Dinner and a movie: Disney’s ‘Toy Story’

Dinner and a movie Toy Story
Photo credit: Disney

We get it; we really do. You’ve had a long week and you’re exhausted. It would be so tempting just to toss some leftovers in the microwave and let everyone do their own thing. And we’re not saying you should never do that. We’ve all been there, Mama (and surely will be again soon).

But family night is important, too — and in the immortal words of Woody, you should reach for the sky. So, lasso your little ones and get ready for a rootin’ tootin’ good time! You’ll be everyone’s favorite deputy when you cue up Disney’s “Toy Story” and serve a meal inspired by the fictional inhabitants of Andy’s room.

Dress the part

When you’re a member of Woody’s posse, you need to dress the part. So, round up your best western wear: cowboy (or girl) boots, a button-up shirt, some Wrangler jeans and, naturally, your trusty hat. If you’re into method acting, hang a coiled lasso from your belt loop and randomly rope people throughout the night.

If you’re more out-of-this-world than the wild west ranger, feel free to break out a spacesuit. Or, you know, a NASA t-shirt would probably suffice, too.

Dinner and a movie Toy Story
Photo credit: Disney

Get your “Toy Story” on

Before you can start chowing down, you have to get the movie ready:

MOVIE: “Toy Story,” the original (Don’t have it? Get it at Amazon or see more options)
RUNNING TIME: 1 hour, 21 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE: 1995
RATING: G
STARRING: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles

Dinner and a movie: Your “Toy Story” menu

And now, for our feature presentation… get your grub on with these mighty fine eats.

Beverage: Some classic RC Cola

First up? Thirst-quenchers. You’d be missing a real opportunity if you failed to put some RC Colas on ice in honor of — you guessed it — RC the toy car.

Beverage: Blueberry rooibos iced tea

And since you’re headed to infini-tea and beyond, this caffeine-free (and, therefore, kid-friendly) blueberry rooibos iced tea from Salu Salo Recipes should keep everyone hydrated for the trip through hyperspace.

MORE: Pomegranate and lemon spritzer

Dinner and a movie blueberry rooibos iced tea
Photo credit: Salu Salo

Beverage: A tall drink of sparkling water

Then again, your offspring might actually sprout wings and blast off if they have too much added sugar. After a taste of the sweet stuff, switch them to Savory Spin’s fruit-infused sparkling water. Call it “rocket fuel” and you can even avoid watching your well-mannered kid turn into Sid.

Dinner and a movie sparkling water
Photo credit: Savory Spin

Appetizer: Copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls, y’all

While we don’t know for sure where Woody hails from, we’d be willing to bet our boots this cowboy came from Texas. If anyone can appreciate an appetizer like copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls with cinnamon honey butter, it’s him.

Dinner and a movie copycat Texas Roadhouse rolls
Photo credit: Thanksgiving

Entrée: Pizza Planet fondue

You can’t very well throw a “Toy Story”-themed dinner without reppin’ Pizza Planet. This inspired pepperoni fondue from Disney Family is so tasty it’ll make everyone say, “Golly bob howdy!” And, honestly, who would pass up an opportunity to eat alien heads dunked in gooey cheese?

Dinner and a movie Toy Story Pizza Planet fondue
Photo credit: Disney Family

Entrée: Fried “Hamm” and cheese rolls

If the fondue isn’t a hit with the under 6 set, you can always fall (with style) back on a fail-safe — ham and cheese, a duo as iconic as Woody and Buzz. And, just FYI, these fried sammies from Apron and Sneakers taste even better if you refer to them as “Hamm” and cheese rolls.

Dinner and a movie fried ham and cheese rolls
Photo credit: Apron and Sneakers

MORE: Easy steak and peppers

Side Dish: Lumberjack (or should we say cowboy?) beans

This dish may be dubbed lumberjack baked beans, but let’s look at the cold, hard facts. They’re baked beans, for starters. Plus, both bacon and a sweet-savory BBQ-like sauce make the ingredient list. So, you know what? We’re reclaiming them for Woody. Cowboy beans, it is!

Dinner and a movie lumberjack baked beans
Photo credit: Thanksgiving

Side Dish: Tex-Mex mashed potatoes

These are nacho average mashed potatoes. They’ve got some Southwestern flair, thanks to a blend of tomatoes, cilantro, black beans, bell peppers and taco seasoning. We have no doubt Woody would approve, but — shhh! — it’s probably best not to mention this side around Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head.

Dinner and a movie Tex-mex mashed potatoes
Photo credit: Thanksgiving

Side Dish: Autumn chopped kale and spinach salad

Wondering where the vegetables are? Look no further. This autumn chopped kale and spinach salad provides a nice pop of nutrients. Hand your kids a set of tongs and let them go wild operating “the claaaaaaaw.”

Dinner and a movie autumn chopped salad
Photo credit: Thanksgiving

Dessert: Big chocolate birthday cake

Happy birthday to … Andy, of course! Had it not been for his special day, the world never would have met Buzz Lightyear (and what a sad world that would be). So, top off your “Toy Story” dinner with this big chocolate birthday cake. And if you want your family to think you can lasso the moon, plan ahead and order freeze-dried ice cream like astronauts eat.

Dinner and a movie chocolate cake
Photo credit: Thanksgiving

Bonus! Activity

Should you decide your kids have been good enough to delay their rendezvous with Star Command — aka go to bed — you might consider an after-dinner craft. We recommend Momdot’s DIY Nebula slime, otherwise known as galactic goo from the Gamma Quadrant.

Dinner and a movie nebula slime
Photo credit: Momdot