Archway Gone and Launch Bay Sign Removed as Disney Advances Animation Courtyard Overhaul

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

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Posted: Tuesday October 21, 2025 1:20pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Significant visible progress has been made at Disney's Hollywood Studios this week as the Animation Courtyard transformation enters a new phase.

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

Over the weekend, the signature archway entrance into Animation Courtyard was completely demolished, marking the most dramatic change yet in the area's ongoing redevelopment.

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

The demolition of the gateway arch removes one of the park's most recognizable visual elements, which once framed the entrance to Animation Courtyard.

Animation Courtyard September 2025

The arch's removal aligns with concept art for The Walt Disney Studios redesign, which features a more open, landscaped entrance leading to the upcoming Magic of Disney Animation experience.

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

In addition to the arch demolition, the Star Wars Launch Bay signage has been removed from the front of the building that will soon house The Magic of Disney Animation.

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

Disney Junior Area Changes

Nearby, the canopies used for the Disney Junior meet and greets have also been taken down. The structures once provided shade and staging for character appearances but are now cleared as part of the site preparation work throughout the courtyard.

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

New Permit Filed by Walt Disney Imagineering

Today, Walt Disney Imagineering filed a new Notice of Commencement for "utility modification" at the address that corresponds to the now-demolished gateway arch, suggesting ongoing infrastructure work in preparation for new pathways and landscaping in the reimagined courtyard.

What's Next

The reimagined Walt Disney Studios area opening in 2026 will include:

The Magic of Disney Animation interactive family experience
A new "Drawn to Wonderland" play area for kids inspired by Alice in Wonderland concept art by Mary Blair
Updated Studio Theater for The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure
A refreshed Disney Junior show in the adjacent soundstage

The Magic of Disney Animation Concept Art

Discuss on the Forums

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radiorae14 hours 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

WorldExplorer15 hours ago

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

radiorae15 hours 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 🤷‍♀️

AidenRodriguez73117 hours ago

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

jah495519 hours ago

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

nickys20 hours ago

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

HMF20 hours 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.

WorldExplorer20 hours ago

They refuse to get medical treatment for their injured foot with their fanatical devotion to their timeline that no one asked for.

UNCgolf21 hours ago

They should have an Emperor Palpatine meet and greet.

jah49551 day ago

they shot themselves in the foot with the era of the land.

nickys1 day ago

If there were only some other characters they could have for a meet & greet. Although I find it beyond belief they don’t have characters from the original trilogy in meet & greets. At least Chewbacca strolls around GE, but no Han, Leah, Luke or Darth Vader is crazy imo.

MisterPenguin1 day ago

Last month, I was walking thru SWL getting near a First Order 'show' by the TIE fighter and, suddenly, there's Vi, watching it from around the corner. I approached her and said, "Don't worry, Vi, I'll go a make a distraction." And she thanked me. Probably for being the only guest who knew her thing.

AidenRodriguez7311 day ago

Man if only there was a place to see Star Wars characters in Disney's Hollywood Studios... oh well.

LSLS1 day ago

Eh boys already have Star Wars characters in GE (aren't they also moving Darth Vader and Chewy to other areas), they have Toy Story characters, and they are going to have Monsters characters on top of seeing Indiana Jones. This is the one park I don't have a problem adding some more girl-centric stuff. Remember, they are losing the Disney Junior characters too.