The transformation of Disney’s Hollywood Studios continues to unfold, and this time, the first physical signs of change are emerging inside the recently closed Animation Courtyard. With the area permanently shuttered to guests on September 25, 2025, ahead of its reimagining as The Walt Disney Studios Lot, construction activity has quietly begun — and a fresh coat of paint is giving fans their first glimpse of the future, per reports.
A New Look for a Retired Corner of the Park
In the weeks following the closure, guests passing near the area noticed something new. Both the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! building and the The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure theater have received updated paintwork.
The Disney Jr. theater’s lower facade — once painted a dated blue — is now covered in a pale tan and buttery yellow tone that matches the rest of the building. The new color palette not only unifies the structure but also better aligns with the aesthetic direction Disney Imagineers appear to be pursuing for the entire land: warm, studio-inspired tones that echo the look of the historic Walt Disney Studios campus in Burbank, California.
A similar refresh can be seen at The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure building. The side facing into the courtyard has been fully repainted in the same tan shade, replacing its bright blue exterior. Interestingly, the opposite wall — the one visible from Hollywood Boulevard — remains untouched for now, still displaying the old color scheme. This uneven paint job suggests the project is still in progress and that more updates are likely to follow in the coming months.
While a simple repaint might seem minor, it often marks the first phase of a much larger transformation. In Disney’s case, it’s a clear sign that crews are beginning preparatory work to visually and structurally tie the area into its next chapter as The Walt Disney Studios Lot.
Goodbye Animation Courtyard, Hello Walt Disney Studios Lot
The decision to close Animation Courtyard marks the end of one of Hollywood Studios’ longest-standing areas. Originally opened with the park in 1989, the space was once home to the Magic of Disney Animation tour — an opening-day attraction that took guests behind the scenes of the animation process. Over the years, it evolved into a rotating lineup of smaller attractions and character experiences, including Star Wars Launch Bay, which took over the former animation building in 2015.
Now, that same building is set for a complete overhaul. Disney has confirmed that the structure will soon become the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, a Florida counterpart to the iconic facility on the Burbank lot. Inside, Imagineers are developing a brand-new family experience titled The Magic of Disney Animation, inspired by the studio’s Emmy Award–winning short film Once Upon a Studio.
According to Disney, the attraction will imagine what happens when animators step away and their creations come to life within the studio walls. Guests will explore whimsical departments taken over by classic characters, watch portraits spring to life, and even try their hand at drawing their own animated creations.
“Drawn to Wonderland” and More Family Fun
The new attraction will also feature Drawn to Wonderland, an immersive play area designed for younger guests. Inspired by early Alice in Wonderland concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair, the whimsical environment will include a musical flower garden, an oversized tea party playset, and interactive surprises throughout.
Alongside the returning Little Mermaid show and a new Disney Jr. stage production planned for the area’s soundstage building, The Walt Disney Studios Lot aims to bring a fresh sense of energy and family appeal to a park that’s long been dominated by thrill rides and large-scale cinematic lands.
Repainting the Past to Prepare for the Future
The tan and yellow hues now covering the once-blue walls are more than just a cosmetic choice. They reflect a larger effort to bring thematic consistency to this corner of the park — and to set the stage for what’s coming next.
Imagineers appear to be embracing a design language inspired by the real-life studio lot that shaped Disney history. Expect architecture reminiscent of the Burbank campus, complete with simple plaster facades, clean lines, and touches of Art Deco detailing. Concept art released alongside the project announcement shows open courtyards shaded by trees, colorful murals, and even a new version of the Sorcerer’s Hat adorning the top of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building — a nod to the famous hat atop the California counterpart.
While Disney has not confirmed the full extent of the transformation, construction walls are expected to expand deeper into the area before the end of the year. Once complete, The Walt Disney Studios Lot will connect with nearby areas of Hollywood Studios more fluidly, serving as a vibrant transition zone between the park’s classic Hollywood theming and its more modern, story-driven lands.
Looking Toward 2026
Disney has announced that The Magic of Disney Animation will open in 2026, meaning the next year will be dedicated to construction, placemaking, and installation of interactive show elements. During this time, Walt Disney Presents and The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will remain open to guests, while the rest of the courtyard remains behind walls.
For longtime parkgoers, this marks an emotional yet exciting turning point. Animation Courtyard has stood largely unchanged for two decades, often feeling like a relic of the park’s early identity as a “working studio.” Its closure officially turns the page, ushering in a new era that blends history, innovation, and the timeless charm of Disney Animation.
A Promising Reimagining
Not every park overhaul is universally embraced, but in this case, the response from fans has been overwhelmingly positive. The general consensus is that Animation Courtyard was overdue for attention. Between the aging facades and sparse foot traffic, the area had become one of the least compelling corners of the park.
The arrival of The Walt Disney Studios Lot promises to change that. With its combination of interactive experiences, family play areas, and nostalgic nods to Disney’s creative roots, this new land could bring warmth and balance back to a park that has become known primarily for blockbuster IPs.
And so, the newly painted walls — subtle as they are — serve as a symbolic first brushstroke. The blues of yesterday are fading, replaced by the golden hues of a brand-new era at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
