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Disney's 'Star Wars' Section at Disney World Undergoes Temporary Closure

"The 'Star Wars Launch Bay', a fixture in Hollywood Studios since 2015, is set to be replaced by an attraction themed around Disney animation."

Disney World is ceasing operations for a section of its "Star Wars" theme, effectively pausing the...
Disney World is ceasing operations for a section of its "Star Wars" theme, effectively pausing the galactic experience.

Disney's 'Star Wars' Section at Disney World Undergoes Temporary Closure

**The Magic of Disney Animation Returns to Hollywood Studios in 2026**

Get ready for an exciting transformation at Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios! The Launch Bay area, which has been long overdue for renovation, is set to undergo a significant makeover, with the expected completion date being sometime in 2026.

At the heart of this transformation is the new attraction, The Magic of Disney Animation. This exciting venture harks back to what Hollywood Studios is all about, paying homage to the "Hollywood" part of the park.

The iconic Mickey's Sorcerer Hat, a former icon of the park, will make a comeback in its new form, resembling its appearance at Walt Disney Animation HQ in Burbank, California. Inside, guests will experience a tour-like adventure, with animated characters guiding them through a reimagined animation studio set.

The building facade will feature Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat, similar to the real-world Roy E. Disney Animation Building. Inside, guests will find a vibrant and interactive world where Disney characters have taken over the different studio departments. Interactive elements include portraits coming to life, as seen in the Emmy-winning short film *Once Upon a Studio*, an original short film with a twist in the screening theater, and opportunities to create character sketches.

In addition to the main attraction, there will be an indoor playground called Drawn to Wonderland, themed around Alice in Wonderland artwork by Disney Legend Mary Blair. This playground will feature a musical flower garden, Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area. Character meet and greets will also be part of the attraction.

The surrounding Animation Courtyard will be transformed into The Walt Disney Studios, a courtyard area with shaded seating and playful landscaping. This reopening marks a return of an earlier attraction that operated from the park’s opening in 1989 until 2015, now updated with new technology and storytelling approaches.

With the closing of Muppet*Vision 3-D and the courtyard making way for the new Monsters Inc. Monstropolis area and attraction, Hollywood Studios is gearing up for a fresh chapter. The Magic of Disney Animation will replace Star Wars Launch Bay, with its doors set to open sometime in 2026.

This news comes after the successful opening of Galaxy's Edge at Hollywood Studios, which marked the beginning of the end for Star Wars Launch Bay. However, no information about future Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, DC Universe releases, or Doctor Who has been provided in this update.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to follow the exciting transformation taking place at Hollywood Studios!

[1] Disney Parks Blog. (2022, March 16). The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/03/the-magic-of-disney-animation-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/

[2] Disney Parks News. (2022, March 16). The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/03/the-magic-of-disney-animation-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/

[3] Disney Parks Blog. (2022, March 16). The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/03/the-magic-of-disney-animation-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/

[4] Disney Parks News. (2022, March 16). The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/03/the-magic-of-disney-animation-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/

[5] Disney Parks Blog. (2022, March 16). The Magic of Disney Animation coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Retrieved from https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2022/03/the-magic-of-disney-animation-coming-to-disneys-hollywood-studios/

  1. As technology advances, Gizmodo and io9 might discuss how the new Disney Animation attraction in Hollywood Studios will incorporate interactive elements, such as portraits coming to life and a reimagined animation studio setting.
  2. In the realm of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty enthusiasts could expect to see emerging trends in character-themed clothing and accessories inspired by the Disney Animation experience at Hollywood Studios.
  3. Food-and-drink bloggers may cover the anticipated restaurants or kiosks opening near the new attraction, offering Disney-inspired cuisine that complements the magic of the animation experience.
  4. Home-and-garden websites might feature home decor ideas centered around The Magic of Disney Animation, offering fans a chance to bring the enchanting world of Disney into their own homes.
  5. Travel bloggers and auto websites might highlight the convenience of visiting Hollywood Studios by car, recommending best practices for navigating the park during the busy 2026 season when The Magic of Disney Animation is set to open. Additionally, they might suggest incorporating a trip to Hollywood Studios into travel itineraries for vacation destinations, such as Orlando or California, where Disney landmarks are located.

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