Animation Coming to Life at Hollywood Studios

Move over Star Wars, animation is coming to town! Disney’s Hollywood Studios has officially closed Muppets Courtyard, changed Lightning McQueen’s Racing academy to a Disney Villains theme show, and now Star Wars: Launch Bay will be removed to make way for bigger things!

Muppets Courtyard is making way for a new Monster’s Inc. attraction, set to begin construction in late 2025. And finally Star Wars: Launch Bay will be reimagined into a brand-new experience for families, “The Magic of Disney Animation.” The storyline of the new location is described as “the animators stepped away…but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play.” Animation Courtyard will close beginning September 25, 2025 which also includes Disney Jr. Play and Dance! “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will still be accessible to guests during the reimagination process.

“The Magic of Disney Animation” will also bring back the magic of the Sorcerer Mickey Hat, resembling the iconic Disney’s Hollywood Studios Sorcerer Mickey Hat that towered over Hollywood Boulevard from 2001 through 2015.

Inside the building is where the real magic happens. Portraits are set to come to life, a short film will be shown, and guests can even take some time to learn to sketch their very own character.

There will be a new place for the younger guests to take a break from the hustle, bustle, and heat. “Drawn to Wonderland” will be an indoor playground that is set in an oversize garden filled with musical instruments to explore all inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.”

The entire courtyard will be reimagined with building fronts inspired by “The Walt Disney Studios” found in Burbank. The buildings will still be home to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and a reimagined Disney Jr. show will still be at the soundstage.

The courtyard, once completed, will feature more trees that will provide a great shaded space for a place to sit and relax.

If you want to experience Star Wars: Launch Bay or the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! one more time before they close their doors in September, be sure to reach out to All In Vacay for your last-minute Disney getaway!