So long, partner! Jessie has officially stepped into the spotlight at Disneyland Paris, taking over Woody's regular meet-and-greet location at Animation Celebration in Disney Adventure World's World Premiere Plaza.

According to DLP Report, the swap was confirmed on July 17, 2026:

📍 Jessie has now replaced Woody at Animation Celebration

Everyone's favorite yodeling cowgirl is now available daily from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at that location.

Jessie Takes Center Stage — On Screen and In the Parks

The timing of this change is no coincidence. Toy Story 5 (2026) arrived in theaters last month, and for the first time in the franchise's history, Jessie (voiced by Joan Cusack) leads the story rather than Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen). In the film, the cowgirl faces off against a tablet called Lilypad (Greta Lee) as she tries to help owner Bonnie (Scarlett Spears) make friends.

Woody and Buzz are present but take on supporting roles — a shift so notable that some critics questioned whether Tom Hanks was even necessary. Interestingly, director Andrew Stanton initially drafted the story without Woody entirely, wanting to test whether it could stand on its own. Ultimately, the filmmakers decided it couldn't, feeling the movie lacked its emotional core without the cowboy. Still, Jessie remains front and center in the film's marketing — and now, at the parks too.

Plenty of Toy Story Magic Still at Disneyland Paris

While Woody may have vacated his usual meet-and-greet spot, there's still no shortage of Toy Story fun across Disneyland Paris. Here's where guests can still get their fix:

• Toy Story Playland features RC Racer, Toy Soldiers Parachute Drop, and Slinky Dog Zigzag Spin, plus giant statues of Buzz Lightyear and Rex.
• Buzz Lightyear Laser Blast is still up and running in Disneyland Park.
• Disney Stars on Parade features Woody, Jessie, and Buzz — though costumed characters have sporadically been removed from the parade recently due to extreme heat.
• TOGETHER: a Pixar Musical Adventure at Disney Adventure World includes the Toy Story franchise, though it will be on a scheduled break from August 3 to September 30, 2026.

Disneyland Paris is also celebrating Toy Story 5 through September 30 with special character encounters, a Pizza Planet truck hunt, themed snacks, and exclusive collectibles — so Woody may still pop up elsewhere around the resort even without his regular spot.

What do you think of Disney swapping Woody for Jessie at Animation Celebration? Let us know in the comments!