There’s a reason Toy Story Midway Mania (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) is wildly popular.  It is (in The Fam’s opinion) one of the most action-packed, fun-filled experiences you can have at Disney World – even for people like me with no eye-hand coordination and poor aim!  As the name suggests, this ride simulates carnival midway games.  In 3D!  And the games include all your favorite Toy Story characters.  So what’s the “but…” for in this post’s title?  I’ll tell you, but first the good news… 

The GOOD News – About the Ride:

Once you make it to the front of the line, you board an adorable little ride vehicle – seats for two on the front and on the back, everyone facing outward.  In front of you is a little toy cannon-looking thing with a pull-string on the back.  This is your “weapon” – a launcher of virtual items you will “throw” during the various midway games you’ll visit during the ride.  3D glasses on, you’re vehicle spins you into position in front of the first game – you get a little practice first – and then?  Game ON!  Pull that string on the back of your cannon as fast and as often as you possibly can and hit as many things as you can before time runs out – rack up points as you move from game to game (breaking plates, popping balloons, shooting ducks, etc.).  I just laugh hysterically while this is all going on – it’s that much fun!  Probably, the laughing hurts my score as much as the poor coordination and aim, but hey – I just love this ride.  You may have a seriously sore arm later from pulling the string to fire that cannon a gajillion times.

The BAD News – About the Queue:

The fastpasses for TSMWM go fast – like all gone for the entire day by midmorning!  If you don’t get to this ride first thing, you either have to wait in what is usually a very long line (60 minutes or more) or pass altogether.  Lets say you choose to wait in the standby line – let the rest of this post serve as a strong warning against doing that!  The queue for this ride is almost indescribably horrible.  At first you’re like all “wow!” and “cool!” and “this is great!” – but those feelings fade away all too quickly.  Here’s the deal – yes, there are giant toys and games and a giant talking Mr. Potato Head – but somehow after just a few moments of nostalgia and feeling toy-sized yourself, it gets annoying – really REALLY annoying.  The colors are too bright, Mr. Potato Head won’t be quiet and you are winding back and forth and back and forth for an eternity before you finally get to the 3D glasses.  Surely this means you’re almost to the ride boarding area, right?  HA!  Joke’s on you – still more waiting in line to go!  As much as I love the actual ride, I just cannot endure waiting in line for it – seriously, it could be used as a form of torture to extract top-secret information from international spies or something.  Please!  No more!  I’ll tell you anything!  Cannot take more giant toys!  Make Mr. Potato Head stop talking!

Consider this my last official public service announcement for 2013.  DO NOT wait in the standby line for Toy Story Midway Mania.  You’re welcome.