Magic of Disney Animation returning to Hollywood Studios after 11 years in 2026
The Magic of Disney Animation returns to its former home on Sept. 14, 2026, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, replacing Star Wars: Launch Bay.
Originally published July 2025, updated July 2026 by Dani Meyering
The Magic of Disney Animation, a walkthrough, pavilion-style attraction, was open from 1989-2015 at Hollywood Studios. On Sept. 14, it will return in a reimagined way. Disney announced the changes on July 22, 2025. And the opening date of Sept. 14 is announced today, July 15, 2026.
The preview Animation Courtyard area, home to “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and “ Disney Jr Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” has become The Walt Disney Studios, modeled after the real Walt Disney Company headquarters in Burbank, Calif.
Artwork courtesy of Disney
Photo by Dave Parfitt
The reimagined attraction is inspired by the Emmy award-winning short film “Once Upon a Studio,” where characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios movies come to life while the animators are away. Once inside the Production Gallery in the new attraction, just like in the short film, the portraits will come to life.
This includes new “high concept” character greeting locations!
In the Screening Theater will be a short film yet to be announced. Just like the original attraction from 11 years ago, guests will also have the chance to attend drawing lessons where the audience will learn how to draw some of their favorite characters, and maybe even see them in real life.
Fun fact: Some of your favorite Disney movies like “Lilo & Stitch,” “Mulan,” and “Brother Bear” were animated in a now-defunct animation studio in this very building. You can see some of the iconic characters from those films in the new attraction poster for The Magic of Disney Animation.
Artwork courtesy of Disney
Families with younger children can enjoy an all-new indoor playground “Drawn to Wonderland” inspired by concept art for “Alice in Wonderland” illustrated by Disney Legend Mary Blair. This new play area features an oversized flower garden with a Mad Tea Party playlet, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.
Concept courtesy of Disney
Animation Courtyard is reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios. As part of this transformation, Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! permanently closed on Sept. 25, 2025.
“The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and Walt Disney Presents are open.
Are you looking forward to this replacement? Stay tuned to Attractions Magazine for updates regarding The Walt Disney Studios inside of Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
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Please Don’t get rid of the Disney Junior Characters, move them back to echo lake on September 25th. I really want to see Doc McStuffins Again!
I will be looking forward to this change. It was always special to be able to go to the drawing lessons and the whole set up invites imagination and participation.