Disney filed three more permits for Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including another permit for the former Feature Animation building. The courtyard is being reimagined to resemble the real Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California featuring the return of The Magic of Disney Animation.

Animation Courtyard Permits

First up is a permit for mechanical work at the Feature Animation building. Filed by Facility Asset Management, which usually handles general refurbishment work, the permit contracts Ferran Services and expires on February 25, 2027. The Central Florida contractor works on HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida operated from 1989 to 2004, working on films like The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994), Mulan (1998) and Lilo & Stitch (2002). When it was operating, guests could watch animators work through windows in the original The Magic of Disney Animation attraction.

Before announcing the return of The Magic of Disney Animation, Disney shared an inside look at the building today. Facility Asset Management recently filed a permit for general construction at the location.

As for The Magic of Disney Animation, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a permit for electrical work at the attraction site. It contracts Pro Audio Video, which which creates audio, video, and lighting systems.

A second electrical work permit also contracts Pro Audio Video for work at the former site of the Disney’s Hollywood Studios archway. The archway was torn down and, according to concept art, will be replaced by a new “The Walt Disney Studios” sign. The new permit suggests it will light up.

The Magic of Disney Animation

After many changes, The Magic of Disney Animation closed in 2015 and was replaced by Star Wars: Launch Bay. The Star Wars attraction closed permanently last summer.

The new version of The Magic of Disney Animation will be inspired by Once Upon A Studio, a short film that honored 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. Guests will enter a studio just as the animators have left and the characters have begun to come to life. Guests will be able to watch the short film in a theater at the attraction.

There will be a new Animation Academy experience hosted by Olaf (instead of live artists) called Olaf Draws! Guests will be able to meet characters at six new meet and greets. The Drawn to Wonderland playground will be inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland concept art.

Next door will be a new Mickey Mouse Clubhouse stage show. The courtyard outside is being transformed to look like the real Walt Disney Studios lot, including more grass space and a giant sorcerer hat. There will also be characters outside.

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