Animation Courtyard Repaved, Launch Bay Overhang Removed at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Crews are repaving Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and preparing to install the giant Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat that will welcome guests to The Magic of Disney Animation. The courtyard is being reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios, inspired by the real studio lot in Burbank, California.

Animation Courtyard Construction

Animation Courtyard Repaved, Launch Bay Overhang Removed at Disney's Hollywood Studios — Source: bioreconstruct

These aerial photos come courtesy of photographer @bioreconstruct on X. Since Bio’s last aerial update, a triangle of sidewalks in the center of the courtyard has been paved. These outline a new green space with trees, which were planted a few weeks ago.

The pavement in front of and around the side of the Disney Jr. soundstage outlines new flowerbed spaces. There are some squares in the pavement where additional trees may be planted. The wooden structures near the front of the courtyard are temporary, potentially to be covered with tarps and provide shade for crew members.

It looks like crew members are preparing to pave more of the dirt area at the front of the courtyard. One square is already full of rebar, ready for concrete to be poured. Another square next to that is outlined but doesn’t yet have a rebar foundation.

At the back of the courtyard is the former Star Wars: Launch Bay, soon-to-be The Magic of Disney Animation (which Star Wars: Launch Bay actually replaced a decade ago). Inspired by the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building, the new version of The Magic of Disney Animation will have a giant Sorcerer Hat on the facade, between the two existing columns. Crews have started tearing down the marquee in front of the columns to make space for the hat. We recently noted red tarps had been added to the scaffolding, indicating increased work in the area.

This close-up taken by Bio from inside the park shows the raw edge of the former overhang. The building will also be repainted. It’s still a distinctly Star Wars shade of gray.

Speaking of painting, another aerial photo shows that the theater exterior within The Magic of Disney Animation has been painted bright yellow. That’s at #1 in Bio’s photo above. At #2, crew members are painting a railing around the roof edge. #3 and #4 mark the overhang removal.

An aerial video by Bio is embedded below.

https://twitter.com/bioreconstruct/status/2022788683066143123?s=20

For reference, below is the former facade of Star Wars: Launch Bay.

People walk into the Star Wars Launch Bay in Animation Courtyard, its large sign shining outside, now permanently closed.

Check out our last look at Star Wars: Launch Bay and the rest of Animation Courtyard.

Aerial view of a themed plaza with trees, pathways, and large buildings, including one with a blue sorcerer’s hat.

Above is another photo by Bio, alongside concept art of the reimagined courtyard from approximately the same view. Walt Disney Imagineering recently filed permits for new signage on the Studio Theater — the new name for the Little Mermaid soundstage — as well as the entrance where Disney’s Hollywood Studios archway used to be.

Partially inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio, the new Magic of Disney Animation will include meet and greets, an Alice in Wonderland playground, and a drawing class.

Next door, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! will replace Disney Junior Dance Party. The new show premiered last year at Disney California Adventure and is inspired by Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and its revival Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+.

Are you excited for the updated Animation Courtyard? Let us know on social media.

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