DHS Disney Animation-Inspired Experience Coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

[Horizonsfan]

The animation building and especially the garage are not getting utilized for any DHS studios soon or any phase 2 plan.

I didn’t say soon or as a phase 2? I was highlighting that there are other ways to plausibly develop the northwest corner of the park in the long term. They could do this modest overhaul for 2026 and still open a new area in 8 or so years that doesn’t include the 2026 area.

Some have it in their mind that demolishing the 1989 animation building is a prerequisite to do any guest-facing expansion in the area. I’m saying that’s not necessarily the case.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Can we pwetty pwease stop with the “phasing” stuff? It’s been like decades since anyone even has any concept of that…

The do stuff when they feel forced and put it…whatever…schedules and cohesiveness went the way of the dodo

 

[J4546]

hopefully since they are getting rid of the archway, the characters come out into the main courtyard entrance area of DHS and fill that area with something, cause its just a dead open space right now, and the characters would look great near MMRR. Could really liven up DHS

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Unless I am mis reading this, they are basically bringing back the animation attraction they had there a long time ago including the part where you learn how to draw characters!
View attachment 872351

Basically what it was prior to launch bay

Why not? More appeal and they can rotate things in and out without having to pay Harrison ford a $5 residual

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

hopefully since they are getting rid of the archway, the characters come out into the main courtyard entrance area of DHS and fill that area with something, cause its just a dead open space right now, and the characters would look great near MMRR. Could really liven up DHS

I was sad they didn’t keep the Covid characters out…. Chip and dale having a picnic and all.

Of course we used to have citizens of Hollywood and Hollywood public works to fill that area with laughs and excitement.

Studios doesn’t have any atmosphere entertainment other than the Toy Story drummers. Which is quite sad.

 

[Professortango1]

It was dead to me when they got rid of the design stations and replaced them with more queue.

It was dead to me when the ride called Test Track was no longer telling the story of a test track and instead tried to be Temu Radiator Springs Racers. 1.0 was the best iteration of the ride.

 

[TrainsOfDisney]

It was dead to me when the ride called Test Track was no longer telling the story of a test track

Yeah…. The name doesn’t really fit the current version of the ride now. I’ll admit that.

 

[Disstevefan1]

Basically what it was prior to launch bay

Why not? More appeal and they can rotate things in and out without having to pay Harrison ford a $5 residual

I am totally in favor of them being smart and not afraid of BRINGING BACK stuff!!!

It gives me hope the FOUNTAIN OF NATIONS will be back!!!

 

[JohnD]

I am totally in favor of them being smart and not afraid of BRINGING BACK stuff!!!

It gives me hope the FOUNTAIN OF NATIONS will be back!!!

I think the only way it would come back if Moana: JOW was shut down. Lots of water usage. I think that is why the fountain was shut down to begin with.

 

[MisterPenguin]

The animation building and especially the garage are not getting utilized for any DHS studios soon or any phase 2 plan.

So, you know what the phase 2 plans are and where they're going?

 

[Disstevefan1]

I think the only way it would come back if Moana: JOW was shut down. Lots of water usage. I think that is why the fountain was shut down to begin with.

Really hope you are wrong because Moana isn’t going anywhere, I suspect the parks will see more Moana.

 

[peter11435]

I think the only way it would come back if Moana: JOW was shut down. Lots of water usage. I think that is why the fountain was shut down to begin with.

The original plan included Moana AND a new central fountain.

 

[BrianLo]

The flex theater is at the end of Sunset. Where Cars was and where Villains are now.

If Muppets goes into Sunset (seems reasonably supported) and if Muppets goes into Liberty Square (still seems possible)… the sunset showcase is actually a secret Magic Kingdom NW testing balloon.

 

[mattpeto]

If Muppets goes into Sunset (seems reasonably supported) and if Muppets goes into Liberty Square (still seems possible)… the sunset showcase is actually a secret Magic Kingdom NW testing balloon.

I'm open to a new show. A Muppet Show with some rotating hosts/guests could really make an interesting attraction.

But the only way people will be happy here is if they bring back MV3D pound for pound. Another variation of Muppets will just inflame the masses on these boards.

 

[BrianLo]

I'm open to a new show. A Muppet Show with some rotating hosts/guests could really make an interesting attraction.

But the only way people will be happy here is if they bring back MV3D pound for pound. Another variation of Muppets will just inflame the masses on these boards.

Indeed. I’ve said I like muppets but I don’t get it. There is villainizing of the refreshed/redone Mermaid and pedestaling of the too long in the tooth MV3D. Of course it could have had the same treatment? But it seems like that is also not what people want.

I’d think this project was entirely dumb if it didn’t include both shows being reworked. Now I’m super content if it sticks around semi permanently. As previously noted the expansion was never taking out the theatres; and if it did, it would be another major capacity blow pre-empting the needed expansion.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I actually like this redo. It does feel temporary (in the Disney Parks sense), but it gets back to the idea of the area. I am sad to see the arch go, as I would have liked a cool, whimsical redo (or replacement) vs. a tear down. But, we'll have to see what it looks like in person. I could see it lacking a draw to that area. I could also see it feel much more open and appealing. The real world experience will be key on that one.

I do think this is v1 of what will be larger redo someday. But, it does make the Muppets removal sting feel worse. You could have easily done this and built Monsters, Inc. past it. Or, left Muppets as part of Monster's or near it. (God knows they don't care that much about cohesive story, so why care about this one?).

As for the Muppets restoration, I see the point @mattpeto and @BrianLo are making. I can say from my perspective, I could easily fall into that camp. But, it's not the full truth. That's displacing my frustration with Disney ripping out so much nostalgia, I want it back exactly as is. What is really wanted is Disney slowing down the ripping and replacing. Or, even better, genuinely enhancing things in ways/by people that love the original.

Disney hasn't been able to create a show anything even close to MuppetVision 3D, so I would be concerned there. But, they are masters at digital film. Doing a tasteful update using AI and digital capabilities would be ok with me. Make it feel like the original - but new and better. I have full faith they could do this very well with the right team. And, Disney knows how to make the most random Disney Parks stuff popular. I have full faith they can do that as well - if they want to.

 

[The Leader of the Club]

Disney hasn't been able to create a show anything even close to MuppetVision 3D, so I would be concerned there. But, they are masters at digital film. Doing a tasteful update using AI and digital capabilities would be ok with me. Make it feel like the original - but new and better.

I think many Muppet fans, myself included, would see altering Jim Henson’s final work with AI as just about the most blasphemous thing Disney could do. Even if it was done “tastefully.”

 

[Cmdr_Crimson]

I’m pretty sure Unfairly wasn’t planned to be a cruise show.

I know but, the way they explained it sounded like one of the After Dinner shows you see on a cruise...

They’ve broken through the Magic Mirror’s glass — now what? This immersive musical stage show brings the most devilish foes into our world to figure out, once and for all, who is the most misunderstood. Who has had the worst time as a villain? It’s time for these baddies to share their side of the story in a show full of theatrical magic, witty humor, and plenty of mischievous charm.

And here's the one for Villains Tonight from the Cruise Line to see the similarities..

The Villains have arrived on board the Disney Cruise Line, and have decided to do things their own way! Watch out as Ursula, Yzma, Jafar, Hades and many more take over the theatre for a wickedly good musical spectacular

 

[James Alucobond]

(God knows they don't care that much about cohesive story, so why care about this one?).

I know we think that, but everything they’ve done to HS lately indicates they might actually care, if not thematically then at least organizationally. This is why I think it’s a mistake to tie the loss of MuppetVision to this in any meaningful way, as if it is the fault of not using the AC space for Monsters that MV3D is gone. It might be the reason it left as soon as it did, but I think it’s just a consequence of larger reorganization around IP-unified lands while also viewing the existing Muppet area as too big given their apparent lack of merchandise draw and unpopular rat pizza. If Muppets actually do eventually move into the flex theater, there will be only one attraction in the entire park that remains oddly placed, which is kind of an insane turnaround from not too long ago.

 

[Centauri Space Station]

It was dead to me when they got rid of the design stations and replaced them with more queue.

Soooo updating the ride with physical sets and more coherent story while removing a design station that rarely ever connected to the ride displays is a deal breaker?