Visitors staying at Disney’s Pop Century Resort got a surprise this week — and not the magical kind. A newly updated park map for Disney’s Hollywood Studios was accidentally released ahead of schedule, and it comes with major omissions that signal some big changes for the park per WDWNT.
Though the new map wasn’t supposed to be available until after the September 25 closure of both Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Junior Theater, guests noticed the new version already circulating — and it doesn’t even wait for those locations to close before scrubbing them from existence.
Two Major Closures, Already Gone from the Map
This latest update removes any visual trace of the buildings housing Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! in Animation Courtyard, even though both are still operational as of today. The updated image cuts the street off just after The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, suggesting guests will soon be met with construction barriers in place of walkable paths.
The early release is particularly notable because this isn’t the first time a revised map slipped out before the park was ready. Just a few months ago, Disney made headlines for prematurely removing the Muppets Courtyard from the official map before the area had been closed off to guests.
In both cases, the new layouts seem to be a soft launch for what will soon become reality inside the park — and in this case, it’s one more clue about what’s next for this aging corner of Hollywood Studios.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
The numerical listings on the map were also quietly adjusted. What were previously labeled as locations 50 and 51(representing the now-closed venues) are now reassigned to The Market and a nearby Joffrey’s coffee kiosk. Other nearby points of interest have been renumbered as well to match the shrinking footprint of the Animation Courtyard area.
While the map still includes the usual guest services information and transportation tips, the layout changes stand out for what they signal: this section of the park is no longer what it was, and Disney clearly wants guests to start seeing it that way.
A Glimpse at the Future: “The Walt Disney Studios” Lot
What’s replacing these now-closed attractions? A whole new concept: “The Walt Disney Studios”, a reimagining of the Animation Courtyard inspired by the company’s iconic studio lot in Burbank, California.
This includes the return of “The Magic of Disney Animation”, a new experience designed to capture the spirit of the original attraction that once occupied the space from 1989 to 2015. That version featured glimpses into the animation process and even let guests watch artists at work. While the animation studio in Florida shuttered in 2004, its legacy is set to return in a reimagined form in 2026.
The updated experience will be heavily inspired by “Once Upon a Studio,” the recent Emmy-winning short that celebrated 100 years of Disney animation. Concept art shows characters roaming the halls, animated portraits, and interactive displays designed to bring Disney’s creative process to life in fun, guest-friendly ways.
The New Experience: A Peek Inside
Though the full details won’t be realized for another year or so, here’s what we know about what’s coming:
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A whimsical indoor playground called Drawn to Wonderland, inspired by Alice in Wonderland and designed using Mary Blair’s iconic concept art. Expect oversized flowers, musical instruments, and a playful Mad Tea Party-themed structure.
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An environment where guests feel like they’ve entered the studio after the animators have left for the day — and the characters have taken over.
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Opportunities to meet characters, sketch your own Disney creations, and experience animated shorts with a twist.
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A facade modeled after the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, complete with a Sorcerer’s Hat as a visual centerpiece.
The Little Mermaid theater will also be rebranded as the Studio Theater, and the nearby Disney Jr. soundstage will eventually host a new, updated show for younger audiences. The reimagined courtyard will also include a park-like space for relaxing and character meet-and-greets — a big shift from the narrow corridor it used to be.
An Ongoing Evolution
The decision to shrink this portion of the park isn’t just about making room — it’s part of a larger trend. Disney’s Hollywood Studios has undergone dramatic changes in the past few years, most notably with the additions of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and the transformation of Sunset Boulevard into more event-driven space.
With aging properties like Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! no longer pulling the crowds they once did, it's no surprise Disney is looking to reinvigorate the area with fresher, more engaging offerings that fit into a cohesive vision for the park.
While some fans may be nostalgic for what’s being left behind, the direction is clear: Hollywood Studios is evolving, and this accidental map release is simply a glimpse into what’s around the corner. Whether this was a distribution error or an intentional soft rollout, Disney has made it known — the Animation Courtyard is officially on its way out, and “The Walt Disney Studios” is ready to take its place.
For now, guests visiting Hollywood Studios should enjoy their last look at Launch Bay and Disney Jr. while they still can. Because as of tomorrow, they’ll only live on in memories — and maybe in a drawer full of outdated maps.
