This is what it's like inside Disney's new Toy Story Land
Photograph: courtesy Shanghai Disneyland
You don't need to go to infinity and beyond to get a bit of Buzz and Woody action this spring, a subway ride to the end of Line 11 will suffice (admittedly, that's still pretty far), as Shanghai Disneyland is set to unveil its latest attraction Toy Story Land on April 26. Can't wait to see it IRL? Here's a little sneak preview of what you can expect.
You're in Andy's backyard
Photograph: Cat Nelson
'Imagine you've shrunk and now you're toy size' we're told as we enter Toy Story Land. The idea is that you're a toy and you're in Andy's back garden, surrounded by oversized building blocks, Tinkertoys, and fan-favourite characters from the movies – including a performance by Green Army Men scaling down the side of a giant Bucket O Soldiers.
Photograph: Amy Snelling
There are three main attractions
Photograph: Cat Nelson
Toy Story Land's rides vary pretty vastly in terms of thrill factor. At the chill end of the scale, best suited for little ones and easy riders, the Slinky Dog Spin roundabout does exactly what it says on the tin, taking riders on a gentle spin in Slinky Dog's springs. Next on the adventure scale, there's the exclusive-to-Shanghai Woody's Roundup, which is most easily described as a sort of hoedown-style version of the Teacups. But if you're chasing some stomach-dropping, theme park action, then you should queue for Rex's Racer. On this one you speed forwards and backward on a large u-shaped track and each lap the car climbs a little higher and drops a little faster.
Photograph: courtesy Shanghai Disneyland
There's toy-themed food and lots of merch
Photograph: Cat Nelson
Toy Story Land has got its own themed diner Toy Box Café serving up the likes of alien-shaped pizza and 'bubble waffle' with strawberry ice cream – inspired by Lotso's strawberry scent. And for actual toy-sized versions of the films' characters, Al's Toy Barn sells everything from strawberry-scented Lotso teddy bears to costumes.
Toy Story Land Shanghai Disney Resort, 753 Shendi Bei Lu, Chuan Sha Town, Pudong (shanghaidisneyresort.com). Open from 1pm.