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Credit: Paul Hudson, FlickrDisney World has updated its mobile app to reflect an entire area now officially removed from the map, showing just how Disney is changing its past and moving forward towards its bright future.
A Surprising Shift at Hollywood Studios
If you’ve opened your My Disney Experience app recently, you may have noticed something feels a little… different. The map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios no longer looks the same. What was once a familiar section of Animation Courtyard has suddenly shrunk, with two major attractions missing from the digital landscape. Guests checking the app have been left wondering: what happened?
For more than a decade, families have gathered in Animation Courtyard to meet Star Wars heroes, dance with Disney Junior friends, and relive the magic of beloved characters. It’s been a staple for kids and lifelong fans alike, often serving as a first stop on many Disney vacations. But Disney has quietly taken a dramatic step that marks the end of one era—and the beginning of another.
So what does this mean for the future of the park? And more importantly, how will it change your next visit to Walt Disney World? Let’s dive into what’s new, how to experience it, and why this matters to fans everywhere.
What’s New at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Disney has now confirmed the permanent closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. Theater at Hollywood Studios. Both locations have been removed from the official My Disney Experience map, and Animation Courtyard now appears noticeably smaller.
Here’s a look at the updated digital map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is now closed to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation opening next year. Darth Vader is now meeting guests near Star Tours. – @ScottGustin on X
Here’s a look at the updated digital map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is now closed to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation opening next year. Darth Vader is now meeting guests near Star Tours. pic.twitter.com/rKI37GMLwl
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 25, 2025
In their place, a new project is on the horizon: the Walt Disney Studios lot, inspired by the original Burbank, California studio where Disney films come to life. Guests will soon be able to step into an immersive version of the studio itself.
Even more exciting, The Magic of Disney Animation is making a return in 2026. This fan-favorite attraction, which ironically was replaced by Star Wars Launch Bay years ago, will be reimagined as a space where kids and adults can “laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences.” Disney has revealed it will feature interactive elements, Animation Academy, character meet-and-greets, and even an Alice in Wonderland–inspired playground.
Meanwhile, the Disney Jr. Theater is also getting a refresh, with a brand-new Disney Junior show set to replace the outgoing Play and Dance!
How to Experience the Changes
If you’re planning a visit soon, here’s what you need to know:
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Check the app before you go. The My Disney Experience app now reflects the changes, so don’t be caught off guard when Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Theater are missing.
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Use downtime strategically. With Animation Courtyard under transformation, expect construction walls and shifting crowd patterns. Visit nearby attractions like Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway or Walt Disney Presents during peak times.
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Plan for 2026. The return of The Magic of Disney Animation promises interactive experiences and character meets—make sure to prioritize this in your future itineraries.
Hidden Hacks and Insider Secrets
Frequent visitors know that big Disney changes often come with hidden opportunities:
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Quiet photo spots: With fewer guests heading into Animation Courtyard, this corner of the park will temporarily be less crowded—perfect for photos without the usual background chaos.
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Character meet alternatives: While Launch Bay is gone, don’t miss character interactions at Pixar Place or Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, which often have shorter waits during meal hours.
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Entertainment strategy: Disney tends to debut soft openings before official launches. Keep an eye on the app and Disney’s social media in 2026 for early-access previews.
Why This Matters to Disney Fans
These closures mark the end of a nostalgic chapter while opening doors to something fresh and deeply rooted in Disney’s legacy. Star Wars Launch Bay gave fans a space to connect with beloved characters, while the Disney Jr. Theater was a go-to for families with young children. Their absence will be felt—but their replacements promise to honor Disney’s creative past while reimagining the future.
The return of The Magic of Disney Animation brings things full circle, reconnecting Hollywood Studios to its original mission: celebrating the art of animation. Paired with the new Disney Jr. show, this corner of the park is set to become once again a hub for families, creativity, and storytelling.
For fans, this is more than just a map update—it’s a reminder of how Disney constantly reinvents itself while keeping the magic alive.