DHS What should they do with Animation Courtyard?

[aladdin2007]

At least they are finally getting rid of this ghetto area, one down another to go.. But sounds and looks nice. I could see this lasting for a decade at least, before they break it all apart for something major as part of park future expansion. I hope they give a nod to Mulan in the exhibits since it was created here.

 

[Surferboy567]

Since Phase 2 of Hollywood is most likely coming in the 2030's, this would make sense.

I think we already have a good idea of all the big stuff coming to WDW up until 2029-2030 (which is the first 5 years of the supposed 10 year plan). It's nice that this space will have something there other than Launch Bay, until we get a proper announcement for the real expansion of this area. Just my opinion!

I’m extremely happy Animation is back. Eventually, I’d like a full scale attraction but this is a nice area to add to the park. Will definitely be checking it out.

Animation Courtyard has been a problem for a while now. This fixes it.

 

[JustInTime]

Now they can announce a new Studios parade.

Is this in the cards??

 

[Surferboy567]

At least they are finally getting rid of this ghetto area, one down another to go.. But sounds and looks nice. I could see this lasting for a decade at least, before they break it all apart for something major as part of park future expansion. I hope they give a nod to Mulan in the exhibits since it was created here.

Add Mushu back into Animation Academy

 

[Casper Gutman]

Folks remember that the area was a stale afterthought back when it housed an almost identical animation-without-animators attraction, right? We have literally done this exact same thing with the EXACT SAME attraction lineup before.

 

[aladdin2007]

Im guessing One Man's Dream is staying put I hope?

 

[The Underminer]

Well it'll be nice to have the animation drawing experience back in studios! Excited about that but otherwise this is kind of a nothing burger.

Yeah, it’s basically just allowing the area to string along in the interim for another 10 years.

Since Phase 2 of Hollywood is most likely coming in the 2030's, this would make sense.

I think we already have a good idea of all the big stuff coming to WDW up until 2029-2030 (which is the first 5 years of the supposed 10 year plan). It's nice that this space will have something there other than Launch Bay, until we get a proper announcement for the real expansion of this area. Just my opinion!

You could probably expect SSE or Imagination this decade too.

 

[James Alucobond]

Im guessing One Man's Dream is staying put I hope?

The press release says Walt Disney Presents will remain open alongside Mermaid during the construction.

 

[The Leader of the Club]

Folks remember that the area was a stale afterthought back when it housed an almost identical animation-without-animators attraction, right? We have literally done this exact same thing with the EXACT SAME attraction lineup before.

“at least they’re doing something with it”

 

[Purduevian]

You should be able to meet Darth Vader in Star Wars Land.

Baffling decision by Disney to not originally.

I don't disagree, but they still have 2 star wars areas in the park (down from 3) and a vader M&G fits better next to ST IMHO.

 

[AidenRodriguez731]

Yes, thats an option! They will probably wait to see how the eventual movie does.

other very likely options if they do well commercially are Strange Academy and Nova. Those are projects in development right now.

Man Midnight Suns would be so fun for a ride if they did it right. Could give us the E-Ticket Disneyland is getting but with the Midnight Suns going against Mephisto or something. Imagine getting hooked by Ghost Riders chain and driven out of an area, crashing into things, giant Dr Strange shield to deflect an attack, etc

 

[flynnibus]

So it boils down to

- Launch Bay finally being replaced with some exhibits/interactions/M&Gs themed around animation
- The courtyard itself getting a cosmetic rework including adding a lot of greenery
- The Disney Jr theatre will get a new show

Last two are pretty straight forward... but what the scope of this animation space is could go a lot of ways.

M&Gs.. character drawing... those are all pretty obvious. But the rest sounds more like a static display stuff, probably some interactive gadgets like projections or hands on exhibits like a typical museum.

In isolation, they feel lackluster.. but in the grand scheme of things it feels like
1 - the '60billion' whatever thing really seems to be touching a lot stuff
2 - finally touching areas long over due

Now we just hope the product is good!

 

[Vinnie Mac]

I have a different take. While I'm still not pleased about the removal of ROA, Disney has done some things going back to its roots.

Off the top of my head,

• Converting this back to the Animation Experience, albeit modified, as it was when Disney-MGM first opened
• Bringing back dive chamber demonstration in Seas
• Test Track 3.0 with a nod back to World of Motion

• Tropical Americas being a more traditional land with a general theme with IP sprinkled about instead of it being an IP centered land
• New nighttime parade that, though people are complaining about on these forums, I think is still a return to form
• Space 220 which I know opened 4 years ago but I still think it is a VERY awesome concept and is absolutely something that would have existed at WDW in the past. Very glad it survived the COVID cuts

 

[BrianLo]

Also maybe I’m mis-reading things. But I never expected Mermaid and Dis Jr to go away for the theoretical Animation Courtyard expansion. Doing something cosmetic now with the courtyard doesn’t seem like a bad thing. Though bare-minimum cosmetic, I’d still have preferred both buildings be redressed into theatres instead of slightly better sound stages.

Even the animation building might serve as a portal long term?

 

[James Alucobond]

Also maybe I’m mis-reading things. But I never expected Mermaid and Dis Jr to go away for the theoretical Animation Courtyard expansion. Doing something cosmetic now with the courtyard doesn’t seem like a bad thing. Though bare-minimum cosmetic, I’d still have preferred both buildings be redressed into theatres instead of slightly better sound stages.

Even the animation building might serve as a portal long term?

Honestly, depending on the format, it could be kind of cool to even keep the planned new contents and then punch through the back of the building with a portal akin to the Roger Rabbit broken brick wall, with Toon Town behind it.

 

[SpectroBro]

can we just replace B&tB PLEASE?!?

 

[Bocabear]

Is Animation back? or just another meet and greet and temporary display... because it looks pretty temporary... a new marquee on the building and character meet and greets.... Anything else of note?

 

[James Alucobond]

Is Animation back? or just another meet and greet and temporary display... because it looks pretty temporary... a new marquee on the building and character meet and greets.... Anything else of note?

D

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

Today at 10:03 AM

Concept art and details below - Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025:

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...

• DCBaker
• Replies: 224
• Forum: WDW Parks News, Rumors and Current Events

• 
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That topic has the full press release with all known details. It’s a pseudo-attraction, playground, animation classes, meet and greet spot, and new show.

 

[Bocabear]

Looks and sounds a lot like what was there years ago with some extra playgrounds and meet and greets. Better than sitting vacant for sure...

 

[Animaniac93-98]

Even the animation building might serve as a portal long term?

Should have been a portal to Runaway Railway with a queue similar to Disneyland's version

And Great Movie Ride not being scrapped.