### A Comprehensive Review of the Toy Story Hotel at Tokyo Disney Resort
The **Toy Story Hotel** at Tokyo Disney Resort has been a polarizing addition to the property’s lineup of accommodations. Initially, I was skeptical about its design, joking that it resembled either a children’s hospital or a colorful prison. My assumption was that the hotel’s vibrant aesthetic was getting a pass from fans simply because of their love for the *Toy Story* franchise. Much like the *Toy Story* Lands across Disney parks, which are often praised despite being somewhat underwhelming in execution, I expected the hotel to follow a similar pattern. However, after staying there, I’m happy to admit I was wrong—this hotel is surprisingly good.
### Overview and Location
The **Toy Story Hotel** is a moderate-tier accommodation with 595 rooms, including 575 standard rooms and 20 superior rooms. It offers streamlined facilities, bridging the gap between Tokyo Disney Resort’s deluxe and value hotels.
This is the first non-deluxe Disney-branded hotel on the monorail loop at any Disney park worldwide. Located across from Bayside Station, it sits alongside other nearby hotels like the Hilton Tokyo Bay, Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay, and Hotel Okura. While its location is more convenient than the off-site Tokyo Disney Celebration Hotel (which requires a bus ride to the parks), it doesn’t quite match the prime positioning of Hotel MiraCosta, Tokyo Disneyland Hotel, or the upcoming Fantasy Springs Hotel, all of which are directly integrated with the parks.
Interestingly, the entrance to the new Fantasy Springs area at Tokyo DisneySea is near Bayside Station, adjacent to the Toy Story Hotel. However, guests staying at the Toy Story Hotel cannot use this entrance, even for exiting, which can be frustrating. This restriction highlights some of the rigid rules often encountered in Japan, turning what could have been a quick five-minute walk into a 30-minute ordeal involving a monorail ride.
### Arrival and Theming
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Cast Members who verify room keys at the entrance. The hotel’s story is that Andy has created this toy-themed hotel for his toys to stay and play while he’s away at Cowboy Camp. From the moment you step onto the property, you’re immersed in a world where you feel like an honorary toy.
The exterior features oversized *Toy Story* characters like Buzz Lightyear and Jessie in Slinky Dog Park, a playful area perfect for photo opportunities. The hotel’s parking structure, RC Racer Garage, is cleverly themed but lacks the oversized toy aesthetic, which might break the illusion for some.
### Lobby and Common Areas
The **lobby** is a colorful, toy-filled space that exceeded my expectations. It features slot cars racing overhead, a giant Bo Peep game board on the ceiling, and puzzle-piece flooring. The centerpiece is an oversized Lite Brite-style display behind the front desk, which makes a strong first impression. While check-in can be slow, the vibrant surroundings help pass the time.
Toy Friends Square, a garden accessible from the lobby, features oversized *Toy Story* characters like Woody and Bo Peep. This area is a hit with families, as children often treat it like a playground.
### Rooms
The **guest rooms** are inspired by Andy’s bedroom from the first *Toy Story* film, complete with the iconic blue sky and white cloud wallpaper. The theming extends to Woody’s Roundup-inspired headboards, a giant Mickey Mouse wristwatch on the wall, and other toy-like furnishings.
Standard rooms accommodate up to three guests with two regular beds and a trundle bed, while superior rooms can host up to four guests with three regular beds and a pull-down bed. While the rooms are thematically stellar, they lack sufficient storage space, which can be a challenge for larger parties.
The bathrooms are divided into three sections: a shower room, a sink area, and a toilet room. The shower room includes both a bathtub and a standard shower, a common setup in Japanese hotels. The toilet features a high-tech Japanese bidet with heated seats, which is always a highlight for visitors unfamiliar with this luxury.
### Dining: Lotso Garden Café
The hotel’s sole restaurant, **Lotso Garden Café**, is a buffet-style eatery inspired by Lotso from *Toy Story 3*. Open for breakfast and dinner, the café features colorful murals and offers views of Tokyo Bay. The buffet includes a mix of Japanese, Chinese, and American cuisine, with a variety of meats, noodles, curries, salads, and desserts. Surprisingly, this buffet outshines those at Tokyo Disneyland Hotel and Hilton Tokyo Bay. However, the coffee leaves much to be desired.
Currently, Lotso Garden Café is exclusive to Toy Story Hotel guests, which adds to its appeal but limits access for those staying elsewhere.
### Amenities
The hotel includes a convenience store-like gift shop where guests can purchase packaged foods and practical items. The hotel’s two wings are themed to Buzz Lightyear and Woody’s Roundup, with bright colors and whimsical designs continuing throughout the corridors and elevators.
### Who Should Stay Here?
Whether the Toy Story Hotel is right for you depends on your budget, travel companions, and priorities.
– **Families with children** will likely love the hotel’s bold, colorful design and overt *Toy Story* theming. It’s a playful and immersive experience that appeals to younger guests and fans of the franchise.
– **Adults or couples** visiting primarily for Tokyo DisneySea’s renowned themed design might find the hotel lacking in sophistication. While the hotel is charming, it doesn’t offer the transportive, immersive theming of Tokyo DisneySea or the luxuriousness of Hotel MiraCosta.
### Alternatives
If budget isn’t a concern, **Hotel MiraCosta** and **Tokyo Disneyland Hotel** remain the top-tier options at Tokyo Disney Resort. These deluxe hotels offer unparalleled theming and luxury, making them worth the splurge for those seeking a premium experience.
For those on a tighter budget, the **Hilton Tokyo Bay** and **Sheraton Grande Tokyo Bay** are excellent alternatives. These hotels are located on the monorail loop, offer stunning views, and provide exceptional service. The Hilton Tokyo Bay, in particular, is a favorite for its business-class amenities and value for money.
### Final Thoughts
The Toy Story Hotel is a delightful addition to Tokyo Disney Resort’s lineup, especially for families and fans of the *Toy Story* franchise. While it doesn’t match the immersive design of Tokyo DisneySea or the luxury of the resort’s deluxe hotels, it excels at what it sets out to do—creating a whimsical, toy-filled world that speaks to the inner child in all of us. For its price point and location, it’s a solid choice for many visitors, and it might just surprise you with its charm and attention to detail.
Source: disneytouristblog.com