LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (July 22, 2025) – A brand-new animated adventure is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026. “The Magic of Disney Animation,” will debut in the building that currently houses Star Wars: Launch Bay. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, and the Emmy award-winning and heartwarming short film “Once Upon a Studio,” guests will step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building, but this time, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play! Topped with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, the space will invite guests to explore different studio departments brought to life by Disney characters.
In the Production Gallery, portraits come to life just like in “Once Upon a Studio,” while in the Screening Theater, guests can get inspired by a short film the whole family will love. Additionally, they will have the chance to learn how to draw fan-favorite characters and greet them in real life.
Families with younger children will also delight in “Drawn to Wonderland,” an all-new indoor playground inspired by the whimsical concept art for “Alice in Wonderland” created by Disney Legend Mary Blair. This imaginative play area will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.
Beyond the building, Animation Courtyard will be reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” a newly designed outdoor space offering shaded seating, playful landscaping and fun surprises, ideal for relaxing, snacking or spontaneous fun.
Walt Disney Animators and Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney animated films to the whole courtyard in new and immersive ways families will love.
“Our film came from the heart and from a desire of all the Disney Animation artists wanting to celebrate our artistic accomplishments and a passion for the studio’s legacy,” said “Once Upon a Studio” director, Trent Correy.
“Working on this film was the highlight of my career – the most fun I’ve ever had,” recalled his fellow director, Dan Abraham. “And now, to collaborate with the wonderful talents at Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the short and our studio to guests in this exciting way is beyond our wildest dreams.”
In addition to the new offerings, the exteriors of several existing buildings will be reimagined with design elements inspired by buildings found in Burbank. To prepare for the transformation, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning Sept. 25, 2025. Guests can continue to enjoy “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents while the transformation is completed.
More details about new offerings, characters, and experiences coming to this new area will be shared in the coming months.
INTERCOT Founder & MCP
The OG Disney Fan Site - Founded 1997
I am very happy to see this be announced. Despite the fact that I do not possess a "right side of brain" at all, with me having no creativity or ability to see or draw the third dimension, I always enjoyed the drawing session at MGM/DHS. Of course a big part of that for me was that I enjoyed the sarcastic performance of Mushu, so we'll see how this new attraction works once it opens. But I still have the last picture my wife and I drew hanging on the wall at work, so I am glad to see it return. I am also thrilled that SOMETHING is going to be put in that abandoned chuck of the park. I guess all of us who screamed "why can't they put Monster's in Animation Courtyard" will have to write a letter of apology to Bob Iger?
Coming up... ???
25 Jun CR Garden (1 day)
25 Jan Pop (MLK weekend)
19 May Disney Dream, Nov Pop
18 Oct ASMv
17 Jan POFQ (10k!)
16 (APs) Jan POR, Feb CSR, April ASMv, June BC, Oct Pop & Cabins, Dec ASMv & AKL & Pop
15 May Pop & CBR pirates
13 Oct ASMu & AoA
10 (APs) June CR, Oct AKL & Pop, Dec Pop
07 March ASMv
04 June POR
94 June Dixie Landings (I think)
It seems to me that this might be an appropriate place to insert a Walt Disney animatronic...
I couldn't draw to save my life. But really those that love to draw over and do it for a living have their dream job.
No! Cannot accept this. How can Bob Iger ruin Disney this way! How dare he!!!!
OK, as much as I love Star Wars, Launch Bay has to go. I will miss the AC in the walk through, but that's it. The props can be relocated. So can the meet and greets. This is the perfect replacement.
Who do I have to talk to so I can obtain the movie posters and a few of the art pieces in the outside walk through? Come on Bob, hook me up!
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
Do you think they will be moving the Star Wars Meet & Greets (especially the Chase Disney Visa one) or will they just do away with them? If they are going to move them, how long after Launch Bay closes will it take for them to rehouse them? I will be in WDW Sept. 24 - Oct. 1, but will be back again Dec. 9 - 16. Hopefully I will get a chance to do the M&Gs on at least one of these trips.
"The game never ends
When your whole world depends
On the Turn of a Friendly Card"
Do you think they will be moving the Star Wars Meet & Greets (especially the Chase Disney Visa one) or will they just do away with them? If they are going to move them, how long after Launch Bay closes will it take for them to rehouse them? I will be in WDW Sept. 24 - Oct. 1, but will be back again Dec. 9 - 16. Hopefully I will get a chance to do the M&Gs on at least one of these trips.
This is Disney 2025, so watch the meet and greets go away for good. You know. Budgets and all. BUT, if they could be relocated, and they can, why not near Star Tours? BB8 actually can go into Galaxy's Edge. Chewie is already in GE so wouldn't really be a relocation. Vader is the only issue since he doesn't fit in GE's time line. He can meet with two stormtroopers over by Star Tours, maybe use the now empty Jedi Training area.
You're dead if you aim only for kids. Adults are only kids grown up, anyway.
- Walt Disney
