There’s A LOT of construction happening around Disney World right now, but over in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you’ll find construction walls galore, rivaled only by Magic Kingdom. What you see below is a photo of the famous Disney’s Hollywood Studios arch by the Animation Courtyard. Take a good, long look at it, because the area looks VERY different now.
We’re looking forward to the new additions of Monstropolis and The Walt Disney Studios, but we know we’ll be seeing a lot of these walls while the transformations are underway. In fact, construction at Animation Courtyard has taken a MAJOR step forward, because one of the most iconic parts of Hollywood Studios is now GONE!
When we walked into Disney’s Hollywood Studios and took a look over at the construction walls, we realized our view beyond the walls was different. That’s because the big Hollywood Studios arch is TOTALLY GONE!
At the angle we can see, it doesn’t even look like any part of the arch is left over, so it looks like it was just plucked out of the ground and taken elsewhere (or demolished). That thing was NOT small!
In fact, here’s an aerial overview of the site, courtesy of @bioreconstruct on X.
Aerial photo of the where the gateway arch was demolished in Disney's Hollywood Studios. pic.twitter.com/SGlwmqT2ZE
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 18, 2025
We cannot believe that a part of the park we’ve walked under for so many years is completely gone. Personally, I have to admit that I already miss it a bit.
Based on the concept art released for the new Walt Disney Studios section of the park, the arch was never part of the new design, but we were curious to see if it would remain just outside the concept art rendering. Now it’s safe to say that the iconic arch will not be part of the reimagining.
Another view of the construction shows that the sign for Star Wars Launch Bay is gone, and several construction vehicles are set up to work on the transformation.
Aerial photo of demolition in the animation courtyard of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay sign removed. Also the gateway arch, at bottom left. pic.twitter.com/FGafWjFGB7
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) October 18, 2025
You can also check out the concept art for the land and new additions right on the construction walls, which we feel is really helpful, so guests can see what’s on the way.
As a little reminder, the old home of Star Wars: Launch Bay closed to make way for a new attraction called The Magic of Disney Animation. Disney says, “In 2026, the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. Topping the building will be Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real building in California!), which will cast a spell with pixie dust.”
The entire courtyard will be reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank. This nod to the Walt Disney Studios Lot includes a version of the Studio Theater (which will continue to house The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure) as well as the soundstage, where you’ll find a fresh show for kids.
The Magic of Disney Animation — Animated characters will “come to life” in this new space where you can watch portraits interact, see a short film, and even learn to draw Disney character sketches. Additionally:
- A new Drawn to Wonderland playground area will be available for small children, “filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.”
- Disney Junior Play & Dance will receive a fresh version.
- Character Greetings – You will be able to meet Disney Characters, including ones from current or recent movies!
©Disney
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Be sure to stay tuned to AllEars — we’ll keep you updated on all the latest and greatest Disney World news to prepare for your upcoming trip.
Everything We Know About The Walt Disney Studios coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!
Are you looking forward to this new addition? Tell us in the comments!
While i do miss the arch, i always found it a bit of a choke point in an odd way, so not gonna lie – looking forward to having that area a bit more open for walking around.
Hoping for Doc McStuffins to have a Comeback.