Credit: Ed Aguila, Inside the MagicThings are looking a bit different at Disney’s Hollywood Studios these days as Walt Disney World Resort prepares to open a new land at its third theme park.
Walt Disney Studios Lot Replaces Animation Courtyard
Last year, Walt Disney World Resort announced that the Animation Courtyard area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would close to make way for the Walt Disney Studios Lot. The new land, inspired by the real animation studios’ headquarters in Burbank, California, will be home to two shows and the return of an opening-day Disney-MGM Studios attraction: the Magic of Disney Animation.
The Magic of Disney Animation is taking over the former Star Wars Launch Bay building, with six themed character meet-and-greets inspired by different steps in the process of making an animated feature film. The area will also include an Alice in Wonderland (1951)-themed playground and drawing classes hosted by an audio-animatronic Olaf.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” will take over the soundstage that most recently hosted “Disney Jr. Play and Dance!”, mirroring the preschool-focused show currently performing at Disney California Adventure Park. “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” will remain in the Walt Disney Studios Lot area and has continued to perform even after the Animation Courtyard closed in September 2025.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot, including the Magic of Disney Animation, is scheduled to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26, 2026. With just over a month left, Walt Disney World Resort guests are noticing some changes at the construction site.
Shifting Construction Walls at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
On April 6, BlogMickey reported that construction walls had shifted in the former Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new plywood barriers still sit quite close to the entrance to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” but they provide a much larger walkway, complete with newly poured pavement for Disney Park guests exiting the show. The outlet shared this photo on Facebook:
Construction walls still block almost the entire former Animation Courtyard area.
New themed paint is also visible on the Magic of Disney Animation building, which will eventually be topped with a large blue Sorcerer Mickey hat.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot will premiere at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26.
Which part of the new Walt Disney Studios Lot area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios are you most excited about? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments!