Walt Disney World Resort’s Hollywood Studios is in the midst of a remarkable transformation. What began with the September 25, 2025, closure of Animation Courtyard has evolved into a major reimagining, introducing The Magic of Disney Animation–a new attraction that celebrates the artistry behind Disney storytelling.
Construction walls now surround the former home of Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance, where Imagineers are crafting a space inspired by the classic Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Inside, guests will find interactive animation workshops, a whimsical short film, an indoor play space, and character encounters designed for all ages.
Disney Parks Blog described the experience as one where “playful and interactive moments will be around every corner,” adding that portraits will come to life “just like they did in Once Upon A Studio.” Guests can even sketch their own Disney character before heading back into the park.
A touch of nostalgia will greet visitors as the Sorcerer Mickey hat—once the icon of Disney’s Hollywood Studios—returns at the entrance of the new experience.
Progress continues behind the scenes, as Walt Disney Imagineering recently filed a new permit for the site. The documents list Icarus Exhibits Inc. as the contractor installing set elements for The Magic of Disney Animation. The filing marks a key milestone in moving from planning to hands-on creation.
These updates arrive during a dynamic year for Hollywood Studios. Earlier in 2025, Grand Avenue and its beloved attractions, including Muppet*Vision 3D and Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano, closed to make way for Monstropolis, a Monsters, Inc.-themed land featuring a suspended roller coaster inspired by the film’s iconic door chase. Fans of the Muppets won’t be left out—they’ll soon headline the reimagined Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, set to debut in 2026.
The excitement extends beyond Hollywood Studios. At Magic Kingdom, construction is underway on its most ambitious expansion yet, including Piston Peak National Park and the Beyond Big Thunder area. Meanwhile, Disney’s Animal Kingdom continues to develop its Tropical Americas land, introducing Encanto and Indiana Jones experiences, set for 2027.
As Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro shared during D23 Expo 2024, “dirt was moving” all across the resort—and at Hollywood Studios, the transformation is already taking shape.
