Early Work Begins on Animation Courtyard Overhaul with Two New Disney World Permits

Gallery / 6 Photos
The Magic of Disney Animation Concept Art

Posted: Tuesday July 29, 2025 12:06m ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has filed two new permits today that may mark the start of early work related to the upcoming Animation Courtyard transformation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The Magic of Disney Animation Concept Art

Permit Details

Permit #1 covers the gateway arch leading into Animation Courtyard from the main park hub.
Permit #2 is for the popcorn cart location just outside the arch.

Both permits are assigned to Buena Vista Construction Company (BVCC), which typically handles general maintenance and refurbishments, not large-scale construction. That suggests this could be early preparatory work ahead of the more significant changes coming in 2026.

Disney recently announced that the entire Animation Courtyard area will be reimagined into The Walt Disney Studios, inspired by the real studio lot in Burbank. A new family attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation, will anchor the land, replacing the current Star Wars Launch Bay building.

The Magic of Disney Animation Concept Art

As part of that plan, the existing gateway arch is expected to be removed, replaced with a more open and integrated entrance to the new courtyard. The inclusion of the arch in today’s permit could indicate preliminary work related to its eventual removal.

The Animation Courtyard Arch is set to be removed

While the permits don’t confirm construction is starting immediately, they may represent the first steps toward preparing the area for the larger overhaul. Disney has already announced that Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close on September 25, 2025, with the full transformation debuting in 2026.

Animation Courtyard Completed Cool Summer Kids Update

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Johnwdwguy2 days ago

Hmm the Media Previews for the Two Weeks of August...

Chester&Hester Enthusiast2 days ago

I'm starting to think I'm going to like the courtyard more than what's inside the building lol. They really did a fantastic job with this project. Everything feels so charming and thoughtful! Between this and Muppets, I'm starting to feel my cold dead purist heart thaw a bit.

Mr. Sullivan2 days ago

Enjoy the courtyard! I had a lovely time sitting there eating a pretzel last week.

Disgruntled Walt2 days ago

Bah! My family just surprised me with a trip July 17-21, and I was hoping we'd see this. Oh well.

lentesta2 days ago

Media previews supposedly happening sometime in first two weeks of August.

Mr. Sullivan9 days ago

I would be shocked if this was shot recently

Disgruntled Walt10 days ago

This was probably filmed awhile ago, but I share your concern.

The Leader of the Club10 days ago

This interior still looks very empty. Wouldn’t be shocked if this gets delayed until the fall

DCBaker10 days ago

Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a first look inside The Magic of Disney Animation construction site:

brb100616 days ago

Why does the white haired lady in the pink dress look off? Her face looks young but appears to be middle aged?

brb100616 days ago

This is the type of stuff Disney World used to do back in the day.

The Leader of the Club16 days ago

I’m shocked they didn’t announce that yesterday. They have to be close enough to the end of the project that they have a date in mind. Typically late summer means “July” for WDW (given that Halloween starts the first week of August).