Credit: Lee (myfrozenlife), FlickrIn an unexpected move—whether accidental or strategic—Disney has released an updated park map for Disney’s Hollywood Studios a day earlier than planned, according to WDWNT.
This new guide reflects significant changes ahead of the September 25 closure of both Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Junior Theater, effectively reshaping a large portion of the Animation Courtyard and signaling the next phase in the ongoing transformation of the park.
The map was first discovered not inside Hollywood Studios, but rather at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, where it was seemingly distributed ahead of its official rollout. The updated design, meant to reflect changes taking place starting September 25, noticeably shortens the Animation Courtyard—visually and functionally—and eliminates any reference to the two venues still technically open for business… until tonight.
A Closer Look at the New Map
While the new cover art shows a playful moment—a guest holding a Mickey Premium Ice Cream Bar up to Gertie the Dinosaur as if feeding her—it’s the inside of the map that’s making waves. The folded layout still includes the usual park rules, transport info, and featured attractions, but the main park illustration clearly omits the structures housing the Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. theater.
The walkway that traditionally extended beyond The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure now abruptly ends, a clear visual cue of what’s to come. When the two attractions officially shutter on September 25, guests can expect construction walls to go up quickly, blocking access to the rest of the courtyard.
Additionally, map location numbers have been reshuffled. What were once locations 50 and 51—previously marking the now-closed attractions—have been reassigned to the nearby Market and Joffrey’s coffee stand. This renumbering gives the map a sense of finality, cementing the idea that the transition is already in motion, regardless of whether guests have had their last visit yet.
From Animation Courtyard to The Walt Disney Studios Lot
The closure of Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! is not simply a matter of shuttering outdated attractions. It’s part of a broader vision: the transformation of Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios, modeled after the historic Disney lot in Burbank, California.
The area will soon feature a completely reimagined experience called The Magic of Disney Animation, a revival of the beloved original attraction that occupied the space from 1989 to 2015.
In its earlier iteration, guests could get a behind-the-scenes look at how Disney animated classics like Lilo & Stitch came to life in the Florida-based animation studio. That version closed in 2015 to make room for Star Wars Launch Bay. Now, Disney is bringing it back with a new twist.
What’s Coming in 2026: The Magic of Disney Animation Returns
Set to debut in 2026, the revived Magic of Disney Animation will offer guests an immersive journey into the world of animation.
Inspired by the Emmy-winning short “Once Upon a Studio”, the attraction will feature interactive environments that simulate the feeling of stepping into the studio after the animators have “temporarily stepped away.” Characters come to life throughout the building, creating an engaging, playful environment for families.
Among the key elements:
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Live character meet-and-greets with classic Disney animation icons
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A whimsical indoor “Drawn to Wonderland” playground, inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland, featuring a Mad Tea Party set, Tulgey Wood, and oversized musical instruments
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A chance for guests to create their own character sketches, participate in drawing classes, and watch a custom animated short
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A Sorcerer’s Hat façade, reminiscent of the one that once stood as the park’s icon and inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank
The interior will reflect Disney Animation’s actual creative process, with touches like character-filled hallways, animated portraits that come to life, and thematic nods to different studio departments.
Animation Courtyard Reimagined
The rebrand of Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios goes beyond just attractions. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure theater will soon become the Studio Theater, and a “fresh Disney Jr. show” will take over the old soundstage. The area will also introduce a new central park-like space, designed for guests to relax under trees, enjoy snacks, and interact with roaming characters.
While the full transformation won’t be complete until 2026, the early release of the map suggests that Disney wants guests to start mentally transitioning away from the current layout of Hollywood Studios—even if they weren’t supposed to see it quite yet.
A Pattern of Early Map Drops?
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time a map revision for Hollywood Studios has surfaced prematurely. Over the summer, Disney quietly removed Muppets Courtyard from the official map a day early as well. That change also hinted at larger transitions happening behind the scenes.
Whether these early releases are accidental or part of a subtle rollout strategy, the message is clear: the Disney’s Hollywood Studios you knew is evolving, and quickly. What was once a patchwork of aging attractions is being reshaped into themed mini-lands with more coherent storytelling and stronger franchise tie-ins.
What It All Means for Guests
For frequent visitors and die-hard fans, the premature appearance of the map is more than a cartographic error—it’s a preview of the future, and a sign that Disney is taking deliberate steps to refresh parts of Hollywood Studios that have long needed attention.
With Launch Bay and Disney Jr. wrapping up operations, and the new experiences set to arrive in 2026, the next year will likely involve visible construction and temporarily restricted areas. Guests planning to visit soon should expect changes to park flow, new construction walls, and shifting entertainment options in the former Animation Courtyard.
And if you’re staying at a Disney Resort hotel, don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of tomorrow’s park today, one fold at a time.