If you and your family are Toy Story fans who aren’t satisfied by only four movies, several shorts, and one spinoff, Toy Story Land at Disney World’s Disney’s Hollywood Studios is for you.
Take a trip into the world of Toy Story, meet your favorite characters, and spend some quality fun time checking out the attractions, dining, and shopping.
While the Alien Swirling Saucers is not the number one most popular attraction in Toy Story land, it is a fun ride and an absolute must for anyone who loves the little Pizza Planet aliens introduced in the first movie.
Keep reading our guide to discover everything you need to know about Alien Swirling Saucers at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
What Are the Alien Swirling Saucers?
You’ll be in a playset Andy received from Pizza Planet when you jump on this ride. There are two playsets or sides to the attraction, each with 11 vehicles. The little green aliens “drive” a saucer, and the guest’s car is hitched to it, like a trailer.
The aliens zip around in their saucers while trying to grab your rocket vehicle with “the claw.”
The ride is the same no matter which playset you end up on. “Space Jazz” music plays, while you spin and fling around amid pizza columns and the Planet Pepperonia.
Where Are the Alien Swirling Saucers Located?
The Alien Swirling Saucers are in Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Toy Story Land.
After entering the park, walk to the hub. Facing the Chinese Theater, walk forward and on toward the right. You’ll pass Woody leaning on a “Toy Story Land” sign, and that’s when you know you’re close.
Keep walking. Slinky Dog Dash is to the right, and after that are the Alien Swirling Saucers. There is a giant Buzz Lightyear outside the attraction. The Alien Swirling Saucers are across from the Toy Story Land restrooms.
If you find yourself at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, you’ve gone too far.
Everything You Need To Know To Ride the Alien Swirling Saucers
Before you head out to Toy Story land to ride the Alien Swirling Saucers here are a few things to know so you’re prepared to have the best experience possible.
Restrictions
Alien Swirling Saucers is an all-ages ride, however, all riders must be at least 32 inches (81 cm) tall. Infants are not allowed on the ride, but a rider switch is available. Children under 7 must be accompanied by someone at least 14 years old.
The ride cannot accommodate wheelchairs/ ECVs, and guests using them must be able to transfer onto the ride car.
Service animals are not permitted on the Alien Swirling Saucers.
Ride Queue
The queue of Alien Swirling Saucers begins outside and then leads to a covered area as you get closer to boarding. It can get sunny and uncomfortably hot in summer and the warmer months. Always make sure to keep yourself and your family hydrated.
Because the Alien Swirling Saucers aren’t the main draw of Toy Story land, the average wait is 30-60 minutes, which is much shorter than most other attractions.
Don’t worry about getting to this ride as soon as the park opens, as the lines for Toy Story Mania and Slinky Dog Dash get crazy long. If you want to ride those attractions, head there first.
The Alien Swirling Saucers is a Disney Genie+ attraction, so if you’ve opted into this service, you can use it here to cut down on your waiting around in the sun.
Ride Experience
From the main line, Disney Cast Members will funnel you into a holding area. After the previous ride is complete and those guests have left, the gate will open, and you and anyone riding with you are free to pick up your own car. It can feel a little crazy with people running around, but there will be a vehicle for you.
The seats in the ride car are bench seats with a lap seat belt that pulls across all the guests in the car. The sides of the ride vehicle are open, so make sure your phone is somewhere safe and that you’re holding onto your bags.
Each Alien Swirling Saucer ride car is hitched to a fixed car with one of the Pizza Planet Aliens “driving.” During the ride, expect your car to spin around, but also to slide and jerk, which means all the people in the car slide and jerk into each other too!
Even with an amount of whipping around, Alien Swirling Saucers is a gentle ride. While it does spin, it’s not as constant or intense an experience as the Mad Tea Party and is more friendly for people who get dizzy or motion sick on spinning rides.
Fun Experiences Near the Alien Swirling Saucers
Either before or after riding the Alien Swirling Saucers, check out the other fun things near it.
Right outside the Alien Swirling Saucers, you will see a 14-foot Buzz Lightyear that is an excellent place for a photo. There’s also a green Pizza Planet alien in a flying saucer outside the attraction that would make a great picture.
For character photo opportunities, Jessie is often outside of Alien Swirling Saucers, and Buzz Lightyear is usually nearby outside of Slinky Dog Dash. There is also a character greeting area next to Toy Story Mania that features Woody and Bo Peep.
If you’re hungry, Woody’s Lunchbox, a themed counter-service restaurant is right nearby. Woody’s Lunchbox features delicious sandwiches, totchos, and a selection of tarts for dessert.
For your Toy Story-themed toy and souvenir needs, there are three shops in Toy Story Land: a gift shop at the exit of Toy Story Mania, as well a toy camper, and a toy dump truck. Some of these items may be unavailable or hard to find elsewhere!
Final Thoughts
While it’s not the most sought-after ride, Alien Swirling Saucers in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a fun, laugh-inducing ride almost anyone can enjoy without spending hours waiting in line.
With just a little knowledge and ahead-of-time thinking, you can easily fit a spin on the Alien Swirling Saucers onto your Disney World itinerary.
More about our TFVG Author
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
- Charmaine Corteshttps://www.thefamilyvacationguide.com/author/charmaine/
