Disney's Toy Story Land Gets a Modern Twist with Lilypad
The highly anticipated Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios is getting an upgrade with the addition of Lilypad, a frog-shaped smart tablet character from Disney and Pixar's upcoming Toy Story 5. Starting September 25th, Lilypad will become part of the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction in Toy Story Land, spinning new tracks called 'Lilypad's Jams' that blend classic Toy Story songs with modern music. But some fans are questioning whether this new addition truly belongs in Andy's backyard.
According to Disney, Lilypad will not only be a part of the Alien Swirling Saucers experience but also interact with guests outside the attraction, introducing songs, offering puzzles, and drawing through her app. While this interactive element may seem appealing, some fans feel that it disrupts the wholesome world of play that Toy Story Land is meant to evoke.
Some believe that Lilypad's introduction represents a departure from the classic toys and characters that make up Andy's backyard, and that there are other ways to tell the story of technology and its impact on children without introducing a smart tablet character. As one Disney fan noted, 'New doesn't always have to mean better, and sometimes the most magical choice is the one that reminds us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place.'