A family heads to the entrance of the Disney World Monorail — Courtesy: Shutterstock — James Kirkikis
You might recall The Magic of Disney Animation if you were a visitor to Disney’s Hollywood Studios during the time when it was Disney MGM Studios.
Opening alongside the park in 1989, the attraction let visitors to get a close-up look at Disney’s animation process by entering a working studio where movies like “Lilo & Stitch” were made.
After Disney closed its animation operations in Florida in the early 2000s, it wasn’t exactly the same, but the attraction changed and kept celebrating Disney Animation until 2015, when it was shut down and replaced with Star Wars Launch Bay.
The Walt Disney World resort has revealed that a new Magic of Disney Animation is being developed for a new generation of visitors ten years later. Fans should be aware of the following.
The Magic of Disney Animation will open when?
In 2026, Disney’s Hollywood Studios will welcome the new Magic of Disney Animation.
Disney has not disclosed a precise date.
Where will you find The Magic of Disney Animation?
Animation Courtyard, which will be transformed into The Walt Disney Studios, will house the attraction.
Star Wars Launch Bay will be located there.
The return of the Sorcerer’s Hat
The landmark Roy E. Disney Animation complex in Burbank, California, the home of Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be replicated in the Star Wars Launch Bay complex. It will be crowned with a massive Sorcerer’s Hat, just like that structure.
For many years, a huge Sorcerer Mickey Hat was a common backdrop for visitor photos and represented Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney-MGM Studios.
Although this one won’t be the same, fans who have bid farewell to enduring favorites like Tom Sawyer Island, Muppet*Vision 3D, and portions of DinoLand U.S.A. this year will find a noticeable sense of nostalgia. On social media, a lot of followers have already shared their excitement.
Expectations for Disney Animation’s Magic
“The animators have temporarily left the building as our story in this newly reimagined space begins, but the building is still bustling with activity as the characters have come to life and are prepared to play!” Disney posted information on its official blog, Disney Parks.
The Walt Disney World resort claims that the characters will participate in “playful and interactive moments,” such as in the Emmy-winning short film “Once Upon a Studio,” which was made for Disney’s 100th anniversary, however it is unclear how the experience will play out.
A short film, drawing classes (which were also available at the former Magic of Disney Animation), and a Drawn to Wonderland playground for young visitors—inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s concept art for “Alice in Wonderland”—will also be available.
What else is on the horizon?
A brand-new Disney Jr. entertainment, character greets, and trees providing shade for visitors will all be featured in the new Walt Disney Studios location.
Disney wrote on their site, “And don’t forget to look around.” “You never know who might be digging in the grass, playing in the branches, or lounging in the sun.”
What in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is closing?
This September, Disney Jr. Play and Dance! and Star Wars Launch Bay will close permanently. On September 24, they will cease operations.
Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure, which was recently revamped, will continue to exist.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.