Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World is undergoing multiple transformations with a new Monsters Inc. land coming, a Muppets overhaul to Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster, and now a new Disney Animation experience!
Keep reading for all the details on this new experience and what it is replacing at Hollywood Studios.
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Major Overhaul Coming to Animation Courtyard
Star Wars: Launch Bay in Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World is being replaced by a new Disney animation experience and a show is closing. This is part of a large overhaul to the entire Animation Courtyard area to transform the space.
This news follows the recent closure of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer's Island at Magic Kingdom along with the Muppets Courtyard shutdown to begin construction on new Disney World projects.
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In the concept artwork above note the removal of the arch that is currently at the front of the area and the addition of the green space in what is now concrete.
“The Magic of Disney Animation” Replacing Star Wars: Launch Bay
The popular Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” is part of the inspiration for this new experience coming to Hollywood Studios that will take over Star Wars: Launch Bay.
The new family experience is called “The Magic of Disney Animation” and will allow guests to “step inside those iconic walls” of the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California and see “Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world.”
You can see the poster above for the new experience, which to me feels like getting back to the roots of Hollywood Studios which was always inspired by the creativity of the icons that created our most beloved films and characters.
The Sorcerer Hat Returns….?
For those who are unfamiliar, the Mickey Sorcerer Hat was a giant icon that was a bit controversial when it was first introduced to the park (then called “Disney's MGM Studios”) in 2001. This was a large metal hat that sat in the very center of the park.
This park icon lasted through the name change to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2008 but was removed permanently in 2015. The massive icon blocked the view of the Chinese Theatre and many guests found it a bit tacky. Or perhaps it was just in the wrong location?
When “The Magic of Disney Animation” opens, the top of the building will feature Mickey's iconic Sorcerer Hat which will “cast a spell with pixie dust.” This is based on the real building on The Walt Disney Studios Lot in California (pictured above) and a much more tasteful way to incorporate it into the park. I'm not quite sure what Disney means by “it will cast a spell with pixie dust” but I assume there will be some fun lighting or musical effects.
What Will This New Animation Experience Be Like?
The story for this space starts with guests coming into the studio after the animators have temporarily stepped away…. but the building is still “buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play.”
Guests will interact with and explore “silly takes” on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters including many different studio departments. The experience will feature some of animation's most “favorite pals” that have taken over to create fun, new adventures.
Guests will see portraits come to life just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio,” view a new short film, and learn how to “draw your own character” sketch.
Young children can explore the new “Drawn to Wonderland” playground filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area. The entire area is all inspired by “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair.
The new space will also feature plenty of character interactions. It sounds like this will be a lively character meet and greet space with fun interactive elements also. Generally we are pleased to see there is a new air conditioned kid-focused area coming to Walt Disney World.
Animation Courtyard Renamed “The Walt Disney Studios”
“The Magic of Disney Animation” will open at Hollywood Studios next year. As for Star Wars: Launch Bay, it will close permanently on September 25, 2025 to make way for this new experience. Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will also be closing permanently on this same date. Animation Courtyard will be unavailable during this transformation but access to newly improved “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will remain.
Animation Courtyard will be renamed “The Walt Disney Studios” which name takes inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank. This nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot includes the Disney World version of the Studio Theater which will continue to be home to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” As for Disney Junior, a new and “fresh” Disney Jr. show will take place over at the “soundstage” when the area reopens in 2026.
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Here's a look at the current area as it stands today via Google Maps.
The entire area is going to be transformed. The concept art shows the removal of the large arch and a new green space with trees. This is going to be a major improvement for Hollywood Studios. This is another addition alongside the new Monsters, Inc. land, Muppets roller coaster coming soon, and the new Star Wars experiences coming next summer.
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