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas

We recently showcased Chip 'n' Dale fashions inspired by the artwork at Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and cute Lilo & Stitch styles at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Today we have new looks to share, inspired by a headstrong heroine, Moana, at Aulani, Disney Vacation Club Villas, Ko Olina, Hawai'i.

We worked in collaboration with fashion enthusiast and Disney bounding guru Leslie Kay to create some strong and stylish fashions – one for women and one for men – that are perfect for when you're wanting to chart your own course for adventure.

Aulani Resort is breathtaking, and staying here gives you the perfect opportunity to meet Moana, who calls the islands her home. Staying in a Disney Vacation Club Villa here provides enough room for the whole family, offering everything from Deluxe Studios, which sleep five guests, all the way up to 1- and 2-bedroom Villas, and even unbelievably spacious 3-bedroom Grand Villas that provide more than enough room for up to 12 of your 'ohana.

There's no better way to enjoy this Resort than by donning wardrobe looks inspired by a fearless leader like Moana, so check out the inspiration board and some tips from Leslie below to get started on your Disney bounding!

Style tips from Leslie:

• Moana is all about color blocking! Her top is a unique color, so you could wear just about any shade of red or orange and it will look great!
• For ladies, lace details and off-the-shoulder styles will help to re-create her look.
• For guys, don't be afraid to play around with tropical patterns!
• Add a turquoise or jade necklace to resemble the Heart of Tefiti

Have fun and enjoy styling your own Moana look. Oh, and "you're welcome" for this bit of inspiration!