Get ready to have your childhood memories catapulted into the present because Disney has quietly brought back a beloved Toy Story treasure—but with a twist! The iconic Space Crane toy is back, rebranded and ready to reignite your nostalgia. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably noticed that Disney merchandise is everywhere—from mugs to mouse ears, there’s no escaping the magic. But while I sometimes think we’ve hit peak Disney saturation, I can’t help but cheer for the return of this classic. Toy Story wasn’t just a movie for me; it was a gateway to imagination, and in my book, it’s the undisputed champion of Pixar’s franchise legacy. The Pizza Planet truck and the Space Crane scene? Still vivid in my mind decades later. So, when I heard this toy was making a comeback, it was like hearing an old friend had moved back to town.
But here’s where it gets controversial: This isn’t the first time this toy has landed on store shelves. Originally launched as a Disney Parks exclusive in 2022 under a different name, it’s now back with what appears to be the same design—right down to the joystick and claw mechanism. You can still find the older version on Amazon, but the new one quietly dropped at the Disney Store in January 2025, almost like it was waiting for fans to rediscover it. And this is the part most people miss—while the original included sound effects like the unforgettable “Ooh, the Claw!”, it’s unclear if this version keeps them. For now, it’s a fully functional claw game shaped like a rocket ship, complete with 10 little aliens to rescue. Perfect for reliving those Toy Story moments, right?
Speaking of Toy Story, mark your calendars because 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for fans. Toy Story 5 hits theaters on June 19, and with it comes a wave of new merchandise. Rumor has it LEGO might release a Slinky Dog-themed book nook—a dream come true for collectors like me. With only three LEGO book nooks released so far, this could be the next must-have item. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves—first, we’ve got this Space Crane to play with.
Now, here’s my question for you: Is Disney overdoing it with the nostalgia factor, or is this exactly what fans want? And more importantly, will the new Toy Story film live up to the legacy of its predecessors? Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’m all ears!
