PHOTOS: Tour the New Land That Just Opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

It is a BUSY DAY to be in Disney World! Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster starring the Muppets is open, Soarin’ Across America has taken flight, and Bluey moved into Animal Kingdom.

It’s not just about the rides, though! A brand new land has finally opened in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and we are feeling all kinds of nostalgia.

The courtyard section of The Walt Disney Studios is officially open in Disney’s Hollywood Studios! The newest land has been a big topic of conversation since it was announced in July 2025. The best part of this land? Mickey’s sorcerer hat is back!

The new area is doing a phased opening, so what you see today isn’t all the land will have to offer! This new area is a “special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot” in Burbank, California. In Hollywood Studios, Disney has promised the characters will “leap off the screen and into our world.” The new land is still home to The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents, but will also see the addition of the The Magic of Disney Animation and the Drawn to Wonderland playground.

Thanks to the first phase of this opening, the newly revamped Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show and the outdoor courtyard are now available to guests!  The outdoor courtyard is a spot filled with trees and spots for all guests to relax and play.

The Magic of Disney Animation, the Drawn to Wonderland playground, and  Olaf Draws are all parts of the land that will be opening later this summer. Inside the Magic of Disney Animation, you’ll find Olaf Draws, which will be new animation classes hosted by Olaf. In the classes, you will watch Disney animators on a screen as you learn how to draw some famous characters.

You’ll also find “Off the Page.” This will be a new meet and greet area where you can meet several Disney characters across “six unique departments from the animation studio.”  Disney has confirmed you’ll be able to meet:

• Mulan in Story
• Rapunzel in Layout (in “a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera”)
• Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
• Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
• Goofy in Lighting
• Stitch in Effects

However, for the time being, there are plenty of characters to see wandering around the courtyard! Today alone, we spotted Goofy…

…Mulan…

…Rapunzel…

…Stitch…

…and there’s even a set in stone area where you can meet Sofia the First, or members of the SuperKitties family!

The Drawn to Wonderland playground coming soon will be an indoor play area for the “youngest animators-to-be!” The playground design is inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for the classic film Alice in Wonderland.

One of our other favorite parts about this new area are all the Disney characters hiding in the corners! You’ve gotta look closely to find some of them, which just makes it double the fun.

Just look at Abu hiding in this sign! So clever!

We also love seeing the handprints of various Disney characters in the ground, just like in front of the Chinese Theater! You’ll find Yen Sid, Moana, Tiana, and so many more. Maybe you’ll even find your hand twin!

Disney hasn’t confirmed when the next phase of the opening will take place just yet, but they did say it will be later in Summer 2026. This land really feels like a return to the roots of Hollywood Studios, so we are thrilled to see it open. As always, be sure to keep following AllEars for more Disney news, updates, and more.

3 Life-Changing Announcements for Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Summer

What do you think of the new land? Tell us in the comments!

Post a Comment