Credit: DisneyConstruction crews are making headway on demolition in the former Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and, as part of the overhaul, Mickey Mouse iconography has been removed from the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Here’s what Disney Parks fans need to know.
Animation Courtyard Overhaul
In 2025, Walt Disney World Resort announced that the Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would permanently close to make way for the return of an original Disney-MGM Studios attraction, the Magic of Disney Animation. This immersive experience will include character meet-and-greets, a sketching class, and an Alice in Wonderland (1951)-inspired play area.
The new area, inspired by the Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California, will include the return of the Sorcerer Mickey hat to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It will also feature the existing “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” show and the new “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” show, which debuted at Disney California Adventure Park in 2025.
Animation Courtyard, including Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, closed in September 2025 to make way for the Walt Disney Studios Lot and the Magic of Disney Animation. Construction walls appeared shortly thereafter, and Disney Park guests have been able to watch some of the progress above the temporary barricades.
Mickey Mouse Removed
On Tuesday morning, Inside the Magic reported that the Lightning Lane and standby wait time signs had been removed from outside the former Disney Junior dance party attraction entrance in Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Hours later, reporting from WDWNT confirmed that the light-up Mickey Mouse ear sign, which sat atop the show entry area for years, had officially disappeared.
Concept art for the The Magic of Disney Animation area previously confirmed that the Mickey Mouse sign would be removed. The ears, Lightning Lane sign, and standby wait time tracker were all illuminated with neon lighting, which crews previously disconnected.
The Magic of Disney Animation Opening Date
Walt Disney World Resort has announced that The Magic of Disney Animation will open sometime in summer 2026. Follow Inside the Magic for updates on this project and other developments at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park!
A CLASSIC RETURNS! 🎨✨
‘THE MAGIC OF DISNEY ANIMATION’ is officially opening at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in late summer 2026! 🏰🎬
#DisneyWorld #HollywoodStudios #DisneyAnimation #DisneyParks
👉 Follow for more updates!
A CLASSIC RETURNS! 🎨✨
‘THE MAGIC OF DISNEY ANIMATION’ is officially opening at Disney's Hollywood Studios in late summer 2026! 🏰🎬#DisneyWorld #HollywoodStudios #DisneyAnimation #DisneyParks
👉 Follow for more updates! pic.twitter.com/9KJC8j6kPN
— The Fandom Feed (@thefandomfeed) December 6, 2025
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