Theme Park Scope

This might be one of the MOST dramatic transformations at Hollywood Studios in years.

Construction walls are finally down around the newly reimagined Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, giving guests their first real look at the completed space ahead of its official May 26 debut.

With the walls now removed, guests can officially walk through the transformed courtyard area inspired by the real Walt Disney Studios campus in Burbank, California. Disney has completely reimagined the former Animation Courtyard into a much more atmospheric studio-lot-style environment filled with greenery, themed architecture, updated pathways, and animation-inspired details.

With our first look photos, the finished space now features:

• Burbank-inspired studio buildings
• Expanded shaded seating areas
• New landscaping and mature trees
• Updated pavement and pathways
• Animation-inspired decorative elements
• Courtyard music themed to Disney Animation
• Character references hidden throughout the area

And the entire area now feels MUCH calmer and more immersive than the concrete-heavy Animation Courtyard guests knew for years.

The Sorcerer Hat Has Officially Returned

One of the biggest visual centerpieces of the new courtyard is the return of the Sorcerer Hat — although this version is much smaller and more stylized than the massive icon that once stood at the front of Hollywood Studios.

The redesigned hat now sits inside the courtyard itself and appears heavily inspired by Disney Animation aesthetics and Fantasia imagery. WDWMagic’s photos show the structure glowing beautifully at night with fiber optic lighting effects integrated throughout the design.

And yes, Disney fans are already VERY emotional about seeing the Sorcerer Hat back inside the park again.

Disney Added TONS of Hidden Animation Details

One of the biggest themes throughout the reimagined courtyard is Disney Animation history.

The area includes countless small references to animated Disney characters and Walt Disney Animation Studios’ history hidden throughout the environment.

Guests can now spot:

• Pluto’s Corner street sign
• References to Disney Animation departments
• Character-inspired window details
• Small animal figures hidden in landscaping
• Studio-style directional signage
• Burbank campus architectural nods
• Animation-inspired decorative art

You’ll find small character details involving Lucifer, Pua, and Thumper hidden throughout the courtyard greenery and decorative spaces.

Which feels WAY more like classic Disney Imagineering detail work than many fans expected!

The Area Is Designed To Feel Like a Real Studio Lot

Disney Imagineering previously explained that the goal of the project was to make guests feel like they’re walking through the actual Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank rather than a traditional theme park land.

That studio-lot atmosphere now extends throughout the area with relaxed courtyard spaces, studio-inspired soundstages, animation office-style buildings, ambient orchestral background music, and outdoor gathering areas, and hidden Disney character activity throughout the landscaping.

The newly revealed courtyard music loop also pulls themes and inspiration from decades of Disney animated films to create a nostalgic, cinematic atmosphere throughout the land.

The area now feels MUCH more alive than the previous version of Animation Courtyard.

Multiple New Experiences Are Opening Inside the Courtyard

The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard officially opens May 26 alongside several major new entertainment offerings.

The area will include Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE!, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure, character experiences at “Off the Page!”, expanded relaxation spaces, and the returning Magic of Disney Animation later this summer.

Disney also confirmed that The Magic of Disney Animation itself will feature interactive animation experiences, drawing activities with Olaf, “Drawn to Wonderland” indoor playground spaces inspired by Mary Blair’s artwork, and characters coming to life inside the animation building inspired by Once Upon a Studio.

The opening of the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard is just one piece of the massive transformation currently happening across Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Between Monstropolis construction, the Monsters Inc. Door Vault coaster, Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, new animation experiences, and expanded entertainment offerings, the park honestly feels like it’s evolving faster than it has in YEARS.

And now that the walls are finally gone, guests can finally start seeing just how big these changes really are.

We’ll continue following Walt Disney Studios Courtyard updates, The Magic of Disney Animation previews, entertainment openings, and Hollywood Studios construction news, so be sure to check back soon for more Disney World updates, attraction coverage, and theme park announcements.