lentesta
Premium Member
Thank you. I think you'll like it. The talent is ... talented.
-
Welcome to the WDWMAGIC.COM Forums!
Please take a look around, and feel free to sign up and join the community.
DHS Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Thread starter DCBaker
- Start date
Thank you. I think you'll like it. The talent is ... talented.
lentesta
Premium Member
You might hear more about it at D23.
I don't think this is a permanent thing at AC. My guess is it's a placeholder while they figure out Phase 2 of DHS expansion.
wbostic12
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
Was this expected to be announced this early and outside a D23 event? Seems odd that this is being announced on Test Track opening day, also considering that Destination D is coming up.
PREMiERdrum
Well-Known Member
Farewell, MGM ne DHS studio archway. You had a good run.
Who wants to join me in camping out to be last to see Vader?
networkpro
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- Yes
One man's... Oops that's 500 feet to the left
JackCH
Well-Known Member
From your lips to God’s ears.
lentesta
Premium Member
I'm not sure why it got announced on a random Tuesday in July instead of D23.
It could just be part of their plan to remind people regularly that new things are coming. And as we move into the second half of the year, it'll be front-of-mind when families get together to start planning 2026 vacations.
Matthew2mrt
Member
This looks amazing. Not only is this courtyard finally getting a well deserved overhaul, but I’m happy that Magic of Disney Animation is coming back to Hollywood Studios.Concept art and details below - Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025:
View attachment 872297View attachment 872298
Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world.
That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, “Once Upon A Studio,” and soon, it will inspire a brand-new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is getting ready to bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.
View attachment 872296
In 2026, the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences. Topping the building will be Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real building in California!), which will cast a spell with pixie dust.
Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as 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!
Inside, you 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.
The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in “Once Upon A Studio;” you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course); and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.
Our youngest animators-to-be can explore the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. It’ll be the perfect whimsical indoor play area for little ones to grow “curiouser and curiouser!”
All of those places to explore and create, and we haven’t even talked about character greetings… and there are lots! The whole family will be drawn to all the creative ways to play together when “The Magic of Disney Animation” opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios next year.
The pixie dusting from the Sorcerer’s Hat will extend far beyond the walls of “The Magic of Disney Animation” as the entire courtyard is reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank. This special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot includes our version of the Studio Theater, which will continue to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and over at the soundstage, you’ll find a fresh Disney Jr. show.
While exploring the studio grounds and courtyard area, families can take a break to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees. And make sure to look around, too. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass.
Disney Animation artists and Walt Disney Imagineers are working hand-in-hand to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney Animation films to the whole courtyard in new and immersive ways families will love. We can’t wait for you to experience this fantastical place in 2026.
As we prepare for this transformation, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. During this time, guests will still be able to go under the sea with Ariel in “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” and enjoy the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents.
Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios - Disney Parks Blog
Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world. That was the heart and premise...disneyparksblog.com
Don’t forget, I mailed the Oscar certificate to Disney Animation for that wondrous short.
Now Disney, please bring the Muppet*Vision 3D film, the Muppet animatronics and Sweetums back to DCA. Thank you.
So excited! I can’t wait!
"While searching the Disney Archives, we learned that the history of this area was based in animation. So we thought... why not bring that back?" - Coming soon, from a random WDI person in an Instagram post.
Parker41056
Active Member
Has to mean they have bigger announcements ready. Less than a month out from D23.
James Alucobond
Well-Known Member
Feels like it would make more sense to pivot to Echo Lake and Galaxy’s Edge deficiencies after they do this as it should be a sufficient resuscitation for the foreseeable future.
Parker41056
Active Member
My thought as well. This is low budget holdover. A reskin, new live show and playground doesn't break the bank. It does give little ones a place to go and a reason for parents to buy a ticket to DHS. Once they figure out the back of house office situation, we may see a large expansion.
Parker41056
Active Member
Thought Bluey would be a no brainer here. Could be a big missed opportunity.