Hollywood Studios Closing Another Area On 25th September

From 25th September, 2025, Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close for a major refurbishment. This closure includes Star Wars: Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! to make way for a new area called “The Walt Disney Studios” that will debut in 2026.

What’s Closing and What You Can Expect

To prepare for this exciting new project, several attractions will be closed. If you have a holiday from the UK booked for late September or beyond its important to know how this will affect your park day at Hollywood Studios.

The last day to experience both attractions will be Wednesday 24th September.

Star Wars Launch Bay was home to Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and DB-8 meet-and-greets, as well as featuring set pieces from the Star Wars films and being a quieter location in the park.

Disney Junior Dance Party was an interactive show for younger children, although the odd Disney adult could be found bopping about too.

The entire Animation Courtyard area is being reimagined so the character meet-and-greet section is also going. The outdoor space and building exteriors will be changed too.

From the 25th September 2025 expect to see the construction walls up around the iconic arches of Animation Courtyard.

What’s Staying Open?

You can still enjoy other attractions that are attached to the area currently including the newly reimagined The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents. Both attractions face towards Minnie and Mickey’s Runaway Minetrain, so don’t worry Hollywood studios won’t feel like a complete building site. We hope.

Second Area Closure

Hollywood Studios is going through quite the reimagining and it is only just over three months since Muppets Courtyard was closed permanently to reimagine that area into Monsters Inc Land.

For fans of the park, walking around is going to feel a little different. Fortunately both these areas were somewhat self contained, so can be blocked off without causing access issues or diversions for the rest of the park. It is however a big change in the park.

We don’t imagine that construction will affect the park too much, but only time will tell. And at least Animation Courtyard will be reimagined in a much shorter time frame than Muppets Courtyard.

Just remember that a ride closure is also on the horizon for Rock ’n’ Rollercoaster at the end of 2025 too, as that undergoes a reimagining.

What’s Next for Animation Courtyard?

When Animation Courtyard reopens in 2026 it will become The Walt Disney Studios. Disney describe the area as: “a newly designed outdoor space offering shaded seating, playful landscaping and fun surprises, ideal for relaxing, snacking or spontaneous fun.”

The area will feature the following attractions:

1. “Drawn to Wonderland”

This will be an indoor playground “inspired by the whimsical concept art for “Alice in Wonderland” created by Disney Legend Mary Blair.” Expect to find a space that inspires the imagination, featuring an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.

This area will be perfect for guests looking to escape the heat, which is especially important with young children.

2. The Magic of Disney Animation

Inside this building, (the old Star Wars Launch Bay), there will be themed galleries where guests can explore a whimsical version of an animation studio where '“characters come out to play”.

There will be animation lessons where you can learn to draw your favourite Disney characters, and there will also be a short film in a screening gallery.

The area looks like it will serve a similar purpose as Animation Courtyard does now for guests visiting Hollywood Studios and will be one to put in your plan for families with small children or those looking for a quieter experience.

This reimagined space will bring a fresh, and perhaps classic feel back to Hollywood Studios and give families a wonderful new place to relax, play, and get in touch with their creative side.