In 2026, Star Wars: Launch Bay at Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios will be transformed into The Magic of Disney Animation, a new experience inspired by Disney Animation’s headquarters, where the animators have stepped away and the characters have come to life.
As detailed by Disney Parks Blog, this new area will be a place where “kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences.” There will be “silly” takes on the Disney Animation headquarters and the departments found inside, “playful and interactive moments” like portraits coming to life as they did in ‘Once Upon a Studio,’ a short film filled with inspiration, character meet-and-greets, and the chance to learn how to draw your “very own character sketch.”
Beyond that, the ‘Drawn to Wonderland’ playground will welcome kids into an “oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, which, of course, are all inspired by Alice in Wonderland and its concept art by Disney Legend Mary Blair.
In one of my favorite touches, The Magic of Disney Animation building will be topped with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, just like the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California.
The fun extends outside of The Magic of Disney Animation as well, as the entire courtyard outside this new experience will be reimagined into ‘The Walt Disney Studios.’ This area will take inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank, California, and will be a nod to the Walt Disney Studios Lot that will feature a version of the Studio Theater, which will be home to The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure. At the soundstage, a new Disney Jr. show will take up residence.
Outside, families will be able to “play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees.” There will also be some surprises, as you “never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass.”
In preparation for this big transformation, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning on September 25, 2025, but The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and the exhibits and film presentation at Walt Disney Presents will remain open. From the concept art, it also appears the iconic archway leading into this area will be demolished.
For more in the world of Disney, check out why you should visit Disney World during its ‘Cool Kid Summer,’ our exclusive chat with Disneyland president Thomas Mazloum on the past, present, and future of the park, and our impressions of Walt Disney – A Magical Life.
Adam Bankhurst is a writer for IGN. You can follow him on X/Twitter @AdamBankhurst, Instagram, and TikTok, and listen to his show, Talking Disney Magic.
