A Disney World Land Permanently CLOSED Today. Here's Why — And What's Replacing It

An entire area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has CLOSED forever!

Former Animation Courtyard entrance

The end of an era has come to a close for a long-standing land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The news of its closing shocked us all when plans for re-theming the land were announced just a few short months ago, but now that it’s here, it’s evidence that hits a little different.

We knew the end was drawing near for this land within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, but that doesn’t mean that its absence stings any less. Walking into the park this morning, we were already mentally preparing ourselves for what awaited us with the now-closed Animation Courtyard.

Walls

This land of the park was where Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, Disney Jr. character meet and greets, AND Star Wars Launch Bay called home. Now, when you come to visit, you’re met with construction walls up that cover the now extinct attractions.

All walled up

And they’re fairly extensive! Just take a look around. As you walk further back into what was Animation Courtyard, you’ll find that the entire area has been completely walled off.

Walls as far as we can see

This is covering the areas that were used for the retired experiences in order to make way for the new ones.

Walls for days

And the walls keep going even near the side of The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, which has just recently reopened and will continue to stay open during the update to the land.

Walls as you enter the former courtyard

The park’s map also shows the experiences removed from the available offerings within Disney’s Hollywood Studios, too.

Animation Courtyard had to close to make way for the new land set to occupy this space, The Walt Disney Studios. Inside, we’ll find returned fan-favorites like The Magic Of Disney Animation experience (where we can learn to draw Disney characters with animators), returned meet and greets with beloved characters, and even an Alice In Wonderland themed playground for younger kids.

©Disney

However, we’re not completely cut off from all of the experiences we once enjoyed in this area. Darth Vader’s meet and greet (which you previously could meet at Star Wars Launch Bay) has been relocated near Star Tours near Echo Lake.

Meeting times for Darth Vader are also listed within My Disney Experience, so you’ll know when to anticipate his next meeting times.

These can change, so be sure to check My Disney Experience on the day of your visit ©Disney

We actually caught him out during his first meeting time in the new location. You’ll have to go past the entrance to Star Tours and look for the Cast Members in blue near Tatooine Traders. That is where you’ll be directed to enter the queue. It’s a little inconspicuous, but the wait for the meet and greet is at least shaded from the sun.

Darth Vader at his new meeting spot

If you’re a Chewbacca fan and are looking for your opportunity to see him and snap a few photos, you’ll find him hanging around the Millennium Falcon throughout the day at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. His appearances are also listed within the My Disney Experience app.

Hey, Chewie!

As of now, we’re not sure that BB-8 has plans to relocate within the park. However, that doesn’t mean that he couldn’t show up in the near future somewhere.

We’ll continue to keep watch over the new construction as The Walt Disney Studios comes along at the park. Be sure to stay tuned with us at AllEars for the latest updates.

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Will you miss Animation Courtyard, or are you more excited to see The Walt Disney Studios at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!