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11h ago

Disney’s Hollywood Studios to Close Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard for The Magic of Disney Animation

Construction is underway on a 2026 attraction reviving the park’s original animation studio theme through immersive activities, nostalgic set design, character sketching workshops, meet-and-greets, a Mary Blair-inspired playground.

© Disney Experiences
Walt Disney World has announced changes coming to the Animation Courtyard area of Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park. (Walt Disney Co.0
Credit: Michael Gray, Flickr

Overview

  • Disney confirmed that Star Wars: Launch Bay, Disney Jr. Play and Dance! and the existing Animation Courtyard will permanently close on September 24, 2025.
  • The Magic of Disney Animation, set to open in 2026, will reimagine the courtyard as a version of Walt Disney Studios in Burbank with themed studio departments.
  • A smaller Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat will return atop the new animation building as a nod to the park’s early 2000s iconography.
  • Guests will be invited to try hands-on experiences including live sketching lessons, portraits that come to life, interactive character meet-and-greets and an indoor “Drawn to Wonderland” playground inspired by Mary Blair’s art.
  • This project forms part of Disney’s broader multi-billion-dollar initiative to modernize its parks by blending nostalgia-driven design with interactive, immersive entertainment.