The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard opened early ahead of its official opening on May 26th when Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE! also debuts. After walls went up in September around the former Animation Courtyard, it was a nice surprise to see this area once again open and looking better than ever! The concept art did not do the actual beauty of this space justice. The details and the feeling The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard feels like a major glow up for Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
First impression of the new courtyard is just how open it feels. It might take a while to get use to the iconic Studios arch being gone but the flow of crowds and the view of the sorcerer’s hat, are worth the change.
Details like the Mickey Mouse iron fencing plus the vintage studio logo and animated film posters make the entire main hub of Hollywood Studios feel like an actual studios. Much like it did when Disney-MGM Studios originally opened in 1989.
Immediately to the left, is Pluto’s Corner which is an exact replica from the real Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, California. The actual Pluto’s Corner dates back to 1941 as a set dressing for the studio tour in the Disney film, The Reluctant Dragon. This is sure to be a great photo op.
The addition of green spaces, landscaping, and trees is such a welcomed addition to Walt Disney World. It reminds me of what Disney added to Mickey’s Toontown in 2023 at Disneyland Park. This space will be great for families looking to slow down and enjoy the new ambiance. You’ll also notice animated Disney characters are hidden throughout the area, many of which are on guest-level so you can get photos with them. There’s a great mix of both new and classic animated friends like Pua from Moana and Thumper from Bambi pictured below.
There’s also a small bench area under a pergola with Sir Hiss from Robin Hood and Fru Fru from Zootopia perched up above.
The theming of the Disney Jr. show building (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE!) is much more understated and looks like a real studio stage building.
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE! opens on May 26th but you can already watch the full show below from a recent preview. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse LIVE! replaces Disney Jr. Play and Dance! and is the same show currently offered at Disney California Adventure. It really is a fun show for all ages and a much needed update.
The Studio Store sign features Abu from Aladdin and while not open yet, we’re really hoping for some specific Walt Disney Studios merchandise.
Outside The Magic of Disney Animation are Hollywood Walk of Fame-style hand and footprints from Disney animated characters. The range of characters featured is so impressive and matches the style of those in front of the Chinese Theater/ Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Be sure to read our article with the full list of character prints you can find.
While the actual Magic of Disney Animation is not open just yet, the sorcerer’s hat is even more beautiful in-person. With the construction walls down, it’s now visible from much of the park and is a heart-warming tribute to the former sorcerer’s hat icon at Disney-MGM Studios.
Don’t forget to look at all the buildings for even the smallest Disney friends like Timothy Mouse from Dumbo plus Jaq and Gus from Cinderella.
The stroller parking just inside the Magic of Disney Animation is open and is both spacious and covered. This is a huge win to park strollers out of the summer heat and rain at Disney World. It also means that strollers will not congest the beautiful park space outside.
The “Studio Theater” is where The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure is located. Even though this new show debuted last summer, the exterior of the building has also received theming updates.
The greatest surprise of all at The Walt Disney Studios is the sorcerer’s hat lighting up at night. The hat slowly sparkles and changes lighting as soon as it turns dusk. The instrumental background music from Disney animated films and the glow of the sorcerer’s hat, makes for the perfect kiss goodnight from a Disney Park. This area truly transforms at night time and you should not miss taking an evening stroll through the area on your next visit to Hollywood Studios.
The Walt Disney Studios Courtyard is one of the best additions Hollywood Studios has ever received. It’s the first theming change that pays tribute to the original theme of Disney-MGM Studios and is one of the few representations of Walt Disney history at Disney World. This space feels thoughtful, special, and peaceful even on a hot and busy theme park day. This theming makes me so excited for The Magic of Disney Animation opening later this summer. We can’t wait to soon see the Once Upon a Studio exhibits, character meet and greets, the return of The Animation Academy, and the all-new Drawn to Wonderland playground.
