At a glance
This ride is a themed take on the classic carnival caterpillar ride, with riders seated inside the coils of Slinky’s body. The vehicle, shaped like the spring-bodied dog from Toy Story, goes around in circles on a track that isn’t flat. The course rises and dips slightly to copy the motion of a dog trying to catch his own tail.
Everything happens in a giant backyard setting, with play props that make you feel toy-sized. Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin stays at ground level and runs at a steady speed, with no sudden drops and no sharp bursts of acceleration.
It’s a very visual and noisy ride, set to the dog’s barks and the sound of springs. The thrills are mild, limited to a sideways sway from the centrifugal force in the turns. It’s an ideal ride for little ones who want to start trying something a bit faster than a regular carousel.
The beginner coaster of Toy Story Playland. Slinky the dog loops around and around a circular track, with small bursts of speed suited to young kids. Light thrills, ideal for a very first roller coaster. Andy’s room-style scenery full of oversized toys is fun to look at while you wait in line.
History
Opened on August 17, 2010 in the Toy Story Playland area, Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin is a spinning ride based on the Slinky Dog character from Toy Story. Like the other rides in this area, it was later reproduced at Hong Kong Disneyland (2011) and Shanghai Disneyland (2016).
Technical specs
- Duration
- 1 min 30
- Opened
- 2010
- Type Junior coaster
- Opening date August 17, 2010
- Ride time 1 min 30
- Number of vehicles 17
- Riders per vehicle 3
- Design Walt Disney Imagineering
- Manufacturer Intamin
Theme & world
Levels & accessibility
- Fear level none
- Thrill level moderate
- Emotional impact moderate
- Perceived wait moderate
- Height requirement None (open to everyone)
- Recommended age all ages
- Wheelchair access must transfer from wheelchair
- Pregnant visitors not recommended
Premier Access, Single Rider, PhotoPass
Not offered on this ride.
This ride has no Single Rider line. If you want to cut your wait, rely on Premier Access or get there at park opening.
No PhotoPass on this ride.
Usually open during this early slot before the park opens to the public, mainly for Disney hotel guests and Disneyland Pass Gold holders. A good time to ride it with a shorter wait.
Who it’s made for
Pros and cons
The highlights
- Colorful, immersive theming that stays faithful to the Pixar world
- The line is often shorter than at the rides next door
- Open to kids of every age, with no height requirement
The downsides
- The repetitive motion can make you dizzy
- Fairly short ride
- No cover from the weather, since the ride is outdoors
My verdict
Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin is the beginner coaster of Toy Story Playland: Slinky, the spring-bodied dog from Toy Story, chases his tail around a tilted circular track, with small bursts of speed suited to young kids. It lasts 1 min 30, has no minimum height, and offers no Premier Access. Light thrills and colorful scenery straight out of the movie.
It’s a good pick for a first taste of gentle thrill rides, and anyone can really ride it. My tip for a bit more of a thrill: sit toward the outside of the car to feel the centrifugal force as much as possible. It’s subtle, but it works. The line is often shorter than at the neighboring Toy Story Playland rides, which makes it a smart choice in peak season. Watch out for dizziness if you ride several times in a row.
Best time to go
Based on this ride’s wait time history, updated every day.
Map & getting there
Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin is in the Toy Story Playland area of the Worlds of Pixar land, close to RC Racer.
Your questions about this ride
01 How can you avoid long lines for the most popular rides?
To skip long lines at Disneyland Paris, I mix several strategies. First, Single Rider is free and really speeds things up on the rides that offer it, including Crush’s Coaster, Flight Force, Ratatouille, and Spider-Man, as long as you don’t mind boarding apart from your group. Next, Disney Premier Access is a paid service that guarantees you priority entry on the headline rides. If you’re staying at a Disney hotel, Extra Magic Time lets you into the park before official opening, and that’s the best time to ride the popular attractions back to back without waiting. Last, heading to the busiest rides during a parade or a big show empties the lines dramatically.
02 Are the wait times posted in the park accurate?
Yes, the wait times shown in the app or on the park’s screens are generally accurate. They’re often equal to or slightly longer than the real wait, which helps you plan your day better.
03 How can I find out if a ride will be under refurbishment during my vacation?
Disneyland Paris posts the list of rides closed for refurbishment on its official website several weeks ahead of time. Since the parks are open year-round, maintenance crews sometimes work on days the park is open, which leads to temporary closures. My tip: check this calendar (or the one on my blog) before you book, especially if there’s one particular ride you really care about.
04 Which rides might scare young kids?
Several rides at Disneyland Paris can be a bit much for young kids, even with no height requirement. Blanche-Neige et les Sept Nains, in Fantasyland, has dark scenes with the witch that can catch them off guard. Les Voyages de Pinocchio also has some unsettling moments. La Tanière du Dragon, beneath Sleeping Beauty Castle, is home to a very impressive animatronic dragon. Phantom Manor, in Frontierland, leans into its ghostly mood and stays pretty intense for little ones. Pirates of the Caribbean switches between cheerful scenes and darker ones. I recommend watching how your child reacts before you board.
05 How far ahead does Disneyland Paris announce ride closures?
Disneyland Paris shares its list of ride closures about 2 to 3 months ahead. For major rides, the park lets guests know about planned construction at least two months before it starts. I recommend checking the official calendar (or my dedicated page) a few weeks before your visit, since dates can change. That way you won’t get the nasty surprise of finding out on the spot that your favorite ride is closed for refurbishment.
