Disney World Permanently Closes Entire Area, Fans React
Entire Location Now off Limits
Disney World has removed a few experiences and attractions rapidly at one of its most popular park, leading to the official map being altered for millions.
Disney World Park Removes Entire Area: Experiences Now Closed off to All Guests
Open your My Disney Experience app today, and you may do a double-take. The once-familiar layout of Animation Courtyard looks strikingly smaller. Longtime parkgoers who zoom in quickly spot what’s missing: two major attractions that have anchored the area for years.
For more than a deade, Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. Theater have been staples of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Families, kids, and even hardcore Star Wars enthusiasts built memories here. But in a move that few saw coming, Disney has removed them from both the digital map and the park’s future plans.
What exactly does this mean for the evolving park experience—and what comes next for guests eager to return? Let’s break down the news, how to plan your trip around it, and why fans are buzzing.
What Disney Just Confirmed
Disney has permanently closed Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. Theater at Hollywood Studios. The updated My Disney Experience map shows a noticeably reduced Animation Courtyard footprint, confirming these beloved locations are gone for good.
Here’s a look at the updated digital map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is now closed to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation opening next year. Darth Vader is now meeting guests near Star Tours. – @ScottGustin on X
Here’s a look at the updated digital map of Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay is now closed to make way for The Magic of Disney Animation opening next year. Darth Vader is now meeting guests near Star Tours. pic.twitter.com/rKI37GMLwl
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) September 25, 2025
But this isn’t simply subtraction—it’s transformation. Disney has revealed plans for an all-new Walt Disney Studios lot experience, modeled after the legendary Burbank studio where so many classics were made.
Perhaps the biggest headline: The Magic of Disney Animation is making a comeback in 2026. This updated attraction will invite kids and adults alike to laugh, draw, and explore with fresh interactive activities. Expect Animation Academy, character meet-and-greets, and even an imaginative Alice in Wonderland–themed playground.
Meanwhile, the Disney Jr. Theater is also being reimagined with a new show and refreshed look, signaling Disney’s continued commitment to families with younger children.
Smart Tips for Visiting During the Changes
If Hollywood Studios is on your upcoming itinerary, here’s what to keep in mind:
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Consult the app before arriving. The My Disney Experience map now shows the updated layout—don’t waste time looking for attractions that no longer exist.
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Anticipate crowd shifts. Construction in Animation Courtyard will naturally redirect foot traffic. Plan to visit nearby attractions like Walt Disney Presents or Voyage of the Little Mermaid (still on the map for now).
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Think long-term. If your trip is in 2026 or later, The Magic of Disney Animation should be a must-do on your list.
Hidden Advantages Only Insiders Know
Closures aren’t always bad news—sometimes they create unique opportunities.
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Less crowded corners: With fewer attractions drawing guests, parts of Animation Courtyard will be temporarily quieter, making for great photo ops.
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Alternative meet-and-greets: Characters once stationed at Launch Bay can still be found around the park, especially in Galaxy’s Edge and Pixar Place.
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Early previews: Disney often soft-opens new attractions before official debuts. Stay alert in 2026 for surprise early access to the returning Magic of Disney Animation.
Why Fans Should Care
While some will miss their favorite spots, Disney’s changes highlight a return to roots. Star Wars Launch Bay brought excitement, but its removal allows the park to realign with its original identity: a celebration of animation.
The reimagined Magic of Disney Animation pays homage to Hollywood Studios’ earliest days, while the new Disney Jr. show ensures younger families still have a dedicated entertainment space. For fans, this is more than a map update—it’s a cultural shift that reconnects the park to its foundation while opening fresh creative doors.
In short: Disney isn’t just removing attractions—it’s reshaping the guest experience for the next generation.
Wrapping Up
With Star Wars Launch Bay and the Disney Jr. Theater now closed, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is entering yet another era of change. For fans planning their next trip, these updates mean adjusting strategies in the short term and looking forward to bold new experiences on the horizon.
