Disney World Location Removed Overnight, Guests Taken Back by Lack of Communication From Parks

Few areas inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios capture the spirit of Disney storytelling quite like Animation Courtyard. For years, the space has served as a gateway into the artistry behind beloved animated classics — a place where guests weren’t just spectators, but participants in the creative magic of The Walt Disney Company.

From interactive experiences to stage shows celebrating Disney Animation’s legacy, Animation Courtyard has long been a nostalgic cornerstone for returning visitors. Families remember stepping into the area expecting colorful façades, shaded walkways, and the comforting promise of discovering how animated films come to life.

That sense of familiarity has helped define the park’s identity. While Hollywood Studios continues evolving through lands like Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land, Animation Courtyard remained one of the last quiet reminders of the park’s original studio-inspired vision.

But lately, subtle changes have begun catching the attention of observant guests.

Guests Begin Noticing Subtle Construction Clues Hidden in Plain Sight

Over the past several weeks, visitors walking through the area have spotted signs that something larger may be unfolding. Repaving work has been underway throughout the courtyard, and temporary construction elements have appeared and disappeared with little fanfare.

A red scrim recently surrounded parts of the building, signaling active work behind the scenes. Although the scrim has since been rolled up, the brief appearance sparked curiosity among fans already aware of the park’s ongoing updates and permit filings.

Fresh landscaping has also appeared, with newly planted trees visible along the courtyard’s perimeter — a detail that suggests Disney isn’t simply maintaining the space but actively reshaping it.

For many longtime visitors, these quiet developments created a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Construction walls are a familiar sight across Walt Disney World, but Animation Courtyard’s transformation feels especially meaningful given its historic connection to Disney animation.

Animation Courtyard Carries Deep Nostalgia Tied to Disney Animation History

Animation Courtyard isn’t just another themed land — it represents a celebration of Disney’s creative legacy. The area has historically housed experiences dedicated to the animation process, offering guests a rare look behind the curtain of storytelling craftsmanship.

Recent refreshes have already hinted at renewed attention to the space. The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure received a repaint just weeks ago, signaling Disney’s continued investment in keeping the area vibrant ahead of future updates.

At the same time, Disney has filed permits for new signage within the courtyard, reinforcing speculation that the space is entering a broader reimagining rather than undergoing simple refurbishment.

With Hollywood Studios increasingly leaning into immersive storytelling environments, Animation Courtyard’s evolution appears to be part of a larger effort to reconnect the park with its original identity as a working studio experience.

And now, the most visible change yet has emerged.

Major Fixtures Disappear as Disney Begins Reimagining the Courtyard

As crews continue repaving Animation Courtyard, several familiar visual elements have been removed from the area. The awning and wait time signage previously located at the front of the building are now completely gone — a noticeable shift for guests accustomed to the courtyard’s traditional look.

Photos from the site confirm the removal, revealing a cleaner façade that aligns with the area’s upcoming transformation. The redesign is expected to convert Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios, a space inspired directly by the real studio lot in Burbank, California.

Today’s the last day to visit Star Wars Launch Bay at Walt Disney World, which will allow The Magic of Disney Animation to finally return to its rightful home, though I must admit it’ll be sad to see the iconic Disney’s Hollywood Studios arch come down as part of that renovation. – @EssAeEm on X

Today's the last day to visit Star Wars Launch Bay at Walt Disney World, which will allow The Magic of Disney Animation to finally return to its rightful home, though I must admit it'll be sad to see the iconic Disney's Hollywood Studios arch come down as part of that renovation. pic.twitter.com/AcYekRa2ID

— EssAeEm (@EssAeEm) September 24, 2025

Specifically, the architectural direction draws influence from the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, suggesting the area will lean heavily into authentic studio aesthetics rather than purely theme-park styling.

The reimagining will also introduce additional green spaces, reinforcing Disney’s recent trend toward more open, landscaped environments that balance storytelling with comfort and relaxation.

Disney has confirmed that Animation Courtyard is scheduled to reopen this summer, featuring The Magic of Disney Animation alongside a new Disney Jr. show — signaling that while the space is changing, its animation-focused heart will remain intact.

Social Media Reactions Reveal Excitement, Curiosity, and a Touch of Heartbreak

Online reactions have been swift as fans process the visible transformation. Across X and Reddit, guests have shared photos documenting the removed elements, with many expressing nostalgia for the courtyard’s original appearance.

Some fans described the changes as “bittersweet,” noting that while updates are exciting, the removal of familiar fixtures feels like the closing of a chapter. Others, however, welcomed the transformation, pointing to the opportunity for Hollywood Studios to strengthen its identity as a celebration of filmmaking.

This blend of excitement and emotional attachment reflects a common theme whenever Disney updates classic park spaces — progress often arrives alongside nostalgia.

What This Means for Future Visitors and the Next Chapter of Hollywood Studios

For travelers planning upcoming Walt Disney World vacations, the courtyard’s transformation signals continued evolution at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. While temporary construction may impact the area’s appearance in the short term, the long-term result promises a refreshed environment rooted in authentic Disney Animation storytelling.

The addition of new experiences, updated signage, and expanded green spaces suggests Disney is aiming to create a more immersive and relaxing studio-inspired atmosphere that appeals to both longtime fans and first-time visitors.

Still, the removal of recognizable features has sparked conversation about how much change is too much — a debate that has followed nearly every major park update in recent years.

Whether guests view the transformation as an exciting refresh or the end of an era, one thing remains clear: Animation Courtyard’s next chapter is already underway.

What do you think about the changes coming to Animation Courtyard at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Are you excited for the Walt Disney Studios reimagining, or will you miss the original look?