Disney has confirmed that demolition is now underway at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, setting the stage for another major evolution of the park. While Hollywood Studios has already been reshaped by massive additions over the years, the current changes signal a renewed push to clear out legacy spaces and prepare for what’s next.
Unlike sudden ride closures that catch guests off guard, this shift has been quietly building. Visual elements are being removed, infrastructure is being stripped back, and Disney is moving quickly to reposition entire sections of the park rather than simply updating individual attractions.
Animation Courtyard begins its transformation
The most immediate activity is centered on Animation Courtyard, where former show signage and operational elements have already been taken down. These removals confirm that the space is no longer being held in a paused state—it is actively transitioning into something new.
For years, Animation Courtyard served as a hub for preschool entertainment and stage shows. While popular with families, it remained stylistically disconnected from the rest of Hollywood Studios. Disney is now addressing that disconnect by reimagining the entire area as a studio-inspired environment modeled after the real Walt Disney Studios campus.
This transformation will also change how guests visually experience the area. Signature elements that once defined the courtyard are expected to disappear as Disney resets the space from the ground up.
A reimagined Magic of Disney Animation leads the way
Central to the redevelopment is the return of The Magic of Disney Animation, opening in 2026. The updated experience will invite guests into a lively animation studio setting filled with interactive exhibits, character appearances, and creative spaces designed for all ages.
Instead of focusing on static displays, the attraction emphasizes participation—drawing, exploring, and discovering how animated films come together. The surrounding courtyard will extend that theme outdoors, creating a cohesive studio atmosphere rather than a single standalone attraction.
Monstropolis signals a major shift for the park
Elsewhere in the park, Disney has confirmed that Muppet*Vision 3-D will give way to a Monstropolis-themed land inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001). The change marks the removal of one of Hollywood Studios’ most recognizable legacy attractions and underscores how aggressively the park is pivoting toward newer franchises.
Monstropolis is expected to offer immersive environments and character-driven experiences, aligning with Disney’s push to create lands that feel fully realized rather than built around a single ride or show.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster gets a new identity
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is also entering a new chapter. The attraction will close and later reopen with a Muppets-themed storyline, reworking its narrative while retaining its high-speed thrills.
The update replaces a music-driven premise rooted in the late 1990s with a more family-friendly, character-based approach. It’s another example of Disney reassessing which stories best fit the park’s future direction.
Hollywood Studios is changing—fast
With demolition now underway and multiple large-scale projects confirmed, Hollywood Studios is clearly in the middle of a decisive reset. Animation Courtyard’s transformation, the arrival of Monstropolis, and the retheme of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster all point to a park that is moving quickly to redefine itself once again.
While construction will be part of the guest experience in the near term, Disney’s message is clear: Hollywood Studios is not standing still. It’s actively clearing space for its next era.
