Disney World has announced a lot of changes for all four theme parks, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Now, we already knew that Muppets Courtyard, which closed recently, will become a new Monsters, Inc. land with a brand new ride. We also know that the Muppets will take over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
However, Disney just recently dropped a ton of news about Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard, and we’re breaking down all the biggest announcements for you.
The Magic of Disney Animation
Star Wars Launch Bay will be transformed into “The Magic of Disney Animation, “a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. The story of the space is that the Disney animators have briefly stepped away, so the characters have come to life in their absence.
This new space will offer new opportunities to interact with Disney animation, as well as its different studio departments. Disney promises that portraits will come to life, and an experience to learn how to draw a Disney character sketch will be available. Disney also mentioned there would be character greetings.
Return of Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat
Remember that giant Mickey Sorcerer Hat that used to be at the front of Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Well, it’s coming back…sort of. It will sit on top of the building that houses “The Magic of Disney Animation” reminiscent of the sorcerer hat you’ll find at the real building in California.
Disney says the sorcerer hat will “cast a spell with pixie dust.”
Drawn to Wonderland
A new playground will be added to the space called “Drawn to Wonderland.” This space will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.
The area will take inspiration from art inspired by Alice in Wonderland by Disney Legend Mary Blair.
The Walt Disney Studios
The area around Star Wars Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard, is also changing. It will become “The Walt Disney Studios” and have buildings inspired by the real studios in Burbank. That includes Studio Theater, which will remain the home of “The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure.”
The soundstage will have a fresh Disney Jr. show. Disney promises the area will have lush trees (aka shade) plus “you never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass,” which makes it sound like there will be some fun character interactions there, too.
Opening Date
Most importantly, all of these changes are set to happen pretty quickly. Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will be closing on September 25th, 2025.
Disney has revealed an opening timeline for the new area, too: next year in 2026.
We’ll be keeping an eye out for updates, so check back with AllEars again soon for more.
Wait…Is Disney Getting Rid of this ICONIC Part of Hollywood Studios?
What do you think of these announcements? Let us know in the comments!
I support this change. It sounds great. I would like to know to where the Star Wars character meet and greets and the museum displays would move ( hopefully somewhere in Galaxy’s Edge) and what the Disney VISA character change would be.
As Long as Doc McStuffins Stays at Hollywood and Vine, then that’s okay.
Hopefully she and the other Disney Junior characters move back to Echo Lake.
I saw that Doc McStuffins and the others will be at the Disney Junior Jam (MNSSHP) and the Disney Junior Jingle Jam (Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party) in the end of 2025.