Animation Courtyard officially opens in less than one week, but walls have already come down revealing what’s been going on for the past several months. Let’s take a look around the new space.

Walls Down at Animation Courtyard

Animation Courtyard permanently closed in September 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be reimagined into a new area called The Walt Disney Studios. The iconic archway was demolished shortly after closing. However, we did get a sorcerer hat back in the park!

Work has been ongoing for the last several months. Walls partially came down/were moved late in April. The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard is inspired by the real studios in Burbank, California.

A brick sign with the new name “The Walt Disney Studios” sits in a planter to welcome guests into the space.

There are several small character details throughout the courtyard, including birds perched on the facade of the Studio Theater. The blue birds are from Cinderella while the raven is Diablo from Sleeping Beauty.

Several more sit in the grass, next to the benches, and on top of beams. Characters from different films interact, like Fru Fru from Zootopia and Sir Hiss from Robin Hood, or Thumper from Bambi and Pua from Moana.

We even spotted a few of our favorite mice! Jaq and Gus from Cinderella are accompanied by Timothy Q. Mouse from Dumbo.

Jiminy Cricket can be seen waving from atop a sign on a light post.

There is more green space and seating, including a pergola surrounded by greenery.

The street sign located near Stage 1 has Dopey Drive, Mickey Avenue, Animation, Multiplane, Ink & Paint, In Between, Special Fex, and Layout Dept. It’s inspired by a real street sign at the Burbank studios.

And underneath is a fun nod to Pluto with “Pluto’s Corner” painted on the cement and a fire hydrant.

Just beyond that is the entrance to Stage 1, which has Zootopia 2 and Dumbo billboards on the facade. As we previously reported, Studio Theater is adorned with Lady and the Tramp and Tangled billboards, plus the Walt Disney Studios billboard.

Pictured above is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live signage and outdoor queue, with the Hollywood Tower Hotel in the back. It’s located towards the back of the courtyard but still on the right hand side.

Pavement near The Magic of Disney Animation features character autographs and handprints inspired by the Chinese Theatre courtyard. Again, many characters across several of Disney’s most beloved films are represented here.

In the back of the courtyard is The Magic of Disney Animation building, which used to be Star Wars Launch Bay. This will be the entrance to the attractions inside once it opens. Under the giant sorcerer hat, there is stroller parking.

A large mural of Disney characters lines ones of the walls featuring movies like Zootopia, Encanto, Frozen, Big Hero 6, Moana, Tangled, Mulan, Aladdin, Hercules, Beauty and the Beast, Aristocats, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Snow White and many more.

And, other smaller posters can be found throughout the area with many of the same movies represented.

Guests will see characters from Robin Hood, Lilo and Stitch, Fantasia, Mulan, The Princess and the Frog, and more.

There is a heavy emphasis on Zootopia 2 at the moment with several movie posters in this area.

Another poster lets guests know that The Magic of Disney Animation is coming soon. The Magic of Disney Animation will open at a later date. Inside The Magic of Disney Animation, guests will meet characters, learn to draw with Olaf (instead of live artists), and play on an Alice in Wonderland playground.

Because The Magic of Disney Animation is not open yet, there are still some walls in the area. As guests exit the area, a sign says “See Ya Real Soon!”

On the other side is a sign for The Magic of Disney Animation.

Exiting the area, guests will find more benches and green space.

And, here is a look at the courtyard from the back with “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” to the right. The show has continued performing amid construction.

The Studio Store sign features Abu. This shop will be the exit of The Magic of Disney Animation. There is the colored pavement but no signatures here.

Restrooms are still located in the back corner.

What are you most excited to experience in the reimagined courtyard? Let us know on social media.

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