Get ready to aim your virtual cannons, Disney fans—Toy Story Midway Mania is about to blast into 2025 with a spellbinding transformation! As a Disneyland annual passholder who’s racked up high scores on this Pixar Pier gem, I’m thrilled to share the latest enchanted news: Walt Disney Imagineering is flipping the digital switch to give this 17-year-old fan-favorite a 70th anniversary overlay, debuting May 16, 2025, when Disneyland’s year-long birthday bash begins.
It’s a magical upgrade that’s got passholders buzzing—and trust me, you won’t want to miss this!
This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint—Imagineering’s tapping into the ride’s digital wizardry to celebrate Disneyland’s milestone in style. From Buzz and Woody sporting anniversary flair to the promise of more enchanted updates down the line, here’s why Toy Story Midway Mania’s makeover is set to be one of 2025’s most irresistible treats at Disney California Adventure (DCA). Let’s dive into the details and uncover the magic behind this long-awaited glow-up!
A 70th Anniversary Overlay Packed with Pixie Dust
Starting May 16, 2025, Toy Story Midway Mania riders at DCA’s Pixar Pier will step into a carnival of anniversary cheer. Concept art revealed on X (@DisneyParks) shows Sheriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear wielding targets stamped with “70” and diamond logos proclaiming “Celebrate Happy”—the official motto of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary. It’s a nod to the park’s 1955 opening, and as a passholder, I can already picture the nostalgic vibes lighting up those digital screens.
Plus, nods to #Disneyland70 will be added to Toy Story Midway Mania! to celebrate the anniversary beginning May 16. https://t.co/uipqQO5tro pic.twitter.com/3FLzJcXNje
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) March 6, 2025
Since its 2008 debut at DCA and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, this shoot-’em-up dark ride has whisked guests through spinning cars, firing virtual darts, baseballs, eggs, and pies at playful targets. The original lineup featured five games—Buzz’s ring toss, Woody’s dartboard, Rex’s egg smash, Hamm’s piggy bank blast, and the Green Army Men’s boot camp. Now, Imagineering’s weaving in 70th anniversary magic, likely tweaking these classics with celebratory twists—think diamond-shaped bullseyes or “70” point bonuses. It’s a digital dream come true, and passholders are counting down to May 16!
The Digital Magic of Toy Story Midway Mania
What makes this overlay so enchanted? It’s the ride’s digital backbone. Unlike traditional attractions requiring months of physical retooling, Toy Story Midway Mania’s screens and software let Imagineering update it with a flick of a switch—once the new story’s uploaded, of course. Launched in 2008, this tech marvel promised endless reinvention, and 2025’s 70th overlay delivers. Passholders recall 2010’s swap of Rex and Trixie’s Dino Darts for Bo Peep’s Baa-loon Pop with “Toy Story 3”—proof the ride’s ripe for fresh magic.
This flexibility mirrors other digital hits—Star Tours adds new Star Wars destinations, Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: Breakout gets a Halloween twist, and World of Color spins countless tales (a 70th version drops May 16 too, per X @DLNT, February 20).
For Toy Story, it’s a chance to sprinkle anniversary pixie dust without closing for ages—passholders love minimal downtime!
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Why It’s a Big Deal for 2025
Disneyland’s 70th anniversary isn’t just a party—it’s a milestone tying back to Walt’s 1955 vision. Toy Story Midway Mania’s overlay joins the celebration, turning a beloved ride into a time capsule of Disney joy. Passholders like me see it as a win: no major refurb (unlike Indiana Jones, closed March 17-April 24), just a digital refresh that keeps Pixar Pier buzzing. With “Celebrate Happy” branding, it’s a cheerful nod to 70 years of enchantment—perfect for 2025’s festive vibe.
What’s Next? Holiday Overlays on the Horizon?
Here’s the enchanted question buzzing among passholders: Will Toy Story Midway Mania get a holiday overlay post-70th? DCA’s no stranger to seasonal magic—It’s a Small World, Haunted Mansion, Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree, and Luigi’s Rollickin’ Roadsters transform yearly with physical holiday flair.
But Toy Story’s digital setup could mean quicker switches—imagine a Christmas carnival with snowflake targets or a Halloween shootout with pumpkin pies. Speculation suggests it’s possible—passholders dream of a 2025 holiday encore!