Disney just announced massive changes coming to Hollywood Studios’ most outdated area, including the return of the Sorcerers Hat to the park. But the hat is coming back in a brand new way, and honestly? This approach is so much better than just plopping the hat back in the middle of the park and blocking the view of the Chinese Theater. Here’s why the Animation Courtyard transformation will finally give this neglected corner of Hollywood Studios the love it deserves.
Animation Courtyard Changes Explained – Video
The Sorcerer’s Hat Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios (But Not How You’d Expect)
The iconic Sorcerer’s Hat is coming back to Hollywood Studios, but in a new way. But I honestly think this way is much better, because the hat will be the centerpiece of a new experience that will revitalize the park’s most outdated land.
Instead of returning as a park icon that could be seen from Hollywood Boulevard from 2001-2015, Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat will crown a completely reimagined Magic of Disney Animation building. Disney describes it as being “just like the real building in California” – referring to the Roy E Disney Animation Building at the Walt Disney Animation Studios. Disney also promises it “will cast a spell with pixie dust.”
This is such a smarter use of the beloved symbol, not only because it won’t disrupt sightlines, but also because it has thematic importance. The Animation Courtyard is going back to its roots.
Animation Courtyard Gets a Complete Makeover
Here’s everything you need to know about the big changes just announced for Hollywood Studios:
The Animation Courtyard, including Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr Play and Dance, will soon be closing on September 25, 2025. The entire area will be transformed into The Walt Disney Studios, taking inspiration from the real-life animation production facility located in Burbank, California.
According to DisneyParksBlog, “This special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot includes our version of the Studio Theater, which will continue to house ‘The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,’ and over at the soundstage, you’ll find a fresh Disney Jr. show.”
Three New Attractions Coming to Walt Disney Studios in DHS
The transformed land will feature three distinct new attractions that should breathe life back into this forgotten corner of the park:
1. Fresh Disney Jr. Show
First, a fresh, new Disney Jr Show is confirmed. Details are still under wraps, but here’s hoping it will feature a certain blue heeler. Last year, Disney and BBC announced a partnership that would bring Bluey to the US theme parks. While details are still under wraps, I’m personally hoping for a Bluey Dance Mode Dance Party.
2. Drawn to Wonderland Indoor Playground
Second, the Drawn to Wonderland playground is both based off Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art and – thankfully – indoors. Which is a very merry unbirthday present to all us parents who’ve spent way too many Florida afternoons melting in outdoor play areas.
Disney describes it as featuring “an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original ‘Alice in Wonderland’ concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair.” Having a climate-controlled space where kids can burn energy while parents recover from the Orlando heat? Brilliant.
3. The Magic of Disney Animation Returns (With a Twist)
But the big new attraction is a throwback with a new twist. The Star Wars Launch Bay building will once again become the Magic of Disney Animation – which was the name of the animation studio tour that operated here when MGM Studios opened.
But this will be a completely new Magic of Disney Animation experience. The updated entrance will feature that giant sorcerer’s hat modeled after the one in Burbank, and inside there will be new interactive exhibits modeled after different studio departments.
The story takes inspiration from the “Once Upon a Studio” animated short, with Disney explaining: “Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play!”
The experience promises portraits that come to life before your eyes, a short film presentation, and – this is huge – the return of art classes to this building. This is one of my favorite unique Disney World activities, and it makes so much more sense here than tucked all the way back in Animal Kingdom.
Why This Change is So Desperately Needed
All of this is such a welcome change, not just because Star Wars Launch Bay has felt stale since Galaxy’s Edge launched six years ago. The Disney Jr show was also outdated, completely featuring characters from shows that no longer air new episodes.
But also because it revitalizes this land with:
- More theming: Cohesive Walt Disney Studios aesthetic feels appropriate for Hollywood Studios
- More Disney history: Celebrating the art of animation and Disney’s 100+ year history rather than just promoting one IP
- Much more shade: Indoor attractions and “lush trees” where “families can take a break to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats”
That last point cannot be overstated for anyone who’s spent time in Animation Courtyard during a Florida summer.
The Timeline and What Stays Open
Animation Courtyard, Star Wars Launch Bay, and Disney Jr will close on September 25, 2025. During construction, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will still be available, and the new land will debut in 2026.
It’s worth noting that Walt Disney Presents will also remain open during construction.
The Bigger Picture for Hollywood Studios
What impresses me most about this announcement is how it solves multiple problems at once. Animation Courtyard has long been Hollywood Studios’ weakest area, and Hollywood Studios had been losing its connection to its roots, being the only Disney World park without an opening day attraction still open.
The “Once Upon a Studio” concept is genuinely clever storytelling that allows to this building to honor its history while offering something new. Plus, there’s the potential for some actual behind-the-scenes edutainment here, which I am always here for.
By creating a studio lot environment, Disney can justify having multiple different experiences in one area while maintaining thematic consistency. It’s the kind of smart Imagineering that makes the theme park feel much more cohesive.
It’s also a recognition that Hollywood Studios needs more family-friendly, air-conditioned experiences. Having a major indoor experience that welcomes all ages helps balance the park’s offerings.
Planning Your Visit During the Transition
What You Need to Know:
- Closure Date: September 25, 2025
- Opening: 2026 (specific date TBD)
- Still Available: The Little Mermaid, Walt Disney Presents
- Last Chance: Visit Star Wars Launch Bay before September if you want nostalgia photos
If you’ve been putting off visiting Launch Bay, now’s the time to say goodbye to Darth Vader, BB-8, and Chewie.
The Verdict: Putting the Animation back in the Animation Courtyard
This is the type of Disney news I love to see. It addresses the park’s biggest weakness, while enhancing the park’s theme and guest experience. Animation Courtyard has felt like an afterthought for too long, and this comprehensive reimagining should finally give it the identity and purpose it’s been missing.
The sorcerer’s hat returning as part of a meaningful experience rather than just a landmark shows the park is moving in a very encouraging direction. Sometimes the best way to bring something back is to give it a better reason for existing in the first place.
What do you think about this huge Hollywood Studios news? Are you excited for the return of animation classes, or are you hoping that Disney Jr. show features a certain Australian cattle dog family? Let me know in the comments!
Quick Reference:
- Closure Date: September 25, 2025
- Opening: 2026
- New Experiences: Magic of Disney Animation, Drawn to Wonderland playground, new Disney Jr. show
- What Remains: The Little Mermaid, Walt Disney Presents
- Inspiration: “Once Upon a Studio” animated short (available on Disney+)
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