A large portion of Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including Star Wars: Launch Bay, is now permanently closed to become a Walt Disney Studios-inspired area —including the return of The Magic of Disney Animation.
Star Wars: Launch Bay Closed
September 24, 2025, was the last day of operation for Star Wars: Launch Bay. While closing times for the location varied depending on the season, it was closed at 8 p.m. on September 24, a little ahead of the regular Disney’s Hollywood Studios closing time of 9 p.m. (though the park had Extended Evening Hours scheduled for Deluxe Resort guests through 11 p.m.).
There were more guests than normal inside the Star Wars-themed building, many of whom were wearing themed outfits and taking pictures.
Many guests were lingering inside the building at 8 p.m. The lines for the Star Wars character meet and greets were all cut off a little after 8 p.m., though guests who were already in the lines were allowed to stay.
The guests were cleared out of the Launch Bay shortly afterward, though Cast Members were allowed to stay. It appeared the Cast Members were having a private event in the space once the guests left.
Disney Jr. Theater & Animation Courtyard Closed
The Get Animated! dance party closed earlier this month. Get Animated! was a temporary offering replacing Disney Jr. Play and Dance! for Cool Kid Summer. Though Disney announced September 24 would be the last day of Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, the show never returned, and its final day of performances was actually May 24.
Since the space was not actively in use anymore, there were no special events or activities to mark the last day before construction walls arrive.
One of the most notable changes to the courtyard will be the demolition of the Disney’s Hollywood Studios archway. But the courtyard will also have new park space where guests can “play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees.” Just like during Cool Kid Summer, characters will appear in the courtyard.
The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, which debuted this summer, will stay open during the reimagining of Animation Courtyard. Its theater will be renamed the Studio Theater. Walt Disney Presents will also stay open.
Check out our last look article for an in-depth photo tour of Star Wars Launch Bay, the Disney Jr. theater, and all of Animation Courtyard.
The Magic of Disney Animation
Star Wars: Launch Bay will be replaced by a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation. The attraction was originally open from 1989 (the park’s opening) to 2015 when it was replaced by the Star Wars offering. When the Disney Feature Animation studio in Florida operated, The Magic of Disney Animation included a behind-the-scenes look into the studio where films like Lilo & Stitch were created. Guests could learn about the animation process with Back to Neverland, a film starring Robin Williams and Walter Cronkite.
The animation studio closed in 2004 but The Magic of Disney Animation remained open with a show featuring an animator and Mushu. The experience also included a showroom, meet and greets, and Animation Academy.
The new version is described as a “place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences.” It is partially inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio, honoring 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. A poster for the experience includes Robin Williams’ Lost Boy character from Back to Neverland.
The building’s exterior will have a Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat facade just like the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California. The interior will resemble an animation studio when the “animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play!” Guests will “interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.” There will be character meet and greets, portraits that come to life, and the return of Animation Academy.
The Magic of Disney Animation will also include the Drawn to Wonderland playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art. It will include an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood area.
A “fresh Disney Jr. show” will debut at the neighboring soundstage, potentially the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show that premiered at Disney California Adventure this summer.
The new area and attractions will open in 2026.
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