Disney Walls Off Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios: Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Now Inaccessible

By WDWMAGIC Staff · Thursday September 25, 2025 9:00am ET · "The Magic of Disney Animation"
Disney Walls Off Animation Courtyard at Hollywood Studios: Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Now Inaccessible
Animation Courtyard Construction Walls - September 25, 2025Animation Courtyard Construction Walls - September 25, 2025Animation Courtyard Construction Walls - September 25, 2025Animation Courtyard Construction Walls - September 25, 2025Animation Courtyard Construction Walls - September 25, 2025

Construction walls are now in place across much of Animation Courtyard  at Disney's Hollywood Studios as Disney begins transformation into The Walt Disney Studios.

Where the Walls Are Located

  • Beyond the Archway: Guests entering Animation Courtyard through the arch now encounter walls blocking access to both Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show.
  • Access to The Little Mermaid: The walkway through the archway remains partially open, allowing guests to reach The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure, which continues to operate during the transition.
  • Between the Chinese Theater and Mermaid Theater: Additional walls are up along this stretch, redirecting guest flow and further limiting courtyard access.




What Remains Open

  • The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents remain available to guests.

The installation of walls marks the first on-the-ground step toward the reimagining of the space. In 2026, this area will reopen as The Walt Disney Studios, anchored by the new family experience The Magic of Disney Animation.

The updated courtyard will feature interactive exhibits, character meet and greets, a whimsical Alice in Wonderland-inspired play area, and re-themed surroundings designed to reflect the historic Walt Disney Studios in Burbank.

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Here are the published appearance times for Darth Vader at his new spot:
↩ replying to wdwmagic
Live look at the forest stamp in their graphic tool:
Here's a look at the new Hollywood Studios Guide Map:
↩ replying to wdwmagic
Oh, no! Another sink hole!!
If they are shutting down SWLB they should bring back the Jedi Training show that was next to Star Tours or maybe even Hyperspace Hoopla.
↩ replying to DCBaker
Weird timing. Is the character only out for 15 mins at a time? Otherwise, it should say, from 9am to 4pm.
I'm curious how clear the premise/theme will be. It could be a sufficiently compelling area if guests understand they're in The Walt Disney Studios. For example, if there are noticeable signs on the buildings that read things like "Studio Theater" and "Soundstage #." Otherwise, it's still just warehouses.
↩ replying to wdwmagic
that's what you get for going to the Dark Side ;)
↩ replying to wdwmagic
No move for Chewbacca yet?
↩ replying to EagleScout610
He’s in Galaxy’s Edge by the falcon
↩ replying to EagleScout610
They terminated his clone who was meeting in Launch Bay. That was always Chewbaacca, not Chewbacca. ;) IYKYK