The Star Wars Launch Bay building at Disney’s Hollywood Studios has been stripped of its Lucasfilm branding and overhang as demolition progresses for the new Walt Disney Studios land.
Aerial photographer @bioreconstruct captured the transformation this week, showing crews have completely repaved the former Animation Courtyard and planted new trees where Star Wars displays once stood.
Animation Courtyard Already Repaved
Recent aerial images reveal finished pavement and landscaping in the former Animation Courtyard area:
Aerial photo of trees and pavement recently added in Walt Disney Studios courtyard.
Aerial photo of trees and pavement recently added in Walt Disney Studios courtyard. pic.twitter.com/hScN0gbu0o
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2026
The Star Wars Launch Bay building now sits without its signature entrance features. Crews removed the Lucasfilm-focused signage and protective overhang where a blue Sorcerer Mickey hat will eventually stand. The structure remains painted in Star Wars-inspired gray.
@bioreconstruct posted demolition progress photos on X (formerly known as Twitter):
Aerial photos of work in progress at the entrance of Magic of Animation. An overhang roof is being removed. A tall Sorcerer Hat will be here.
Aerial photos of work in progress at the entrance of Magic of Animation. An overhang roof is being removed. A tall Sorcerer Hat will be here. pic.twitter.com/rNyNzwrPsl
— bioreconstruct (@bioreconstruct) February 14, 2026
Star Wars Launch Bay Becomes Animation Experience
The gutted Star Wars building will house The Magic of Disney Animation, reimagining an original Disney-MGM Studios attraction. The new experience will offer drawing classes, character meet-and-greets, and an Alice in Wonderland playground.
The Sorcerer Mickey hat entrance references the oversized icon that dominated Hollywood Studios from 2001 until its 2015 removal.
Land Opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios This Summer
Walt Disney World Resort closed Animation Courtyard in September 2025, shuttering Star Wars Launch Bay and “Disney Jr. Play and Dance!” permanently. The Walt Disney Studios land, announced in July 2025, recreates the atmosphere of the Burbank studio lot.
Walt Disney Imagineering filed signage permits this week for the construction area. Documents reference an address near “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” which Disney is renaming “Studio Theater” to fit the new theming.
When the land opens in summer 2026, it will debut “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” as the replacement for “Disney Jr. Play and Dance!” The Little Mermaid (1989) show will continue operating and remain part of Walt Disney Studios.
Bioreconstruct also posted aerial construction footage on YouTube showing the extent of changes to the former Star Wars area. The rapid completion of paving and landscaping suggests exterior work is advancing quickly, though interior renovations of the Launch Bay building will take months before The Magic of Disney Animation can open.
Are you excited about the new Walt Disney Studios area at Disney’s Hollywood Studios? Disney Dining would love to hear from you in the comments!
