Mouse Extra

Deb Wills of AllEarsNet.com is attending today’s press event at Walt Disney World, and she is reporting that Toy Story Mania is now officially confirmed to be going into the Disney-MGM Studios sometime in 2008…

The big “What’s New, What’s Next” presentation that was just held this morning didn’t reveal any huge surprises, but did serve to confirm at least one rumor that has been swirling around lately. The main announcement is that Toy Story Mania! will arrive at the Disney-MGM Studios in 2008, in the space formerly occupied by “Who Wants to be a Millionaire — Play It!” The new ride, which will also open in Disney’s California Adventure in the Paradise Pier section, marks the first time an attraction has been designed and built simultaneously at Disneyland Resort and at Walt Disney World. The attraction will “set a new standard” for interactive ride/game technology. When you enter the attraction, you’ll be greeted by the “barker,” Mr. Potato Head, who, using technology similar to that found in Epcot’s “Turtle Talk with Crush,” will interact with guests. Then guests of all ages will put on 3-D glasses and ride themed vehicles along a route lined with “classic midway games of skill,” while shooting their toy cannons at animated targets. As you ride, you’ll pass through a series of games hosted by various Toy Story characters, like Bo-Peep and the Little Green Men. The ride will also be able to determine individual users’ skill levels and will increase the degree of difficulty accordingly.

For those who have said this was going to be “just another Buzz Lightyear” ride, that certainly does not seem to be the case.  This looks like a very interesting concept and something that will be a great addition to the Studios park, which is starving for kid-friendly rides.  What jumps out at me is the combining of the “living character” within the ride.  Considering the standard John Lasseter has set so far, my expectations are very high.