Animation Courtyard Timeline Revealed at Hollywood Studios: Here’s What’s New

I’m a big fan of all things Hollywood Studios. However, the park can feel busy and a little tricky to navigate, especially with so many changes happening. The good news? There’s a sprinkle of pixie dust is on the way. Disney just released exciting new details about Animation Courtyard, and we can’t wait to share them with you.

new image of animation courtyard by disney — *© Disney*

Transformation Taking Place

So, what is all the hype about, and what exactly has Disney been working on? While Monsters Inc. Land is well on its way, Hollywood Studios has also been making major changes to Animation Courtyard.

Disney officially announced that the transformation of Animation Courtyard will be complete by late summer, bringing more interactive spaces for guests to enjoy.

Girl smiling with Disney characters at Animation Courtyard in Hollywood Studios.

What to Expect?

Although my kids have enjoyed the courtyard for years from character meet and greets to fun activities and Disney Junior. I believe these new changes will bring the area to life even more. In fact, I’m excited to see how the updates create an even better experience for families.

MIckey Mouse Clubhouse Live Disney Jr Show

New Disney Jr. Show

Okay, okay, we all know kids love to sing and dance at the Disney Junior show. But let’s be honest. The characters may have changed over the years, yet the show itself has stayed the same since my kids were little. Now they’re teenagers, so a refresh is long overdue. Disney seems to agree, and change is finally here for this section of Animation Courtyard.

This summer, Disney will debut a brand-new show called “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” Don’t worry, the dance party will stay. Kids will enjoy upbeat songs as Mickey and Minnie head out on a road trip to find friends like Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto. The show delivers a fun-filled adventure inspired by the lively version at Disneyland. It will bring fresh energy to Hollywood Studios.

“Off the Page” Character Meet and Greets

I’m especially excited for this update because everyone loves meeting Disney characters, and I can personally say that adults enjoy it just as much as the kids.

Disney Imagineers are always finding new and innovative ways to bring the magic of Disney to life and photo spots at Animation Courtyard are no exception. Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Disney Imagineers have teamed up to create a new concept they call “Off the Page.” This collaboration will transform character meet-and-greet experiences, making them more immersive, more magical, and more alive than ever before.

So, what unique changes is Disney making to these character meet-and-greets? Each photo spot will highlight every part of a character’s story. This includes the layout, hand-drawn animation, computer animation, and lighting effects. These updates create an experience where characters feel like they’ve stepped right out of their artwork. Guests may even see favorites like Mulan and Rapunzel appear as if they’ve come “off the page” to meet them.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait to see how all of this comes to life.

New Playground with Over the Top Details

I have to admit, The closure of Honey, I Shrunk the Kids disappointed me, especially since many of us remember it long before Toy Story Land made its grand debut. It gave us a perfect place to relax, grab some shade, let the kids run free, and even enjoy a quick snack. Still, we know change must happen to keep the parks feeling new and fresh.

That’s why I felt so excited when Disney announced a new indoor play area coming to Animation Courtyard. Yes, indoor! Even better, the space draws inspiration from Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art. The early designs show an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a whimsical Mad Tea Party play set, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area.

This new addition will be a huge win for parents and kids. Families will finally have a cool, shaded space to play and recharge. It adds a little extra magic to any day at Hollywood Studios.

As Disney continues to reimagine and expand its parks, guests will experience more magic than ever before. These updates to Hollywood Studios will give visitors more to enjoy and may even make navigating the park and managing wait times a little easier.

Stay tuned, because we’ll keep sharing updates as Disney releases more details. Hollywood Studios is changing in exciting ways, and you’ll want to be ready for all the new magic on your next visit!