Years Later, Disney Completes a Project That Should’ve Taken a Few Weeks
After years and years of work, Disney has finally debuted one of its most ambitious projects yet (yes, that’s sarcasm).
The grand unveiling? A single section of shaded seating at Woody’s Lunch Box in Disney’s Hollywood Studios—a small but desperately needed upgrade in the heart of Toy Story Land. It’s a modest addition, but one that’s been oddly delayed, sparking light-hearted frustration from fans tracking its glacial progress since construction began in early 2022.
A Toy Story Land Glow-Up—Sort Of
Opened in 2018, Toy Story Land was billed as a whimsical backyard adventure, letting guests shrink down to the size of a toy and wander through Andy’s oversized playthings. Attractions like Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers brought color and energy, but the area quickly developed a reputation for one glaring omission: shade.
Woody’s Lunch Box, the land’s sole quick-service restaurant, has long been infamous for its lack of weather protection. Rainstorms, Florida sun, and sweltering heat made it a tough sell for diners wanting to linger. So when construction walls finally went up around the seating area in 2022, fans were optimistic.
Then… nothing happened. Or rather, it happened – just very slowly.
Now, three years later, the first section of shaded tables is open—sporting a vibrant metal canopy that complements the playful aesthetic of Toy Story Land. It’s functional, fits the theme, and yes, finally offers respite from the elements.
Still, only part of the Disney World project is done, with more covered seating seemingly on the way.
A Long Wait for a Small Win at Disney World
The new shaded area replaces a portion of the former uncovered seating near the entrance to the land. The canopy, while stylish and colorful, is set high enough that it may not block all sun angles or rain, depending on the weather. Still, it’s a major step forward for anyone who’s ever tried to eat a Grilled Three-Cheese Sandwich or a Lunch Box Tart while sweating through their Mickey ears.
The delay wasn’t entirely unexpected—projects like TRON Lightcycle / Run and even Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana experienced drawn-out timelines—but the sheer scale (or lack thereof) of this project turned it into something of a punchline among theme park watchers.
For context, that’s not far off the construction timeline of Universal Orlando Resort’s Jurassic World VelociCoaster.
A small fix that took a strangely long time, the shaded seating became a symbol of Disney’s slowed pace of updates at Walt Disney World.
Meanwhile, Universal’s New Park Looms
All of this comes as Disney World faces growing pressure from across town. Universal Orlando’s Epic Universe—a brand-new theme park featuring lands themed to How to Train Your Dragon, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more—is set to open in May. It’s the biggest stateside theme park development in years, and anticipation is through the roof.
Disney, on the other hand, is very much a WIP right now. While we have plenty of new attractions on the way – including a Monsters, Inc. land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney Villains Land at Magic Kingdom Park.
Beyond that, the timeline for new lands, including teased expansions to Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom, remains vague at best. The recent opening of shaded benches in Toy Story Land feels like a strange footnote in a moment when fans are looking for big moves.
Still, this small change at Woody’s Lunch Box is a nod to guest feedback—and a sign, however minor, that updates are still on the table. Just… don’t expect them to happen fast.
What’s Next for Toy Story Land?
Even with the sluggish rollout, the seating improvements could hint at a slow but steady refresh of Toy Story Land. In 2022, Disney added Jessie’s Trading Post, a small retail space tucked behind Toy Story Mania, and the Roundup Rodeo BBQ family-style restaurant opened to decent reviews in 2023.
But the land is still short on shade and variety, especially for guests who aren’t chasing thrill rides. With no major new additions announced, fans can only hope that more practical enhancements—like cooling stations or interactive play zones—are in the pipeline. For now, we’ve got covered seating. And honestly, in Toy Story Land, that’s progress.
What’s your favorite part of Toy Story Land?
