Rebekah's Blog
Toy Story Midway Mania! Preview
Toy Story Midway Mania! Preview
Posted Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2:01p Pacific Time
The transformation of Mickey Avenue to Pixar Studios is amazing. I can't wait for the final walls to come down so we can see all of it. It's a terrific invitation to the new fun inside. Toy Story Midway Mania! is the next step in Disney's interactive gaming at the theme parks. Having had the opportunity to go on the ride a few times now at two separate events, I find my developing opinion of the ride a bit of a puzzle.
Across from the entrance to Toy Story Midway Mania! we are invited to Meet the Toys
The first time through was a delight. It was amazing. I had a terrific time exploring the queue. It felt like my toys had gathered together and and assembled the Toy Story Midway Games playset. They created a queue using the inanimate materials around the playroom. They had placed Viewmaster reels (part of my collection sits beside me even now) along with playing cards and crayons in a row to create a FastPass and standby queue. They used Legos and Playdoh to create supports for the gameboard ceiling. So the wait for the ride was trip down memory lane and for me a reminder of afternoons spent in imaginative play or in lightly competitive fun such as Old Maid or Operation.
The Old Maid card was familiar
After getting off the ride I jumped right back on a few moments later. This time we encountered Mr. Potato Head (he was not operating our first time through) and I enjoyed his banter but he didn't seem to be as connected to our specific time and place as I had expected. Once on the ride I found I lost interest in the game from time to time and looking around, didn't feel like there was much more to discover. As part of a group of a four I partnered with another in our group and was back to back with my husband so I couldn't see how he was doing during the game. When we got off I wasn't that interested in going again even though the line was not long.
I was really surprised that my first and second experiences left me such a drastically different impression and began to wonder about the attraction's repeat-ability for guests like me (which is an admittedly a super small percentage), but with the ride still in previews my opinions are still in flux.
The ride vehicle travel as two through the ride. They rotate to create two rows of four in each Midway game area.
At the second event I attended I once again delighted over the queue and got to see Mr Potato Head take off his ear. Woohoo!!! Having heard about that for so long it was great to see up-close. During the ride I found I was again actively engaged in the ride and even noticed new tidbits here and there in the gameplay which I didn't expect. For example I discovered that if I shot all the balloons in the tree that were the color of my launcher Doobie would get misted with water possibly distracting him and permitting me to score more. When we jumped back on the ride about an hour later I enjoyed it even more and wanted to go again but other commitments didn't permit it. So I'm now really looking forward to upcoming Annual Passholder previews and its ultimate opening at the end of May. If you'd have asked me after my first two rides, which I'd wait in a longer queue for Pirates of the Caribbean at DisneyQuest or Toy Story Midway Mania! I'd have probably said Pirates but not anymore.
Spirograph images and a Pizza Planet stand up
During the previews, I have learned that I prefer to be a forward riding passenger than a backwards riding passenger (I'd experienced each twice). As the vehicle whips around suddenly from Midway game to game, I found it easier to keep my balance while facing forward. And that a slower and steady pull release action can work to your advantage over rapid fire insanity.
It seems that at the end of games based upon your score you are presented with a virtual plush animal that provides a ranking of sorts. I'm currently a plush rabbit and I suspect I'll be there for a long time.
Part of the fun is spotting small details like Luxo Jr's ball that also appeared in Toy Story and other Pixar films
Toy Story Midway Mania! is a lot of fun. My favorite game is the ring toss and I wish the part of the game where you shoot while on the move was even longer because that is such a unique element to the experience. I love the fact that the game play is relatively easy and even if you don't score well (me) the gameplay is enough fun to keep it from being boring or more importantly -- keeps it from getting frustrating. I'm really happy it will have FastPass so I can come to Disney's Hollywood Studios pick up a FastPass and enjoy a show or munchie while waiting for my return time as I expect this ride to quite popular for awhile.
So as Mr. Potato Head says, "its a ride that's a game, its a game that's a ride, step right up and see what's inside."
37 Comments • permalink • link with comments
tags: Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World's Toy Story Mania, Disney / Pixar's Toy Story Films, Disney's Hollywod Studios, Disney Movies
Comments
ORDDU: My sisters and I just might be in the vacinity of Disney Hollywood Studios for Memorial Day Weekend, too, Spirit, duckling.
ORWEN: It's either that or spend Morvorial Day in Morva--
ORGOCH: --Don't ask, Spirit.
ORDDU: So, who knows what might happen?
ORWEN: Your first ride on a broom stick?
ORDDU: Your first kiss from your favorite witch?
ORGOCH: Yer first chance ta be turned inta a toad if'n yer dumb 'nuff ta kiss that same witch!!
Posted By bobbelee9 Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:59p Pacific Time
It's just that having been on LP for over a year now, I feel like I "know" so many of the posters. It would be nice (hopefully not disappointing) to be able to meet some of them.
Posted By Spirit of 74 Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:37p Pacific Time
^^Oh stalk away ... you have no idea the company you'd be with ... it seems like many spirits are interested in keeping tabs on yours truly and that's not even the paranoia talking!
Posted By bobbelee9 Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:33p Pacific Time
^^^Or you could wait a couple days. We get there on the 27th, and I would love to say I was there the same time as the Spirit. But I wouldn't be stalking you!
Posted By Spirit of 74 Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:29p Pacific Time
I'm very happy to hear the almost universal praise of TSM.
I had high hopes for it and apparently they met those.
Maybe I will head up for Memorial Day after all.
Posted By bobbelee9 Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 1:15p Pacific Time
Thanks, ^^^ I'm looking forward to this ride.
Posted By Rebekah Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 7:56a Pacific Time
Ride Enthusiasm Update ... its Thursday and even though I got to enjoy it several times yesterday at the media preview. If I could I would totally jump over to DHS to enjoy it in fact I might pop over later today and see if its open yet for guest soft previews.
Oh -- and if they do make "holiday" changes that would be so cool!!! I haven't heard any official hints of that yet though.
Indigo is totally right about listening to the characters. I don't remember their exact hint but it caused me to aim for balloons in the distance and created a massive balloon drop that nearly covers the screen with balloons.
R.
Posted By Rebekah Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 7:46a Pacific Time
To those concerned about motion sickness -- I spoke with a family who were not theme park regulars (visiting from Ireland) as they got off the ride. The mom apparently is quite prone to motion sickness -- the kids joked that she got queasy on small world. So she had been worried but she said that she didn't have any issues. The motion portions are quick short twists from game to game so they don't last too long and then you're stationery and she said she was so into scoring points that she wasn't negatively impacted by the motion.
R.
Posted By ArchtMig Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11:36p Pacific Time
>>>Also, the aging they did at DCA was just not good. The one at DHS looks way more like a rundown abandoned hotel.<<<
You know, that's spot on. The exterior damage looks more like recent earthquake cracks than 70 year old deteriorated crumblings, and the purple lightning damage looks like the Jolly Green Giant spilled a lot of that old mimeograph ink that they used to make fresh, wet ditto copies of tests in school. Mmmm, those fresh dittos smelled gooood, but I digress.
Inside, the lighting is way too bright, and the cobwebs on the objects in the lobby look like Elvira haphazardly tossed around that cheap plastic cobweb stuff during a drunken Halloween all night binge.
Bottom line is, the art direction at the DCA TOT looks shockingly amateurish. Not nearly to Disney's usual standards. But considering it was a Barry Braverman led project, I guess that's par for the course.
Posted By ArchtMig Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 11:25p Pacific Time
regarding your post #27, davewasbaloo, I should have clarified my statement even more but my complaint is about everything that has gone into Anaheim since the Pressler era began, which would more or less coincide with the Indy ride opening in 1994. So Toontown and Space Mountain don't count since they preceded the dark years.
Re: the rest of your list - Animation isn't that big of a deal. The projections in the "courtyard" are nice, if you can even call an unadorned room with no ceiling and hardly any seating other than the bare floor a "courtyard". Grizzly is not better than Kali, just different, and it doesn't have any real backstory, no special effects, an unrealistic bear head at the top of the mountain that most people look at and wonder why there is a big dog up there, and a big hotel looming up over and around it which totally wrecks the sense of being out in the wilderness. And I totally disagree with you regarding the DCA TOT. bayrr326 said it perfectly and succinctly in post #28, and in my opinion, nothing more needs to be said. But you are welcome to your opinion, so I'll be happy to trade the DCA version to you for the original WDW one.
Posted By bayrr326 Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 6:02p Pacific Time
"ToT (I really do prefer DCA's in almost every way)."
I am sorry but I have to disagree with you on that one. DCA's is totally lacking. It is simply not as creepy as the one at DHS. From the moment you walk thru the gates and into the gardens it feels like you are stepping into another world. Also, the aging they did at DCA was just not good. The one at DHS looks way more like a rundown abandoned hotel. And don't get me started on the loading at DCA that totally takes you out of the experience where as at DHS when you load it doesn't take you out of the theming. Sorry but DCA's is a half ** experience compared to DHS's.
Posted By davewasbaloo Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 12:33p Pacific Time
>>>Outside of our newer and better version of Buzz Lightyear (and maybe the subs if you really want to stretttttttch an argument), I can't think of a single thing that was duplicated for Anaheim that's superior to the WDW originals.<<<
I can, but you probably will not agree:
Space Mountain - I have always felt DL's is superior to MK's.
Toontown
Buzz and Subs (as stated)
Animation
ToT (I really do prefer DCA's in almost every way).
Grizzly is better than Kali
Then almost everything that went in to WDW after DL is a lesser version at WDW.
Posted By ArchtMig Tuesday, May 13, 2008 at 12:21p Pacific Time
>>>Although DCA is putting in an entirely new building, they had to work around the footprint of Screamin' so some of the elements of the DHS loading area were not used for the DCA version.<<<
So what did they add to the DCA version to "plus" it and make it unique or in some ways better than the DHS version? Oh... nothing? They just omitted some of the elements that are in the DHS version?
This is what I'm talking about. Anaheim almost always gets the shorter end of the stick. It drives me up the wall. Outside of our newer and better version of Buzz Lightyear (and maybe the subs if you really want to stretttttttch an argument), I can't think of a single thing that was duplicated for Anaheim that's superior to the WDW originals. If not in the heart of the attraction itself, then in the queue setup, Anaheim's versions are always lacking something.
>>>In the grand scheme of things, why would this matter?<<<
Because it does. I can't wait for Cars Land because FINALLY, I think we are going to get something spectacular that isn't likely going to be built elsewhere at the same time and opened a friggen month before ours is. DCA NEEDS unique, one of a kind, signature iconic attractions. Not "oh, that's just the same ride they have at WDW" type attractions.
Posted By Witches of Morva Monday, May 12, 2008 at 4:03p Pacific Time
ORDDU: You are correct about the alternate loading area for guests who can't climb stairs, Roger55, duckling. Due to our sister--Orwen's--size, she found it most difficult to climb the stairs so Orgoch and I were obliged to do the ramps with her. But it meant all 3 of us got to ride the attraction much sooner, so we're not complaining.
Posted By Roger55 Monday, May 12, 2008 at 2:07p Pacific Time
I had the pleasure to speak with the WDI Project Manager for TSMM at DHS.
He told me the loading area will be different between DHS and DCA. He said they had more space to work with at DHS. Although DCA is putting in an entirely new building, they had to work around the footprint of Screamin' so some of the elements of the DHS loading area were not used for the DCA version.
One thing that I didn't care for at DHS TSMM was the need to climb stairs up and then back down to the load area. I'm sure there were logistical reasons for having to do that. It is like Indiana Jones at DL. Guests needing assistance or unable to climb the stairs are taken in through the unload side of the loading area.
And I don't know if this was mentioned in other places, but the term "midway" is indeed used at the DHS version. It is even on the main sinage of the attraction.
Posted By skinnerbox Monday, May 12, 2008 at 10:02a Pacific Time
"I wonder how bad it is that they warn you about motion sickness"
Mostly headaches and nausea if you're prone to it.
Posted By WilliamK99 Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 11:26p Pacific Time
This was supposed to be a DCA-exclusive attraction and they shoehorned it into DHS and got their's opened first and now it's like it's a WDW ride and DCA is getting a copy.<<
In the grand scheme of things, why would this matter?
Posted By ArchtMig Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 9:40p Pacific Time
Gosh, I hope the one at DCA is just as good. Or better. This was supposed to be a DCA-exclusive attraction and they shoehorned it into DHS and got their's opened first and now it's like it's a WDW ride and DCA is getting a copy. I HATE it that folks at WDW are riding it already and we have to wait until June. And even though the new DCA buildings are better themed, I hope the inside theming of the queue is just as detailed or I'll be very angry.
Can't wait to try this attraction out. Can't get to WDW anytime soon. Guess I'll have to wait for June for DCA's version. ***grumble***
Thanks for your review, Rebekah.
Posted By Indigo Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 8:03p Pacific Time
I managed to get in one ride on TSMM this weekend. It's a solid attraction for what they were trying to accomplish. It was a lot of fun, even the 'times when the attraction was stalled' were fun (although points don't rack up).
A hint: listen to the characters as they talk during each game. They'll give you hints on how to score better.
Posted By dshyates Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 8:01p Pacific Time
"The key for me is we were smiling and laughing the whole time."
I have not been stoked for this addition, but this is the kind of statement that makes me feel better about it. That really is what it is all about. At least for this kind of attraction. The queue without a doubt looks great. I am a little disappointed at the detailing on the ride itself, but it looks fun. And I like that they already have seasonal overlays prepared.
I have heard several people say that the games are so engaging that you don't notice the lack of detailing inside, but I think that is where repeatability comes in. From the videos it looks stunningly stark inside. Unlike Buzz, which I feel would be mildly entertaining even if you didn't fire a shot, TSM looks.....empty.
Are there any show scenes that have anything other than the game and screens? Any AAs other than the Mr. Potatohead in the queue? To me, it doesn't look like its immersive at all after you leave the queue. You simply get in the vehicles and enter a giant show building and start playing video games.
Posted By bayrr326 Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 7:40p Pacific Time
Just got back. My GF and I rode it today and had a blast. I don't know why certain people are complaining. I thought the Q was great. Really cool design and it was neat picking everything out and figuring it all out. The loading area was neat with it being Andy's room. The ride it self was just fun. The games were cool and the 3d was pretty neat. My GF who sucks at Buzz Lightyear had no problem playing this and did really well. The key for me is we were smiling and laughing the whole time. It is a great addition to the Studio's and the lines are going to be pretty long. The crazy thing today was that the rest of the park was dead. It seemed like a third of the park was Ap's cause we walked on TOT and RNR.
Posted By Witches of Morva Sunday, May 11, 2008 at 6:01a Pacific Time
ORDDU: My sisters and I had the pleasure of experiencing this wonderful, new attraction on Saturday, May 10th, during the AP preview. It was a two hour wait time for us but was worth every minute. Since Disney Hollywood Studio's had become rather stagnant for us over the past several years, this was just the right sort of thing to help us to start enjoying this particular park again.
ORWEN: Yeah--that AND Block Party Bash!
ORDDU: So--for us, at least--Toy Story Mania is a winner and we hope all of you enjoy it as much as we did.
Posted By mstaft Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:57p Pacific Time
I am tired of the film based attractions as well. The only two that really work for me are Soarin' and Crush.
Posted By bobbelee9 Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:56p Pacific Time
Not for the people who would have to clean up. I wonder how bad it is that they warn you about motion sickness. Maybe that's just a standard warning.
Posted By MPierce Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:53p Pacific Time
It might be fun to add a little vanilla vodka in your coke before you ride.
Posted By bobbelee9 Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:37p Pacific Time
Yeah, I realized that you weren't being nasty when I read another thread. We'll be at WDW May 27th, so baring any problems we should be able to see TSM.
Never too early, I had a little vanilla vodka in my coke with lunch.
Posted By MPierce Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:18p Pacific Time
^^^ No, I was being sincere in everything I wrote. Plus it was to early for an adult beverage.
Posted By bobbelee9 Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 9:41a Pacific Time
Wish I could figure if MPierce meant to put a smiley face after #5.
Posted By davewasbaloo Friday, May 9, 2008 at 11:49p Pacific Time
I find it very ironic, we have indeed gone full circle. Disneyland was attempt to move away from screens in the Disney cannon and create fully realised environments. Now they put the screens in the parks. People criticise DCA for being a multiplex and yet Florida is having this happen left, right and centre - Philharmagic, MILF, Mission Space, Soarin' (ok, I do still love this one), Nemo ride and Turtletalk, new Canada film (ok, it was time), El Rio del Tiempo redo, and TSM. The only other additions are stage shows and thrill rides (albeit EE is very cool).
Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a number of these, but the reliance on projected media is getting tired. And while not cheap (film production is costly), it feels it. SO yep, I'm looking forward to Carsland (even if it is character based, another major complaint have wit WDI?).
How soon till Fitzgerald retires?
Posted By kennect Friday, May 9, 2008 at 10:13p Pacific Time
Spirit, I am so with you on that last post...While good 3D can be entertaining it just seems everything at the moment it about some kind of projection based thing with interaction...Give us some of those apparently considered old fashioned thrills that actually are actually real and not something projected on a screen...I am so thankful that regardless of whatever anyone says about the different parks that Disney still believes in maintaining their existing dark rides from the olden days...They are classic and I don't mean because it is Disney...Dark rides, as we all know, had a rich history before Disney ever stepped in...He just upped it a few notches that no one seems to be really interested in competing with...
Posted By dennis-in-ct Friday, May 9, 2008 at 9:27p Pacific Time
is it true that MIDWAY MANIA will be able to "re-dress" itself for the holidays? Or do a Halloween version? I thought that was planned.
I am also drooling over Radiator Srings and Mermaid.
(and the Harry Potter section at IOA)
Posted By Spirit of 74 Friday, May 9, 2008 at 8:28p Pacific Time
Interesting review, thanks.
I'm wondering about the repeatability factor myself.
Although I think it may be overhyped as a criticism. I still enjoy Buzz (even the MK's worst version). And I love MiB. So I'd bet I'll ride this frequently, especially at the Studios where there isn't very much that appeals to me.
My personal concern would be in the 'big' picture ... that WDI seems intent on crafting attractions that are interactive be they shoot em ups or talk to the characters. I'm sure all the market research backs them up. I'm also sure all the market research is designed to back up the decisions that Burbank, Marketing and WDI have already made.
I guess I'm old school, but I'm looking forward to The Little Mermaid and Radiator Springs Racers at DCA more than I am this because I don't have to be part of the show to be entertained -- and as anyone who knows me will attest to, I'm very entertaining anyway!
Posted By davewasbaloo Friday, May 9, 2008 at 3:03p Pacific Time
Hmm, interesting Rebekah. It would be great to hear how you feel about it after more rides. Please keep us posted.
Posted By MPierce Friday, May 9, 2008 at 3:01p Pacific Time
Great revue Rebekah. I think TSM is going to be a huge hit for DHS. I really believe this attraction is going to have long lines for a very long time. I think the imagineers can be very proud of this one.
Posted By Rebekah Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2:42p Pacific Time
I wouldn't expect so DyGDisney as the Midway Games theme of the attraction is a natural fit into Paradise Pier at California Adventure. At Disney's Hollywood Studios establishing this area within the park helps it blend into the story of the Studios.
Rebekah.
Posted By DyGDisney Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2:26p Pacific Time
Looks super cool. I love the Pixar Studios area. Is it going to be similar at Disneyland??
Posted By SoThisIsLove Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2:24p Pacific Time
Very well-written. It's going to be interesting to hear everyone else chime in when they've had their chance at it. Wonder what the final majority opinion will be... Thanks for the article.
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