Check out The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard, opening May 26 at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Guests visiting Disney's Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World can now visit The Walt Disney Studios Lot!

Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, is a place of pure magic – artists go in… beloved characters and films come out. Now, imagine stepping inside those iconic walls and seeing Disney Animation characters leap off the screen and into our world at Walt Disney World!

That was the heart and premise of the Emmy Award-winning short film, Once Upon A Studio, and soon, it will inspire a brand-new experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Housed in a building reminiscent of the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, this upcoming family experience, “The Magic of Disney Animation,” is getting ready to bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.

While The Magic of Disney Animation arrives later, the storytelling begins outdoors...

Opening May 26, the courtyard surrounding the attraction transforms into “The Walt Disney Studios,” an outdoor space inspired by the iconic Burbank studio lot.

Drawing from the architecture and atmosphere of the legendary campus, the area features familiar studio details, including a version of the Studio Theater, which continues to house The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure, and a nearby soundstage welcoming Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, all set within a relaxed, park‑like setting designed for families to explore.

The Walt Disney Studios Lot Comes to Life at Hollywood Studios

The pixie dusting from the Sorcerer’s Hat will extend far beyond the walls of “The Magic of Disney Animation” as the entire courtyard is reimagined into “The Walt Disney Studios,” taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank.

This special nod to the legendary Walt Disney Studios Lot includes Orlando's version of the Studio Theater, which will continue to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” and over at the soundstage, you’ll find a fresh Disney Jr. show.

Join The Fun at Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!

Starting May 26, the Clubhouse is calling and you’re on the guest list! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+, this live show turns into a feel-good celebration where you don’t just watch the fun… you help make it happen.

Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to kick off the big bash, but when their friends are nowhere to be found, the party turns into a playful search mission. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.

While exploring the studio grounds and courtyard area, families can take a break to play, relax, or snack on tasty treats under lush trees. And make sure to look around, too. You never know who you might see playing in the branches, soaking up the sun, or digging in the grass.

New Adventures Under the Sorcerer Hat

In late summer 2026, the former home of Star Wars: Launch Bay will transform into a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences.

Topping the building will be Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat (just like the real building in California!).

The story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they’re ready to play!

Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.

Learn to Draw with Olaf!

The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in Once Upon A Studio, you’ll find inspiration with a short film (with a twist, of course), and you’ll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch.

Step into a new Animation Academy experience with Olaf Draws!, where everyone’s favorite snowman takes center stage as your cheerful host. With his signature warmth, optimism, and playful humor, Olaf invites guests of all ages to explore the art of character drawing.

Explore “Off the Page!” and Spot Favorite Friends

You’ll also be able to venture into “Off the Page!” – a stunning area where you can meet some of your favorite friends from Walt Disney Animation Studios stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame.

Each space offers incredible photo opportunities with some of your favorite characters. You can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into the Layout department where Rapunzel waits in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera where you’ll see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic.

Together, these spaces highlight key stages of the animation process, each brought to life through character encounters. Some of character you may spot are:

• Mulan in Story

• Rapunzel in Layout

• Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation

• Donald and Daisy in CG Animation

• Goofy in Lighting

• Stitch in Effects

Every corner of “Off the Page!” is designed to immerse you in the craft of animation, as this experience is a collaboration between Walt Disney Imagineering and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Dan Abraham, Walt Disney Animation Studios Director and co-director of the Once Upon a Studio short, says he can’t wait to see what guests dream up after visiting the space.

“It’s so cool because you’re waiting in line to have fun with the characters… and you’re getting to see a bit of history of the studio as well,” Abraham said. “It could very well inspire people to move our studio into the future when they [join Walt Disney Animation Studios] and carry on this legacy that has meant so much to so many people.”

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