Disney’s Hollywood Studios Is Getting a Major Animation Experience in 2026—And Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat Is Coming Back

Disney just dropped a major announcement for Hollywood Studios fans: a brand-new family attraction called “The Magic of Disney Animation” will open in late summer 2026, and it’s bringing back one of the park’s most beloved icons—Mickey’s Sorcerer Hat.

The new experience transforms the current Star Wars: Launch Bay building into an interactive celebration of Disney animation, complete with the iconic Sorcerer Hat perched on top (just like the real Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank). But this isn’t just a nostalgia play. Disney is creating a full-scale immersive experience that lets families step into the world of animation production.

Six Character Meet and Greets Celebrate Animation Departments

The centerpiece is “Off the Page!”—a collection of six themed character meet and greet areas, each representing a different animation studio department. Confirmed characters include Mulan in the Story department (posing in front of an oversized storyboard) and Rapunzel in the Layout department (with a multiplane camera-inspired background). The other four departments—Hand-Drawn Animation, Computer Animation, Lighting, and Effects—will also feature character photo opportunities, though Disney hasn’t revealed which characters yet.

The experience draws inspiration from “Once Upon A Studio,” the Emmy-winning short film that brought together nearly every Disney character for a nostalgic celebration of the studio’s 100th anniversary. Inside, guests will encounter interactive elements like “portraits come to life” and character sketching activities, plus a short film presentation with a twist.

A New Playground for Young Kids

Disney is also addressing a longstanding need for young children with “Drawn to Wonderland,” a playground inspired by legendary Disney artist Mary Blair’s concept art for “Alice in Wonderland.” The space features an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area. It’s a welcome addition for families with toddlers and preschoolers who need age-appropriate activities at Hollywood Studios.

The Entire Animation Courtyard Gets Reimagined

The transformation extends beyond the main attraction. Animation Courtyard (along with Disney Jr. Play and Dance) closes September 25, 2025 to make way for construction. When it reopens, the renamed “Walt Disney Studios” courtyard will reimagine the Burbank studio lot with the Studio Theater continuing to house “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure,” a soundstage with a new Disney Jr. show, and added relaxation areas with trees and snack locations.

What This Means for Your Trip

If you’re planning a Hollywood Studios visit before September 2025, this is your last chance to experience Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance in their current form. For those visiting in late summer 2026 or beyond, you’ll want to budget extra time for this new experience—six character meet and greets alone could easily add an hour or more to your day, especially if you’re traveling with character-loving kids.

The Magic of Disney Animation also signals Disney’s renewed commitment to family-friendly experiences at Hollywood Studios, which has skewed heavily toward thrill rides in recent years. If you’ve been waiting for more all-ages attractions at this park, 2026 is your year.

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Source: Disney Parks Blog