Several days ago, X user @bioreconstruct posted a number of new and detailed aerial photos which show the demolition progress of Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Hollywood Studios).
With that being said, let’s take a look at the aerial photos @bioreconstruct has posted.
PLEASE NOTE: Original captions for the photos will be provided (find at the bottom of the article). This will allow you, the reader, to know what you’re looking at. Additionally, click on the images to enlarge. Star Wars Launch Bay will be labelled as Launch Bay.
Photo Captions
- Image #1: The office building at top of this aerial photo is the former Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida studio.
- Image #2: Aerial photo of demolition underway in front of the former Launch Bay. Gateway arch at top right to be demolished.
- Image #3, #4, #5: Aerial photos of demolition in front of the former Launch Bay. Will be rethemed to a visit to the Walt Disney Feature Animation studio in Burbank. Large building at right is theater of the recently opened show, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.
- Image #6: Aerial photo of demolition at the Disney Junior Dance Party in Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
- Image #7: Aerial photo of demolition near Launch Bay, which will be rethemed as the Walt Disney Feature Animation studio in Burbank.
- Image #8: Aerial photo of guest flow changes near the Little Mermaid show.
- Image #9: Aerial photo of part of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Launch Bay is being rethemed as the Walt Disney Feature Animation Studio in Burbank. The Hollywood Studios arch will be demolished.
Animation Courtyard (including Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!) closed permanently on the 25th September, 2025, to make way for the all-new The Magic of Disney Animation. Please be aware that The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will remain open.
This new family experience, which opens in 2026, will include interactive exhibits, drawing activities, character meet and greets, and an indoor play area inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The reimagined courtyard will be themed to look and feel like the historic Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.
Since we missed the announcement, let’s delve into more details about The Magic of Disney Animation.
The Magic of Disney Animation will celebrate the history, process, and the characters of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Listed below is what is changing:
- Animation Courtyard will undergo a full transformation, including the closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!
- The building that housed the Star Wars Launch Bay will be redesigned to resemble the Roy E. Disney Animation in Burbank, complete with a Sorcerer Hat atop.
- This new experience will immerse guests in an animated world where characters have taken over the studio after the animators have stepped away.
Guests will explore whimsical, character-driven spaces inspired by various departments inside a Disney animation studio. Features include the following:
- Living Portraits:Portraits will come to life as characters interact with visitors, similar to the magical moments in Once Upon a Studio.
- Short Film Experience: A reimagined short film screening with interactive elements.
- Drawing Studio: Guests will have the chance to learn how to sketch classic characters with help from animation guides.
- Character Meet and Greets: The space will include numerous locations to encounter Disney Animation characters.
A new indoor play aera designed for young children will be part of the experience. Inspired by Mary Blair’s concept art for Alice in Wonderland, this portion includes:
- A Mad Tea Party playset
- A Tulgey Wood exploration zone
- Oversized musical flowers
Outside the main building, the entire Animation Courtyard will be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios, themed after the historic studio. Updates include the following:
- Studio Theater will continue to present The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure
- Soundstage Area: A new Disney Junior show will debut here.
- Courtyard Grounds: Guests will have the chance to relax under treets, enjoy snacks and watch for characters.
For all our content on The Magic of Disney Animation, check out our dedicated webpage for the upcoming family experience below:
Stay tuned to Orlando Theme Park Zone for more Orlando theme park-related news and information.
H/T X
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