Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing to unveil its latest reimagined area, the Walt Disney Studios Lot, with a phased opening scheduled for the summer of 2026. This new section of the park, which replaces the former Animation Courtyard, will debut in two stages, allowing guests to experience its new offerings as they become available. This article will provide a detailed look at the phased opening plan, the new shows and experiences, and what this transformation means for visitors.
A Two-Phase Summer Debut
The Walt Disney Studios Lot will not open all at once. Instead, Disney has planned a two-phase rollout during the summer of 2026. This approach allows the park to introduce new entertainment offerings sequentially as construction and preparations are completed.
Phase One: Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
The first phase of the opening will feature the debut of Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! This new stage show, which has already been presented at Disneyland Resort in California, is designed for the park’s youngest visitors. The show will take guests on a musical road trip with Mickey and Minnie Mouse as they search for their friends Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto to get ready for a party. Featuring upbeat songs and familiar characters, it will provide a high-energy entertainment option for families.
Phase Two: The Magic of Disney Animation
Later in the summer, the second phase will see the opening of The Magic of Disney Animation. This larger, more immersive area is designed to celebrate the legacy and artistry of Walt Disney Animation Studios. It will feature multiple components, including new character meet-and-greets and interactive play areas. The staggered opening ensures that each new element receives its own spotlight as the Walt Disney Studios Lot comes to life.
New Experiences Within the Walt Disney Studios Lot
The reimagined area is set to become a hub for animation fans, offering a variety of new experiences.
The Magic of Disney Animation
This new anchor attraction invites guests into the world of animation, drawing inspiration from the short film Once Upon a Studio. The area will feature interactive elements where characters appear to leap out of portraits, and guests can even try their hand at drawing. It will also include a “Drawn To Wonderland” playground, with a design based on the unique concept art of Disney Legend Mary Blair for the film Alice in Wonderland.
New Character Meet-and-Greets
A key feature of The Magic of Disney Animation will be the Off the Page! experience. This section will include six new, uniquely themed character meet-and-greet locations. Each location is designed to represent a different department within an animation studio, such as Story, Layout, and Lighting. Guests will be able to meet characters like Mulan in front of a giant storyboard and Rapunzel in a setting inspired by the multiplane camera.
A New Identity for a Classic Area
The transformation of Animation Courtyard into the Walt Disney Studios Lot gives this part of Hollywood Studios a more cohesive and story-driven identity. By focusing on the process and magic of animation, the new land aims to connect guests more deeply with the films and characters they love. This project continues the park’s ongoing evolution, adding fresh experiences while paying homage to the history of filmmaking and animation that has always been at its core.
Written by
Rachel Van Norman
Contributing Writer
Rachel fell deeply in love with all things Disney as a little girl. Now as a wife and a mother herself, she shares this Disney obsession with her son and everyone around her. From her love of princesses to eating all the Disney food, Rachel spends her time radiating Disney magic and keeping everyone up to date on Disney news.
