Certainly. Here is a more editorial, less scripted rewrite with a grounded tone that reads like a feature you’d find in a magazine or reputable travel publication
Disney’s Hollywood Studios will transform part of its park in 2026 with a new animation-themed experience inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the short film Once Upon a Studio, replacing Star Wars: Launch Bay.
There’s something timeless about Disney animation—the way hand-drawn sketches evolve into full-color characters that stick with us for decades. That creative magic, usually tucked behind closed doors at the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, is stepping into the spotlight at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
In 2026, the current home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will be completely reimagined into The Magic of Disney Animation—an all-ages experience that brings the behind-the-scenes world of animation to life, but with a twist: the animators are gone, and the characters have taken over.
The new experience isn’t just a nod to Disney’s history; it’s rooted in the tone and charm of Once Upon a Studio, the award-winning short film that imagines what happens when no one’s looking and Disney’s animated icons come out to play. That same energy will run through every part of the new attraction.
Visitors will enter a building modeled after the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, with Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat perched on top. But instead of a quiet studio space, guests will find an environment where portraits come alive, shorts play with unexpected twists, and drawing classes are interrupted (or improved) by a few surprise character visits.
For families with younger children, Drawn to Wonderland offers a dedicated indoor playground inspired by Mary Blair’s whimsical Alice in Wonderland concept art. Expect oversized flowers that double as instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and winding paths through a stylized Tulgey Wood—all designed for exploration and imagination rather than queuing up for a ride.
Beyond the main attraction, the surrounding Animation Courtyard is getting its own facelift. The outdoor space will be renamed The Walt Disney Studios, borrowing architectural inspiration from the original Burbank campus. Trees, shaded seating, and thoughtful landscaping will turn the area into a space for wandering, resting, and even stumbling into a few unscheduled character moments. It’s less about lining up and more about slowing down, something that’s becoming increasingly rare in theme parks.
While the reimagined space will include familiar elements like The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, other experiences in the area will close in September 2025 to make way for the change. That includes Star Wars: Launch Bay, Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, and the current layout of Animation Courtyard.
The overhaul reflects a broader shift in how Disney thinks about interactivity. Rather than relying on rides alone, there’s a growing interest in immersive spaces that encourage participation, and creativity. The experience is designed to be more open-ended, potentially reducing the long wait times typically associated with major attractions, and offering guests a more relaxed, hands-on way to engage with the park.
