A long time ago (ok – a decade ago), The Magic of Disney Animation – an animation-focused show and tour which opened with Disney-MGM Studios in 1989 – drew its last breath. Since then, the space at the rear of Animation Courtyard has operated as Star Wars: Launch Bay – selling curios and wares from a galaxy far, far away.
Today, Disney announced the triumphant return of animation to the Animation Courtyard area of Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World, with a brand new reimagining of The Magic of Disney Animation – inspired by Disney’s incredible Emmy award-winning 2023 short film Once Upon a Studio.
Here are the details.
Introducing…The Walt Disney Studios
Currently, Animation Courtyard includes three attractions: Star Wars: Launch Bay, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (recently reimagined), and the Disney Junior Play and Dance! (currently on hiatus during Walt Disney World’s “Cool Kid Summer” seasonal event).
Animation Courtyard will be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios – taking inspiration from several buildings found around the actual Walt Disney Studios campus in Burbank, California.
The Magic of Disney Animation
According to Disney “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.” The refreshed building façade will feature a version of the Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat, like the one found on the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building at The Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank.
Inside, the new experience will invite guests to interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including experiences within many different studio departments. But this time, the animators have temporarily stepped away, and some favorite pals have taken over to create fun adventures. Playful and interactive moments will include portraits come to life, a short film (with a twist), and learning how to draw your very own character sketch.
Disney also promises lots of character greetings when The Magic of Disney Animation opens to guests.
Drawn to Wonderland Playground
Also inside The Magic of Disney Animation, an indoor playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland concept art (beautifully created by Disney Legend Mary Blair) will invite kids to be “curiouser and curiouser.” The whimsical playground will be filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area. It will be just the right space for little ones to burn off a little energy in a safe, weatherproof environment (in other words, out of the hot Florida sun!).
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Disney Junior Show
Part of the Animation Courtyard reimagining includes a makeover of the show building for The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, as the building façade will become Florida’s version of Disney’s Studio Theatre. Fans of The Little Mermaid, have no fear! Ariel and her friends will continue to perform in the theater daily.
Across the courtyard at the soundstage, a new Disney Junior show will take flight.
The Winds of Change
Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Junior Play and Dance! will close permanently beginning September 25, 2025. However, guests will still be able to visit Ariel in The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure during and after the reimagining.
This rebirth of animation in Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open sometime in 2026.
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With so much change happening to the landscape of Walt Disney World, it is always best to work with an experienced travel planner who can help you prepare for the changes coming to the parks and resorts. If you are interested in planning a trip but have questions regarding when is the best time to visit, please reach out to me at Facts and Figment Vacation Planning. My travel planning services are absolutely FREE to you, and I can help you navigate the complex world of Disney vacationing while helping you score the best, hardest-to-get deals to make your vacation more affordable.
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