What is it?
Toy Story Mania is a 4-D dark ride featuring spinning vehicles and quick turns. Guests use “spring-action shooters” to score points during five themed carnival games, including Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery, Green Army Men Shoot Camp, and Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers. This ride is for all ages and heights.
My Toddler Tested Experience:
My kids have been on this ride a couple times. Once when they were one and three years old and then again more recently at two and four years old. Both were very different experiences. They loved the themed queue on both occasions. The larger than life toys and games are obviously exciting, especially for little kids. However, the first ride experience was not pleasant. My three year old son loved the movement and sights of the ride, even though he did not understand the “game” portion at all. My one year old daughter, on the other hand, was terrified. Every time the ride shifted, she screamed. The darkness didn’t seem to bother her nor did the characters, but she could not handle the movement.
The more recent trip was much more pleasant. My son started to understand the game portion of the ride a little better. When you’re an adult riding with two young kids, they seat the three of you on one side of a vehicle, so you are in the middle and each child has a shooter. Since I was between them, I was able to try to show him how to play the game. He wasn’t able to aim very well, but at least he could play along. My daughter still did not understand the game aspect, of course, BUT she finally enjoyed the ride. When the ride ended, they both told me repeatedly that they had fun and wanted to go again.
Conclusion:
This is a super kid friendly ride, and it’s enjoyable for adults as well. It’s a popular ride at Hollywood Studios, so it’s nice that there’s no height requirement. Kids can feel like they’re a part of the action, even at a young age. However, I would not take children younger than two (maybe two and a half) years old on the ride. While my daughter was only bothered by the movement, the large characters and darkness could easily scare others as well.
Another Note:
This attraction allows pregnant women to ride. While I’m sure Disney wouldn’t allow this if it wasn’t safe – be mindful of how large your baby is before you ride. I decided to enjoy this attraction while VERY pregnant with my son. The ride moves A LOT and he was shifting pretty dramatically from side to side. It wasn’t painful, but it was uncomfortable.
Ratings (1-10):
Thrill Factor – 6
Motion Sickness – 5
Scare Potential – 4
Priority – 7
Fun – 8
