To Infinity: Toy Story Land opening at Disney in Florida

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) — For children of the mid-1990s, Disney's Toy Story Land offers the opportunity to visit the imaginary world they grew up in. For their parents, it brings back sweet memories of a magical time of toys and make-believe. And for everyone else, the new theme park land offers a whimsical experience from the moment a nearly 20-foot (6-meter) statue of Sheriff Woody welcomes guests as if they are honorary toys in Andy's backyard.

The new 11-acre land inspired by the movie "Toy Story" opens to the public Saturday at Disney's Hollywood Studios just outside Orlando but an opening ceremony was scheduled for Friday. It's one of the most anticipated theme-park openings in the country this year. And it continues Disney's tradition of bringing movies to life. Last year, Pandora-World of Avatar opened at the Florida theme park. Next year, lands themed on "Star Wars" open at Disney parks here and in California.

But visitors to Toy Story Land will never actually lay eyes on Andy, the human boy who owns the toys in the "Toy Story" films. According to the park's story line, he's just been called inside by his mother, leaving his toys — and you — scattered in the backyard.

"As in the 'Toy Story' films, when the humans go away, the toys come to life," said Dave Minichiello, executive creative director of Toy Story Land. "We've tried to include most of the moments and characters in the 'Toy Story' films in the new land."

But you will find other favorite characters —Sheriff Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Slinky Dog, Mr. Potato Head and the Green Army Patrol — in the brightly colored land, along with two new rides: Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers. They join the pre-existing Toy Story Mania ride, which has been one of the most popular attractions at Hollywood Studios since it debuted in 2008. Toy Story Mania gets a colorful new entrance in the new Toy Story Land.