Disney Files NEW Construction Permit at Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios

The skyline at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is about to (temporarily) change…

Last month, Disney shocked the theme park world — even those like me who have been covering the theme parks for years — when they surprise-dropped news about a new project at Hollywood Studios.

Hollywood Studios’ Animation Courtyard, which was once home to the Magic of Animation studio tour, and has hosted the Star Wars: Launch Bay exhibit since 2015, is getting a massive makeover. Inspired by the Emmy-winning short Once Upon a Studio, the new area will “bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.”

The core of the new area, scheduled to open in 2026, will be the old animation building, which will feature moving portraits, a short film, character greetings, an area where guests can learn to draw, and the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground. The new playground is inspired by the concept art of Disney Legend Mary Blair, and will be filled with an “oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.”

Beyond this, the entire courtyard will be rethemed to resemble the Disney Studio lot in Burbank, right down to Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, just like the real animation building.

Star Wars: Launch Bay is closing September 25th, and judging by a new construction permit that was recently filed for the site with the Orange County Comptroller’s Office, work on its transformation is set to begin quickly. According to the document, Disney Imagineering is bringing North American Crane and Rigging, LLC. to work on the site, making it very likely that there will soon be a massive construction crane (as has been seen at various Disney World projects) towering over this section of Hollywood Studios soon.

Hollywood Studios Animation Courtyard is about to undergo a massive and unexpected refurbishment, heralding in a new era for the area beginning next year. Stay tuned for more updates on the project’s progress.

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Are you excited for these Animation Courtyard changes? Let us know in the comments below.