Animation Courtyard Update: Two New Permits Filed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Hey Disney Vacationers! If you’ve been holding out hope that Disney’s Hollywood Studios would finally give Animation Courtyard the refresh it desperately needs—this is the update you’ve been waiting for.

Disney has officially filed two new construction permits tied directly to the Animation Courtyard area. And here’s the thing: we already know what’s replacing it.

The once-iconic section of the park is being reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios, a fully themed land inspired by the real-life Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California. This isn’t just a name change—it’s a full teardown and rebuild.

Let’s break down what’s happening, what the permits suggest, and why this Animation Courtyard update is worth getting excited about.

Animation Courtyard Update: What the Permits Tell Us

Filed by Walt Disney Imagineering, two brand-new permits for 550 Stage Lane (right in the middle of Animation Courtyard) are listed as “general construction.” That’s Disney’s favorite catch-all phrase, but in this context, it likely means:

• Prepping internal spaces for demolition
• Infrastructure work
• Early foundational adjustments
• Utility relocation and groundwork

These are the kinds of permits that quietly kick off a big transformation—before walls go up and before we see concept art plastered across the construction zones.

What’s Actually Replacing Animation Courtyard?

Let’s talk about what’s confirmed. Starting September 25, 2025, Disney will begin closing down Animation Courtyard, including:

• Disney Jr. Play & Dance!
• Star Wars Launch Bay

This entire area will be transformed into a brand-new land called The Walt Disney Studios, with a major headliner: The Magic of Disney Animation—an interactive, character-filled walkthrough attraction coming in late 2026.

Here’s the full transformation roadmap:

Say Goodbye to the Animation Courtyard Archway

One of the biggest visual changes coming with this update? The removal of the Animation Courtyard archway.

That big, bold entrance—once a photo-op favorite and a symbol of the old-school Hollywood Studios—is going away. It served as the formal gateway into the Animation Courtyard area, but with the new land focused on the energy of Walt’s animation studio and character-driven storytelling, the arch no longer fits.

This isn’t just about clearing a walkway—it’s about retiring the Animation Courtyard name and identity altogether. The new land will stand on its own, with a brand-new entrance and visual language to match.

So if you’re a little nostalgic for that archway, make sure to snap your photos soon.

What Is The Magic of Disney Animation?

This isn’t a simple exhibit or museum-style walkthrough. It’s a full-on story-driven, interactive experience designed to bring Disney animation to life in a playful, immersive way.

Here’s what Disney has shared so far:

• The Storyline: The animators have stepped out—and the characters have taken over the studio!
• Interactive Zones: Reimagined animation departments where characters pop off the walls and into the real world, similar to Once Upon a Studio.
• Short Film Theater: A fresh twist on animation screenings.
• Hands-On Drawing Stations: Yes, you’ll get to draw your favorite Disney characters again!
• “Drawn to Wonderland” Kids’ Playground: Inspired by Mary Blair’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland concept art.
• Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat Returns: The new show building will feature the return of this fan-favorite icon from the early 2000s.

This attraction will be the anchor of the new Walt Disney Studios land, serving as both an homage to Disney animation history and a high-energy, family-friendly experience with real replay value.

What’s Staying (At Least for Now)?

While most of the Animation Courtyard footprint will be overhauled, one piece is sticking around: The Studio Theater, currently home to The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.

The new show only just opened in 2025, and it’s not going anywhere. Instead, it will now be considered part of the newly themed Walt Disney Studios land. So while it’s not the anchor of the land, it’s still part of the experience.

Why This Animation Courtyard Update Matters

Let’s be honest—Animation Courtyard has felt outdated for years. With Launch Bay collecting dust, and Disney Jr. catering to a narrow age range, the area never lived up to the immersive energy we’ve seen in other parts of Hollywood Studios.

This update finally gives the area:

• A clear identity tied to Walt Disney’s creative legacy
• An immersive family experience that doesn’t rely on screens or simulators
• New energy and foot traffic flow into a stale corner of the park

The addition of The Magic of Disney Animation could make this the go-to stop for families and anyone who loves the behind-the-scenes magic of Disney storytelling.

Final Thoughts

The Animation Courtyard update is officially in motion. With construction permits filed and closures scheduled, this isn’t just blue-sky planning—it’s happening.

If you’re heading to Hollywood Studios in the next year, enjoy your last looks at the current Animation Courtyard. Come fall 2025, the walls are going up—and in late 2026, a brand-new land is coming to life.

Want the full breakdown of everything coming to the Walt Disney Studios land? Check out my deep dive.

Stay tuned—we’ll be watching this transformation from the first demo wall to the final Sorcerer’s Hat shingle.

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Meet the Author: Nate Bishop

I’m a die-hard Disney fan with 38 years of visits under my belt, having stepped into Disney World 120+ times. Proud to be a Disney Annual Passholder, a Vacation Club member since ’92, a Castaway Club Member, and a runDisney enthusiast. Oh, and I’ve graduated from the Disney College of Knowledge. Need Disney insights or planning tips? I’m your guy!