If you’ve visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios lately, you know the park is currently in its “awkward teenage years.” Construction walls are everywhere, the Muppets have staged a hostile (but musically gifted) takeover of Sunset Boulevard, and the center of the park is being carved out to make room for the screams of Monstropolis.
But amidst the sawdust and the sounds of jackhammers, a touch of legendary class has arrived to steady the ship. As of May 2026, Hollywood Studios has two new daily residents: Mulan and Rapunzel.
In a move that caught many “rope-droppers” by surprise, these two icons aren't meeting in a palace or an art gallery. Instead, they’ve taken up a temporary residency on Grand Avenue, serving as the frontline ambassadors for a park that is desperately trying to remember its “Studio” roots.
The Grand Avenue Residency: Princesses on the Pavement
For those used to the rigid timelines of Disney character appearances, seeing a legendary Chinese warrior and a long-haired royal meeting guests in the middle of a New York-style city street is a bit of a trip.
- The Spot: You can find them rotating near the Disney Vacation Club kiosk, strategically located between the entrance to Galaxy's Edge and the BaseLine Tap House.
- The Schedule: This isn't a “secret” pop-up. Both Mulan and Rapunzel are officially listed in the My Disney Experience app. They typically rotate sets, so if you miss Mulan’s “warrior pose” training, Rapunzel is usually just a few minutes away from sharing her latest painting tips.
Why the sudden move? It’s all about the “Park Shuffle.” With the Animation Courtyard currently behind massive construction walls as it transforms into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, Grand Avenue has become the park’s unofficial “Living Room.” By placing these heavy hitters here, Disney is giving families a high-value experience to offset the temporary closure of classic attractions.
The Big Reveal: “Off The Page” Arrives This Summer
While the Grand Avenue meet-and-greet is a fun novelty, it’s really just a teaser for the main event. Opening later this summer, Off The Page is slated to be the crown jewel of the reimagined Magic of Disney Animation building.
Rather than a standard “line up and take a photo” experience, Off The Page is a high-concept character hub. Guests will walk through different “departments” of a living studio. Mulan will eventually move into the Story Department, where her backdrop is a giant, interactive storyboard that reacts to your presence. Rapunzel will claim the Layout Department, featuring “multiplane” scenery that makes your PhotoPass pictures look like they were plucked directly from a 2D masterpiece.
A Park in Flux: Muppets, Monsters, and Sorcerer Hats
The arrival of Mulan and Rapunzel is a much-needed win for Hollywood Studios, which is currently a sea of blue scrims. To the left of Grand Avenue, the former Muppets Courtyard is being gutted to make way for Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc. land featuring the highly anticipated “Door Coaster.”
To make up for the loss of MuppetVision 3D, the Muppets have moved “downstage” to Sunset Boulevard. Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is already generating massive buzz in its technical rehearsal phase, proving that the Electric Mayhem can rock just as hard as Aerosmith.
But perhaps the most symbolic change is the return of the Sorcerer Mickey Hat. While it’s not returning to the center of the park, a reimagined, smaller-scale version of the hat will serve as the entrance to the new Walt Disney Studios Lot when it officially opens on May 26, 2026.
Survival Tips for Your May 2026 Visit
- MDX is Your Best Friend: Because Mulan and Rapunzel rotate in the same spot on Grand Avenue, their timing is precise. Check the app the second you clear the turnstiles.
- The “Pre-Ride” Strategy: The Grand Avenue spot is perfectly placed for those waiting on their Rise of the Resistance boarding groups or Lightning Lane windows. It’s a 45-minute wait that feels a lot more productive than standing in the middle of a walkway.
- Snack While You Wait: Grand Avenue is home to the Swedish Chef’s Meatball Hut (part of the Muppet takeover). Grab a snack and a drink from BaseLine; it makes the Florida heat much more bearable while you wait to meet royalty.
Conclusion: Bringing the Soul Back to the Studio
For a long time, fans worried that Hollywood Studios had lost its identity. It felt more like a collection of “lands” than a cohesive tribute to filmmaking.
The debut of Mulan and Rapunzel on Grand Avenue—and the impending launch of Off The Page—is a clear signal that the “Studio” is back. By focusing on the art of animation and the characters that define it, Disney is restoring the park's heart. Whether you're a warrior, a dreamer, or just a guest looking for a great photo, the royalty of animation is back where they belong: right in the spotlight.
Are you planning to catch Mulan and Rapunzel on Grand Avenue? Or are you waiting for Off The Page's grand opening? Let us know in the comments below!
