Disney World Removes Longtime Toy Story Land Features as New Additions Arrive

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going through another round of changes, and one of its most popular themed lands is getting some unexpected updates.

Over the past several years, Walt Disney World has continued replacing older features, introducing new technology, and bringing fresh entertainment to its theme parks.

Now, Toy Story Land is joining that list.

After welcoming guests for more than eight years, the Pixar-inspired area is beginning to lose some of its familiar fixtures as Disney installs modern replacements.

At the same time, a new character has arrived near one of the land’s attractions, giving visitors another reason to explore Andy’s backyard.

Toy Story Land Gets New Replacements

When Toy Story Land opened on June 30, 2018, Disney introduced an entirely new experience at Hollywood Studios.

The themed area made guests feel like toys wandering through Andy’s backyard, surrounded by oversized objects, colorful decorations, and familiar Pixar characters.

Slinky Dog Dash quickly became one of the park’s most popular roller coasters, while Alien Swirling Saucers and Toy Story Mania! offered additional family-friendly experiences.

However, some of the original details are now being replaced.

According to WDWMAGIC, Disney has started swapping out older trash cans throughout Toy Story Land for new solar-powered waste and recycling containers.

The replacements feature green, blue, and yellow designs that match the colorful environment.

Each container also includes handwritten-style lettering identifying where guests should place trash and recyclable materials.

Visitors can find the new bins near the giant Woody statue at the land’s entrance and around Toy Story Mania!

While these replacements might seem minor, they are part of a larger modernization project happening throughout Walt Disney World.

Disney’s New Trash Cans Come With Major Upgrades

Unlike the older containers, Disney’s new trash cans use solar-powered technology and built-in compactors.

The units, known as Bigbelly Smart Max containers, can hold approximately five to 10 times more waste than traditional bins before needing to be emptied.

They also feature sensors that track how full each container becomes.

This allows cast members to receive information about which bins need attention instead of repeatedly checking every container throughout the day.

For a busy park like Hollywood Studios, the technology could make waste collection more efficient while helping prevent overflowing trash cans.

Disney has already installed similar equipment in other sections of Hollywood Studios and EPCOT.

The resort is also bringing the technology to additional locations, with designs customized to fit different themed environments.

However, not every original trash can in Toy Story Land has disappeared. Some older containers were still present near Alien Swirling Saucers during the recent rollout.

For now, the replacements are happening gradually rather than all at once.

New Character Takes Over Music at Alien Swirling Saucers

While Disney continues updating Toy Story Land’s everyday fixtures, another addition is bringing something completely different to the area.

Lilypad, a character from Pixar’s Toy Story 5 (2026), has officially arrived at Alien Swirling Saucers.

The frog-shaped smart tablet has taken over as DJ, introducing a new soundtrack called Lilypad’s Jams.

The music includes updated versions of familiar Toy Story songs alongside original tracks created specifically for the attraction.

Guests can hear Lilypad’s music while riding Alien Swirling Saucers, but the entertainment isn’t limited to those boarding the attraction.

Visitors spending time nearby can also enjoy the character’s musical introductions and interactive entertainment.

Disney is preparing another update for the holiday season, when Lilypad will introduce festive music beginning November 4 and continuing through January 6.

The addition gives returning guests a new experience without requiring Disney to replace the attraction itself.

More Changes Are Coming to Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land’s latest updates arrive as Disney continues transforming other sections of Hollywood Studios.

Major projects elsewhere in the park are bringing new attractions and entertainment, while smaller improvements continue throughout existing areas.

For Toy Story Land, the changes are less dramatic but still noticeable.

Disney is replacing longtime fixtures with modern technology while introducing new entertainment connected to Pixar’s latest stories.

The land’s three major attractions remain available, and there has been no announcement suggesting that the trash can replacements will affect their operations.

Still, visitors returning after several years away may discover that Andy’s backyard looks and sounds a little different.

And with Disney continuing its resort-wide modernization efforts, more updates could be on the way.