New Permits Confirm Construction Is Underway on The Magic of Disney Animation at Hollywood Studios
The reimagined Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios just moved from concept art to active construction. Disney has filed two new construction permits for The Magic of Disney Animation, the reborn version of a classic Hollywood Studios attraction, confirming that work is underway ahead of a late summer 2026 opening.
Concept art for Drawn to Wonderland, part of the reimagined Animation Courtyard. Image: Disney
What the permits tell us
Disney filed two Notices of Commencement covering 190 Showbiz Blvd (the attraction itself) and 200 Showbiz Blvd (the attached building that once housed a division of Walt Disney Feature Animation Florida). Both were filed through Disney's Sourcing and Procurement department and list Buena Vista Construction Company, Disney's in house construction arm, to "Provide labor, materials and/or electrical for construction." The permits run for one year, and filing them this close to the opening window is a sign the build out is still actively in progress.
What is coming to the Animation Courtyard
Disney officially announced the project on May 28, 2026. Rather than recreate the old walking tour, Imagineers are turning the space into a family friendly courtyard of animation themed experiences. The lineup includes:
- Drawn to Wonderland: an immersive playground inspired by Mary Blair's original Alice in Wonderland concept art.
- Olaf Draws!: a drawing instruction experience hosted by an all new Audio-Animatronics Olaf.
- Off the Page!: character meet and greets themed to animation departments.
- Once Upon A Studio Theater and an enchanted art gallery.
- Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! in a neighboring soundstage.
Rapunzel greets guests at Off the Page, one of the new courtyard experiences. Image: Disney
"I'm so thrilled that a whole new generation of kids can dream of becoming animators one day and can actually begin their journey right there on the studio lot." Josh Gad, the voice of Olaf
A classic name returns
The Magic of Disney Animation is a name longtime fans know well. The original opened May 1, 1989, at what was then Disney-MGM Studios, offering a walking tour past a real working animation studio where artists helped create films like Mulan and Lilo & Stitch. It closed on July 12, 2015, and the space later became Star Wars Launch Bay. The new version keeps the animation heart of the space while trading the studio tour for hands on, character forward fun.
Disney has not announced an exact opening date beyond late summer 2026, so the permit filing is our best current signal that the courtyard is coming together. We will be watching for a firm date.
Sources
Image credits: Disney.
