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Beloved Toy Story Duo Buzz and Woody Quietly Pulled from Disney Parks

Disneyland Paris’ Toy Story Playland, a vibrant area dedicated to the beloved Pixar franchise, is undergoing changes—and not all of them are welcome. Recent reports confirm that a planned meet-and-greet shelter, first revealed in concept art at the 2019 D23 Expo, has been canceled, leaving fans disappointed and sparking questions about the future direction of the park’s development.

A woman and two children stand happily under a brightly lit sign that reads "Alien Swirling Saucers." The woman and children are smiling, with one child wearing a green alien-themed hat. The scene suggests they are enjoying one of the many thrilling Disney attractions at an amusement park.
Credit: Disney

Toy Story Playland: A Fan-Favorite Destination

Since opening in 2010 at Walt Disney Studios Park, Toy Story Playland has been a highlight for Disneyland Paris visitors. The immersive land shrinks guests down to the size of toys, inviting them to explore an oversized world filled with familiar characters and vibrant design elements.

Signature attractions like Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, RC Racer, and Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop offer family-friendly thrills, while the theming—featuring massive building blocks, action figures, and playful decorations—brings Andy’s backyard to life. It’s a must-visit for Pixar fans of all ages, providing a whimsical escape into the beloved world of Woody, Buzz, and their friends.

The Meet-and-Greet Shelter: What Was Promised

A child wearing a black hat and blue bandana stands with their back to the camera, marveling at the iconic Toy Story Mania characters, Woody and Buzz Lightyear, in a vibrant outdoor setting.
Credit: Disney

During the 2019 D23 Expo, Disney unveiled plans to enhance Toy Story Playland, including the addition of a meet-and-greet shelter. The structure was designed to provide a dedicated space where guests could interact with characters like Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and Jessie, all while staying protected from the elements.

The concept art depicted a charming, themed area that would seamlessly integrate into the playful environment of the land. Similar shelters at Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Resort have been well-received, so expectations were high for this addition to Disneyland Paris.

Plans Scrapped: What Happened?

Fast forward to 2025, and those plans appear to have been quietly abandoned. Observations by Disneyland Paris enthusiasts reveal that no construction work has begun in the designated area, and there’s no sign of the foundations necessary for the structure.

On social media platform X, Disneyland Paris-focused account DLP Works reported:
“⚠#WDS2 ToyStory Playland Meet & Greet shelter cancelled?
➡ The meet & greet shelter depicted in the #D23Expo concept art for Toy Story Playland’s new entrance appears unlikely to come to fruition.
➡ Recent observations suggest the concept art is now outdated, as there are no visible foundations to support such a structure in the area.”

The cancellation adds to a growing list of scaled-back or delayed projects at Walt Disney Studios Park, which is currently undergoing significant renovations. The closure of Studio 1, the park’s entrance area, and ongoing construction for the highly anticipated World of Frozen and Tangled-themed attractions may have redirected resources away from Toy Story Playland.

Why Fans Are Upset

The cancellation of the meet-and-greet shelter has disappointed many fans who view character interactions as a core part of the Disney park experience. Meet-and-greets offer guests the chance to create personal, memorable moments with iconic characters, and the proposed shelter promised a convenient and immersive way to enhance that experience.

Moreover, the decision to scrap the shelter highlights a broader trend of shifting priorities within Disneyland Paris. While ambitious projects like World of Frozen are progressing, other areas seem to be receiving less attention, leaving visitors wondering about the park’s overall vision.

What Remains at Toy Story Playland

Despite the setback, Toy Story Playland continues to offer plenty of fun for visitors. Attractions like Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin and RC Racer remain popular, and the immersive design ensures that fans of the franchise still feel transported into the world of Andy’s toys.

The upcoming additions to Walt Disney Studios Park, including new Pixar-inspired elements in the expansion gardens, may eventually bring fresh energy to the area. For now, however, guests will have to enjoy Toy Story Playland as it is, without the enhanced character experience that the meet-and-greet shelter would have provided.

The Broader Picture

Toy Story Pixar
Credit: Pixar

The decision to cancel the meet-and-greet shelter underscores the challenges Disney faces in balancing guest expectations with practical constraints. Budget reallocation, shifting priorities, and the logistical complexities of large-scale park renovations have all likely played a role in this decision.

As fans look forward to the release of Toy Story 5 in 2026, there’s hope that the franchise’s enduring popularity will inspire renewed investment in themed attractions. For now, though, Toy Story Playland remains a beloved part of Disneyland Paris, offering guests a chance to relive the magic of Pixar’s iconic series—albeit without some of the enhancements they had been eagerly anticipating.

While the cancellation of the meet-and-greet shelter is disappointing, it’s a reminder that theme park development is a constantly evolving process. Guests visiting Toy Story Playland can still enjoy its playful charm and family-friendly attractions, proving that even without new additions, the magic of Toy Story endures.

Alessia Dunn

Orlando theme park lover who loves thrills and theming, with a side of entertainment. You can often catch me at Disney or Universal sipping a cocktail, or crying during Happily Ever After or Fantasmic.

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