(PHOTOS) Disney Animation Courtyard’s character figures, handprints and special details
Animation Courtyard is finally visible again inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the refreshed area is filled with new Disney Animation character figures, themed handprints, and hidden tributes spanning generations of animated films.
The updates arrive ahead of the May 26 debut of the new “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live” stage show, which performs in a theater in this area. However, the character figures and handprints are in place as the upcoming animation attraction prepares to debut later this summer. Disney has still not announced an opening date for “The Magic of Disney Animation.” Based on the scale, detail, and emotional references already visible throughout the courtyard, the new experience appears to be celebrating Disney Animation history in a big way.
Animation Courtyard feels special again
For longtime Hollywood Studios fans, Animation Courtyard has always carried a unique identity within the park. The area previously housed the original Magic of Disney Animation attraction, where guests could learn about animation history, see working animators, and celebrate the artistry behind Disney films.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Now, the courtyard is fully transformed into a tribute to Disney Animation’s legacy. The area blends classic and modern characters together in a shared environment, echoing the emotional crossover moments seen in the animated special “Once Upon a Studio.”
One especially impressive detail is the scale of the characters. Disney kept each one proportionally accurate to the others. It’s Disney details at its finest.
Character figures are scattered throughout the courtyard
Character figures are spread throughout Animation Courtyard across signs, planters, decorative elements, and themed structures.
Some of the featured characters are among Disney Animation’s most recognizable stars, while others are lesser-known fan favorites that longtime animation fans will immediately appreciate.
Photo by Matt Roseboom
Figures we spotted inside the courtyard:
- Abu — perched atop the Studio Store
- The bluebird singers from Cinderella alongside Diablo, Maleficent’s raven from Sleeping Beauty
- Hiss the snake
- Fru Fru from the Zootopia movies
- Mochi the cat
- Jiminy Cricket atop a directional sign
- Lucifer is interested in Zazu the bird nearby
- Pua and Thumper sitting together in the landscaping
So there are about a dozen different character figures, all of which are animals.
Character handprints, footprints, and pawprints
The courtyard also features newly installed themed handprints and footprints inspired by the celebrity-style impressions outside the Chinese Theatre, now home to “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.“
Many of the prints include small details and references tied directly to the characters and their films.
WATCH: Our video below shows multiple details of the character figures and the character handprints in the courtyard.
Maui’s section includes his iconic fish hook, while John Silver features his mechanical cyborg arm. Chicken Little includes the recognizable hexagonal tile pattern tied to the film’s storyline. Another standout detail features cub Simba’s pawprint placed inside Mufasa’s larger print, creating one of the most emotional visual touches in the courtyard.
Character handprints and footprints include:
- Moana
- Maui
- Mirabel Madrigal
- Bruno Madrigal
- Tiana
- Belle
- The Beast
- Hercules and Pegasus
- Robin Hood
- Little John
- Quasimodo
- Pocahontas
- Mowgli
- Wreck-It Ralph
- Vanellope von Schweetz
- Cruella de Vil
- Winnie the Pooh
- Piglet
- Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
- Big Bad Wolf
- Yensid
- Jafar with Iago
- Ursula
- Mufasa and Simba
- John Silver
- The three Aristocat kittens from “The Aristocats”
We are currently on a media trip at Walt Disney World with much more coverage to come. Follow along on our social media channels and subscribe to our email newsletter at AttractionsMagazine.com for continuing updates from inside the parks.
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