To Infinity: Toy Story Opening Of A Field At Disney In Florida

To the infinity: Toy Story The Opening of the Land at Disney in Florida

Freida Frisaro, Associated Press

June 29, 2018
Updated: June 29, 2018 23: 33

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL (AP) – For children in the mid-1990s, Disney's new Toy Story Land offers the opportunity to visit the imaginary world For their parents, it brings sweet memories of a magical moment of toys and pretend. And for everyone else, the new theme park offers a whimsical experience from the moment when a statue of nearly 20 feet (6 meters) from Sheriff Woody welcomes guests as if they were honorary toys in the garden d & # 39; Andy.

"We welcome anyone who has ever dreamed of being part of their own" Toy Story ", said Bob Chapek, President Disney Parks, experiences and consumer products, expressing Friday at an Opening Ceremony

The new 11-acre lot inspired by the movie "Toy Story" opens to the public Saturday at Disney's Hollywood Studios just outside of Orlando.

Tim Allen, the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the movies, made a surprise appearance at the Friday event. "In one way or another, you have never imagined that you would be able to play in Andy's garden," Allen said. "That's all simply amazing. "

The opening of Toy Story Land is one of the most anticipated events in the US theme parks this This is the year that perpetuates the Disney tradition of bringing movies to life. Last year, Pandora-World of Avatar opened at Florida's theme park. Next year, the theme lands on "Star Wars" will open in Disney parks here and in California.

But Toy Story Land visitors will never see Andy, the human boy who owns the toys in the "Toy Story" movies. According to the history of the park, he has just been called inside by his mother, leaving his toys – and you – scattered in the backyard.

"As in the movies 'Toy Story', when humans go away, toys to life," said Dave Minichiello, executive director of Toy Story Land's creation. "We have tried to include most of the moments and characters in the movies 'Toy Story' in the new country."

But you'll find other favorite characters – Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightning, Jessie, Slinky Dog, Mr. Potato Head and the Green Army Patrol – In The Earth brightly colored, with two new attractions: Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. They join the pre-existing Toy Story Mania, which has been one of the most popular attractions at Hollywood Studios since its debut in 2008. Toy Story Mania gets a new colorful entrance into the new Toy Story Land.

The guests "make a magical transition", appearing to become equal in size to a toy because of the sheer scale of the attractions, said Minichiello. In fact, he added, "you are about the size of Green Army men."

The Green Army men of the movie call the Green Army patrol here. They have been updated to be more inclusive and diverse – including female characters. They also interact with guests throughout the park, greeting and even performing fun games like "Sarge Says," inspired by the classic children's game "Simon Says."

In addition to rides and characters, the Woody & # 39; s Lunchbox restaurant offers twists and turns on classic foods. There is the grilled cheese sandwich with three cheeses, a melting chest, old-fashioned soda floats and other refreshments that can be ordered from a box-shaped window to Andy's vintage lunch and thermos

larger-than-life versions of classic toys like the Rubik's Cube, the colorful Cootie bugs, the Scrabble letters, the building blocks and the Tinkertoys. There are also benches built from Lincoln Logs.

"We wanted to do this for all generations," said Minichiello. "In browsing, you will probably find many toys that you played with when you were a child."

Tom Vazzana, director of the Toy Story Land entertainment show, added that there was a little something for everybody. "Buzz and Woody and Jessie … are on the Avenue," interacting with guests, stopping to take photos and sign autographs.

Toy Story Land is the fruit of a collaboration between Disney's Imaginators and their Pixar Studios animation partners, Chapek said. "This new land will place guests in the wonderful world of Woody, Buzz and their buddies," said Chapek, "and invites everyone to experience the joy of being a toy."

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This story has been corrected note that Tim Allen voiced Buzz Lightyear.