Another piece of The Magic of Disney Animation has fallen into place at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and this one is packed with character. Walt Disney Imagineering has shared a look at the new “Open House” display installed outside the Walt Disney Animation Studios-inspired building, ahead of the attraction’s September 14 opening.
The new display looks like the Disney characters themselves have been busy getting everything ready for guests. A large white banner reading “OPEN HOUSE” stretches across the landscaping beneath the Walt Disney Animation Studios sign, surrounded by characters who appear to be putting the finishing touches on their handiwork.
Mickey Mouse is there with a clipboard, while the Mad Hatter holds a paintbrush and balances his hat underneath Flounder, who has apparently found another use for his fins. On the other side, Moana holds her oar with a can of paint hanging from it as a mischievous Lost Boy adds a golden flourish to the banner. Minnie Mouse looks on from nearby, seemingly delighted with how everything has turned out.
And yes, that Lost Boy is a particularly fun detail for longtime Disney fans. The character is a nod to the Robin Williams-voiced Lost Boy from the original Back to Neverland film that was once part of The Magic of Disney Animation at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. It’s exactly the kind of deep-cut reference that makes this new area so much fun to inspect.
The Characters Have Taken Over the Studio
The “Open House” idea ties directly into the story Disney is creating for the reimagined space. Inspired by Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Once Upon a Studio, the premise is that the animators have stepped away and the animated characters have taken over, inviting guests inside to explore.
That explains why the banner looks delightfully homemade rather than like a polished theme park sign. The characters have painted it themselves, and apparently they weren’t terribly concerned about staying inside the lines.
It also fits beautifully with everything Disney has been adding to the surrounding courtyard. The reimagined area takes inspiration from the actual Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank, with Disney characters appearing throughout the landscaping and other unexpected places. Disney has specifically encouraged guests to keep their eyes open because characters and tiny details are tucked all around the area.
The Magic of Disney Animation Opens September 14
The building behind the new display is inspired by the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California, complete with the return of a giant Sorcerer Mickey hat. When The Magic of Disney Animation opens September 14, 2026, guests will find a collection of new experiences inside, including Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page!, Olaf Draws!, and the Once Upon a Studio Theater.
I have to say, I’m loving how this is coming together. The big Sorcerer Hat may grab your attention first, but things like Mickey’s clipboard, Flounder hanging onto that banner, and a reference to an attraction from decades ago are what make an area worth slowing down to explore.
And judging by this crew, the studio is almost ready for company!
