Credit: David Aughinbaugh II, FlickrOn Monday, Mickey Mouse and Dopey from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) surprised guests with a new permanent presence at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This update comes as Walt Disney World Resort puts the finishing touches on the new Walt Disney Studios Lot area in the former Animation Courtyard footprint.
New Walt Disney Studios Lot Area
Last year, Walt Disney World Resort announced that it would transform the Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios into the Walt Disney Studios Lot, inspired by the company’s animation headquarters in Burbank, California. The imagining includes transforming Star Wars Launch Bay into the Magic of Disney Animation, an opening-day attraction that debuted in 1989 alongside what was then called Disney-MGM Studios.
The Magic of Disney Animation will include an Animation Academy-inspired experience called “Olaf Draws!”, where an audio-animatronic snowman will help guests learn to draw Disney characters, accompanied by pre-recorded footage of Disney animators. The building will also house Disney character meet-and-greets in locations inspired by different phases of animated filmmaking, as well as an indoor playground inspired by Alice in Wonderland (1951).
The Walt Disney Studios Lot will house two shows: the new Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! and the existing “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” The latter has continued performing regularly since Animation Courtyard closed in September 2025.
The Latest Update at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
On May 11, BlogMickey reported that a recreation of the iconic Pluto’s Corner road sign at the Walt Disney Studios headquarters in Burbank had been installed at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The outlet shared this photo of the sign, which features text reading “Dopey Drive” and “Mickey Ave,” as well as directions to studio departments including Ink & Paint, Special EFX, Layout Dept, Animation, Multiplane, and In Btween.
You can compare the original Pluto’s Corner street sign with the theme park version using this photo:
The new Walt Disney Studios Lot area, including the Magic of Disney Animation, will debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on May 26, 2026.
Have you noticed any other construction updates at Magic Kingdom Park, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, or Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park? Share your experience with Inside the Magic in the comments!
