Toy Story Mania

Toy Story Midway Mania!

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TOY STORY MANIA OPENING DATE: May 31 2008
Currently in soft opening previews - which means the attraction is open, but is likely to close at anytime.

9 July 2008: Toy Story Mania! now officially part of Extra Magic Hours

Toy Story Mania! has now been added to both the morning and evening Extra Magic Hour times guides at the Studios.

27 June 2008: Pixar Place now completely wall-less, and Toy Story Meet and Greet moves in

Pixar Studios phase 1 is now complete. All the construction walls are gone, and all elements of the first phase are running for guests. This includes Toy Story Mania, Hey Howdy Hey! Takeaway (Snacks), Woody's Picture Shootin Corral (Meet and Greet), and the gift shop.

Above: The wall-less view from both ends of Pixar Place

Above: The front of Toy Story Mania

Above: The gift shop

Above: T-shirts and other Toy Story Mania merchandise

Above: The Hey Howdy Hey! Take Away snack area

Above: The meet and greet entry

Above: A bad photo of Buzz inside the meet and greet through the thick glass window!

15 June 2008: More walls open up in Pixar Place

Most of the walls around the Backlot Tour end of Pixar Place are now removed. Thanks to Tim for the photos below.

31 May 2008: Woody visits the Cape to see Buzz head to Space in the Space Shuttle

WE HAVE LIFTOFF!: Woody, the sheriff from the "Toy Story" films, gives a thumbs-up as the Space Shuttle Discovery launches May 31, 2008 from Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Aboard Discovery is a 12-inch tall action figure of Woody's pal from "Toy Story," Buzz Lightyear. Woody joined thousands of launch-watchers to view the launch in Veterans' Memorial Park in Titusville, Fla. Disney Parks worked with NASA to include the Buzz Lightyear toy on mission STS-124 to celebrate the opening of a new attraction -- called "Toy Story Mania!" -- that features Buzz Lightyear and Woody. The toy on the spacecraft will be transferred to the International Space Station where it will spend several months, before being sent back to Florida later this year on a future Space Shuttle mission. A series of educational programs for school children has been planned for the toy's time in space.

31 May 2008: Buzz Lightyear trains for NASA mission with Buzz Aldrin

Watch a great video clip of Buzz Aldrin coaching Buzz Lightyear for his trip into Space
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PsOB3flufQ

29 May 2008: Buzz Lightyear heading into space to celebrate the opening of Toy Story Mania!

Fulfilling his longtime dream to fly to "infinity...and beyond!" a 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear action figure toy will be the special guest on the May 31, 2008 launch of Space Shuttle "Discovery." Buzz's mission is to celebrate the opening of the "Toy Story Mania!" attraction at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida (opening May 31).

26 May 2008: FASTPASS now running at Toy Story Midway Mania!

Sunday saw the first day of FASTPASS use. As you can see from this ticket below, it was picked up at 3pm, and was giving out a return time of 8:50pm. Standby lines were running around 100 minutes at around 7pm. Thanks to Ailtara for the scan.

23 May 2008: Pixar Place construction wall at Backlot Tour end now opened

It is now possible to walk right through Pixar Place following the removal of part of the construction wall at the Backlot Tour end of Pixar Place.

Above: The view from within Pixar Place looking through the opened construction wall towards the Backlot Tour

Above left: The view walking past Soundstage 1 heading towards the Backlot Tour
Above right: The view into Pixar Place from the Backlot Tour end

Above: A close-up look at the bridge at the Backlot Tour end of that was previously behind walls

23 May 2008: Toy Story Midway Mania! merchandise now on sale at the Studios

Some opening merchandise has now appeared for sale at the Studios. The following shirts and hats were spotted near to the hat in a cart.

23 May 2008: Toy Story Midway Mania! now added to the Tip Board

The new attraction has now been added to the Tip Board along Hollywood Blvd.

23 May 2008: Toy Story Midway Mania! added to park directional signs

23 May 2008: New Studios map showing Toy Story Midway Mania

Here is a look at the new map which has been released to guests today. A couple of interesting points are confirmed in this map. Firstly, the attraction is indeed called Toy Story Midway Mania! There had been some confusion as to whether the WDW version would include the word 'Midway' like it's Californian cousin. The other confirmed point in this map is that the attraction area and mini-land is called Pixar Place. Thanks to DisneyData for the scans.

17 May 2008: Toy Story Mania soft openings begin for all guests

Toy Story Mania began soft openings today for any guests. As always with soft openings, there is no guarantee that the attraction will be operating, but all being well, it should remain open now until it's official opening on May 31st 2008.

15 May 2008: Toy Story Mania ride vehicle photos

Disney have released some great onride photos showing a lot of the ride vehicle and shooter details.

7 May 2008: Toy Story Mania Fun Facts

Each ride vehicle weighs as much as 8,580 Woody dolls.
It would take 5,026 toy soldiers lined up end-to-end to make up the total track length.
Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Walt Disney Imagineering is creating an attraction for two Disney Parks simultaneously.
It has been estimated that, each day, guests may break over one million virtual plates using the spring-action shooters.
Riders in the Sky, the award winning group that wrote the songs that Mr. Potato Head performs as part of the attraction, is the same group that wrote "Woody's Roundup" for the "Toy Story" feature films.
This is the first attraction that Walt Disney Imagineering designed where the Imagineers had to wear 3-D glasses to art direct all the black-light paint elements.
The murals located in the load area at Disney's Hollywood Studios are the biggest murals painted since Epcot was built.
In order to create a show that responds not only to every pull of a guest's spring-action shooter, but also every move their midway tram makes, there are over 150 computers communicating over multiple networks throughout the attraction.
At Toy Story Mania! every guest gets to experience life at the size of a toy. So in Andy's room, a 5 foot 6 inch person will feel about 14" tall.
More time was spent programming Mr. Potato Head than for any other Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
Mr. Potato Head will be able to say more lines of dialogue than any Audio-Animatronics figure ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering.
The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure is the first time that an Audio-Animatronics figure can remove a body part and re-attach it (in the case of his ear).
The Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure has new, highly expressive and animated eyes that can look directly at a particular guest in the queue when speaking to him/her.
Mr. Potato Head marks the first Audio-Animatronics figure whose mouth appears to form words and vowel sounds.
In each of the Toy Story Mania! games, there is at least one "easter egg" -- targets that can trigger the appearance of bonus high-value targets and other changes in the scene.
Toy Story Mania! is the first time that Woody and Buzz Lightyear (along with some of their friends) from the Disney-Pixar "Toy Story" films appear together in a ride-through attraction.
Watch for loose change in the prize scene -- Hamm is carrying more than $6 in coins when his cork pops.
Because of the indoor nature of the attraction and to keep the guest experience fun for all, flash photography or video is not allowed on Toy Story Mania!
Everyone can play! There is no height or age restriction for guests to experience Toy Story Mania!
Actual ride time aboard Toy Story Mania! is a full five minutes.
Ready, aim, fire! Players have 30 seconds in each game play area to score points.
A beeline to fun! Toy Story Mania! utilizes Disney's FASTPASS, a return voucher offering little or no waiting time at select attractions. Single riders also have their own queuing option for Toy Story Mania!

5 May 2008: Toy Story Midway Mania details and notes

This information has been gathered from first hand reports during this past weekends previews. Note that the attraction is still under development, and is not yet final. Some of the comments here, while accurate at the moment, may be changed prior to the official opening.

NOTE: SPOILERS AHEAD. If you do not want to learn some of the details of this new attraction, do not not read!

The Queue

There is a FASTPASS, single rider and standby line.
The majority of the standby queue is indoors, and seems to be able to hold around 60 minutes of wait when FASTPASS is not running.
There is an overflow queue area outside the main entrance to the left of the building, which is outdoor.
Guests entering via the FASTPASS or single rider line are not going to see Mr Potato Head.
Music from the Toy Story movies plays throughout the queue area.
Queue is on two levels, with a staircase taking guests up and over the queue, and back down to the load platform.
Mr Potato Head audio provides the safety instructions prior to boarding.
Guests entering the FASTPASS line can briefly see into the load area via a couple of windows.
There is a hidden Mickey in the queue area.
Guests pickup their 3D glasses about midway through the queue. There are two independent pickup locations for standby and FASTPASS lines.

Mr Potato head

A living Character, that is able to interact with guests in the queue. Eg. Wish someone a happy birthday, or identify someone by the color of their shirt.
He is located about midway through the standby queue.
Has the ability to remove an ear, and replace it.
Tells jokes, sings songs, talks to the crowd, and generally entertains.
Has a large number of motions including: eyebrows, lips, eyes, feet. body, both arms, fingers, hat tip, head.
Guests entering via the FASTPASS or Single Rider line will not see Mr Potato Head.

The Ride Vehicles

There is currently no height requirement, although kids cannot ride on laps due to the lap bar.
Ride tram comprises of 2 vehicles per tram, with 4 guests per vehicle, giving a total of 8 guests per tram.
Each ride vehicle tram holds 4 guests, seated 2 by 2, back to back.
Although you may leave the station facing forwards or backwards, your position will vary throughout the ride, and game play takes place facing sidewards.
Each seat has a lap bar, with integrated shooter mount. The shooter moves position depending how far the lap bar moves in, to position it perfectly.
As well as the lap bar, each vehicle has a door on both sides.
The firing mechanism is a pull cord, that you pull towards yourself, and then let go.
There is a LCD screen (roughly 10" width) in each car between the 2 riders that shows score the current game, total score for the ride, and shooting accuracy.
There is a CC button under the screen that describes the audio as text.
Two 8 person vehicles are loaded at once at the load bay, using a traditional numbered boarding area. Automatic gates are in place.
There is a dedicated loading bay for guests in wheelchairs. Once the vehicle is loaded, it joins the main track.
The vehicle has the capability to move fairly quickly, and does spin. The spinning is not excessive, and would seem unlikely to cause motion sickness issues.

The Game play

Action begins with a training round, that familiarizes guests with the shooter.
The vehicle then moves to 5 different game booths, where a different character from Toy Story hosts each game.
The action is in high definition 3D, with guests wearing 3D glasses.
Hitting certain targets causes physical effects, such as water and air blasts.
There is a great feeling of depth and gravity to the shooter projectiles.
You and the guest sitting next to you play on the same booth, meaning all the targets are shared.
It's possible to hit your partners projectile (eg. a ring), and knock it out of the way to beat them to a target.
At the end of your game, you see the top 3 scores of the day, and the current highest score of the month. No names are assigned to the scores however.

2 May 2008: Toy Story Mania preview reports

Today saw the first round of Cast member previews from midday until 4pm.

Х Check out our rating poll
Х Ride reports are here

Mr Potato Head audio animatronics video
3mb, 45 seconds, 320x240, wmv

Above: The wall has been removed and replaced with the traditional Disney "preview mode bushes"

Above: The elaborate new Pixar street is now revealed in all it's glory. Lots of high details in here, and real nice sense of placemaking.

Above: The main entrance Pixar Studios sign, notice the individual spot lights under each letter which should make a great sight at nighttime.

Above: The main entrance, standby, and FASTPASS lines.

Above: The FASTPASS collection machines

Above: The opposite side of the street is the Pixar character meet and greets, merchandise cart, and snack cart.

The Queue Area

Lots of details in the queue area as you are surrounded by toys of all kinds.

Above: The audio animatronics My Potato Head
Mr Potato head video
3mb, 45 seconds, 320x240, wmv

The Loading Area and Ride Vehicles

28 April 2008: Toy Story Mania Cast member previews scheduled for this week

Cast Member previews are now set for Thursday evening on a limited basis, with more extensive Cast Member previews on Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

27 April 2008: More Monkeys added to Pixar Place

The latest addition to Pixar Place is a LOT of Monkeys.

25 April 2008: Green Army Men move in at Pixar Place

Some of Pixar's finest have been installed along the roof tops of the meet and greet areas along Pixar Place.

Above: The view from One Mans Dream side

Above: The view from the Backlot Tour side

22 April 2008: More work on the PIXAR sign at the entry to Pixar Place

18 April 2008: PIXAR sign installed at the entry to Pixar Place

The new sign has today been installed over the main entry to the newly created Pixar Place. While they are still under wraps, you can clearly see the letters.

8 April 2008: Toy Story Mania! Annual Passholder preview dates confirmed

Disney have officially confirmed the preview dates for Annual Passholders. Here is the full information.

"Calling all Passholders! You're invited to be among the first to experience Toy Story Mania! at Disney's Hollywood StudiosЩ during a sneak peek Passholder preview taking place Saturday, May 10 through Monday, May 12, 2008 from 9:00am - 7:00pm.

If you haven't heard, Toy Story Mania! is the all-new, interactive 4-D attraction inspired by DisneyХPixar's "Toy Story" films. During the experience, grab special glasses, board a ride vehicle and zip off into a 4-D world of midway-style games, hosted by favorite characters like Woody, Buzz, Rex and Hamm! Take aim using your spring-action shooter Ц launch virtual darts at balloons, rings at aliens, eggs at barnyard targets and more Ц to rack up points and compete for the high score! It's never the same experience twice so you'll want to try it again and again!

To take part in this Passholder preview, simply show your Annual Pass at the Toy Story Mania! attraction entrance.

Event Dates: Saturday, May 10 through Monday, May 12
Event Times: 9:00am - 7:00pm

Location of Event: Toy Story Mania! attraction at Disney's Hollywood StudiosЩ

Additional Information:

A valid Pass is required.
Handheld Captioning is available at this attraction. Please visit Guest relations to obtain a device.
Flash photography is not allowed.
Guests with young children may take turns experiencing attractions. See a Cast Member for additional information.
Guests must transfer from their motorized scooter or ECV to an available wheelchair to experience the attraction.

Toy Story Mania! is inspired by DisneyХPixar's "Toy Story" films."

5 April 2008: Photos of Imagineering programming the Mr Potato Head animatronic figure

Above left: Eric Swapp, Principal Show Programmer for Walt Disney Imagineering, is "watched" closely by an Audio-Animatronics figure of Mr. Potato Head as he makes adjustments to the figure April 4, 2008 at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The five-foot-tall figure of the famous Hasbro toy, which features the voice of Don Rickles, portrays a "carnival barker" in the soon-to-open "Toy Story Mania!" attraction at the Walt Disney World theme park.

Above right: John Cutry, Principal Show Animator for Walt Disney Imagineering (foreground, right) and Eric Swapp, Principal Show Programmer for Walt Disney Imagineering (background), team up to program the Mr. Potato Head Audio-Animatronics figure at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

1 April 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Several Oaks and Palms have been installed along Pixar Place, giving the place a great look from over the construction walls.

From the Backlot Tour side of Pixar Place, several new projector-type lights have been installed on the roof top - see the photos below.

29 March 2008: Toy Story Mania logo

We've seen the logo on various promotional items on the construction walls in the park, but Disney have now released the logo in all it's glory as a stand-alone item.

25 March 2008: New Toy Story Mania press release

TOY STORYТ CHARACTERS CHALLENGE GUESTS TO RIDE AND PLAY TOY STORY MANIA!
Disney Parks guests will don 3-D glasses and enter a wild and wooly 4-D world of Woody the Cowboy and Buzz Lightyear when Toy Story Mania! premieres this summer. The attraction will debut on both coasts: at DisneyТs Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and along the Paradise Pier midway in DisneyТs California Adventure at Disneyland Resort in California.

Celebrating the DisneyХPixar classics УToy StoryФ and УToy Story II,Ф Toy Story Mania! raises the bar for interactive ride-game attractions. ItТs a high energy, immersive adventure that makes guests a key part of the action as their game play triggers special effects that provide a fourth dimension of fun. УToy Story Mania!Ф engages guests in a whole new way with the delightful characters of the films.

Upon entering the attraction, guests will be welcomed by Mr. Potato Head, more than five feet tall and looking like he stepped right down from the movie screen. The state-of-the-art Audio-Animatronics Mr. Potato Head makes a perfect carnival barker for the immersive Toy Story Mania! experience, since he is the first attraction-based Audio-Animatronics figure who can engage guests in a two-way conversation.

Everyone gets a front row seat when guests put on their 3-D glasses, УshrinkФ to the size of a toy, and board the Toy Story Mania! carnival tram ride vehicles, whose fast travel and spinning add a huge amount of fun to the interactive experience. The exciting and colorful route takes guests through УAndyТs BedroomФ filled with oversized murals and toys. The vehicles spin to face Toy Story Mania! game booths Ц high-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill Ц and guests aim for 3-D animated targets using their own on-board Уspring-action shooters.Ф Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

As they play, guests can actually see the УvirtualФ objects theyТve launched leave their Уspring-action shootersФ and hit the targets (or not). And thanks to 4-D special effects technology, they may sense objects whirring past them as they pop out of the 3-D scenes.

The Toy Story Mania! games Ц five of them, plus an introductory practice round Ц are designed to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and skills, from beginners to serious gamers. Play is energized by the spirit of the УToy StoryФ characters cast in games that best suit their very animated personalities.

First comes the УPie Throw PracticeФ round in which guests can try splattering targets with УvirtualФ pies.

Next Hamm the pig hosts a УHamm & EggsФ booth in which players launch Уplastic virtual eggsФ at various barnyard targets.

УBo PeepТs Baaa-loon PopФ presents a landscape full of balloon sheep, trees and other objects at which guests can launch virtual darts. But players had better be careful! A popped virtual water balloon might add an additional 4-D wet dimension to the game.

From there itТs on to УGreen Army Men Shoot CampФ where the challenge is to break plates with baseballs.
Next up is УBuzz LightyearТs Flying Tossers,Ф a ring-toss game hosted by everyoneТs favorite space ranger, with Little Green Aliens as the targets.

For the grand finale game, Toy Story Mania! players will ride through Wild West scenes launching virtual suction-cup darts at targets in УWoodyТs RootinТ TootinТ ShootinТ Gallery.Ф A final УWoodyТs Bonus RoundupФ encourages guests to fire their Уspring-action shootersФ as rapidly as possible at one last super-target for extra points. When scores are tallied, playersТ skill levels are identified with the reward of an onscreen Уvirtual plush.Ф

The game play of Toy Story Mania! is accompanied by ingenious musical variations of Randy NewmanТs УYouТve Got A Friend in Me,Ф arranged by veteran music editor Bruno Coon, a frequent Newman collaborator, to compliment the games Ц for example, a military brass band version for УGreen Army Man Shoot Camp.Ф No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will be different.

6 March 2008: New Toy Story Mania concept art

25 February 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

14 February 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

More and more bricks are appearing on the meet and greet side of Pixar Place.

14 February 2008: Sorcery in the Sky tower removed

The huge tower behind the Great Movie Ride that once contained the huge inflatable Sorcerer Mickey and the launch locations for a lot of Sorcery in the Sky's close-up pyro has now been removed as part of the Pixar Place redevelopment. The first photo below shows the original tower as it was, and the photos below show the current state of that area - minus the tower.
If you want to see a video of one of WDW's best firework shows, go here.

12 February 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

There is not a huge amount of external progress visible since our last update, but here are the latest photos. The majority of external work seems to be focussed on the meet and greet areas on the left hand side of Pixar Place. Thanks to Figment1986 for the photos.

The view from the One Man's Dream entry to Pixar Place.

Below shows the view from the Backlot Tour entrance area.

3 February 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

The view from the One Man's Dream entry to Pixar Place.

Below shows the view from the Backlot Tour entrance area.

29 January 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

The view from the One Man's Dream entry to Pixar Place.

Below shows the view from the Backlot Tour entrance area.

10 January 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Thanks to Figment1986 for the photos.

7 January 2008: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

The main news today is that the construction wall has been pushed even further back along Pixar Place and now begins right by the entry to One Man's Dream. This means that the restrooms and the Narnia attractions are now inaccessible to guests.

23 December 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

2 December 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

In this latest series of construction photos you can see that an entry arch area is being constructed, along with a lot of supports for facades on the left hand side of the street. The existing restrooms have also been covered in brick work.

28 November 2007: Official Toy Story Mania site now online

The official Toy Story Mania site is now online at http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/special/toyStoryMania/page?id=Flash

28 October 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Work on the exterior of the building is still continuing, and the construction wall has now been extended across under the bridge by Narnia closing off the restrooms that were still available (see the photo bottom right below).

30 September 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Here are the latest photos from Toy Story Mania.

Above: The view from the Narnia end of the former Mickey Avenue.

Above: The view from the Backlot Tour end of Mickey Avenue

Above: The main building having brickwork applied to the outside.
Below: New posters have been installed on the construction walls giving a teaser and a coming soon date of Summer 2008.

11 July 2007: Mickey Avenue now closed and walled off

The vast majority of Mickey Avenue is now walled off ready for the transformation into Pixar Place, the home of the new Toy Story Mania attraction. The walled area begins just after the restrooms by the Narnia exhibit and ends just before the Tram Tour entrance. The photos below show the current views from both ends of the walled area.

Above: The wall nearest to the Tram Tour entry

Above left: The map on the wall indicates Toy Story Mania coming soon
Above right: The view from the walled end nearest to Narnia

27 June 2007: Toy Story Mania tentative opening date

Toy Story Mania is speculated to be having a tentative opening in late April 2008.

27 June 2007: Mickey Avenue set to close

Mickey Avenue will officially close on July 9th 2007 and will reopen with the Toy Story Mania as "Pixar Place".

14 June 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

30 May 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Thanks to no2apprentice for the photos.

9 May 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Thanks to ScottJ for the photos

1 May 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

25 April 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Thanks to EpcotServo for the photos

4 April 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

4 March 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Thanks to goofyfan13 for the photos

29 January 2007: More Toy Story Mania concept art and game play demos

Above left: The Mr Potato Head audio-animatronics barker figure in the pre-show queue area.
Above right: Concept art of the ride vehicle and game environment

Above left: The Little Green Men ring toss game concept art
Above right: The Hamm n' Eggs game concept art

Above left: The practise round concept art
Above right: Bo Peep balloon dart game concept art

Above left: Early actual gameplay screenshot of the Little Green Men ring toss game
Above right: Early actual gameplay screenshot

28 January 2007: Latest Toy Story Mania construction photos

Thanks to EpcotServo for the photos

27 January 2007: Toy Story Mania concept description

The new attraction will be placed in the former "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" soundstage along Mickey Avenue at the Disney MGM- Studios.
Currently under construction, with an opening date of 2008.
A next generation "Living Character" audio-animatronics figure will be included as part of the pre-show queue area. The 6ft tall Mr Potato head figure will break new ground for an audio-animatronics figure by participating with the audience (similar to Turtle Talk with Crush), and will have the ability to remove body parts (just like the animated Mr Potato Head).
Each ride vehicle will accommodate 8 guests, with seating in 4 groups of 2.
Instead of physical sets, the majority of the environment will be a video display system, making use of 3D technologies.
The ride vehicles will begin by stopping at a training game, to familiarise the riders with the controls. The vehicles will then pass through a number of games, stopping at each to allow for the game play to take place.
The games are able to automatically adjust the difficulty level to suit the player. This means that beginners and expert players can find the game play rewarding and challenging.
The game play will vary with every ride, and it also has the ability to constantly change. Imagineering are not planning to leave the same games in place for the duration of the attractions lifespan. This should really add to the re-ride-ability.
During the games, the riders will be experiencing 3D imagery, wind effects, vehicle motion, water spray, and smells.
Each rider has their own toy canon. One of the unique features however, is that the canon will not be limited to being just a regular canon, as it is in Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin by being a laser blaster. In some games it will fire pies, and in another it will be eggs and balls, and in another, a ring tosser.
Games include midway style ring-toss, dart throwing, ball throwing. Each game booth will be manned by a Toy Story character, including Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Bo Peep and the Little Green Men.
The real emphasis on this attraction is taking the hugely successful Buzz Lightyear to the next level, and making an attraction that has huge re-ride capability. You are going to want to ride this over and over again, and the way the attraction can increase difficulty on an individual rider basis, and change game play, will really make this happen.

26 January 2007: Toy Story Mania concept art

26 January 2007: Toy Story Mania announcement press release

It's the wondrous world of Woody the Cowboy, Buzz Lightyear and Green Army Men. And coming in 2008, guests of Walt Disney World and Disneyland resorts get to ride and play inside an energy-filled toybox of fun with the debut on both coasts of "Toy Story Mania."

Celebrating the Disney-Pixar classics "Toy Story" and "Toy Story II," "Toy Story Mania" will take the interactive ride-game experience to exciting new heights. High-tech yet rooted in classic midway games of skill, "Toy Story Mania" will match the delightful characters of the films with games that best suit their very animated personalities.

Fun for the whole family, "Toy Story Mania" will immerse guests of Disney-MGM Studios and Disney's California Adventure into the "Toy Story" world as never before. Donning 3-D glasses, guests shrink to the size of a toy, and hop into fanciful ride vehicles that travel and twist along a colorful midway-themed route. Upon arriving at each game booth, they will aim for animated targets using their own special on-board "toy cannon."

As guests score points, they will be cheered on by favorite "Toy Story" friends like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Hamm, Bo Peep and the Little Green Men. Hidden targets garner players extra points and lead to different levels of play. The energy of the characters, the competition with other riders and the hilarious, unpredictable game action make this a unique experience that families will want to try again and again.

The attraction features games that audiences of all ages and skills -- from beginner to serious gamer -- can enjoy. No matter how many times guests return to ride and play, they can be sure every ride-through will be different. Players pair up and sit side-by-side for a friendly competition that delivers an ever-changing variety of targets and surprises.

26 January 2007: Toy Story Mania officially confirmed

At today's press event, Disney officially announced the Toy Story Mania project, set to open in 2008 in the former Who Wants to be a Millionaire soundstages.

26 January 2007: Toy Story Mania construction photos

The first major signs of construction for Toy Story Mania is now clearly visible on the front of the building.

Thanks to stitch131313 for the photos.

18 January 2007: Toy Story Mania Concept Art

A new Disney corporate report at http://corporate.disney.go.com/investors/annual_reports/2006/int/dint.html details some interesting new concept art for projects around the world. Most of it relates to California and Asia, but of interest is the image at the bottom left, which shows concept art for Toy Story Mania. The concept art very much illustrates the rough description we have for the attraction. See the 7 June 2006 update below.

18 January 2006: Crane working on the site

A crane is now in position between the Narnia attraction (soundstage 3) and the former Millionaire soundstages (soundstage 4) working on the facade of the building. At this time there still remains no official confirmation of a project taking place inside the soundstages.

18 November 2006: The project site

The photos below show the current external state of the soundstages that formerly held the Who Wants to be a Millionaire show. All signs have been removed, and the exterior shows no signs of any work at this time.

19th August 2006: Who Wants to be a Millionaire closed

As expected, the show did have it's final performance today, and is now closed.

15 June 2006: Who Wants to be a Millionaire closing

Who Wants to be a Millionaire, which is currently occupying most of the soundstages, is closing August 19th 2006. Whilst no new attraction is officially confirmed, this news lends weight to the possibility of the new attraction detailed below in the 7 June update becoming a reality.

7 June 2006: Midway Mania coming to the studio soundstages?

The last few months have seen a lot of speculation regarding a new attraction, called Midway Mania, to be placed in the studio's soundstages. The huge soundstage buildings, including the Who Wants to be a Millionaire attraction, are speculated to become home to a new interactive dark ride, featuring a computer generated 3D environment, and moving vehicles, allowing riders to shoot at the environment. In short, the project is being pitched as a Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin - "The next generation".

Storylines for the attraction have been previously talked about as focused around Mickey's Milestones, but more recently, this has swung towards being based around Pixar characters, and in particular, the Toy Story characters. Each show scene would be hosted by a particular character from the Toy Story movies, complete with their own mission brief for the scene.

The time frame being talked about is to have the attraction up and running within the next 4 years.

Remember, at this time, this is speculation, and as always plans are subject to change.

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