Credit: DisneyWalt Disney World has officially begun erasing one of its most recognizable Star Wars spaces from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, signaling that the former Animation Courtyard is undergoing a major identity shift.
And this time, it’s not just speculation or fan chatter online. Physical removal is actively happening in the park, and the changes are becoming impossible to ignore.
According to reports from WDWNT, crews have started removing additional exterior facade elements from the former Star Wars Launch Bay building, which previously served as a dedicated location for Star Wars offerings in Hollywood Studios.
The Former Star Wars Launch Bay Is Being Stripped Down
For years, Star Wars Launch Bay stood as a visible reminder of Disney’s earlier approach to bringing the franchise into the park. Even after the debut of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, the Launch Bay building remained in place, continuing to carry the look and branding tied to the franchise.
Now, that presence appears to be officially disappearing.
Recent construction activity has reportedly included the removal of material covering a steel structure that extends outward from the building. This section was once a noticeable part of the facade, including a blue line detail that helped define the exterior’s appearance.
At this point, it’s clear this is more than a minor refurbishment. Disney is actively dismantling the themed identity of the area.
Major Star Wars Elements Are Already Gone
This isn’t the first sign that the Launch Bay area is being phased out.
The signage that once marked the space was reportedly removed months ago, and the Old Jedi Order banner that previously hung above it is now gone as well. These are the kinds of details Disney typically doesn’t remove unless a permanent transition is underway.
For longtime visitors, it’s a strong indication that this section of the park is no longer being treated as part of Disney’s Star Wars footprint.
Disney Is Preparing for a New Land Concept
While the removal of a recognizable Star Wars space may feel surprising, it appears to be part of a larger plan already in motion.
The former Launch Bay location is expected to become part of the upcoming “Magic of Disney Animation” area, which is currently set to open sometime in summer 2026. This shift suggests Disney is leaning back into animation and classic branding, rather than maintaining smaller, leftover franchise areas that no longer fit the park’s current direction.
In many ways, it feels like Disney is trying to bring back a sense of identity that Hollywood Studios has gradually lost over the years.
A Familiar Icon Could Be Returning
Even more interesting is what the construction might be building toward.
The platform currently being worked on is expected to support Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat, based on concept art tied to the project. For Disney fans, that’s a huge detail, because the Sorcerer Hat was once one of the most iconic symbols of Disney’s Hollywood Studios before it was removed.
If Disney is truly preparing the area for a return of that visual centerpiece, it would represent a major nostalgia-driven shift—and one that could completely reshape how this part of the park feels.
Hollywood Studios Continues to Change
This update is another reminder that Disney’s Hollywood Studios is still evolving, even after its most dramatic expansion years.
While Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge remains the park’s main destination for the franchise, the removal of Launch Bay’s remaining exterior theming suggests Disney is tightening the Star Wars presence to one primary location instead of spreading it across multiple areas.
At the same time, Disney appears to be leaning harder into animation-focused experiences and classic Disney storytelling, which could be a strategic move as the park continues to redefine itself.
Disney hasn’t made a major announcement, but the demolition work itself sends a clear message. The Star Wars Launch Bay era is ending, and the physical space is being transformed into something entirely new.
For fans who remember when Launch Bay was a major part of Hollywood Studios, it may feel like a quiet but significant loss. And once the remaining facade elements disappear, it’s likely this section of the park will become unrecognizable.
Whether guests are excited or disappointed, one thing is clear: Walt Disney World is officially moving on.