Walt Disney World is bringing a touch of nighttime magic to a familiar icon. The large Mickey Mouse sorcerer hat outside The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney Hollywood Studios will feature new lighting effects.
Before this transformation, the building served as the home for the Star Wars Launch Bay experience for a decade. Now, it returns to its animation roots with a fresh look. This addition is part of a broader update transforming the surrounding area into the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard.
Nighttime Lighting Effects
Guests looking closely at the new sorcerer hat facade will notice small lightbulbs covering its surface. These fixtures blend in during the daytime hours but will illuminate the structure after the sun goes down. The glowing lights will offer guests an interesting photo opportunity when walking through the park at night.
The design takes inspiration from the Roy E Disney Animation Building in California. While the west coast version relies on standard spotlights, the Florida hat will display a sparkling pixie dust effect. This feature pays tribute to the large sorcerer hat that served as the park icon from 2001 to 2015.
Walt Disney Studios Courtyard Updates
The area previously known as Animation Courtyard is undergoing a large visual refresh. Disney is adding more green spaces to the environment to create a welcoming atmosphere for guests. The pavement will feature character handprints and autographs to match the Hollywood theme.
Visitors can expect to see characters roaming the outdoor spaces. Inside the building, the experience will offer dedicated meet and greet locations. The interior will also host a character drawing class led by Olaf and a themed play area based on Alice in Wonderland. Painters also recently added a stage number one label to the nearby Disney Jr building.
Expected Opening Timeline
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard update is nearing completion. The new Disney Jr Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live show opens next door on May 26. Park officials expect the main outdoor courtyard to open to the public on that same date.
While the exterior spaces and the new stage show will welcome guests in late May, the actual Magic of Disney Animation building will open at a later time.
The updated sorcerer hat lighting will add a bright visual element to your evening park stroll. Keep watching for official announcements regarding the opening date for the interior animation experiences as summer approaches.
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.
