Disney Unveils Slinky Dog Dash Roller Coaster To Celebrate National Slinky Day

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Disney’s Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster (Photo Credit: Disney)

Most toys are fads that last a few years, or even months, before they get replaced by the next craze. However, the Slinky – the pre-compressed coil of wire, or plastic, which can “walk” on its own – has been entertaining children and nostalgic adults for over 70 years! It is therefore not surprising to hear that every August 30, fans across the U.S. celebrate this iconic toy with a National Slinky Day!

This year, the folks at Disney have made the event extra special by unveiling the new Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster at the Hollywood Studios theme park at Florida’s Walt Disney World Resort. The family ride is themed as though Andy Davis, one of the main characters in the Toy Story movies, created it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit. Set to open in Summer 2018, the attraction draws inspiration from the film’s namesake dachshund, who has a metal Slinky for a body. It is designed to take full advantage of the coils, assuring riders an exciting journey, complete with sharp drops and sudden turns. Slinky Dog Dash will be one of two new rides park visitors can look forward to in the newly expanded Toy Story Land. The second attraction is inspired by the Alien Swirling Saucers play set Andy received from Pizza Planet, in the first Toy Story film.

Disney’s Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster (Photo Credit: Disney)

Like many great inventions, the Slinky was invented accidentally. In 1943, Richard James, a naval mechanical engineer was trying to create a spring that would keep delicate ship equipment steady at sea. One day, he unwittingly dropped some samples off a shelf and watched in astonishment as they landed gracefully, with a “spring” in their steps, instead of crashing on the ground.

Believing the springs would make a great toy, he and his wife Betty, who came up with the name, borrowed $500 USD to manufacture the first Slinkys. In 1945, the inventors were allowed to demonstrate the toy at Gimbels department store in Philadelphia. To their delight, the entire inventory of 400 was sold within 90 minutes, and the rest, as they say, is history. An estimated 250 million units of the classic toy, which was inducted into the “National Toy Hall of Fame” in 2000, have been sold since, and the numbers continue to grow. While James made the Slinky by coiling 80-feet of wire into a 2-inch spiral, the toy now comes in many different sizes, colors, and materials. Some light up, others make sounds, and one lucky Slinky even gets to go on adventures with his Toy Story friends!

Happy National Slinky Day!

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613 Comments
  • slay5934
    slay59342 months
    I am going to Disney World tomorrow for 10 days.
    • talkaboutbruno
      talkaboutbrunoalmost 2 years
      Cool! This August, I'm going to all of the four Disney theme parks, and we'll be there for EIGHT FULL DAYS!!! I love Disney World, and all of the Disney movies, too! First, we'll spend days one and two at EPCOT, then spend days three and four at Magic Kingdom Park, then spend days five and six doing other fun stuff like swimming at the Beach House Resort (Where were staying), and lastly, we'll spend days seven and eight at Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios! I just, SO, CAN'T WAIT AT ALL, ANYMORE!!!!
      • ditz
        ditzover 2 years
        Any time I would get in line it would break down so I have never gone on it.
        • kowevenohuvu
          kowevenohuvuover 2 years
          I went to disney before and went on this ride. Its so fun. I'm not really a fan of roller costars but this one is kinda fun!
          • mh249006
            mh249006almost 3 years
            I sat on that like 5 times because i went to Disney world if you have went to Disney world
            • unicornpuppy10
              unicornpuppy10almost 3 years
              i think its cool and cringe in a good way
              • alexmorgan12
                alexmorgan12almost 3 years
                My family is such huge fans of toy story and this is 4 minutes from where we are
              • pusheenicorn
                pusheenicornabout 3 years
                I luv slinky. I have one. Haiku about slinky: Bouncy and Springy. So much fun and very bouncy. Give me one right now. 😁
                • levi099
                  levi099over 3 years
                  I love slinky and woody from his friends!!! Hi
                  • taffywaffy
                    taffywaffyover 3 years
                    I have been on it 2 years ago,It was more exiting than everrrr!!!