Bumping this up to talk Toy Story Land after my recent trip and a bit on Galaxy's Edge too.
Toy Story Land
So, Toy Story Land. I mean...it's nice I guess but certainly not worth the hype for what is ultimately two new rides and an existing one. The lack of shade around the land has been a bugbear for many, and it really showed during our visit. There's temporary parasols that have been put up all over the place in an effort to slightly remedy it, but it's still blisteringly hot in there. They really need some shaded areas (upturned book or something maybe?) and it's clear they've had to cut budget left right and centre.
Slinky Dog is a nice addition, better than I thought it was going and it does look good at night. No it's not particularly exciting, but the train looks great and the launch is better than Icon (well, maybe not but it was our running joke of the trip).
Alien Swirling Saucers felt too short for my liking. If it were coupled with a couple of other flat rides to soak up queues then maybe I wouldn't feel as short changed, but for only the second new ride in a new land, it was just bland.
Galaxy's Edge
Elsewhere with Galaxy's Edge and the associated transport improvements, and Studios is a bit of a building site at present, especially the car park! The theming that can be seen of the new area looks amazing though, and I'm sure it'll be great once it's all finished along with Great Movie Ride's replacements.
However, an
article that came out today concerns me over on WDWNT. There's already a fair bit of information on the Millennium Falcon ride, with lots of interactivity being mooted thanks to real time rendering of scenes. Essentially, it's one big video game that everyone in the pod has a part in. Firstly, the bit that really concerns me:
"According to the video, the ride will be able to accommodate 42 guests at a time in seven pods that seat six each"
42 guests at a time? Allowing 5 minutes for loading, unloading and the ride itself that's an insanely low throughput, especially for Disney. I'm hoping it's an error in the video and/or article otherwise that area is really going to struggle!
On the plus side, I'm loving the ability to change the outcome of the ride, and it looks like there'll be cast member interaction too even after getting off the ride:
“If you bring back all the loot and there’s not a scratch on the ship and Hondo is really happy when you bring it back, you might find yourself with some extra Galactic Credits in your account, but do a poor job, you lose the cargo, you smash up the ship, you might come back owing more money than you started with, the bossman might not be too happy and when you roll across to the local cantina the bartender might lean over and say ‘hey, word on the street is your name’s been put on the list of a local bounty hunter, I’d watch out if I were you’ so how well you do on this mission really does have an impact on your overall, land-wide story.”
Galaxy's Edge really looks like it could be amazingly immersive, but I'm really concerned about how they'll be able to manage the crowds, and more importantly whether all visitors will be able to properly experience it in the first place. Even though Toy Story Playland has calmed off, it's still incredibly to get any sort of Fastpass unless you're booking 65+ days in advance (so you'd have to stay on resort for 5+ days) and waiting around til the window opens at midday.
Bassline Tap House
Elsewhere in Studios though, Bassline Tap House just in the road down to where the new entrance to Galaxy's Edge is great if you're a drinker. Relatively quiet with chilled music, nice air con, great pretzels, charcuterie board and a decent beer selection. There's also a really nice cider on tap, and there's a really nice black cherry soda option which includes refills! Shame it won't stay quiet once Galaxy's Edge opens!
