Walt Disney World Resort has announced a new experience set to debut at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026. Called The Magic of Disney Animation, it will be found where fans currently can find Star Wars: Launch Bay. It will draw inspiration from the legendary Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, as well as the Emmy Award-winning and heartwarming short film Once Upon a Studio.
When guests visit, they will get to step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building that is topped with the iconic Sorcerer Hat. Animators have stepped away, and the magic in the Sorcerer’s Hat has come to life, and the characters will be coming out to play! As guests visit the building, they will get to explore the different studio departments, which will be brought to life by Disney characters. Below is a look at the different things that will be available to experience when this area opens in 2026.
Production Gallery & Screening Theater
Portraits will come to life just like they do in Once Upon a Studio in the Production Gallery. The Screening Theater will allow guests to watch a short film that the whole family will love. While there, they will also have the chance to learn how to draw some of their favorite characters and also greet them in real life!
Drawn to Wonderland
Drawn to Wonderland will be something that families with younger children will love. This is an all-new themed playground. The area will be inspired by the whimsical concept art created for Alice in Wonderland, which was created by Disney Legend Mary Blair. As young guests explore and play in the area, they will find an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and even a Tulgey Wood exploration area!
The Walt Disney Studios
What is currently the Animation Courtyard, outside of this building, will be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios. This outdoor space will be redesigned to offer shaded seating, playful landscaping, and other fun surprises. This should create a space that will be enjoyable for relaxing, snacking, or spontaneous fun.
Disney shared that both Walt Disney Animators and Walt Disney Imagineers are hard at work as they collaborate to bring the wonder and nostalgia of Disney animated films to this courtyard area in new and immersive ways that families will love enjoying together.
“Our film came from the heart and from a desire of all the Disney Animation artists wanting to celebrate our artistic accomplishments and a passion for the studio’s legacy,” said “Once Upon a Studio” director, Trent Correy.
“Working on this film was the highlight of my career – the most fun I’ve ever had,” recalled his fellow director, Dan Abraham. “And now, to collaborate with the wonderful talents at Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the short and our studio to guests in this exciting way is beyond our wildest dreams.”
Along with all of the new offerings shared above, the exteriors of several existing buildings will be reimagined with design elements that are inspired by buildings found in Burbank.
For those who want to experience the current offerings of the area, there are about two more months to do so. Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will all close starting on September 25, 2025, to make way for this reimagining of the area. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will remain open during the transformation.
What do you think of this transformation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? What are you most looking forward to with it? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
