Construction may have already transformed part of Disney's Hollywood Studios, but Disney isn't finished yet. New filings show crews are continuing work on one of the park's most anticipated additions, signaling that another major project is still moving toward completion.
Guests have already explored the refreshed area surrounding the attraction, yet the centerpiece remains under construction. While Disney has shared previews of what's coming, the latest permits make it clear that work is still underway before the full experience opens.
The project also marks the return of a name that longtime Hollywood Studios fans haven't seen in years.
Disney Revives a Park Favorite
Disney is bringing back The Magic of Disney Animation, although the attraction will be very different from the version many guests remember.
The original experience focused on the art of animation, allowing visitors to learn how Disney movies were created and even to watch animators working in the neighboring building.
This new version leaves that concept behind in favor of a more interactive experience. Disney has redesigned the attraction to focus on play, character encounters, and hands-on activities that appeal to today's families while still celebrating the company's animation legacy.
A Reimagined Courtyard Welcomes Guests
Although The Magic of Disney Animation has not opened yet, the surrounding Walt Disney Studios Courtyard is already giving guests a taste of Disney's new vision.
Inspired by the real Walt Disney Studios campus in California, the refreshed area features a giant Sorcerer Hat that serves as its visual centerpiece. The redesign gives this corner of Hollywood Studios an entirely different feel from what visitors experienced before.
The transformation also includes Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, which is already entertaining young guests and helping establish the courtyard as a family-focused destination.
Inside Disney's New Animation Experience
Disney has announced that The Magic of Disney Animation will open later this summer, though an exact debut date has not been revealed.
When it does, guests will find several new experiences inside the attraction. One of the biggest additions is Drawn to Wonderland, a playground inspired by Mary Blair's artwork for Alice in Wonderland. Disney recently shared a behind-the-scenes look at construction, offering fans a preview of the colorful play area.
Animation Academy is also returning in a new form. Olaf will host the experience, while guests receive drawing instruction from Disney Animation artists via recorded presentations.
The attraction will also feature six character meet-and-greet locations. Several characters currently appearing outside in the courtyard are expected to move indoors after the attraction officially opens, giving guests another place to interact with Disney favorites.
New Permits Reveal Construction Continues
Disney recently filed two Notices of Commencement connected to The Magic of Disney Animation, confirming that construction is still progressing.
One permit covers the attraction at 190 Showbiz Boulevard, while the second applies to the neighboring building at 200 Showbiz Boulevard. Both filings were submitted through Disney's Sourcing & Procurement department and assigned Buena Vista Construction Company, Disney's in-house construction team, to complete labor, electrical work, and additional construction activities.
The neighboring building also connects the project to Hollywood Studios' history. During the original Magic of Disney Animation attraction, guests could look through windows into that facility and watch Disney animators working on feature films.
Like most Disney Notices of Commencement, both permits remain valid for one year.
Hollywood Studios Continues to Add New Experiences
The Magic of Disney Animation is far from the only project changing Hollywood Studios.
Rock ‘n' Roller Coaster Starring the Muppets officially opened on May 26, 2026, and quickly gave fans another reason to visit Sunset Boulevard. The attraction brought the Muppets into one of the park's signature thrill rides while preserving the coaster itself.
Elsewhere, demolition continues in the former Muppets Courtyard as Disney prepares for Monstropolis, a new land inspired by Monsters, Inc. The expansion will feature Disney's first suspended roller coaster along with recognizable locations from the film, including Harryhausen's restaurant.
More Changes Are Still to Come
Hollywood Studios has spent years evolving, and Disney continues to build on that momentum.
The return of The Magic of Disney Animation isn't about recreating a retired attraction scene for scene. Instead, Disney is using a familiar name to introduce a completely updated experience that better fits how families visit the parks today. With construction continuing and several other major projects underway, Hollywood Studios remains one of the fastest-changing parks at Walt Disney World.
