Annual passholders for Walt Disney World won’t get to experience Toy Story Land before its official opening June 30, with reporters and Disney workers set to be the only people to get an early look at the new area in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
The lack of passholder exclusive access breaks with what Disney offered last year when opening Pandora: The World of Avatar in Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Ahead of that land’s official opening May 27, 2017, annual passholders had the chance to register for two-hour preview blocks between May 13 and 22 of last year after cast member previews had wrapped up.
Sources tell Orlando Rising that Disney employees won’t get much time in the new land either, with cast members previews beginning as early as June 14 only for Slinky Dog Dash, the area’s new family coaster. The entire land should be available for additional cast member previews June 22. Members of the press will then get their first look at the finished Toy Story Land June 28, followed by a dedication ceremony June 29, a day before its opened to all Disney park guests.
If passholders want to wait out the big crowds and long lines expected following Toy Story Land’s opening, they’ll have to wait until September to get exclusive access.
For those with Gold, Platinum Plus or Premier annual passes to Walt Disney World, Disney is offering events called “Passholder Play Time” in September. Capacity will be limited and require advance registration, much like the Pandora previews. All three of Toy Story Land’s attractions — Toy Story Mania, Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers — will be open during these events, along with Woody’s Lunch Box restaurant.
Members of the Disney Vacation Club will also get their own exclusive events at Toy Story Land during September and October. Specific dates have yet to be announced.
For non-passholders or Florida residents with the Silver annual pass, Disney is taking steps to help spread out the big crowds expected for Toy Story Land. Disney’s Hollywood Studios will have extended operating hours (opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 10:30 p.m.) starting July 1.
For Disney resort guests, an extra hour in the parks will be available every morning and one evening per week throughout the summer.