No fanfare, no announcement…just a brand-new piece of Disney history showing up overnight at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
A Detail That Appeared Without Warning
On May 11, BlogMickey reported that a recreation of the iconic Pluto's Corner road sign had been installed at Disney's Hollywood Studios, bringing a faithful replica of one of the most recognizable landmarks from Walt Disney Studios' Burbank campus to Central Florida.
The sign marks the intersection of “Dopey Drive” and “Mickey Ave” and includes directional arrows pointing toward studio departments — Ink & Paint, Special EFX, Layout Dept, Animation, Multiplane, and In Btween — just like the original:
The Pluto's Corner sign is one of the final pieces falling into place as the Walt Disney Studios Lot takes shape in the former Animation Courtyard footprint at Disney's Hollywood Studios. That area closed permanently in September 2025 to make way for a full transformation inspired by Disney's real animation headquarters in Burbank, California — and the opening is now just weeks away.
Walt Disney Studios Lot at Disney's Hollywood Studios
At the heart of the new land is the Magic of Disney Animation, a revival of the attraction that stood as one of Disney-MGM Studios' opening-day offerings when the park debuted in 1989. The reimagined version brings the experience into the present with “Olaf Draws!”: an Animation Academy-style class led by an audio-animatronic Olaf, complemented by pre-recorded footage of real Disney animators at work. Elsewhere in the building are character meet-and-greet spaces designed around the distinct phases of animated filmmaking, as well as an indoor playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland (1951).
The Walt Disney Studios Lot is also home to two shows. Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! is a new arrival, while “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” continues its run from the Animation Courtyard era, having performed without interruption throughout the construction period.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot debuts on May 26, 2026. The Magic of Disney Animation will open sometime later this summer.
Did you have a chance to visit Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios before it closed? Share your favorite memories with Disney Fanatic in the comments!
