Disney's Hollywood Studios is getting a major makeover in its Animation Courtyard, and it's centered around celebrating the actual craft of animation rather than just the characters. The reimagined area draws inspiration from the real Walt Disney Animation Studios lot in California, and it's opening September 14.
The heart of the update is The Magic of Disney Animation, a new collection of experiences housed in a building inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building (yes, the iconic Sorcerer's Hat sits on top, just like in California). This isn't just meet-and-greet territory, though there's plenty of that. The space is designed to show you how Disney animators actually work, with interactive areas that represent different departments.
What You'll Actually Find There
The courtyard itself is getting reimagined as a park-like gathering space where families can relax under trees and bump into character surprises. Beyond that outdoor area, there are several distinct experiences:
Drawn to Wonderland is an indoor playground for younger kids inspired by Mary Blair's original concept art for Alice in Wonderland. It's all climbing, wandering, and imaginative play through Mad Tea Party chaos, rose gardens, and the Tulgey Wood.
Off the Page is where you'll meet characters positioned in different animation departments. Mulan hangs out near storyboards, Rapunzel's in the Layout area (surrounded by multiplane camera-inspired layered backgrounds), and Chip n' Dale, Donald and Daisy, Goofy, and Stitch are scattered throughout representing Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects respectively. Each photo spot is designed to show you a piece of how that department actually contributes to a finished film.
Olaf Draws features a new Audio-Animatronics version of Olaf teaching you character drawing basics alongside lessons from real Disney animators.
There's also Once Upon A Studio Theater, though Disney hasn't detailed what that experience entails yet.
The Details Matter
Disney's packed the entire space with Easter eggs and references. All 64 Disney animated features are represented throughout. The reception area ceiling has a Lost and Found stocked with items like the Map Sphere from Treasure Planet, Eeyore's tail, and the Sundrop Flower from Tangled. There's even a chandelier where each paintbrush is individually named by the actual Ink and Paint Department at Walt Disney Animation Studios.
You'll spot pencil sketches of characters like Oliver from Oliver & Company and Tod from The Fox and The Hound. There are animator's maquettes on display, keepsakes like Jiminy Cricket's suit and the Aristocats' collars in an area called Treasures Untold, and an Animator's Office designed to look like someone just stepped away from their desk.
The Surrounding Area
Existing experiences remain. The Little Mermaid: A Musical Adventure continues in the Studio Theater, and Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live is now open in a nearby soundstage. That show invites you to help Mickey and Minnie throw a party and search for their missing friends, with audience participation built into the whole thing.
The reimagined courtyard gives the area a completely different feel from before, trading some of the busier soundstage vibe for something more relaxed and intentional about celebrating animation as a craft.
