Disney Confirms Removal of ‘Star Wars’ Theming From Hollywood Studios
Star Wars Launch Bay is being completely stripped at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, with the building reduced to a blank facade as crews erase all Lucasfilm theming from Animation Courtyard.
WDWNT posted a photo on Wednesday showing wait-time signs for Star Wars meet-and-greets removed, along with elements of the building’s facade. Construction equipment is visible beyond “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” as the former Star Wars Launch Bay building becomes an empty shell above construction walls.
Final Star Wars Elements Disappearing
Disney Dining reported on February 17 that the Lucasfilm sign and gray metal overhang had been torn down. The building still showed its space-themed gray color then. Now, additional facade pieces are gone, leaving a stripped structure that bears no resemblance to the Star Wars attraction that operated until September 2025.
Animation Courtyard closed permanently in September 2025, just months after Walt Disney World Resort announced that the area would transform into Walt Disney Studios Lot.
New Animation-Focused Land
The gutted Star Wars Launch Bay becomes The Magic of Disney Animation, reviving a Disney-MGM Studios original attraction. The reimagined building will house six character meet-and-greet locations, animation classes featuring an advanced Olaf audio-animatronic, and a large blue Sorcerer Mickey hat referencing the park’s former icon, which was removed in the mid-2010s.
“Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” replaces “Disney Junior Play and Dance!” “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” continues performances during construction and will remain open when Walt Disney Studios Lot debuts.
Summer 2026 Opening
The entire Animation Courtyard remains closed except for “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure.” Walt Disney Studios Lot, inspired by the Burbank animation studio, opens in summer 2026.
Are you sad to see Star Wars Launch Bay leave Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Let Disney Dining know in the comments!
