A brand new area is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios: get ready to step into The Walt Disney Studios when it opens in phases starting May 26, 2026!

Animation Courtyard has been reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios as a special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California. But here, Disney Animation characters will leap off the screen and into our world. Ahead of the new land’s official opening, we got a FIRST LOOK inside! 

The new land will retain two of Animation Courtyard’s signature attractions while introducing brand-new experiences inspired by beloved Disney characters, as well as the “Once Upon a Studio” short film!

The building that was home to Star Wars: Launch Bay will be turning into “The Magic of Disney Animation,” which is inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios and the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.

Just like its namesake building, The Magic of Disney Animation features Mickey’s famous Sorcerer Hat on top (which serves as a double nod to the Sorcerer’s Hat that used to stand in front of the Chinese Theater in the park). Disney says it will “cast a spell with pixie dust.” There are SO many nods to the Burbank lot, including this directional sign.

Additionally, one of the most iconic features of Hollywood Studios is the handprints in front of the Chinese Theatre, featuring a variety of celebrities and Hollywood icons. Now, Disney Imagineers are bringing that same magic to the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard…but this time with Disney characters!

The courtyard, which will open on May 26, 2026, will provide a place filled with lush trees for all guests to relax and even play (and, if you’re like us here at the DFB, enjoy a classic Hollywood Studios snack!).

Of course, there will be a store in this area as well — the Studio Store — complete with Abu hanging out on the sign!

Speaking of which, make sure you keep an eye out for all the Disney characters throughout, like Lucifer…

…Zazu…

…and don’t forget the iconic Pluto’s Corner! Disney teased that “you never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun, or digging in the grass.”

Disney characters will play a major part in the experience! Specifically, Disney has mentioned, “Off the Page.” The concept is that guests will meet beloved Disney characters across “six unique departments from the animation studio.” They are as follows:

• Mulan in Story
• Rapunzel in Layout (in “a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera”)
• Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
• Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
• Goofy in Lighting
• Stitch in Effects

You can find everything you need to know about the NEW Walt Disney Studios land right here!

We’ll be on the lookout for even more changes hitting Hollywood Studios soon. In the meantime, make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for the latest Disney news and more!

Are you looking forward to exploring this new land? Let us know in the comments.