An original feature of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been demolished. The squared arch that welcomed guests into Animation Courtyard has been completely removed. The arch was a theming element that marked the entrance into a studio backlot, maintaining the overall theme of Hollywood Studios when it first opened.
The awesome @bioreconstruct took some new photos showing the removal of the arch and construction on the updated area. Disney is updating Animation Courtyard to an area themed to “The Magic of Disney Animation.”
It’s actually kind of sad to see the arch removed. We can’t even count the number of times we’ve passed by it, or how many times we’ve used it as a landmark. The arch was one of many icons at Hollywood Studios, and even had some memorable pictures taken by it.
How crazy is this one with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Roger Rabbit, and the cast of Dinosaurs?
That’s just a wild picture from the old MGM Studios days. All it’s missing is Dick Tracy, who you could also see at MGM Studios once upon a time. The arch went through a series of sign changes over the years, ending on the version you see below.
Meanwhile, the rest of Animation Courtyard is also under construction. The sign for Star Wars Launch Bay has been removed. Work is taking place on all of the courtyard’s exteriors.
Once complete, the updated area will take on theming seen at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. Disney’s concept art shows a familiar Mickey Mouse wizard hat, and a refreshed courtyard with new landscaping and seating.
Disney says that inside guests will “interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments.” There will also be a short film (Disney promises there’s a twist) and a chance for guests to learn how to sketch different characters. And, perhaps biggest of all for young guests, is a new playground themed to Alice in Wonderland concept art drawn by Mary Blair.
We welcome this change as it will highlight one area that makes Disney so special (animation), and it will refresh a very tired spot in Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay was so overdue for a change. However, we’re not sure how permanent these changes will be. We think Disney has much bigger ideas for the old Animation Courtyard, and those plans may come back at some point in the future.
The new Magic of Disney Animation area is scheduled to open in 2026.
