Walt Disney Studios Courtyard Music Revealed in New WDI Behind-the-Scenes Video

Walt Disney Imagineering has pulled back the curtain on one of the most carefully crafted elements of the new Walt Disney Studios courtyard at Hollywood Studios: the background music. A new behind-the-scenes video features Brett, Senior Creative Director of Music at WDI, walking through the recording process and explaining exactly how music becomes a storytelling tool that guides guests through the space. With the courtyard opening May 26, this is a fascinating early look at the level of detail going into the experience.

Quick Summary

• WDI has released a behind-the-scenes video on the recording of background music for the new Walt Disney Studios courtyard at Hollywood Studios
• Brett, Senior Creative Director of Music at Walt Disney Imagineering, explains how varying tempos and sound effects guide guests through different areas
• Music volume is deliberately adjusted between zones to draw guests’ attention as they move through the space
• Disney’s extensive film catalog plays a central role in the music selection
• The Walt Disney Studios courtyard and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! open May 26, 2026
• The Magic of Disney Animation building opens later this summer with Olaf Draws!, Enchanted Art Gallery, and more

How WDI Uses Music to Tell Stories

Background music at Disney parks is never random, and the new Walt Disney Studios courtyard is no exception. Brett describes music as one of Imagineering’s most powerful storytelling tools — not because it hits you over the head, but because it quietly shapes how you feel and where your attention goes.

The team uses varying tempos and sound effects to establish the mood of each zone within the courtyard. But perhaps more interesting is the deliberate adjustment of volume between areas: as guests move from one space to another, the music mix changes to draw their attention, essentially using sound as an invisible guide through the layout.

“Background music is such a powerful storytelling tool, because it really sets you in the environment,” Brett says in the video. “Sound effects and music helps to guide our guests through spaces, and we do that by using various tempos, by using various effects.”

Drawing From Decades of Disney Films

The music selection for the courtyard draws heavily from Disney’s decades-long catalog of animated films — and Brett makes clear the team had a genuine blast with the curation. With 80-plus years of animated film music to choose from, the selection process is both a creative exercise and a treasure hunt.

“Wow, I can’t believe they played that song,” Brett says of the playlist, giving a strong hint that the courtyard’s music loop will contain some genuinely unexpected selections alongside the expected classics. He adds: “I’m hoping they have as much fun listening to it as I have making it.”

That kind of passion from the music team tends to produce remarkable results. If you are the kind of Disney guest who pays attention to park music — and a lot of us are — the Walt Disney Studios courtyard soundtrack is going to be worth stopping to appreciate.

What Opens on May 26

The Walt Disney Studios courtyard itself opens on May 26, 2026, alongside Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! — a new live show that runs eight times daily from 10:15 am to 5:10 pm.

The Magic of Disney Animation building, which will house the courtyard’s biggest experiences, opens later this summer. That building will contain Olaf Draws!, the Enchanted Art Gallery, Once Upon A Studio Theater, the Drawn to Wonderland Playground, and character meet-and-greets in the Off the Page! area. No specific opening date has been announced yet for the building itself.

Why This Behind-the-Scenes Look Matters

WDI does not often share this level of detail before a new area opens. Releasing a video that specifically highlights the music recording process — and the philosophy behind it — signals how seriously Disney is approaching every element of the Walt Disney Studios courtyard experience.

The fact that the soundtrack is being built with this kind of intentionality, zone by zone, with deliberate volume transitions and a hand-curated selection from across Disney’s film history, suggests the courtyard is going to reward guests who slow down and pay attention. This is not just a walkthrough space — it is designed to feel like a full sensory experience from the moment you step in.

May 26 is a week away. Between the Walt Disney Studios courtyard, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, and Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets all opening the same day, it is shaping up to be one of the biggest days Hollywood Studios has seen in years. Stay tuned to DisMornings for live coverage as it all comes together.

20% Off site-wide, plus Free Shipping on all orders of $65+

Over 75+ Designs! Your next park shirt is just a click away

Looking To Book Your Dream Disney Vacation?

Save time & money on your vacation

Your Disney vacation should create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re a first-time Disney vacationer or looking to plan your next magical adventure, it isn’t enough just to go on a Disney vacation. We want you to talk about your vacation for years to come and create memories you’ll cherish forever. Vacation is calling! Are you ready to answer?

REQUEST QUOTE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Jonathan Cotton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I’m no stranger to Disney planning, as a Disneyland magic key holder and DVC member. I’m the person people ask for trip planning advice. But I had never been on a Disney cruise, and had heard great about Nate and decided to reach out. I’m so glad I did because we could not have been happier with our experience. His tips and insights were incredibly helpful, and he was incredibly responsive any time we had a question. Who do the Disney experts turn to when they need help? Nate, that’s who.

We’ll definitely be using him again.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Andria Skornik 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Our experience working with Nate as our Disney vacation planner was exceptional. He was responsive and thorough. He gave us insights that made the trip go much more smoothly. We were able to really relax and focus on quality time as a family and have so much fun doing it! I will definitely reach out for any future trips.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 rpwoodjr 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Could not have wanted or expected more from Nate, our Distrips and More agent as we planned our 2025 Disney World trip. Nate was VERY responsive to emails and texts and more than willing to do whatever he could to guide us and answer our questions.  On several occasions I emailed him over the weekend not expecting a response until Monday but each time he responded before the weekend was over.  He even participated in a Zoom session with our group of five seniors as we planned our trip. He also helped us at the 11th hour when we added a family member to our travel group less than a month before our trip.  Without a doubt, I will reach out to Nate when I'm ready to plan my next trip to Disney World!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Homero Rendon 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
We are so thankful we used Nate to plan not only our first Disney trip, but also our second. He made the process so easy for us, especially for us since it was our first time going. There was a lot to consider and many decisions to make, such as where to stay, when to go, and what to experience. Nate really helped us narrow down what we wanted to do overall, but he didn’t stop there. He provided detailed guides to help us navigate the airport and find our transportation to the resort, as well as a guide to explore the resorts and make sure we saw the best Christmas decorations. One of the many amazing things he also did was set up our dinner reservations for us. This saved us so much stress and allowed us to get some of our top choices. From the moment we landed in Orlando to the moment we headed back home, he made sure everything went smoothly. You truly can’t go wrong with going to him for your next trip.
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Lee Mathes 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate was absolutely the best planner I have ever had.  Will most definitely be using him again.   He took care of everything and kept me on track.  Was so very helpful in making all the dining reservations and everything.   Can't thank him enough.   He made our trip completely stress free!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Amanda Moran 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nathan has been an amazing trip planner for me! So helpful and responsive. I am a very type A person -- so someone who is even more on top of their game than me -- is so so appreciated! Nathan has booked 3 trips for me (1 completed 2 pending) and it was perfection. Thanks again!
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 Hyperion Adventures Podcast 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Nate has helped us with our vacation planning for the last couple of years and we couldn't be happier with his service and expertise. We've used other travel agents in the past and none of them have done as phenomenal a job to make sure every detail is taken care of as he has. Switching to Nate was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He's always quick to answer questions and works tirelessly to make sure we get everything we want from our trips. Plus, he's just a genuinely great person who is wonderful to work with. Whether you're planning a trip to Walt Disney World, Disneyland, a Disney Cruise, or any other vacation, Nate is the guy you want putting it all together! Five stars across the board!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Google rating score: 5.0 of 5, based on 7 reviews 
 
   
 
 

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!