Trying to Rope Drop Slinky Dog Dash? Disney Just Threw a Wrench in Your Plans
If you’re someone who’s ever power-walked past other guests at rope drop, aiming to be first in line for Slinky Dog Dash, you might want to sit down for this. Disney just made a change that could seriously throw off your entire strategy—and if you’re not staying at a Disney Resort, you’ll definitely feel it.
Toy Story Land has always been one of the crown jewels of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Ever since it opened in 2018, it’s been the place where families start their day. From Alien Swirling Saucers to Toy Story Mania, and of course the main event, Slinky Dog Dash, the land delivers colorful fun and kid-friendly thrills with the perfect dose of nostalgia. For years, guests could head straight in from its main entrance near Pixar Plaza. But not anymore.
Early Entry Access Gets a Detour
Starting this week, Disney has rerouted the Early Entry access point for Toy Story Land. Instead of entering through the original entrance by Pixar Plaza, resort guests now have to go through the Animation Courtyard—right under the main archway of Hollywood Studios. And if you’re not a resort guest? You won’t even be allowed into that section of the park until regular hours begin.
That means if you’re planning to rope drop Slinky Dog Dash and you’re not staying at a Disney resort, your shortcut just got blocked. This is a game-changer for early birds hoping to knock out Toy Story Land before the crowds descend.
Why the Sudden Change?
This isn’t just a random shuffle. Disney is reconfiguring guest traffic due to the launch of its new “Cool Kid Summer” event in Animation Courtyard. That space is now the home of daytime DJ dance parties and family-friendly outdoor games—think more fun, more energy, and a whole lot more people. To make the area functional and festive without turning it into a gridlock nightmare, Disney needed a better traffic flow. The answer? Relocate Toy Story Land’s Early Entry access to right where the party is kicking off.
What’s important to note is that this change only impacts guests trying to get into Toy Story Land during Early Entry. Other routes—like those leading to Galaxy’s Edge, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway, and Sunset Boulevard—are still operating like they always have.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’ve got your heart set on riding Slinky Dog Dash first thing, make sure your morning plan includes heading straight to Animation Courtyard. Showing up at the old entrance could easily delay your entire park schedule. That’s especially painful considering Slinky Dog Dash typically racks up long wait times early in the day.
You don’t want to be that family standing in front of a roped-off area wondering what went wrong. This shift may seem minor, but it’s a major disruption if you’re trying to maximize those precious morning minutes.
So, set your alarms earlier, map out your route, and most importantly—stay updated on Disney’s ever-changing procedures. Because at this point, even the rope drop isn’t safe from change.
