Walt Disney Imagineering Files New Permit to Install Set Elements for The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios

Gallery / 4 Photos
The Magic of Disney Animation Concept Art

Posted: Wednesday November 12, 2025 4:15pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Walt Disney Imagineering has filed a new Notice of Commencement for work on The Magic of Disney Animation, the upcoming family experience coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2026.

The new filing lists Icarus Exhibits as the contractor, with the scope described as "install set elements." This suggests that interior work is now progressing from basic construction to themed installation.

Animation Courtyard Archway Demolished and Launch Bay Signage Removed - October 21, 2025

Icarus Exhibits is a longtime Disney vendor known for producing themed environments, scenic elements, and interactive exhibit components for attractions and displays across Disney parks worldwide.

Opening in 2026, the new experience will bring Disney Animation's legacy to life through interactive exhibits, character encounters, and hands-on activities inspired by the Emmy Award-winning short Once Upon a Studio. Highlights include:

Animated studio environments filled with living portraits and creative surprises
A drawing studio where guests can sketch Disney characters
The "Drawn to Wonderland" play area for young children
Multiple character meet-and-greet locations

Animation Courtyard Archway Demolished and Launch Bay Signage Removed - October 21, 2025

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UNCgolf8 hours ago

I do think the prequels had a much better/more interesting underlying plot than the sequels. The sequels generally had better scriptwriting and acting, but the actual plot was mostly awful. There may be an alternate reality where Lucas let other people write the scripts and direct the movies based off his ideas and the prequels were fantastic, but that didn't happen in this one.

lazyboy97o8 hours ago

This is a take that completely ignores the actual history of the prequels.

HMF9 hours ago

George Lucas had a story to tell in the Prequels. Whether he could have done a better job telling it is a matter of debate. The Sequel Trilogy purely existed to make money, and they built a barebones made up as they went along and ultimately un-satisfying semblance of a story to achieve that goal.

UNCgolf14 hours ago

I think Rise of Skywalker is worse than any of the prequels (although Attack of the Clones is really bad too), and Revenge of the Sith is better than any of the sequels, but it's kind of half dozen of one versus six of the other. The biggest difference is that prequels didn't have any major effect on future stories (i.e. going forward in the timeline) whereas the sequels obviously did, so they were more detrimental in that sense.

radiorae1 day ago

Oh wow I’m super dumb 😂 shows you how much I actually go to M&Gs. I totally forgot he’s with Minnie. In that case, I propose he’s moving with Olaf over to Animation, and then I’m gonna throw in Alice and Genie. So my guess is: Rapunzel Mulan Alice Mickey Olaf Genie

WorldExplorer1 day ago

I thought Sorcerer Mickey still met in HS. Unless they changed it in the past two months?

radiorae1 day ago

I wouldn’t mind the Sorcerer Mickey M&G coming back; he would fit the theme pretty well. HS is also the only park where he doesn’t have a M&G right now. I really don’t think we’re going to end up with 6 princesses; I’m guessing it’ll be an even split of things that appeal to girls and boys. On the “girly” end of things, I’d think maybe Alice, especially since there’s supposed to be a Wonderland playground, but she already pops up at Epcot and MK so maybe that’s too much 🤷‍♀️

AidenRodriguez7311 day ago

I mean Luke has appeared in Disneyland in GE so I think it CAN happen.

jah49551 day ago

Ergo ideal time frame would have been right around episode 6🏆

nickys1 day ago

I’ll take the sequels over the prequels any day.

HMF1 day ago

There are a great many fans who actually do take that aspect quite seriously. That being said, the point in the timeline they chose is quite baffling seeing as how the sequels aren't exactly beloved by most audiences.