The Magic of Disney Animation: New Experience Coming to Hollywood Studios in 2026 🎨
- Practically Perfect Pixie Dust
- Jul 22
- 6 min read
Big changes are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios—and they’re bursting with color, creativity, and classic Disney charm! In a surprise announcement, Disney revealed that the Animation Courtyard and Star Wars: Launch Bay are closing to make way for a brand-new experience, The Magic of Disney Animation, set to debut in 2026. This immersive, family-friendly attraction is inspired by the heartwarming short film Once Upon a Studio and will bring guests into the whimsical world of Disney animation like never before.
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I still remember the very first time I experienced The Magic of Disney Animation—back in 1989 on my honeymoon (we got married so young—but are still making it!) when Hollywood Studios had just opened. It was truly magical, offering a rare glimpse behind the curtain into the world of Disney animation. In those early days, when the park was more about showbiz than thrill rides, this experience stood out as one of the highlights of any visit. Years later, when Lyn and Kim were young, our family loved spending time there together—especially watching real Disney animators at work on films like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch. It was such a special blend of education, artistry, and character fun—an experience that really made you feel like you were part of the Disney storytelling magic.
Slowly over time, the experience evolved. Disney Feature Animation Florida closed in 2003, and the pavilion shifted toward more of an exhibit-style experience. Eventually, we stopped making it a priority. After serving guests for over 25 years, the experience closed on July 12, 2015, to make way for Star Wars: Launch Bay.
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Fast forward to today, and Disney has announced a brand-new reimagining of this beloved experience: The Magic of Disney Animation, set to open in 2026. While this new version won’t feature real animators working live, it captures the same spirit of creativity and wonder through interactive studio spaces, hands-on drawing activities, and playful character encounters. There’s even an indoor playground inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland art that adds a fresh, kid-friendly twist.
At its heart, both versions aim to pull back the curtain on Disney’s animation legacy—just in different ways. The original offered a behind-the-scenes view of real animation production, with observation decks and animation tutorials that sparked the imaginations of aspiring artists. The new experience leans into immersive storytelling and interactivity, with living portraits, drawing classes, and character meet-and-greets set in a whimsical re-creation of an animation studio while the “real animators” are away. It’s a shift from realism to fantasy—but one that still celebrates the timeless magic of Disney animation in a way that today’s families will love.
🎬 What Is The Magic of Disney Animation?
Set to open in 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation is a brand-new interactive experience that celebrates the magic behind Disney’s most beloved animated films.
The new attraction will take over the Star Wars: Launch Bay space, which originally housed the much-loved Magic of Disney Animation experience before it closed in 2015.
This version is completely reimagined and will blend storytelling, technology, and hands-on creativity in a way that’s perfect for guests of all ages.
The entire experience is inspired by Once Upon a Studio—Disney’s 100th anniversary short film where characters from across Disney’s animated history come to life after hours.
🖌️ What to Expect Inside
This isn’t your typical queue-and-ride attraction. Instead, The Magic of Disney Animation will be a walk-through experience filled with interactive stations, storytelling, and character moments. Here’s what we know so far:
✏️ Explore Animation Studios
Guests will journey through whimsical versions of real Disney animation departments—like character design and layout—where portraits may come to life and surprises are hidden around every corner.
🎥 Screening Theater
A dedicated theater space will feature a short film and opportunities to learn how to draw Disney characters, just like in the old Animation Academy.
🤝 Character Meet-and-Greets
Characters from across Disney’s animation history will pop in throughout the experience for memorable photo ops and magical interactions.
🐰 “Drawn to Wonderland” Indoor Playground
This new indoor play space is inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art and will include:
Oversized flowers and instruments
A Mad Tea Party-style area
Scenes from the whimsical Tulgey Wood
🎨 Who Was Mary Blair?
Mary Blair was a pioneering Disney artist and designer known for her bold color choices and modernist style. She created concept art for animated classics like Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, and Peter Pan, and her influence can still be seen in beloved attractions like it’s a small world and the mosaic mural at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. A true Disney Legend, her whimsical work continues to shape the look and feel of Disney magic to this day.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: This will be a fantastic break spot for families with young kids. Expect air conditioning, seating, and a dose of creative chaos in the best possible way.
🏛️ Animation Courtyard Becomes “The Walt Disney Studios”
As part of this transformation, the entire Animation Courtyard area will be reimagined to look like the historic Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California.
Here's what that includes:
A new name: “The Walt Disney Studios”
Courtyard-style layout with shaded seating and relaxed gathering spaces
Design inspired by classic studio architecture
A more immersive vibe connecting the animation experience with nearby stage shows
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: The courtyard will still host The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and a new Disney Jr. stage show, so it’ll remain a hot spot for families with young kids even during construction.
📅 Timeline & Closures
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s closing—and what’s staying open—during this exciting update:
✅ Still open during construction:
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
Walt Disney Presents
🎞️ Why This Change Is a Big Deal
This new experience does more than bring a fresh attraction to Hollywood Studios—it brings back heart. Animation has always been the soul of Disney, and this offering gives it a much-needed spotlight inside a park that has shifted heavily toward big franchises.
It’s also one of the few new additions designed with younger kids in mind. There’s no height requirement, no intense wait times, and plenty of opportunities for creative play. For families, this is a huge win.
👋 What About Star Wars Launch Bay Characters and Props?
With The Magic of Disney Animation taking over the Launch Bay space, the current Star Wars meet-and-greets and prop displays will say goodbye after September 24, 2025.
The good news? Characters like Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and BB-8 aren’t gone for good—Chewie is already a regular in Galaxy’s Edge, and Disney is expected to relocate other character interactions to the Star Wars-themed areas of the park.
Want all the deets of what characters can be found at Disney Hollywood Studios? Check out our Hollywood Studios Character Guide.
As for the props, costumes, and concept art that have filled Launch Bay since it opened? Disney hasn’t announced specific plans to relocate them, but it’s possible some may find new homes elsewhere in Hollywood Studios—or return to the archives.
🧚♀️ Pixie Dust Pro Tip: Want one last photo with Darth Vader or a peek at those rare Star Wars artifacts? Be sure to stop by before September 25, 2025, when Launch Bay officially closes to make way for the new experience.
We’re seriously excited for this one. Between the nostalgic callbacks to the original Animation building, the playful tribute to Once Upon a Studio, and the promise of new character meet-and-greets and drawing opportunities, The Magic of Disney Animation looks like it’s going to be a must-do experience for us in 2026.
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✨ Curious about everything else coming to the parks this year? Check out our full roundup of What’s New at Walt Disney World for Summer 2025—new shows, attractions, events, and more!
Pixie Dust Hugs,
Bren, Lyn, and Kim
P.S. Planning your own magical getaway?
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