The Walt Disney Studios Area Opens 26th May 2026 Without The Magic of Disney Animation Attraction

Disney has confirmed the reimagined Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios will reopen as The Walt Disney Studios on 26th May 2026, giving UK families travelling for May half term another new addition to experience at Walt Disney World. But there is an important catch: The Magic of Disney Animation will not open on the same day and is instead scheduled for a later summer 2026 opening.

The opening of this reimagined area is going to have more of an impact for UK families with younger children as the Disney Junior Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show will also be opening on 26th May 2026. If you are travelling with children over 10, this opening isn’t going to make a huge difference to your trip. The only real enhancements will be to the look of the park with fewer construction walls and providing some new scenery, and giving you a unique holiday talking point.

When Does The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard Open at Hollywood Studios?

The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard opens on 26th May 2026 at Disney's Hollywood Studios and is part of four big 26 May debuts in time for May half-term and Memorial Day weekend holidays. The new area has been inspired by the real Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, but with greener surroundings and studio-inspired details, to create a place for families to relax and explore. For UK visitors this space may inspire some nostalgia for anyone returning as Mickey’s Fantasmic! sorcerer’s hat is making a welcome return to the landscaping of the park.

Is The Magic of Disney Animation Opening on 26 May 2026?

No, the Magic of Disney Animation is not opening on 26 May 2026 with the rest of the area. Disney says the attraction is coming in late summer 2026. This new attraction is perhaps the most anticipated part of the area for many UK visitors. It is replacing Star Wars Launch Bay, and bringing an animation class to the area featuring an Olaf animation to lead the experience.

The opening is being handled in phases rather than as one complete launch.

What Is Opening at Hollywood Studios on 26 May 2026?

On 26 May 2026, Hollywood Studios will open with a completely reimagined area, Walt Disney Studios Courtyard, featuring a newly reimagined experience, Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

For parents travelling from the UK with younger children, this opening is significant and it is worth factoring this experience into your itinerary. Even without The Magic of Disney Animation open yet, this part of Hollywood Studios should become a more useful stop for families who want entertainment and lower-intensity experiences alongside the park's bigger ride line-up.

What Will The Magic of Disney Animation Include When It Opens?

When it does open in late summer 2026, The Magic of Disney Animation will take over the former Star Wars: Launch Bay space and bring a new family-focused attraction inspired by Once Upon A Studio. Disney says the experience will include interactive areas themed to the animation studio, an Animation Academy hosted by Olaf, character encounter spaces, and the Drawn to Wonderland indoor play area inspired by Mary Blair's Alice in Wonderland concept art.

Disney has also previewed character encounters linked to different parts of the animation process, including Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip 'n' Dale, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Stitch.

Why This Matters for UK Families Visiting Hollywood Studios

This opening matters because Hollywood Studios can be one of the trickier Disney World parks for families with younger children. It has major headliners, but many of the park's biggest attractions are thrill rides or carry height restrictions. A more family-friendly courtyard area, a new Disney Jr. show and the later arrival of The Magic of Disney Animation should help balance that line-up.

If your trip is in late May, June or the start of the summer holidays, you will get part of this new offering, but not the full experience. If your holiday falls in late summer 2026, this becomes a much bigger opening to watch.

Magic In A Minute

Disney is removing the construction walls and opening The Walt Disney Studios area with one family friendly attraction, the Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!. Visitors will have to wait until later in the summer for The Magic of Disney Animation to open.

FAQ

When does Walt Disney Studios Courtyard open at Hollywood Studios?

Walt Disney Studios Courtyard opens on 26th May 2026 at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Is The Magic of Disney Animation opening on 26 May 2026?

No. Disney says The Magic of Disney Animation will open in late summer 2026, after the courtyard and Disney Jr. show.

What is opening on 26 May 2026 at Hollywood Studios?

The reimagined Walt Disney Studios Courtyard and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! are opening on 26 May 2026.