Attraction Type: Interactive 3-D dark ride.
Location: Near the southern shore of the bay, near the California Screamin’ loop.
General Description: Ride through an exciting midway where you can challenge your skill in various 3-D boardwalk games inspired by the cast of “Toy Story.”
Will’s Review: A definite “must see,” this attraction is one of the most technically sophisticated in any Disney park, utilizing the power of over 150 computers and three different wireless networks. Combining a traditional track-ride with virtual reality-style technology, guests ride through a midway area where they use 3-D glasses and special guns to play a variety of classic Midway games inspired by the Disney-Pixar film “Toy Story.” The idea behind the ride is that Andy, the real-life boy from “Toy Story,” has just bought a boxed midway game set and has set it up in his bedroom. You are invited to ride through and play the midway games, including “Hamm & Eggs,” “Bo Peep’s Baaa-loon Pop,” “Green Army Men Shoot Camp,” “Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers,” and “Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery.” The guns mounted on your ride vehicle change from being egg-throwers to ring-tosser’s to western-style guns based on what game you are currently playing. Opened in late June 2008, Toy Story Midway Mania was the first structure in Paradise Pier to incorporate the overtly-elaborate, Victorian-era style of architecture that will eventually make its way around the remainder of the land. Of special note is the Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronic out in front of the attraction in the queue area. Acting as a carnival barker for the attraction, this figure is one of the most advanced ever created. He is able to verbally interact with guests (even to the point of identifying the color of someone’s shirt) and also remove his ear and place it back on. The ride itself can be a bit addicting and fun, even for those not of the video game generation. Each day, the ride’s highest scores are recorded and displayed at the end of the ride; of course, a non-scoring practice round is first played to help orientate guests to how the attraction works.
Touring Tips: One of the park’s newest and most popular attractions, it is often one of the last to build a heavy line due to it’s remote location. Try to jet to the backside of Paradise Pier quickly upon park opening, or visit during a parade, for the shortest wait.
Family Info: Guests of all ages love this attraction; however older folks who have trouble programming the VCR may be a bit put off by the ride’s video game style. Unlike the Resort’s other “Toy Story”-based shooter attraction, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters in Tomorrowland, here you don’t shoot in-person three-dimensional targets; it’s all on a screen.
Variations: This attraction can also be found in Pixar Place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Golden Zephyr - Jumpin’ Jellyfish - S.S. rustworthy - Mulholland Madness - Maliboomer - California Screamin’ - Toy Story Midway Mania - Games of the Boardwalk - Mickey’s Fun Wheel – King Triton’s Carrousel of the Sea
Paradise Pier Shopping Guide - Paradise Pier Dining Guide
