Disney has been putting experiences into theme parks based on IP (or Intellectual Property) for decades, but things are a little different when you look at the relationship between The Mouse and Pixar.
Even before purchasing the company in 2006, a number of characters have become part of the lineup in Walt Disney World, so it’s time to talk about the obvious topic.
Best and Worst Pixar Experiences at Disney World
TOY STORY MANIA
@ Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Opened in 2008 in Pixar Studios
Who’s in it? Buzz, Woody, Hamm, Rex, Mr Potato Head, Bo Peep, Green Army Men, etc
Why is it Interesting? The gameplay is actually really fun and provides a competitive aspect to a ride that will allow you to best your family.
Best or Worst? Best-ish! Overall, if you’ve got a FastPass+ and don’t have to wait for hours in order to ride it, it’s worth it.
IT’S TOUGH TO BE A BUG
@ Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Opened April 1998 with the opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Who’s in it? Flik, Hopper and a bunch of supporting char-actors from “A Bug’s Life”
Why is it Interesting? You’re actually watching it from deep inside of the Tree of Life!
Best or Worst? It’s on the Worst list – mostly due to the lack of maintenance and changing technologies that’s left this experience behind.
Article Continues Below
BUZZ LIGHTYEAR’S SPACE RANGER SPIN
@ Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Opened in 1998 in Tomorrowland
Who’s in it? Buzz, Emperor Zurg and a TON of Little Green Men
Why is it Interesting? Moving a vehicle while using a joystick in order to score points.
Best or Worst? Worst – It’s seen better days and can’t compete with Toy Story Mania!
Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond
@ Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Opened in 2006 in Dinoland USA and refreshed in 2022
Who’s in it? Nemo, Dory, Marlin, Bruce, Crush, Anchor, Chum, Darla, Nigel, and so many others!
Why is it Interesting? Broadway-style musical with live singers and actors bringing emotion to puppets! It’s actually a really good show when you have the time to invest in it.
Best or Worst? Toss-up depending on your views on musicals created from movies that aren’t musical at all. I lean towards the Best, but I can see both sides!
Article Continues Below
MONSTERS INC. LAUGH FLOOR
@ Magic Kingdom
Opened in 2007 in Tomorrowland
Who’s in it? Mike Wazowski, Roz and a bunch of monsters from Monstrolopis!
Why is it Interesting? Same technology that brings Turtle Talk with Crush to life is at work here as well. The live conversations that can be had with participating guests is hilarious, but can also be very hit-or-miss depending on the same qualifications.
Best or Worst? Worst. It’s not at all an experience that belongs in Tomorrowland and has become stale entertainment with a huge footprint in the Magic Kingdom.
THE SEAS WITH NEMO AND FRIENDS
@ EPCOT
Opened in 2007 in Future World
Who’s in it? Nemo, Marlin, Bruce, Chum, Squirt, Crush, Dory and the Angler Fish!
Why is it Interesting? It’s really not interesting at all. It’s a Pixar overlay that at the end of the day didn’t add anything to the pavilion besides putting characters that kids recognize into a ride that needed a refresh.
Best or Worst? It’s 100% on the Worst List. That being said, I’ll still ride it each time that I’m in EPCOT because of the ability to just walk-on without wasting a FastPass or standing in line.
DISNEY & PIXAR SHORT FILM FESTIVAL
@ EPCOT
Opened in 2015 in Future World
I’m not going to spend a lot of time on this, as it’s not an interesting experience and won’t be around for much longer with the revamp of EPCOT.
TURTLE TALK WITH CRUSH
@ EPCOT
Opened in 2004 in The Seas with Nemo Pavilion
Who’s in it? Crush, Nemo, Marlin, Squirt, Destiny, Baily, Dory, Hank….lots of characters!
Why is it Interesting? With the conversation being “live and in real time”, it’s incredible to see the interactions between guests and the actors who bring the characters to life.
Best or Worst? BEST! You can’t beat the ability to get great entertainment AND air conditioning;)
SLINKY DOG DASH
@ Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Opened 2018 in Toy Story Land
Who’s in it? Besides Slinky Dog, you’re also going to see Weezy!!
Why is it Interesting? Family-friendly coaster which allows guests to ride along with Slinky.
Best or Worst? Best! It’s a really cool experience that made Toy Story Land a hit. Let’s be honest…it’s not worth more than a 60-minute wait, so grab that FastPass or try to Rope Drop the park in order to skip the line:)
ALIEN SWIRLING SAUCERS
@ Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Opened 2018 in Toy Story Land
Who’s in it? Green Army Men and THE CLAW!
Why is it Interesting? You’re basically going to be getting into a ride vehicle that’s going to give you a solid whipping! With fun music selections and holiday overlays, it’s a hidden gem in the park.
Best or Worst? I’m tempted to put it on the Worst list, but that’s only because the ride itself is a clone of Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree in Disney’s California Adventure.
What did you think of the list? Did I miss anything? Let me know over at the Steps to Magic Facebook Page!
