A significant piece of Disney's Hollywood Studios history has been removed, as the iconic archway leading into the Animation Courtyard was demolished overnight. The structure, which has welcomed guests for over 35 years, was taken down to prepare for a major new attraction set to open in 2026.
The demolition is part of a broader transformation of the area, which will see the former Star Wars: Launch Bay replaced by a new interactive experience called The Magic of Disney Animation.
Key Takeaways
- The Animation Courtyard archway at Disney's Hollywood Studios was demolished.
- The structure had been in place since the park's opening as Disney-MGM Studios in 1989.
- The removal makes way for a new attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation, opening in 2026.
- Fan reactions on social media expressed nostalgia and sadness over the loss of the landmark.
An Abrupt End to a Park Icon
Visitors to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida were met with a changed landscape this week. The grand archway that served as the entrance to the Animation Courtyard, a fixture since the park first opened its gates in 1989, was gone. Construction crews worked through the night to dismantle the landmark, leaving an open space and construction fences in its place by morning.
For more than three decades, the arch was a key visual element of the park's original theme as a working movie studio. It first stood when the park was known as Disney-MGM Studios, surviving the rebranding to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2008. Its removal marks a significant departure from the park's founding identity.
Photos shared online showed the immediate aftermath, with exposed steel and wiring where the familiar signage and ornate carvings once stood. The swift, unannounced nature of the demolition surprised many longtime park visitors.
Fan Reaction and Nostalgia
The news prompted a wave of reaction across social media platforms, with many fans expressing a sense of loss for a piece of their personal history with the park. Many shared memories of walking under the arch on countless visits.
"Truly the end of an era. With the loss of the archway, yet another piece of the Studios aspect of the park is no more," one user commented online.
Another post lamented the change, stating, "Rip to one of the few remaining pieces left of MGM Studios." The sentiment reflects a common feeling among enthusiasts who grew up with the park's original theme and have witnessed its evolution over the years.
From MGM Studios to Hollywood Studios
When the park opened on May 1, 1989, it was named Disney-MGM Studios, built around the concept of a real, functioning film and television production center. Over the years, the focus shifted from a behind-the-scenes studio tour to a collection of immersive lands based on popular franchises. The removal of the arch is seen by many as one of the final steps in this transformation.
Making Way for The Magic of Disney Animation
The archway's demolition is not an isolated event but a necessary step for a significant park expansion. The entire area is being reimagined to house The Magic of Disney Animation, an immersive new experience scheduled to debut in 2026.
This new attraction will replace the Star Wars: Launch Bay, which, along with the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show, closed permanently on September 25 to clear the area for construction. The project aims to create a space where guests can explore the world of animation in a hands-on way.
What to Expect from the New Attraction
According to official descriptions, The Magic of Disney Animation will be modeled after the real Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California. The building's exterior is expected to feature a large version of the Sorcerer's Hat from Fantasia, similar to the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building.
Upcoming Changes at Hollywood Studios
- New Attraction: The Magic of Disney Animation will replace Star Wars: Launch Bay.
- Opening Date: The new experience is slated to open in 2026.
- Closures: Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play & Dance! closed in September 2025.
- Still Open: The nearby Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show will remain operational during construction.
Inside, the attraction is planned to be a whimsical take on an animation headquarters. Visitors will be invited to explore different departments, interact with "living portraits" of characters, and even take lessons on how to sketch classic Disney figures.
For younger children, a dedicated play area called Drawn to Wonderland is planned. This section will be inspired by concept art from Alice in Wonderland and will feature an oversized flower garden, musical instruments, and exploration areas themed to the Tulgey Wood.
The Continuing Evolution of a Theme Park
The removal of the Animation Courtyard arch is the latest in a series of major changes at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In recent years, the park has added large-scale lands like Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, shifting its focus toward immersive experiences based on specific intellectual properties.
While the loss of historic structures can be bittersweet for longtime fans, these developments are part of the park's strategy to introduce new and engaging attractions for future generations. The Magic of Disney Animation represents a significant investment in bringing a core element of the Disney brand—its animation legacy—to the forefront in a new and interactive format.
As construction proceeds, guests can expect to see more changes around the Animation Courtyard area. For now, the empty space where the arch once stood serves as a clear signal of the major transformation that is underway.
