It’s Official: Disney World Is Shutting Down This ‘Star Wars’ Attraction in September

Walt Disney World isn’t just updating a few rides—it’s undergoing a complete transformation. Across all four parks, Disney is pushing forward with a new era of themed lands, fresh storytelling, and major attraction overhauls. Construction walls keep popping up, and long-standing favorites are vanishing. Another big piece is on the chopping block, and it’s a long-running Star Wars attraction.

As the resort shifts toward more immersive, character-driven spaces, Launch Bay’s time has officially run out.

Cars, Monsters, and Mandalorians Take Over

Disney is already reshaping major areas of its parks. In Hollywood Studios, crews have cleared out the space once home to Muppet Vision 3D, Mama Melrose’s, and PizzeRizzo to make room for a brand-new Monsters, Inc. land. The upcoming area will feature a suspended roller coaster based on the door vault scene, themed dining, and possibly a new stage show. Bright colors, factory-themed facades, and monster interactions aim to turn the space into a Pixar fan’s dream.

Meanwhile, Disney is transforming Magic Kingdom’s Frontierland. The company permanently closed Rivers of America, Tom Sawyer Island, and the Liberty Belle riverboat to make way for Piston Peak National Park—a land inspired by the Cars universe and styled after a rugged national park. Disney plans to include two attractions: one that offers a scenic family ride and another that delivers off-road thrills.

Over in Galaxy’s Edge, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run isn’t going away—but it’s getting an upgrade. In 2026, Disney will introduce a new mission starring The Mandalorian and Grogu, giving the ride a fresh storyline and a new reason for guests to return.

Disney Confirms Final Days of Star Wars Attraction

After nearly a decade in Animation Courtyard, Star Wars Launch Bay will officially close on September 24, 2025. Disney opened the attraction in December 2015 to give fans something to enjoy while Galaxy’s Edge was still developing. The experience included character meet-and-greets, prop displays, and short behind-the-scenes videos.

But with Galaxy’s Edge now offering a more immersive Star Wars environment, Launch Bay feels like a relic from the past. Disney confirmed that the space will not be rethemed with more Star Wars—but instead with something completely different.

A New Era: The Magic of Disney Animation

In its place, Disney will open The Magic of Disney Animation—a completely fresh, interactive experience designed to bring the art of Disney animation to life. Themed “studio departments” will let guests draw characters, meet animated favorites, and dive into the creative process. One area, Drawn to Wonderland, features an indoor playground inspired by Mary Blair’s iconic art style, oversized flowers, whimsical props, and musical elements.

Disney plans to retheme the entire Animation Courtyard into The Walt Disney Studios, modeled after Walt’s original Burbank animation campus. Guests can expect studio-style signage, art deco details, and—if rumors are true—the long-awaited return of the Sorcerer Hat.

Key Dates to Know

• Dec 2015 – Launch Bay opens

• 2019 – Galaxy’s Edge opens, shifting Star Wars focus

• July 2025 – Disney confirms Launch Bay’s permanent closure

• September 24, 2025 – Launch Bay closes for good

• 2026 – New animation experience and rethemed courtyard open

The Force Makes Way for Creativity

While Star Wars Launch Bay says farewell, Disney fans won’t leave empty-handed. With Monsters, Inc., Cars, and a bold return to Disney animation taking center stage, the parks’ future looks imaginative, colorful, and full of surprises.