With Toy Story 5 now in theaters, there’s never been a better time to celebrate Pixar by taking aim at one of Disney’s most popular attractions—Toy Story Midway Mania! at Disney California Adventure and Toy Story Mania! at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
Whether you’re trying to beat your family, top your personal best, or finally earn bragging rights as the highest scorer in your ride vehicle, a few simple strategies can make a huge difference. While quick reflexes certainly help, many of the attraction’s biggest point opportunities come from hidden bonus targets and teamwork.
Here are some of the best tips to help you rack up an impressive score on your next ride.
Don’t Skip the Practice Round
Before the competition officially begins, you’ll enter a short practice round with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and Rex.
Although no points are awarded here, it’s the perfect opportunity to:
- Get comfortable with the spring-action shooter.
- Find your shooting rhythm.
- Adjust your aim before the real games begin.
If you’re new to the attraction, don’t waste this opportunity.
Listen to Rex
Throughout the attraction, Rex occasionally offers hints about each game.
Those clues often point you toward bonus targets or special scoring opportunities, so keep your ears open while you’re focused on shooting.
Hamm & Eggs
The first game features Hamm and Buttercup as you launch eggs at barnyard targets.
Pro Tip:
Aim for the fox hiding inside the henhouse whenever Buttercup mentions it.
Successfully hitting this target opens the henhouse and releases a flood of high-value chickens worth big points.
The more often you trigger this sequence, the higher your score climbs.
Rex & Trixie’s Dino Darts
This prehistoric carnival game features balloons, dinosaurs, and hidden bonus opportunities.
Pro Tip:
Pop the three balloons located at the front of the volcano.
Doing so causes the volcano to erupt, filling the screen with valuable bonus balloons.
Afterward, work together with your ride partner to hit the flying meteors on both sides of the screen. If you’re successful, you’ll trigger a meteor shower packed with even more bonus targets.
Green Army Men Shoot Camp
Grab your baseballs and start smashing plates.
Pro Tips:
- Look for the gold plates worth 1,000 points.
- Aim for the 2,000-point plates launched into the air.
- Coordinate with your ride partner.
If both players break the special plates at the same time, you’ll unlock additional bonus targets that can dramatically increase your score.
Buzz Lightyear’s Flying Tossers
This outer-space game offers some of the highest-scoring opportunities in the entire attraction.
Don’t Miss These Targets
Watch for the green Aliens flying in saucers behind the central rocket.
Each one is worth 5,000 points, making them some of the most valuable targets you’ll encounter.
Unlock the Secret Robot
At the beginning of the round, work together with your ride partner to quickly ring every Alien sitting on the central rocket.
If you succeed, you’ll unlock a hidden bonus round featuring a giant robot.
Aim for the robot’s mouth every time it opens to score massive points.
Woody’s Rootin’ Tootin’ Shootin’ Gallery
The final game is packed with bonus opportunities.
You’ll throw suction-cup darts at western-themed targets before moving into a fast-paced bonus round.
Bonus Tips
Try to hit every target at least once before your vehicle moves on.
If both riders successfully clear the gallery together, additional bonus targets appear across the screen.
During the mine sequence:
- Shoot the mine carts.
- Watch for bats flying overhead.
- Save enough energy for the giant bonus target at the end.
This final target rapidly increases in value with every successful hit, making it one of your last chances to dramatically boost your final score.
Pace Yourself
Toy Story Mania! can be surprisingly physical.
Many experienced riders actually switch shooting arms during the final game to avoid fatigue and maintain speed during the bonus round.
Your arm will thank you.
Teamwork Makes a Difference
While you’re technically competing against your ride partner, several of the attraction’s biggest bonuses require both players working together.
Coordinating your shots often leads to much higher scores than simply trying to outshoot the person sitting next to you.
Watch Your Final Score
At the end of the attraction, you’ll receive your final score along with a virtual prize based on your performance.
The attraction also displays:
- Best in Vehicle
- Top score of the hour
- Top score of the day
- Top score of the month
There’s nothing quite like seeing your name—or at least your score—at the top of the leaderboard.
Ready to Beat Your High Score?
Toy Story Mania! continues to be one of the most replayable attractions at Disney Parks, combining friendly competition, hidden secrets, and plenty of Pixar charm into one unforgettable ride. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who’s ridden dozens of times, there’s always a new strategy to try and another high score waiting to be beaten.
So the next time you step into Andy’s bedroom, grab your spring-action shooter, keep an eye out for those hidden bonus targets, and remember—sometimes working together is the fastest path to victory. Good luck, and may your next trip earn you the coveted “Best in Vehicle” title!
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