Disneyland: Theme Park Unveils New Attraction ‘Toy Story Land,’ With Chance Of ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ Ride, As Annual Ticket Prices Soar
Disneyland’s soaring annual ticket prices might be worth it as the park will finally bring Toy Story to life at Disney Hollywood Studios in Orlando, FL. In addition, rumors have surfaced about the Ghibli Studio Classic My Neighbor Totoro getting a ride of its very own.
Disney’s New Toy Story Land
According to Pop Sugar, Andy’s toys are no longer too shy to come out and play as they’ll have 11 acres to do so when Disneyland’s new Toy Story Land is complete.
Toy Story Land will be built as though patrons are the actual toys. The Disneyland area will include oversized furniture, huge toy blocks, and other contrasting scenery to make you feel as fun-sized as Woody and Buzz.
A look into the 'Toy Story Land' coming to Hollywood Studios ( via @Disney ) https://t.co/QnRS1x9lql #WDW #TOYSTORY
— Worldwide Disney (@worldwdedisney) April 20, 2016
The new Disney park was announced by Disney Imagineer, Kathy Mangum, who teased the attendants of Disney’s “Awaken Summer” presentation with a sneak peek of Toy Story Land.
Getting updates on new experiences at #ToyStory Land at this morning's #AwakenSummer presentation. pic.twitter.com/HnsCCiS8Oj
— Disney Meetings & Events (@DisneyMeeting) April 20, 2016
Two new rides that Disneyland visitors can enjoy at Toy Story Land will be Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling saucers.
Slinky Dog dash will be a family-friendly, low-velocity roller coaster at Disneyland featuring everyone’s favorite slinky dog.
Watch Toy Story Land’s Slinky Dog Concept Video below
Alien Swirling Saucer will feature a “tea-cup” like mechanism similar to the traditional rotating ride. However, Toy Story Land’s Alien Swirling Saucers will require the rider to beware of “The Claw” which hangs above like in the film.
New details have emerged about #toystoryland at Disneyworld! #Thursdaymotivation https://t.co/xhOXUE2rnC
— Priority Girl (@Priority_Girl) April 21, 2016
So far, there is no report of an opening date for Disneyland’s new Toy Story Land; however, construction is in progress according to sources.
And the My Neighbor Totoro attraction could be further off.
Artist Renders His Vision For A Totoro Ride At Disneyland
Kotaku reports that a My Neighbor Totoro attraction isn’t set in stone. But to clarify, the My Neighbor Totoro sketch for the proposed ride wasn’t crafted by just any artist or fan of My Neighbor Totoro.
A @Disney theme park designer imagines 'Totoro' themed ride #MyNeighborTotoro https://t.co/4HDCVdQhD2 pic.twitter.com/k3zeEgIRhE
— CTK Media (@CTKMedia) April 21, 2016
It just so happens that the design was penned by a staffed Disney artist, John Ramirez. Ramirez’s artwork has appeared on The Lion King and Aladdin.
In addition, he’s also worked as a theme park designer with some of his work displayed at Disneyland.
John claims that he is a big Studio Ghibli fan which has inspired him to draw up the plans for the My Neighbor Totoro ride.
If the My Neighbor Totoro ride ever gets to see the light of day, it would include the giant acorn, instant tree growth, and the Catbus which will disappear and reappear right before your eyes using a little bit of Disney “Magic.”
Reportedly, the My Neighbor Totoro attraction is in the works to be greenlit, and representatives of Disneyland have even contacted Hayao Miyazaki about the project.
Ramirez expressed his determination to convince them to build My Neighbor Totoro at Disneyland.
“I’ll keep trying until they bar me from the studio or until he says yes!”
Disneyland probably isn’t the first to approach Ghibli about such a project, however. Plans for My Neighbor Totoro rides, plus an entire theme park, has already been proposed by fans.
USA Today reports that Disneyland’s attendance has risen 10 percent resulting in a 20 percent increase to $119 for adults depending on how busy the day is.
Are you excited for Disneyland’s Toy Story Land, and maybe a My Neighbor Totoro ride if we’re lucky?
[Photo by Getty Images Handout]