Disney World just announced a new attraction that will make fans feel like kids again
Eve ChenIf you visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios back in its Disney MGM Studios days, you may remember The Magic of Disney Animation.
The attraction opened with the park in 1989 and invited guests to witness Disney’s animation process firsthand, peering into a working studio, where films like “Lilo & Stitch” came to life.
It wasn’t quite the same after Disney shuttered its Florida-based animation operations in the early 2000s, but the attraction evolved and continued to celebrate Disney Animation until 2015, when it was closed and replaced by Star Wars Launch Bay.
Now a decade later, Disney has announced a new Magic of Disney Animation is in the works for a new generation of guests. Here’s what fans should know.
When is The Magic of Disney Animation opening?
The new Magic of Disney Animation will open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2026.
Disney hasn’t shared an exact date.
Where will The Magic of Disney Animation be located?
The attraction will be located in Animation Courtyard, which will be reimagined as The Walt Disney Studios.
It will be where Star Wars Launch Bay is now.
The Sorcerer’s Hat is coming back
The Star Wars Launch Bay building will be transformed to look like the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California, where Walt Disney Animation Studios is based. Like that building, it will be topped with a huge Sorcerer’s Hat.
For years, a massive Sorcerer Mickey Hat served as the symbol of Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney-MGM Studios, and was a popular photo backdrop for guests.
This one won’t be the same, but the nostalgia factor is notable for fans who’ve said goodbye to longtime staples like Muppet*Vision 3D, Tom Sawyer Island, and parts of DinoLand U.S.A this year. Many fans have already expressed their excitement on social media.
What to expect from The Magic of Disney Animation
"Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away... but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they're ready to play!” Disney shared on its official Disney Parks Blog.
It’s unclear how the experience will unfold, but Disney says the characters will be part of “playful and interactive moments,” like in the Emmy-winning short film “Once Upon a Studio” created for Disney’s 100th anniversary.
There will also be a short film, drawing lessons (which the previous Magic of Disney Animation also offered), and for young guests, a Drawn to Wonderland playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s concept art for “Alice in Wonderland.”
What else is coming?
The new Walt Disney Studios space will host a new Disney Jr. show, character greetings and trees offering shade to guests.
“And make sure to look around, too,” Disney's blog post said. “You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun or digging in the grass.”
What’s closing at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
Star Wars Launch Bay and the live show Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will permanently close this September. Their last day of operation will be Sept. 24.
The recently reimagined Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure will remain.