Final Chance to Visit Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios Before Permanent Closure

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Tuesday September 23, 2025 1:45pm ET · "Star Wars Launch Bay"
Final Chance to Visit Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios Before Permanent Closure

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Star Wars Launch Bay September 2025

Tomorrow, September 24, 2025, will be the final opportunity to experience Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The attraction will permanently close at the end of the day as the park prepares for a major reimagining of Animation Courtyard.

Star Wars Launch Bay first opened in 2015, offering guests a walk-through exhibit of props and costumes, video features on the saga, and character meet and greets with favorites like Darth Vader and Chewbacca. It served as one of Hollywood Studios' main Star Wars offerings before Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opened in 2019.






Making Way for The Magic of Disney Animation


Beginning September 25, 2025, the Launch Bay building and surrounding Animation Courtyard will close to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation. This new family experience, opening in 2026, will include interactive exhibits, drawing activities, character greetings, and a whimsical indoor play space inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The redesigned courtyard will be themed to the look and feel of the historic Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.

Closure Timeline

  • September 24, 2025 is the final operating day for Star Wars Launch Bay.
  • Starting September 25, Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will also close for the transformation.
  • The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will remain open during construction.

Conversation

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good riddance to it, it never should have been back there to begin with, can't wait for the new area to replace that whole mess.
When next year do we think this will open?
Memorial day?
Thanksgiving?
↩ replying to wdwmagic
I do have some fond memories back when they had the Star Wars fireworks show and did the desert package - had the Jawas that did trading for shiny things, storm trooper leading the kids out to the viewing area, etc .... Fun to see the movie props, etc ...

.... But beyond time to go - very excited for the new Animation experience
↩ replying to wdwmagic
Oh no. However will I make it in time. Shoot. What a disappointment.

Anywaaaaayyysss...
↩ replying to wdwmagic
Very sad, considering we only had nearly ten years to enjoy it.
↩ replying to HMF
I thought this closed way back when GE opened. Good riddance (mourning this like I did for C&H's and Stage 1 store).
Another question I've had for awhile now (which with the return of the Animation pavilion it's become 2 questions now lol):

Is that spot where the 4 surviving "Nine Old Men" did their handprints in 1989 still there?
(assuming it's still there but has been off-limits since LB opened)...will the public be able to access again?
↩ replying to wdwmagic
I can't think of the last time I set foot in it. Looking forward to its replacement.
And Darth Vader is moving to... Star Tour's queue
↩ replying to Gusey
Will this be in the Endor queue or the indoor queue?
↩ replying to Gusey
lol. Most iconic Star Wars character can’t go to star wars land.
↩ replying to Agent H
I'm assuming the old Jedi training academy thing?
↩ replying to Andrew C
How 'bout as a force ghost? ;)
Palpatine: Vader you have been summoned to be moved..

Vader: Excellent master...Where is my new location....

Palpatine: adjacent to Star Tours....Weather Permitting...And you will have to deal with the wafting aroma of fast food at Backlot Express..

Vader: