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Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), FlickrWhen you think about Walt Disney World, the mind usually goes to the big-ticket attractions—the coasters, the dark rides, the dazzling nighttime spectaculars.
But sometimes, what really makes a trip special for families are the smaller experiences, the ones designed specifically for children to cut loose while parents take a breath. That’s why news of a permanent closure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has parents speaking out, hoping Disney will rethink its decision.
This isn’t about a thrill ride or a brand-new IP-driven project. It’s about a dance party—a place where kids could laugh, play, and meet their favorite characters without waiting in long lines or sticking to a rigid schedule. And for families, it was a game-changer.
A Summer Dance Party That Changed the Experience
This past summer, Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios turned into a haven for families with the “Get Animated” dance party. The idea was simple but brilliant: an indoor, air-conditioned space where kids could meet Disney Junior favorites like Mickey Mouse, Timon, Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Pluto. Music filled the room, games kept kids busy, and characters roamed freely. Children could hug their heroes, dance alongside them, snap as many pictures as they wanted, and then stay as long—or as little—as they liked.
It was a stark improvement from what had existed before. The previous Disney Junior Dance Party was a stage show. Families had to catch it at a specific time, and while the energy was fun, the characters never came down from the stage to actually interact with the audience. Once the show ended, the experience was over, and kids were shuffled out into the sun. The newer version — introduced this summer — flipped the script, giving children something far more valuable: flexibility, freedom, and meaningful character interaction.
Why Families Loved It
The timing couldn’t have been better. Hollywood Studios, for all its blockbuster rides like Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Slinky Dog Dash, has never had many options for families with younger kids to just slow down. Outside of occasional character meet-and-greets, there weren’t many shaded or indoor spaces for kids to simply play. The dance party filled that gap perfectly, becoming a must-do for families looking to recharge while their little ones still got to experience something magical.
Parents were thrilled with the setup. No waiting for a time slot, no rushing through a scripted show—just a space where their kids could be kids. For Disney, it was a relatively small offering, but for guests, it meant everything. That’s why the announcement of its permanent removal hit so hard.
The Permanent Closure
On September 25, 2025, Disney will officially close Animation Courtyard’s Disney Junior Play and Dance! to make way for the massive Magic of Disney Animation refurbishment. While this new experience sounds impressive—bringing to life the spirit of Walt Disney Animation Studios with interactive areas, drawing workshops, and play zones inspired by classics like Alice in Wonderland—it also means families will lose one of the few reliable kid-focused retreats in the park.
Here’s the official statement from Disney:
“Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will permanently close on September 25, 2025, to make way for The Walt Disney Studios. Enjoy the ‘Get Animated’ dance party at this location through September 24, 2025.”
The new attraction, opening in 2026, will feature character greetings, whimsical play areas, and a courtyard transformed into a Burbank-inspired studio lot. On paper, it sounds magical. But for many parents, it doesn’t erase the sting of losing a space that was simple, practical, and so effective for young families.
Parents Plead for Disney to Rethink
Since the closure was announced, parents have taken to fan forums, social media, and Disney groups to voice their disappointment. Their plea is consistent: either keep the dance party or add something similar in its place. The concern isn’t just nostalgia—it’s practicality. On hot Florida days, kids need a safe, indoor spot to burn energy. Without it, families are left scrambling for shade or retreating back to their resort mid-day.
Many parents argue that the dance party was one of the best “hidden gems” at Hollywood Studios because it was low-stress, entertaining, and accessible to everyone. Removing it without offering a true replacement feels, to them, like Disney is overlooking one of the most important groups in the park: young children.
Looking Ahead
There’s no denying The Magic of Disney Animation will be an exciting addition. With its Sorcerer Hat centerpiece, interactive studio-inspired experiences, and whimsical playgrounds, it has the potential to be a highlight for families. Still, the transition period leaves a gap, and even after it opens, parents wonder whether it will capture the same relaxed, come-and-go atmosphere of the dance party.
For now, families are making their voices heard, hoping Disney will recognize just how much the Hollywood Studios dance party meant to them. It wasn’t flashy, but it was meaningful—a rare balance of fun for kids and relief for parents.
As Disney looks to the future, one thing is clear: sometimes the simplest attractions leave the biggest impact. And parents aren’t ready to let this one go without a fight.