Credit: DisneyDemolition has begun on a Star Wars building at Disney’s Hollywood Studios as the Central Florida theme park prepares to introduce an all-new land, including a returning attraction and reimagined entertainment offerings. Let’s take a look at aerial imagery and footage of the ongoing construction.
Transformation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
In July 2025, Walt Disney World Resort announced plans to close the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and replace it with a new area called the Walt Disney Studios, inspired by the real studio lot in Burbank, California. The shutdown took effect in September 2025 and included the permanent closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and the “Disney Jr. Play and Dance!” show.
Star Wars Launch Bay will be transformed into The Magic of Disney Animation, a reimagined version of an original attraction from Disney-MGM Studios (the original name of Disney’s Hollywood Studios). This building will include drawing classes, character meet-and-greets, and a playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland (1951). To enter the experience, guests will walk under a blue Sorcerer Mickey hat, paying homage to the oversized icon that was removed from Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2015.
When the Walt Disney Studios area opens in the summer of 2026, it will also introduce “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!,” replacing “Disney Jr. Place and Dance!” “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” continues operating during the ongoing construction and will remain part of the new land when it debuts.
This week, Walt Disney Imagineering filed permits for the construction of new signage in the former Animation Courtyard and Star Wars Launch Bay area. The filing relates to an address near “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” which Disney is renaming the “Studio Theater” to fit in with the land’s new theme.
Star Wars Launch Bay Demolition
Aerial photos from X (formerly Twitter) @bioreconstruct show the demolition of Animation Courtyard and the transformation of the Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. One recent image shows that crews have completely repaved the area and installed new trees:
Aerial photo of trees and pavement recently added in Walt Disney Studios courtyard.
Aerial photo of trees and pavement recently added in Walt Disney Studios courtyard. pic.twitter.com/hScN0gbu0o
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2026
Over at the Star Wars Launch Bay, crews have completely removed the Lucasfilm-inspired sign and overhang roof from the building. This is where the blue Sorcerer Mickey hat will be. Disney has yet to repaint the building, which remains a Star Wars-inspired gray.
Aerial photos of work in progress at the entrance of Magic of Animation. An overhang roof is being removed. A tall Sorcerer Hat will be here.
Aerial photos of work in progress at the entrance of Magic of Animation. An overhang roof is being removed. A tall Sorcerer Hat will be here. pic.twitter.com/rNyNzwrPsl
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2026
Bioreconstruct also shared aerial footage of the ongoing construction on YouTube:
Will you miss the Star Wars Launch Bay? In the comments, share your favorite memories of the area with Inside the Magic!