Disney's Hollywood Studios Unveils Revamped Animation Courtyard Area
Disney's Hollywood Studios has undergone a transformation in its Animation Courtyard area, now renamed The Walt Disney Studios. This refreshed space is set to debut in time for the 'Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live' stage show on May 26 and will also be the location of 'The Magic of Disney Animation' attraction when it premieres on September 14, 2026.
The revamped courtyard pays tribute to Disney's rich animation history, blending classic and modern characters in a shared environment. This is reminiscent of the emotional crossover moments seen in the animated special 'Once Upon a Studio.'
One notable aspect of this new area is the proportional accuracy of the character figures. Each one is scaled accurately compared to the others.
Disney has also added more animated favorites to the reimagined Walt Disney Studios area, including Bolt playing tug-of-war with two Dalmatian puppies, Oliver and Dodger from 'Oliver & Company,' Meeko from 'Pocahontas,' Bruni from 'Frozen 2' and Little Brother from 'Mulan.'
These character figures are scattered throughout the courtyard across signs, planters, decorative elements, and themed structures. Some of the featured characters include Abu perched atop the Studio Store, the bluebird singers from Cinderella alongside Diablo, Maleficent's raven from Sleeping Beauty, Hiss the snake, Fru Fru from the Zootopia movies, Mochi the cat, Jiminy Cricket atop a directional sign, Lucifer and Zazu nearby, Pua and Thumper sitting together in the landscaping, and Ray at the top of a lightpole.
The courtyard also features newly installed themed handprints and footprints inspired by celebrity-style impressions outside the Chinese Theatre. Many of these prints include small details and references tied directly to the characters and their films.