In an exciting turn of events, the Disney Store has subtly revived a beloved toy from the Toy Story franchise, but this time under a fresh title. For those who may not be aware, Disney boasts an extensive range of merchandise that seems to cover nearly every possible category. While some might argue that the market is oversaturated with Disney-themed products, I can't help but feel a sense of joy at the return of the Toy Story Space Crane toy.
Growing up, Toy Story was one of my all-time favorite films, and it continues to hold a special place in my heart. In fact, I would go so far as to declare it the pinnacle of Pixar’s cinematic achievements. Two memorable images from the original film that are forever etched in my mind are the iconic Pizza Planet truck and the unforgettable Space Crane scene. This actual functioning miniature crane game truly taps into my nostalgia in all the right ways.
The Toy Story Alien Crane Game: Now Back in Action
Introducing the Toy Story Alien Crane Game—complete with sound effects! Interestingly, this isn’t the first time we've encountered this delightful toy. It made its debut as a Disney Parks Exclusive back in 2022, albeit with a different name. If you're curious, you can still track down the earlier version on online platforms like Amazon. Upon reviewing some unboxing videos from that time, it appears that the new release remains virtually identical to its predecessor. Although I'm unsure when the earlier model was phased out from Disney's online shop, it seems that this fresh version quietly made its appearance at the Disney Store at the end of January 2025, just waiting for fans to rediscover it.
So, what exactly does this toy do? It's essentially a fully operational claw machine designed to resemble a small rocket ship. With a joystick, you can maneuver the claw, and by pressing a button, you can drop it to grab your prize. Included with the toy are ten little aliens that you can attempt to retrieve. The original Space Crane toy featured various sound effects, which may or may not be carried over to this new iteration. According to the product details, one of the delightful sounds you'll hear is "Ooh, the Claw!"
Exciting News in the Toy Story Universe: Toy Story 5 is Coming!
For those who don't keep a close eye on Pixar's release calendar, there's some thrilling news: Toy Story 5 is set to hit theaters this year! Scheduled for release on June 19, 2026, this film is likely to usher in a new wave of Toy Story merchandise. Rumor has it that LEGO will also unveil a Toy Story-themed book nook shaped like Slinky Dog in 2026. Given that there have only been three LEGO book nook designs so far, I genuinely hope this rumor proves to be true.
Jacob Kienlen, a seasoned Audience Development Strategist and Writer at IGN, shares his insights on these delightful developments. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, he considers the Northwest his lifelong home. With a degree in communication and over eight years of professional writing experience, Jacob explores a variety of pop culture subjects, from television series to indie games and literature.
