We got to go to a preview today (Cast Members and their guests) and I actually liked the land a lot more than I thought I was going to. I went in with pretty low expectations, but it didn't look nearly as 'budget cuts' as I thought it was going to. The walkway from the current
Pixar Place into Toy Story Land is, as someone else put it, very bland, and I kind of feel like they could have done something (or anything really) more with that space - but once you get into the land itself, there's a lot to look at. It's not a particularly huge space but I think they've done a pretty good job with the themed elements they have. I'll be honest - I forgot I was supposed to be feeling like I was a toy in a back yard, I didn't really get that feeling at all, but I did like how bright and colorful everything was. We were in TSL just over three hours, and at points it was virtually empty - I kept telling my kids that they needed to remember it like this because it would be a while before it looked this way again!
We rode Slinky Dog about seven times (I think, I lost track somewhere) and again, way better than I thought it would be. I'd actually put it on a par with a much shorter version of Big Thunder Mountain (I don't know if it's actually shorter, it just felt shorter) - those hills really have some height to them (pretty good views over the construction going on for Star Wars!) and the launches felt much faster than they looked when we were watching. We literally had the coaster to ourselves on two different rides so we asked to sit at the front, and on that first turn after the first launch (the one high up in the air) you really feel the angle of that curve sitting at the front. I loved seeing Wheezy at the end, that was really cute. My 5-year old absolutely loved it, he would have kept riding over and over if we hadn't dragged him away. I had really though it would be a kiddie coaster but I ended up liking it a lot.
Alien Swirling Saucers - not so much. I mean, it's a cute little ride, kind of like the teacups, and my 2-year old LOVED it (like, laughing hysterically every time we got flung around!) But even my 5-year old had had enough after two rides (we ended up riding about five times I think, just because my 2-year old loved it so much and there was no line for most of the time we were there). One thing I hadn't expected - it is NOT a smooth ride! It's very juddery and bumpy, almost everyone getting off the ride commented on it being uncomfortable. If you have back or neck issues triggered by sudden jerks or bumps, I'd consider sitting this one out, or at least watch it first. This is a ride I can see little kids loving, the parents not so much. I definitely wouldn't wait more than 15 minutes for it.
Which brings me to the queues. I think it's safe to say that lines are going to be looooong for these rides, and the queues are BRUTAL. When we were there it was 90 degrees and very humid, and even with the five minutes wait times we had, it was incredibly uncomfortable. I deal with the heat pretty well, but in some parts of the queue there was just no air and it was stifling. There were a few fans here and there but not nearly enough (although each ride did have a water fountain at some point in the queue) and at the loading/unloading dock for Slinky, the Cast Members looked like they were melting. I really feel for people who get stuck in 2-hour long lines this summer, that's not going to be a fun wait at all.
Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Green Army Men (every one of which we met was actually female, which I thought was cool!) were walking around, although I don't know if that was just for the preview and they'll have a set spot for meet and greets once the land opens. We couldn't take photos so mostly the interaction with them was just high fives and hugs, after a while I thought they seemed a bit bored.
All in all, it exceeded my (admittedly low) expectations. I don't think I'll be going back any time soon now we've gotten to ride the rides, although I might swing by to take some photos. Let me know if you have any questions!