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Disneys Hollywood Studios Unveils The Magic of Disney Animation, Replacing Star Wars Launch Bay
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will open a new attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation, on September 14, 2026. The new experience replaces the former Star Wars Launch Bay, which closed on July 12, 2015, and is part of the park’s newly created Walt Disney Studios land.
The attraction is located in the Walt Disney Studios area of the park, a courtyard that was refreshed and reopened a few months ago. The courtyard now hosts the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show, and the Hollywood Studios Baby Care Center, which was moved to this location.
The building itself is modeled after the real‑world Roy E. Disney Animation Building at the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. A stylized version of Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat crowns the structure, echoing the iconic hat that once topped the park’s central hub. Inside, guests find a map that guides them through four main sections and a photo‑op area where characters from Disney films greet visitors.
The four key areas of the attraction are:
1. Olaf Draws – a classroom‑style session where guests can sketch a different Disney character each day. The class is led by an animatronic Olaf and includes characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, and Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde.
2. Off the Page – a character‑meet‑and‑greet area that represents six animation departments: Story, Layout, Hand‑Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects. Characters such as Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip ’n Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch appear in their respective departments.
3. Drawn to Wonderland Playground – an indoor play space themed to Alice in Wonderland. The playground features an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area.
4. Once Upon a Studio Theater – a screening room where guests can watch the Disney+ short film Once Upon a Studio, which celebrates the history of Disney animation.
Adjacent to the attraction is the Studio Store, which sells apparel, accessories, toys, and home goods. The shop highlights animation‑inspired ears, matching shirts, blankets, and a tumbler with an “Ink & Paint” design.
The park announced the opening during a media preview, stating that the attraction would celebrate more than a century of Disney animation and offer interactive experiences that let guests draw beloved characters, meet animated favorites, and explore themed play areas.
The Magic of Disney Animation is part of Disney’s broader effort to honor its animation heritage. The attraction’s design draws inspiration from the Once Upon a Studio short, which is available on Disney+ and showcases characters coming to life in a studio setting. The opening of the attraction follows the park’s recent courtyard refresh and the addition of new shows and a baby care center.
As of September 10, 2026, the attraction is scheduled to open on September 14. Guests planning a visit can expect a day of interactive storytelling, character encounters, and themed play areas that reflect the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The Magic of Disney Animation adds a new layer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios lineup, complementing existing attractions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Toy Story Land. The opening is part of the park’s ongoing expansion and theming efforts, which also include the new Walt Disney Studios land and the refreshed courtyard.
Overall, the attraction offers a blend of educational and entertainment experiences that honor Disney’s animation history while engaging guests of all ages. The park’s announcement confirms that the attraction will open on September 14, 2026, and that it will be a permanent addition to the Walt Disney Studios area of Hollywood Studios.
The attraction is located in the Walt Disney Studios area of the park, a courtyard that was refreshed and reopened a few months ago. The courtyard now hosts the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! show, The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show, and the Hollywood Studios Baby Care Center, which was moved to this location.
The building itself is modeled after the real‑world Roy E. Disney Animation Building at the Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. A stylized version of Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat crowns the structure, echoing the iconic hat that once topped the park’s central hub. Inside, guests find a map that guides them through four main sections and a photo‑op area where characters from Disney films greet visitors.
The four key areas of the attraction are:
1. Olaf Draws – a classroom‑style session where guests can sketch a different Disney character each day. The class is led by an animatronic Olaf and includes characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Genie, Moana, Stitch, Olaf, Ursula, and Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde.
2. Off the Page – a character‑meet‑and‑greet area that represents six animation departments: Story, Layout, Hand‑Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects. Characters such as Mulan, Rapunzel, Chip ’n Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch appear in their respective departments.
3. Drawn to Wonderland Playground – an indoor play space themed to Alice in Wonderland. The playground features an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tugley Wood exploration area.
4. Once Upon a Studio Theater – a screening room where guests can watch the Disney+ short film Once Upon a Studio, which celebrates the history of Disney animation.
Adjacent to the attraction is the Studio Store, which sells apparel, accessories, toys, and home goods. The shop highlights animation‑inspired ears, matching shirts, blankets, and a tumbler with an “Ink & Paint” design.
The park announced the opening during a media preview, stating that the attraction would celebrate more than a century of Disney animation and offer interactive experiences that let guests draw beloved characters, meet animated favorites, and explore themed play areas.
The Magic of Disney Animation is part of Disney’s broader effort to honor its animation heritage. The attraction’s design draws inspiration from the Once Upon a Studio short, which is available on Disney+ and showcases characters coming to life in a studio setting. The opening of the attraction follows the park’s recent courtyard refresh and the addition of new shows and a baby care center.
As of September 10, 2026, the attraction is scheduled to open on September 14. Guests planning a visit can expect a day of interactive storytelling, character encounters, and themed play areas that reflect the legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The Magic of Disney Animation adds a new layer to Disney’s Hollywood Studios lineup, complementing existing attractions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and the Toy Story Land. The opening is part of the park’s ongoing expansion and theming efforts, which also include the new Walt Disney Studios land and the refreshed courtyard.
Overall, the attraction offers a blend of educational and entertainment experiences that honor Disney’s animation history while engaging guests of all ages. The park’s announcement confirms that the attraction will open on September 14, 2026, and that it will be a permanent addition to the Walt Disney Studios area of Hollywood Studios.
