Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios is being demolished as Walt Disney World Resort transforms the Animation Courtyard into the new Walt Disney Studios land opening summer 2026.
Aerial photographer @bioreconstruct documented the demolition progress, showing crews have completely removed the Lucasfilm-inspired signage and overhang roof from the former Star Wars building. The structure will house The Magic of Disney Animation, a reimagined version of an original Disney-MGM Studios attraction.
Animation Courtyard Transformation Underway
Walt Disney World Resort announced in July 2025 that Animation Courtyard would close and be replaced by Walt Disney Studios, inspired by the Burbank studio lot. The shutdown took effect in September 2025, permanently closing Star Wars Launch Bay and “Disney Jr. Play and Dance!”
Recent aerial imagery shows completely repaved areas with newly installed trees:
Aerial photo of trees and pavement recently added in Walt Disney Studios courtyard.
Aerial photo of trees and pavement recently added in Walt Disney Studios courtyard. pic.twitter.com/hScN0gbu0o
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2026
Star Wars Building Gets New Purpose
The former Star Wars Launch Bay is becoming The Magic of Disney Animation, featuring drawing classes, character meet-and-greets, and an Alice in Wonderland (1951)-inspired playground. Guests will enter under a blue Sorcerer Mickey hat, paying homage to the oversized icon removed from Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2015.
@bioreconstruct posted images showing the overhang removal at the former Star Wars Launch Bay:
Aerial photos of work in progress at the entrance of Magic of Animation. An overhang roof is being removed. A tall Sorcerer Hat will be here.
Aerial photos of work in progress at the entrance of Magic of Animation. An overhang roof is being removed. A tall Sorcerer Hat will be here. pic.twitter.com/rNyNzwrPsl
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2026
The building remains unpainted in Star Wars-inspired gray. Bioreconstruct also shared aerial construction footage on YouTube:
New Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney Imagineering filed permits this week for new signage in the former Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay area. The filing relates to an address near “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” which Disney is renaming “Studio Theater” to match the land's theme.
When Walt Disney Studios opens in summer 2026, it will introduce “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” replacing the closed “Disney Jr. Play and Dance!” show. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” continues operating during construction and will remain open when the new land debuts.
The transformation marks the end of Star Wars‘ presence in this section of Disney's Hollywood Studios, though Galaxy's Edge remains operational on the opposite side of the park.
Which part of the Animation Courtyard renovation are you most excited about? Let Disney Fanatic know in the comments!
