Theme parks are built on nostalgia, but they survive on reinvention. At Walt Disney World, change is as predictable as the fireworks above Cinderella Castle. Beloved attractions close, new lands rise, and entire areas are reshaped to reflect shifting tastes. For fans, it can be bittersweet — a reminder that in order to keep moving forward, Disney often has to leave parts of its history behind.
Hollywood Studios has long exemplified that cycle. The park has reinvented itself repeatedly, shedding its original identity as a working studio and gradually embracing immersive lands tied to blockbuster franchises. From the closure of The Great Movie Ride to the arrival of Toy Story Land, each transformation has brought debate — and anticipation.
The next big change involves the removal of a Star Wars experience that has quietly lingered for a decade.
A History of ‘Star Wars' in the Parks
Disney’s connection with Star Wars dates back to 1987, when Disneyland launched Star Tours. The motion-simulator quickly became a hit, immersing guests in space battles long before Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012. In 2011, the attraction was reimagined as Star Wars – The Adventures Continue, introducing randomized destinations like Coruscant and Jakku that encouraged repeat visits.
The success of those projects paved the way for something larger: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Debuting in 2019 at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, the expansive land included Rise of the Resistance and Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run. With an update coming in 2026 to incorporate The Mandalorian and Grogu, the land remains a central draw for fans of the saga.
Alongside those headline projects, Disney introduced smaller offerings such as Star Wars Launch Bay. Opening at Hollywood Studios in 2015, the exhibit featured props, costumes, and character encounters. For many guests, it provided a quieter way to interact with the franchise, even if it lacked the immersion of Galaxy’s Edge.
Closing the Door on Star Wars Launch Bay
In July, Disney confirmed what many expected: Launch Bay’s time is ending.
The exhibit, along with Disney Jr. Play and Dance! and the wider Animation Courtyard, will close permanently after its final operating day on September 24. From September 25, the space will be closed to guests as construction begins.
The area is set to reopen in 2026 as The Walt Disney Studios Lot, a reimagined land modeled after Disney’s historic Burbank campus. Central to the transformation will be The Magic of Disney Animation, designed to highlight the artistry of Disney films. Families will also find new character meet-and-greets, shaded walkways, and expanded snack options.
Among the most notable additions is Drawn to Wonderland, an indoor playground inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland. The space will include a giant flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood area for children to explore.
Other elements will preserve familiar favorites. The Studio Theater will continue to stage The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, while a reimagined soundstage will welcome a new Disney Junior show. Together, these updates are designed to restore a sense of charm and greenery that many fans feel Disney World has lost.
For Star Wars enthusiasts, Launch Bay’s closure may feel like a loss. Yet Hollywood Studios will continue to house Galaxy’s Edge, Star Tours, and other Star Wars experiences, ensuring the saga remains firmly rooted in the park. The removal of Launch Bay clears the way for a project more in line with Hollywood Studios’ evolving identity — proof once again that in Disney parks, change is not optional, but inevitable.
Are you excited for Star Wars Launch Bay's replacement?
