Get ready to step into the world of animation! Hollywood Studios is bringing the magic of the Burbank studios to life with a massive transformation. If you loved seeing characters leap off the screen in the short film Once Upon A Studio, you are going to love what is coming to Florida.

The heart of this project is a new family experience called The Magic of Disney Animation. Imagineers are redesigning the former Star Wars: Launch Bay building to look exactly like the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California, complete with the legendary giant Sorcerer Hat on top.

The adventure starts even before you enter the building. On May 26, the surrounding area officially becomes The Walt Disney Studios courtyard. This space takes its cue from the actual studio lot in Burbank. It will be a perfect spot to relax under the trees or explore familiar studio details, including a version of the Studio Theater.

Also opening on May 26 is a brand-new live show: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! This is not just a show to watch; it is a celebration where you join the fun. Mickey and Minnie need your help to find their friends, and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto join the party for a high-energy dance session.

By late summer 2026, the main attraction opens its doors. Inside The Magic of Disney Animation, the story goes that the animators have stepped away, leaving the characters to run the show. You will explore different studio departments where favorite Disney pals have taken over to create interactive moments.

Just like in Once Upon A Studio, you will see portraits come to life right in front of you. You can watch a special short film or even sit down for a sketch class to learn how to draw your own Disney characters. It is a fantastic way to see how the movies we love actually get made.

Younger guests have a new favorite spot waiting for them: the Drawn to Wonderland playground. This indoor play area features oversized flowers, musical instruments, and a Mad Tea Party playset. The design draws inspiration from Disney Legend Mary Blair and her original concept art for Alice in Wonderland.

One of the coolest parts of this expansion is the Off the Page area. This is where you meet characters in settings that explain different parts of the animation process. You might find Mulan in the Story department with giant storyboards, or Rapunzel in the Layout department surrounded by multiplane camera layers.

Other friends you might spot include Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation, Donald and Daisy in CG Animation, Goofy handling the Lighting, and Stitch causing chaos in the Effects department.

The Animation Academy is getting a frozen twist with Olaf Draws! Everyone’s favorite snowman hosts this drawing experience, sharing his signature humor and warmth as he helps guests of all ages create their own art.

To make way for this huge project, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close starting September 25, 2025. If you are visiting during the construction, you can still see The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and the exhibits at Walt Disney Presents, which remain open to guests.

This is a major win for Hollywood Studios fans. Bringing the Sorcerer Hat back as a permanent architectural icon and creating a dedicated home for Disney Animation is exactly what the park needs. We can’t wait to see it all finished in 2026!