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Disney World’s Beloved Slinky Dog Dash Transformed Back to Opening Day Form

Slinky Dog Dash has been a standout attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios since it opened in 2018, taking guests on a whimsical roller coaster ride through Andy’s backyard. As part of Toy Story Land, the ride captures the spirit of Toy Story with its playful design, gentle thrills, and fun visual effects.

A large, colorful statue of Woody, the cowboy from Toy Story, tipping his hat and smiling. Behind him is a sign that reads "Toy Story Land" with each letter of the word "land" on a separate block. Bamboo and a bright blue sky are in the background, capturing the enchantment of Magic Kingdom.
Credit: Stone Hood, Unsplash

One of those effects, the color-changing lights that follow the ride vehicles at night, had been missing for quite some time. But now, Disney has fixed the lighting feature, bringing back a detail that adds to the ride’s immersive experience. Fans have taken notice, celebrating the return of this unique nighttime effect.

A Ride That Feels Like Playtime

Slinky Dog Dash is designed to look like Andy built it using a toy coaster set, and every part of the attraction is meant to feel like something straight out of a child’s imagination. The track dips, twists, and hops in a way that mimics a real slinky springing forward, making for a ride that is fun for both kids and adults.

A colorful roller coaster, reminiscent of a playful dog with a spiraling body, twists around vibrant tracks at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Riders appear excited as the Genie-inspired coaster navigates turns under a clear sky, with bright "Go! Go!" signs visible along the way.
Credit: Disney

At night, the attraction has an entirely different feel. The lighting around the track adds a whole new dimension to the experience, making it visually stunning. The color-changing lights were designed to follow the ride vehicles, enhancing the movement and energy of the coaster as it zooms through the track. But when this feature stopped working, it left a noticeable gap in the ride’s nighttime appeal.

Fixing What Was Missing

Disney fans are quick to notice when something isn’t working as it should, and the missing lights were something many guests pointed out. While the ride itself continued to operate as usual, the absence of the vibrant lighting effect made nighttime rides feel a little less special.

Now that the lights are back, guests can once again experience Slinky Dog Dash the way it was meant to be seen. The glowing colors that shift as the ride moves give it a dynamic look that makes it stand out even more in Toy Story Land.

Why Small Details Matter

Even though the ride was still enjoyable without the color-changing lights, their return is a reminder of how small details can make a big impact at Disney. The parks are known for their attention to detail, and fixing an effect like this shows that Disney continues to maintain the magic of its attractions.

Disney Hollywood Studios
Credit: Paul Hudson, Flickr

Slinky Dog Dash is one of the most popular rides at Hollywood Studios, with long wait times that show just how much guests love it. With the lighting effect restored, the ride’s nighttime experience feels complete once again.

For fans who have been hoping for the lights to return, this is an exciting update. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a regular at the parks, riding Slinky Dog Dash at night is now more dazzling than ever.

Andrew Boardwine

A frequent visitor of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort, Andrew will likely be found freefalling on Twilight Zone Tower of Terror or enjoying Pirates of the Caribbean. Over at Universal, he'll be taking in the thrills of the Jurassic World Velocicoaster and Revenge of the Mummy

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