Demolition crews have started work on the main archway at Disney's Hollywood Studios in the Animation Courtyard area. This marks a key step in the park's ongoing reimagining efforts, which will transform the area into the Walt Disney Studios lot.
Key Takeaways
- Demolition of the Animation Courtyard archway at Disney's Hollywood Studios has begun.
- The work is part of a larger project to redevelop the Animation Courtyard.
- The area will become the Walt Disney Studios lot, inspired by the real Burbank studio.
- A new version of The Magic of Disney Animation experience is planned for 2026.
- Star Wars: Launch Bay has permanently closed to make way for these changes.
Archway Demolition Progress
Workers are actively tearing down the iconic archway that has long greeted guests entering the Animation Courtyard. The small side archways, which featured bas-relief panels depicting filmmaking scenes, have already been completely removed from the main structure. These panels had remained a constant feature through previous renovations.
On the right side of the main archway, a significant hole has appeared. This opening is currently covered by white scrim, a type of protective netting used during construction. The left side of the archway shows only one piece of scrim, leaving steel infrastructure, wires, and pipes visible to the public.
Fast Fact
The light-up "Disney’s Hollywood Studios" sign was also removed from the top of the archway before the demolition began. Lamps located on the front of the archway were taken down earlier this week.
The archway's appearance has changed several times over the years. In 2019, it received a modern Disney's Hollywood Studios logo and a new color scheme. Before this, it displayed the Disney-MGM Studios logo and a slightly different design, though the color scheme was similar.
Animation Courtyard Reimagining
The demolition of the archway is part of a broader reimagining of the entire Animation Courtyard. This area officially closed on September 24. A major part of this closure was the permanent shutdown of Star Wars: Launch Bay, with its sign already removed.
The transformation aims to convert the courtyard into the Walt Disney Studios lot. This new design will draw inspiration from the actual Walt Disney Studios lot located in Burbank, California. The reimagined area will feature new park spaces and opportunities for character appearances, enhancing the guest experience.
"The courtyard will become the Walt Disney Studios lot, inspired by the real studio lot in Burbank, California," park officials stated regarding the future of the area.
Other changes are also happening in the Animation Courtyard. Awnings have been removed from the Disney Jr. theater. This venue recently hosted the summer Get Animated! dance party. The Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show closed earlier in the year. A new Disney Jr. show is scheduled to open in the theater next year, coinciding with the rest of the courtyard's debut.
The theater currently housing The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will remain open during the construction period. This theater will be renamed the Studio Theater as part of the overall transformation.
Historical Context
The original Animation Courtyard was a central part of the park's early identity, focusing on the magic of film and animation. Its evolution reflects Disney's continuous efforts to update and enhance its theme park offerings to meet guest expectations and introduce new experiences.
Return of The Magic of Disney Animation
One of the most anticipated elements of the reimagining is the return of The Magic of Disney Animation. This new version will replace the former Star Wars: Launch Bay. The original Magic of Disney Animation experience offered guests a look inside the Disney Feature Animation building, where animated classics like Lilo & Stitch were created.
The original attraction featured a short film titled Back to Neverland. This film starred actor Robin Williams and journalist Walter Cronkite. In the film, Williams played a Disney-MGM Studios guest who was chosen by Cronkite to experience the animation process firsthand. Williams' tourist outfit from this short film was later referenced in the animated movie Aladdin, when Genie, also voiced by Williams, wears the same costume for his vacation.
Did You Know?
During Back to Neverland, Robin Williams was animated into a Lost Boy. This animated Lost Boy is now featured on a poster for the upcoming new version of The Magic of Disney Animation, alongside Genie in his vacation attire.
Although the Florida animation studio closed in 2004, The Magic of Disney Animation continued to celebrate the animation process. Until 2015, it featured a show with an animator and Mushu from Mulan, educating guests about how animated films are made.
The new Magic of Disney Animation experience is set to debut in 2026. It is described as a place where "kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences." This new attraction will draw inspiration from Once Upon a Studio, a short film created to honor the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. That film showed animated Disney characters coming to life, and it also featured Williams' Lost Boy character.
What to Expect at the New Attraction
- Inspired Facade: Guests will enter through a facade designed to look like the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building.
- Interactive Studio: Inside, visitors will find an animation studio environment. It will appear as if animators have just stepped away, and the characters have taken over.
- Living Portraits: Portraits on the walls will come to life, offering interactive elements.
- Studio Department Exploration: Guests can "interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments."
- Drawing Experience: A character drawing experience will allow guests to learn how to draw Disney characters.
- Drawn to Wonderland Playground: This play area will be inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland.
- Character Meet and Greets: Opportunities to meet beloved Disney characters will be available.
These changes represent a significant investment in Disney's Hollywood Studios, aiming to refresh an important area of the park and bring back a beloved, updated animation experience for future guests.
