Disney Moves Forward With Immediate Demolition at Hollywood Studios
Walt Disney World is officially moving ahead with immediate demolition at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, confirming that another familiar area of the park is being cleared to make way for its next phase of transformation.
While Hollywood Studios has already undergone some of the most dramatic changes of any Disney park over the last decade, this latest development signals that Disney is accelerating its plans rather than slowing down.
The demolition activity is not tied to a single attraction closing overnight. Instead, it reflects a broader reworking of entire sections of the park that have long served transitional or legacy roles. For many guests, these areas weren’t headline experiences, but they were dependable parts of the Hollywood Studios routine. That familiarity is now giving way to something entirely new.
Animation Courtyard officially enters a new phase
The clearest sign of demolition activity is unfolding in Animation Courtyard. Physical elements tied to former Disney Jr. entertainment have already been removed, including signage that once supported standby queues and Lightning Lane access. These changes confirm that the space is no longer being maintained in its previous configuration and is instead being actively prepared for redevelopment.
Animation Courtyard has existed in some form for decades, primarily serving younger audiences with stage shows and character-focused experiences. While those offerings evolved over time, the footprint of the area remained largely unchanged—until now. Disney has confirmed that the courtyard will be reimagined into a space inspired by the Walt Disney Studios lot in California, giving the area a more unified identity rooted in animation history.
This transition goes beyond cosmetic updates. Even iconic visual elements, such as the archway that welcomed guests into the courtyard, are expected to be altered or removed entirely as part of the overhaul.
The Magic of Disney Animation returns in a modern form
Anchoring the reimagined courtyard will be a new version of The Magic of Disney Animation, set to open in 2026. Rather than functioning as a traditional walkthrough exhibit, the experience will place guests inside a playful version of an animation studio where Disney characters have taken over the workspace.
The attraction will feature interactive areas, character encounters, creative play zones, and opportunities for guests to learn about the animation process. Younger guests will have dedicated play spaces, while older visitors will be able to explore themed studio departments and animation-inspired environments. Portions of the surrounding area will remain accessible during construction, allowing Hollywood Studios to maintain operational balance while work continues.
Monstropolis replaces a longtime fan favorite
Beyond Animation Courtyard, Disney is also moving forward with plans to replace Muppet*Vision 3-D with a brand-new Monstropolis-themed land inspired by Monsters, Inc. (2001). While demolition timelines may roll out in stages, the decision marks a definitive end to one of the park’s longest-running attractions.
The new land is expected to emphasize immersive environments, character-driven storytelling, and family-friendly humor. Its arrival reflects Disney’s ongoing strategy of leaning into Pixar properties with strong generational appeal, even when that means retiring attractions that have remained popular for decades.
Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster prepares for a major retheme
Another significant change coming to Hollywood Studios is the closure of Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. The attraction will reopen as Rock ’n’ Roller Coaster Starring The Muppets, replacing the rock concert storyline with a more comedic, character-focused approach.
While the high-speed ride system is expected to remain intact, nearly every storytelling element surrounding it will change, including the queue, preshow, and music. The retheme aligns with Disney’s broader efforts to modernize attractions tied to aging intellectual property.
A park moving decisively into its future
Taken together, these projects show that Hollywood Studios is no longer in a slow period of transition. Immediate demolition, large-scale rethemes, and full-area redevelopments point to a park that is actively redefining itself once again.
For guests, the short-term impact will include construction walls and shifting pathways. But long-term, Disney is clearly laying the foundation for a more cohesive, animation-driven identity—one that blends nostalgia with forward-looking storytelling.
