Disney SpringsFeatured

Disney World Erases Tim Allen Character From ‘Toy Story’ Area Overnight

In a sudden overnight update, Buzz Lightyear has been removed from the Once Upon A Toy entrance at Disney Springs, leaving Walt Disney World Resort guests without one of their favorite photo-op spots. Visitors will notice the blue platform is empty, with potted plants now surrounding the location where the iconic Tim Allen character typically stands.

Toy Story (1995) is one of the most popular franchises at Walt Disney World Resort. At Magic Kingdom Park, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin is currently being updated to add more interactive and technical features for guests to enjoy. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Toy Story Land invites visitors to shrink down to the size of Woody, Buzz, and the rest of Andy’s friends for adventures on Toy Story Mania!, Slinky Dog Dash, and Alien Swirling Saucers.

Slinky Dog Dash in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Credit: Disney

The entrance to the Once Upon A Toy store at Disney Springs has long featured Buzz Lightyear and Mr. Potato Head figures. These larger-than-life statues have become familiar landmarks for returning Walt Disney World Resort guests; they’re popular repeat photo-ops to mark growth milestones and family changes over the years.

This summer, Walt Disney World Resort removed and refurbished the Mr. Potato Head statue, as well as a nearby Cinderella sculpture outside World of Disney. Weeks after Mr. Potato Head returned, Buzz Lightyear has now been taken down, likely for a similar refurbishment project.

toy story mr potato head mrs potato head disney/pixar animation
Credit: Pixar

Photos shared by @Attractions on X (formerly known as Twitter) show the empty post at Once Upon A Toy, with clear outlines of where the character’s feet and supports once attached to the base.

It’s now Buzz Lightyear’s turn for a refurb at @DisneySprings

Refurbishment projects like this one typically last several weeks. Mr. Potato Head returned after just under two months, suggesting that Buzz Lightyear may be back in place by November, just in time for Toy Story 5 (2026).

Do you have a favorite photo-op at Walt Disney World Resort? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!

Author

  • Jess Colopy

    Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

Jess Colopy

Jess Colopy is a Disney College Program alum and kid-at-heart. When she’s not furiously typing in a coffee shop, you can find her on the hunt for the newest Stitch pin.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related Articles