Hey Disney Vacationers! Every time Disney files a permit, it feels like a small breadcrumb in the larger story of what’s happening behind the scenes. And, we got a pretty meaningful breadcrumb. Walt Disney Imagineering has officially filed a new Notice of Commencement for work on The Magic of Disney Animation, the family-focused experience coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026.
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the park’s gradual shift into the future Walt Disney Studios land, this filing is one of the clearest signs yet that the project is entering a new and much more exciting phase.
And yes, this is a good one.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Permit Type | Notice of Commencement |
| Who Filed It | Walt Disney Imagineering |
| Contractor | Icarus Exhibits |
| Work Described | Install set elements |
| Project | The Magic of Disney Animation |
| Location | Disney’s Hollywood Studios |
| Opening | Expected 2026 |
| Theme | Inspired by Once Upon a Studio |
What This New Permit Actually Tells Us
The wording on the document is short and to the point: install set elements. That may sound simple, but if you follow Disney projects long enough, you know this is the moment things start to get fun.
Up until now, the work inside the building has mostly been the basic stuff — framing, utilities, structural adjustments, all the things that make the experience functional but not magical. Once Disney brings in a partner to install set elements, the tone changes. This is when themed pieces start arriving. Scenic backdrops go up. Props get placed. Character spaces take shape. And the interior finally starts looking like something guests will recognize.
In other words, we’re officially out of the “it’s still a construction site” phase and into the “Imagineers are building the story now” phase.
Why the Contractor Matters: Icarus Exhibits Is Back
The permit lists Icarus Exhibits as the contractor, and if that name sounds familiar, it should. Disney and Icarus have been working together since the 1990s, and they’ve had their hands on a lot of projects you’ve probably experienced without even realizing it.
Just recently, they contributed scenic and themed elements to:
- Zootopia: Better Zoogether
- Tiana’s Bayou Adventure
In fact, Icarus was spotlighted in a May 2024 Disney Parks Blog feature for their work on Tiana’s 32-foot water tower — one of the most iconic visuals in the new attraction. That post included several quotes that really confirm how much Imagineering trusts them:
“Whenever we’re creating new experiences, we frequently work with trusted and valued industry leaders like Icarus,” said Peter Ricci, principal show manager at Walt Disney Imagineering. “I’ve had the privilege of working with Icarus for more than two decades now, and their work as a longtime collaborator never ceases to amaze me.”
“There’s an immense sense of pride to know that you’ve built it,” said co-owner Mark Ireland.
“Growing up here in Florida, I’ve been going to Magic Kingdom since I was seven years old,” added co-owner Drayton Knox. “Any time we work on anything at the park, it’s special.”
General Manager Jennifer Smith summed it up perfectly: “I am immensely proud of the work we produce. It is also quite fun to still have an opportunity to leave my mark at Disney.”
You don’t bring in Icarus for early-stage construction.
You bring them in when it’s time to make magic.
So What Kind of “Set Elements” Will They Be Installing?
Disney hasn’t shared the exact pieces, but based on what we know about the experience, we can safely assume this is the stage where the interior starts to resemble the interactive animation world guests will explore in 2026.
This could include scenic layers for the drawing studio, the first show pieces for “Drawn to Wonderland,” large-scale props inspired by Once Upon a Studio, and even early versions of whatever visual icon will mark the entrance — possibly something tied to Mickey’s Sorcerer hat or a nod to the famous Burbank studio gate.
Either way, if set installation is starting, the interior is about to change fast.
A Quick Refresher: What The Magic of Disney Animation Will Offer
Disney has described the experience as a celebration of Disney Animation’s legacy, built around the storytelling energy of Once Upon a Studio. It will include interactive animation exhibits, a hands-on drawing space, a play area for young kids, and new character encounters woven throughout the building.
Everything about the concept leans into creativity, nostalgia, and the playful chaos of animation — which means scenic installation is a huge step toward bringing those pieces to life.
How This Fits Into the New Walt Disney Studios Land
Hollywood Studios has quietly been shifting into a new identity over the past few years, and The Magic of Disney Animation is one of the central pieces of that long-term plan.
This permit shows that:
- Interior progress is strong
- The project is moving into its show phase
- Scenic partners are now active on-site
- The experience is tracking toward its 2026 window
And if you look at other recent projects like Test Track’s reimagining or Zootopia: Better Zoogether, scenic installation typically begins about a year to a year and a half before opening. That lines up perfectly with where this project sits today.
Where the Timeline Likely Sits Right Now
Disney hasn’t given an official opening date yet, but based on the timing of this permit, a fall or winter 2026 opening feels realistic. That’s not confirmed — just a reasonable assumption based on how Disney usually paces scenic work.
There’s still audio, lighting, show programming, signage, and exterior finishing to go. But once scenic installation begins, the dominoes start to fall fast.
Final Thoughts
This new Walt Disney Studios permit is a strong sign that The Magic of Disney Animation is entering one of its most important phases. Icarus Exhibits is on site, scenic work is starting, and the experience is finally shifting into the stage where themed storytelling takes shape.
For fans of Disney Animation, Hollywood Studios, or park construction updates in general, this is the kind of progress you want to see. The slow early months are behind us. From here, things only get more interesting.
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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!
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