Toy Story Mania has been a cornerstone attraction at Hollywood Studios for almost two decades (yeah, it makes me feel old too), and it still remains as popular as ever, especially since many guests see the game as a challenge.
However, there are ways to improve your score and overall experience on the ride! Over my 6+ years covering Disney Parks, I’ve heard of some Toy Story Mania pointers, and now I’m passing them on!
Try for a Lightning Lane
Okay, before we get into tips for the ride itself, let’s start here. Despite nearing 20 years old, Toy Story Mania is still one of the busiest rides at Hollywood Studios, often near the top of the wait times list. Combined with the fact that it doesn’t exactly have an engrossing or story-centric queue (Mr. Potato Head notwithstanding), it’s a good Lightning Lane option.
Ride Earlier in the Day
It’s worth riding the attraction earlier in the day; that way, you’ll have more energy. You may laugh, but the cannon apparatus can be a bit cumbersome, and the less tired you are, the more energy you’ll have to pull the cord, and in turn, the more points you’ll score.
On to the Easter Eggs
Each of the games that make up Midway Mania features easter eggs and hidden options that will help you score!
- In Hamm and Eggs, target the animals in the background to “flip the barn” and make the targets worth more points.
- In Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts, focus on the 500-point balloons. Popping all three will bring out a comet. From there, hit the comet 3 times, which will, in turn, bring out further clusters of 500-point balloons to pop.
- In Green Army Men Shoot Camp, you and your vehicle mate should aim for the 2000-point plates on each side of the screen. Once you hit them, the mountain in the middle will disappear, and a tank will appear with even more high-scoring plates to pick off.
- In Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers, you and your row partner have to work together to cover ALL of the aliens in the rocket ship at the same time. Once they’re all gone, the rocket ship will launch away and reveal a giant robot. Shoot as many rings into the mouth of the robot as possible, and when you need to reactivate it (open the mouth again), each player must toss a ring over the rockets found on each side of the screen.
- In Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery, there are two games, each with easter eggs. In the first game, you’ll see bullseyes all over the screen as you move across it. Work with your partner to open up the bullseyes and then CLOSE the same ones. Each time you open and close one, the points will go up across the board. The second half of this game involves four lanes of falling mine carts. This is where you DON’T need your partner anymore, so it’s your chance to rack up all the points and win it all! Be sure to hit every mine car that you can before it goes over the mountain, but also keep an eye out for the bats that fall from the top of the screen over the cars, as they’ll make the mine carts worth more points.
- Following these tips will likely increase your score and make your next ride on Toy Story Mania much more enjoyable! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips!
Following these tips will likely increase your score and make your next ride on Toy Story Mania much more enjoyable! Stay tuned to DFB for more Disney World tips!
The New Plan of Action You Have to Follow in Disney’s Hollywood Studios
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What’s your best Toy Story Mania tip? Let us know in the comments below.





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