Credit: DisneyFor years, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been the epicenter of “franchise” storytelling—a place where you could walk into a galaxy far, far away or shrink to the size of a toy. But as of May 2026, the park is pivoting back to its foundational heart: the magic of the drawing board.
In a move that signals a massive era shift for the park, two of Disney’s most spirited heroines have made a surprise debut. As of this week, Mulan and Rapunzel are officially greeting guests, but they aren’t where you might expect. Instead of the traditional Animation Courtyard, these royals have set up camp on Grand Avenue, serving as a “prologue” to the highly anticipated Off The Page experience opening later this summer.
The Grand Avenue Warm-Up: Where to Find Them Now
If you are navigating the park today, you won’t find these characters tucked away in a theater. Instead, they are meeting in the open air of Grand Avenue, specifically near the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) kiosk.
- The Schedule: Both characters are listed as proper, scheduled meet-and-greets in the My Disney Experience (MDX) app. This isn’t a “pop-up” moment; it’s a fully realized experience with dedicated times throughout the afternoon.
- The Rotation: Mulan and Rapunzel are currently rotating in the same spot. While Rapunzel “lets her hair down” for a few sets, Mulan takes over shortly after, ensuring that the street stays bustling with royal energy.
- The Vibe: Meeting on Grand Avenue offers a unique “Old Hollywood” backdrop. With the brick facades and city-street aesthetic, it feels like these characters are stepping out for a premiere—a fitting vibe for a park that is currently rebranding its animation heritage.
Coming This Summer: What is “Off The Page”?
The Grand Avenue residency is widely considered a “technical rehearsal” for the characters before they move into their permanent homes inside The Magic of Disney Animation.
Opening later this summer, Off The Page is a brand-new, high-concept character hub that reimagines the meet-and-greet experience. Rather than a simple backdrop, guests will step into six unique “departments” of a living animation studio. Disney has confirmed the following departmental line-up:
| Department | Character | Immersive Experience |
| Story | Mulan | Meet the warrior in front of an oversized, interactive storyboard panel showing her journey. |
| Layout | Rapunzel | A “multiplane camera” setting that uses forced perspective to add cinematic depth to your photos. |
| Hand-Drawn | Chip ‘n’ Dale | Classic sketches come to life around the mischievous duo. |
| CG Animation | Donald & Daisy | A modern, digital look at the ducks in a high-tech rendering bay. |
| Lighting | Goofy | Playful lighting effects that change based on Goofy’s antics. |
| Effects | Stitch | Expect chaos and “sparkling” digital effects in Experiment 626’s lab. |
The Animation Courtyard Transformation
The arrival of Mulan and Rapunzel on Grand Avenue is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The Animation Courtyard is currently being reimagined as part of the Walt Disney Studios Lot, as part of the Magic of Disney Animation.
Construction walls have recently begun to shift, revealing a nostalgic “cartoon lot” aesthetic. The most exciting development for long-term fans? The Sorcerer Mickey Hat is returning. While not in its original 2001 location, a reimagined, smaller version of the hat will serve as the gateway to this new land, which officially opens its outdoor areas on May 26, 2026, and its remaining areas “later this summer.”
This land will also feature:
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!: A new show for the little ones opening May 26.
- Drawn to Wonderland: A Mary Blair-inspired playground featuring oversized flowers and Tulgey Wood exploration areas.
- The Magic of Disney Animation: The indoor anchor of the land, featuring drawing classes led by an Olaf Audio-Animatronic.
A Park in Transition: Muppets, Monsters, and More
It is a busy season for Hollywood Studios. While Grand Avenue plays host to the princesses, the neighboring Muppets Courtyard is a sea of scaffolding. As of May 2026, the MuppetVision 3D theater is closed to make way for Monstropolis, the new Monsters, Inc. land featuring the long-awaited “Door Coaster.”
To balance the loss of MuppetVision, the Muppets have staged a hostile (and hilarious) takeover of the Sunset Boulevard area. Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets is slated to open later this month, featuring an “Electric Mayhem” soundtrack and a chaotic pre-show that fans are already calling an instant classic.
Guest Tips for the Mulan & Rapunzel Meet and Greet
If you’re heading to the park this week, keep these strategies in mind to save time:
- Check the MDX App Early: Because these characters are rotating, you’ll want to check the specific appearance times as soon as you enter the park. Lines can get long, especially for Rapunzel.
- PhotoPass is Active: Disney PhotoPass photographers are stationed at the Grand Avenue spot, so have your MagicBand+ ready to scan those digital memories.
- Combine with a Snack: The Grand Avenue location is perfectly situated near the BaseLine Tap House and the new Swedish Chef Food Kiosk (part of the Muppets takeover of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster). It’s the perfect place to grab a pretzel and a drink while waiting for your turn in line.
Conclusion: Reclaiming the Magic
For years, many felt that Hollywood Studios had lost its “studio” identity. The closure of the original animation tour left a void in the park’s storytelling.
The debut of Mulan and Rapunzel on Grand Avenue is a signal that the tide is turning. By placing these characters front and center—and preparing a massive, art-focused hub in Off The Page—Disney is reminding us that every great adventure begins with a single sketch. Whether you’re a fan of the classic hand-drawn era or the modern CG hits, the “Royalty of Animation” is back, and they’ve brought the soul of the studio with them.
Are you excited to see Mulan and Rapunzel at Hollywood Studios? Will you be checking out Off The Page when it opens this summer? Let us know in the comments!
