File this under “Whoops!”: Disney accidentally leaked a brand-new map of Hollywood Studios, and it quietly erased a whole section of the park before the buildings have even officially closed, according to WDWNT.
If you’re like us and obsess over every park detail (or just like a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt with your popcorn bucket in hand), this tiny piece of printed paper holds some seriously big implications. Let’s break down what changed, what’s closing, and what’s coming next — including a fresh reimagining that will bring back one of Disney’s most nostalgic attractions.
The Early Map Leak Disney Didn’t Mean to Happen (Again)
Spotted at Disney’s Pop Century Resort, the updated park map was supposed to debut after the official closure of Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Junior Theater on September 25. But someone, somewhere, jumped the gun — and fans noticed.
This isn’t even the first time it’s happened. Over the summer, a new version of the guide quietly removed Muppets Courtyard before any walls went up. That update caused a bit of a stir, but this latest change? It’s even more obvious.
The new map already shows both the Launch Bay and Disney Jr. buildings completely removed. Not faded. Not marked “temporarily closed.” Just — gone. It’s like they never existed.
And while the attractions were still operating the night the maps were spotted, they’ll officially shutter their doors starting tomorrow.
Bye-Bye, Animation Courtyard as We Know It
With the removal of those two venues, Animation Courtyard is suddenly looking a lot smaller. The updated image on the new map cuts the walkway off shortly after The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure (which, for now, remains open). From what we’ve heard, that section will soon be behind construction walls.
Even the map’s location numbers have been shifted. What used to be numbered for the closing attractions are now assigned to snack spots like The Market and Joffrey’s Coffee — because, priorities. If you didn’t know something big was changing, you might not even notice. But for Disney park watchers? This is a quiet farewell.
So… What’s Coming?
The map’s not the only thing that dropped. Disney recently announced that this shrinking corner of the park will be reimagined as “The Walt Disney Studios” — a new land inspired by the company’s iconic real-life studio lot in Burbank, California.
And for longtime fans, the nostalgia hit is real: The Magic of Disney Animation is coming back.
Yep, it’s a modern reinvention of the experience that once gave guests a behind-the-scenes peek into Disney’s animation process — the same attraction that lived in Animation Courtyard from 1989 until 2015, when it was replaced by, you guessed it, Star Wars Launch Bay.
A Throwback with a Twist
The new version of The Magic of Disney Animation will be much more immersive and interactive. Inspired by the Emmy-winning short Once Upon a Studio, the experience imagines a whimsical, lived-in animation studio where the animators have “stepped out,” and the characters have taken over.
Expect playful scenes, character portraits that come to life, quirky creative departments, and an original short film “with a twist.” It’s all designed to feel like you’ve stepped inside a cartoon studio mid-chaos.
Oh — and don’t worry, artists and aspiring animators: you’ll still get to draw your own character sketch, just like in the old days.
Disney Foodies, Take Note
One of the best surprises? The center of the new area will include a leafy new courtyard space where you can chill under trees, snack, and meet characters — likely a goldmine for new themed treats and photos. There’s no word yet on specific food offerings, but if the reimagined space gets its own snack cart, you better believe we’ll be first in line.
Could this be where we finally get that Sorcerer Mickey churro we’ve been dreaming of? Or maybe something themed to Alice in Wonderland, since one area will include an indoor playground called Drawn to Wonderland, full of oversized tea party props and Mary Blair-inspired artwork.
What About The Little Mermaid and Disney Jr.?
The Little Mermaid theater will stick around, but it’s getting a glow-up too. It’ll be renamed the Studio Theater, aligning with the whole “Burbank studio lot” vibe. Meanwhile, the Disney Junior soundstage will host a brand-new show — details haven’t been announced yet, but it’ll likely launch sometime after construction wraps.
For now, Disney Jr. Play and Dance! ends its run on September 25.
A Softer Rebrand — But Still a Major Change
What’s interesting is how Disney is rolling this out. Instead of a big flashy goodbye to Star Wars Launch Bay or the Disney Jr. Theater, they’re letting the map speak for itself — quietly updating it before the closures even happen. It’s like erasing history with a graphic designer’s magic wand.
Some might say it’s anticlimactic. Others might argue it’s smart — ripping off the Band-Aid without making a fuss. Either way, it’s clear that Disney is ready to move on, and this update is part of a broader push to refresh areas of the park that no longer fit the evolving story of Hollywood Studios.
With Galaxy’s Edge, Toy Story Land, and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway now taking up the spotlight, the quieter corners are getting a much-needed reimagining. And if it means more immersive, animation-filled fun? We’re here for it.
So yes — Disney may have pulled the curtain early on this one, but it’s all part of a bigger transformation in the works. Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. may be stepping aside, but in their place, something fresh, nostalgic, and (let’s be real) highly Instagrammable is about to take over.
Next time you’re grabbing a pretzel in Hollywood Studios, peek at the map. It’s more than just directions — it’s a preview of what’s coming next. And this time, we saw it before Disney wanted us to.
