The seating area at Woody’s Lunch Box in Disney’s Hollywood Studios has partially reopened, but it may not meet the expectations of guests hoping for improvements. Despite construction efforts, there are no additional shade structures, and the amount of shaded seating has actually decreased. This could be disappointing for visitors who enjoy dining in this popular spot but struggle with the intense Florida sun.
While some of the area is now open, the layout seems temporary as work continues in the surrounding space. What stands out is the absence of any visible progress toward adding new shade. This has led many to believe that the project may have been more about infrastructure updates—such as drainage improvements—rather than addressing guest comfort with enhanced protection from the heat.
Woody’s Lunch Box has been a fan favorite since it opened in Toy Story Land, but it’s also been criticized for having minimal cover from the sun. Given the park’s hot climate, many assumed that any refurbishment would focus on fixing this issue. However, judging by the current state of the reopened seating, those assumptions may have been off the mark.
On a recent visit to the park, the weather was cool and overcast, which made the lack of shade less noticeable at the time. Still, with about one-third of the seating area still blocked off, it’s unclear what the final result will look like. A corner that previously featured a shade structure remains closed off, though it has been under construction for some time. Whether it will be part of the final plan or removed altogether is unknown.
For guests looking for covered dining, there is a temporary option nearby. A shaded seating area has been set up within Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, not far from the Alien Swirling Saucers ride. While it’s convenient, it’s still a bit of a walk from the main Toy Story Land area and doesn’t offer the same themed backdrop that makes dining at Woody’s Lunch Box special.
Fans of the quick-service spot had hoped for significant changes, especially to address heat-related concerns. However, it’s possible that the updates were more functional than guest-facing improvements. For now, guests planning to eat there should be aware of the limited shade and consider dining earlier in the day or using nearby covered areas.
As construction continues, visitors will be watching closely to see if more seating becomes available and whether shade structures will eventually be added. Until then, it remains a great spot for a fun and nostalgic meal—just make sure to bring your sunscreen!
