Everything You Need to Know About Slinky Dog Dash

You’re going on vacation to Walt Disney World! The only problem? You’re not sure which attractions are right for you and your kiddos and you have questions. Which attractions are too intense for little ones? What rides do I really need a FastPass+ reservation for? What’s the disability access like for certain attractions? We’re answering all those questions and more in our Everything You Need to Know attraction series beginning with one of Disney’s newest attractions: Toy Story Land’s Slinky Dog Dash!

What is Slinky Dog Dash?

Slinky Dog Dash is a mild outdoor coaster designed to look as if Andy constructed it in his backyard using Tinkertoys, his new Dash & Dodge Mega Coaster Playkit, and Slinky Dog as the coaster’s train.

Where is Slinky Dog Dash?

Slinky Dog Dash is located in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The land can currently be found between Pixar Place and Walt Disney Presents. The entrance for Slinky Dog Dash sits towards the middle of Toy Story Land and can be accessed from across the bridge. The coaster twists and turns above and through Toy Story Land and can be seen from almost everywhere.

What is the History of Slinky Dog Dash?

Hollywood Studios’ Toy Story Land was officially announced at the 2015 D23 Expo. Fans were shown concept art for a family-friendly coaster where guests would ride on the back of Slinky Dog, as well as an alien saucer attraction. At that time, however, the attraction titles were not yet announced. Toy Story Land and its attractions officially opened on July 30, 2018. Slinky Dog Dash was an immediate success and has continued to draw crowds ever since.

What You Need to Know About the Queue for Slinky Dash

Since Slinky Dog Dash is a new attraction and fun for the whole family, it’s incredibly popular and often extends to the entrance of the land itself. If this trend continues, expect some of your time spent in line for Slinky Dog Dash to be outside and throughout the land. Disney has placed umbrellas to help keep guests in the shade. Still, it can still be a long, hot wait so plan accordingly if you weren’t able to secure a FastPass+ reservation.

The main queue is covered and looks as if Andy constructed it from the box of his Mega Coaster playkit along with an assortment of other games and toys. The whole space is incredibly themed; however, it’s not completely enclosed or fully air-conditioned. To keep guests entertained, the Disney Parks Play app has a game for families to enjoy exclusive to this attraction. Imagineers have also hidden Easter eggs (fun references and clues) for fans to find and appreciate. I’ve also found some fun photo-op spots in the queue as well!

What are the Ride Vehicles Like on Slinky Dog Dash?

Two passengers sit side-by-side in each row of Slinky Dog’s cars. Each rider has their own height-adjustable lap bar, and each lap bar has grips for hanging on. A small plastic “hump” between the riders prevents sliding side to side. As far as leg room goes, there seems to be more space than on Seven Dwarfs Mine Train.

Like many of the ride vehicles at Walt Disney World, there is a pouch in front of each seat and between the lap bar where guests can store their belongings during the ride.

What You Need to Know About the Ride Experience on Slinky Dog Dash

The ride experience is smooth and feels more like the Magic Kingdom’s Seven Dwarfs Mine Train or Barnstormer than Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. There are dips, hills, and turns but no loops. Unlike some Disney coasters, the track is fully exposed and high off the ground at certain points; however, Slinky Dog Dash is more of a fun, lighthearted experience than a thrill ride. The ride time spans about 3 minutes.

While riding, guests are treated to somewhat of an aerial view of Toy Story Land, as well as views of familiar Toy Story toys. Halfway during the ride, Slinky Dog Dash comes to a gentle stop before launching into the next phase of the attraction. There’s also a finale! As the coaster train pulls back into the station, guests are treated to an animatronic of Wheezy from Toy Story 2 serenading guests with his rendition of “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”

While experiencing Slinky Dog Dash during the day is a blast, it offers a different experience at night! Since the coaster dashes both above and through the land, guests are treated to a view of Toy Story Land illuminated by colorful over sized Christmas bulbs that Andy has strung through his backyard. Those aboard Slinky Dog Dash will also enjoy the colorful, glowing coaster track unique to nighttime rides!

What You Need to Know About Accessibility for Slinky Dog Dash

Guests must transfer to a standard wheelchair, and then to the ride vehicle to experience Slinky Dog Dash. It’s also important to note that service animals are not permitted on this attraction.

What You Need to Know About the Health and Safety Advisories for Slinky Dog Dash

Expectant mothers should not ride Slinky Dog Dash. Also, guests with a fear of heights should be aware of the attraction’s elevated track.

What are the Height Restrictions for Slinky Dog Dash?

Guests must be at least 38 in. to experience Slinky Dog Dash. This attraction also offers Rider Swap.

What You Need to Know About FastPass+ for Slinky Dog Dash

Slinky Dog is one of the Studios’ more family-friendly rides, so expect it to be busy from the moment the park opens. Ride first thing in the morning, during meals, or in the last hour the park is open. If Slinky Dog Dash is a priority for you and your family, I recommend getting a FastPass+ reservation as soon as possible.

Disney has Slinky Dog Dash, Alien Swirling Saucers, and Toy Story Mania! in the same FastPass+ tier, meaning you’ll be able to make an advance FastPass+ reservation for only one of the three. If that happens, get a FastPass+ for whichever one you can, as early in the day as possible. When the park opens, head immediately for the other one and ride; then experience Alien Swirling Saucers.

Does Weather Affect Slinky Dog Dash?

Since Slinky Dog Dash is an outdoor attraction, it will shut down for heavy rain or if there is severe weather or lightning in the area. It’s important to note that much of the queue is exposed to the elements, and even the portion of the queue that’s covered isn’t enclosed. This means you and yours will be at the mercy of the infamous Florida heat. It’s definitely something to be aware of and to prepare for, especially if you plan to wait in the standby line.

What’s the Best Time of Day to Ride Slinky Dog Dash?

This chart shows you roughly how long you’ll wait for Slinky Dog Dash when you visit on a day with a given Disney’s Hollywood Studios Crowd Level. The blue bars represent the average “peak” wait time (that is, how long the line will be at its busiest). The bottom and top black lines represent the range of peak wait times to expect (for you fellow nerds out there: it’s the 5th percentile and 95th percentile of peak wait times). Please note that these are estimates, and for a better forecast for your travel dates, see Slinky Dog Dash Wait Times.

We recommend riding Slinky Dog Dash as soon as the park opens, during meals, or in the last hour that the park is open. Slinky Dog Dash is also open during Morning Extra Magic Hour and Evening Extra Magic Hour.

Did I answer all of your questions about Toy Story Land’s Slinky Dog Dash? Is this attraction at the top of your family’s vacation to-do list? Let us know in the comments.