Latest news with #HollywoodStudios


Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disney World forced to SHUT half of theme park over shocking mishap
Disney World attendees were in for a shock on Thursday morning when they arrived at Hollywood Studios only to discover that half of the theme park was closed with no prior warning. Multiple Disney bloggers wrote about the incident, claiming that an immense area of the beloved amusement park was mysteriously blocked off to all guests for a few hours with zero explanation. The Echo Lake area and Grand Avenue were amongst the areas that were suddenly shuttered. This resulted in multiple ride closures, including Star Tours and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway, as well as the morning showings of the popular Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular show being canceled. 'Cast Members lined Hollywood Boulevard, preventing guest access to the above-mentioned areas,' wrote Blog Mickey. This also meant that a 'direct walking path' to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge was not available, forcing all guests to access the area via the Toy Story Land entrance. 'It's unknown what has caused the closure, but there doesn't appear to be any immediate safety concerns,' the site added. 'Off-duty Cast Members are still walking through the area. Cast Members we spoke with were not sure when the closed portion of Hollywood Studios would open to guests, only saying "hopefully soon."' In an update, Blog Mickey said they saw crews 'pressure washing' the ground in the closed off area, adding, 'It is assumed, but unconfirmed, that whatever they're cleaning is related to the closure.' At 10.30am, two hours after the park started letting guests in, the site confirmed that the areas had finally 'reopened.' They theorized that 'an extensive spill of some sort near Oasis Canteen/Celebrity Spotlight' had caused the mishap. Daily Mail has reached out to Disney World for comment. Hollywood Studios is in the midst of undergoing some major changes at the moment. A new Monsters Inc.-themed land is currently being built where the former Muppets Courtyard was. It's set to have a suspended rollercoaster that will put riders 'right in the middle of the monster action.' In addition, Disney recently announced that it will be replacing the Star Wars: Launch Bay with a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation. In an update, Blog Mickey said they saw crews 'pressure washing' the ground in the closed off area (seen) In a press release, Disney described it as 'a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences' and vowed that it will 'bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.' 'Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they're ready to play,' reads a description. 'Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. 'Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.' There will be 'playful and interactive moments around every corner' and portraits will 'come to life before your eyes.' 'You'll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch,' Disney added. The 'entire courtyard' surrounding the building is set to be 'reimagined' to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, 'taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank' Younger guests will be able to play in the 'Drawn to Wonderland' playground that will be 'filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art.' In addition to the 'whimsical indoor play area' there will be tons of chances to meet characters, Disney promised. The 'entire courtyard' surrounding the building is set to be 'reimagined' to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, 'taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank.' It will open in 2026. To make way for it, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. The new The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show will stay open during this time, and over at the soundstage nearby expect a 'fresh' Disney Jr. show.

Travel Weekly
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Disney animation coming to life in new Hollywood Studios attraction
The Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is creating a new experience, The Magic of Disney Animation, at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It is expected to open in 2026. The experience is based on the 2023 short film "Once Upon a Studio," in which Disney characters step into the halls of the Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, Calif., for a group photo. At Hollywood Studios, "guests will step into a whimsical twist on the real-life studio building, but this time, when the animators are away, the characters come out to play," Disney said in a release. A new experience, The Magic of Disney Animation, will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios next year. Photo Credit: Disney The Magic of Disney Animation will be located in the building currently housing Star Wars: Launch Bay. To make way for the new experience, the Launch Bay, as well as Animation Courtyard and Disney Jr. Play and Dance!, will close on Sept. 25. However, The Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents will still be open. When The Magic of Disney Animation opens, the building will be topped with Mickey's sorcerer's hat. Inside, guests will visit different animation studio departments, like the Production Gallery. There, portraits will come to life like they do in the short film. The Screening Theater will feature a short film. An indoor playground, Drawn to Wonderland, will feature an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, an area inspired by Tulgey Wood and a Mad Tea Party playset. The area was inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair's concept art for "Alice in Wonderland" The space will also feature character meet-and-greets as well as the opportunity to learn how to draw favorite characters. A rendering of The Walt Disney Studios space and the building housing The Magic of Disney Animation. When the attraction opens, the building will be topped with Mickey's sorcerer's hat. Photo Credit: Disney Animation Courtyard itself will also undergo renovations. The new outdoor space will be called The Walt Disney Studios, featuring seating, landscaping and some surprises. Trent Correy and Dan Abraham, directors of "Once Upon a Studio," are working on the project. "Working on this film was the highlight of my career — the most fun I've ever had," Abraham said. "And now, to collaborate with the wonderful talents at Walt Disney Imagineering to bring the short and our studio to guests in this exciting way is beyond our wildest dreams."


Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disney World announces another major change
Disney World fans were left 'in tears' after the theme park announced another major change following a slew of shocking ride closures. In recent months, Disney has been continuously slammed by many of its longtime fans for doing away with numerous beloved attractions and areas to make way for new ones. And now, it has been revealed that another update is coming to Hollywood Studios... and this one has left people all across the web emotional. The company announced on Tuesday that it will be replacing the Star Wars : Launch Bay with a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation. In a press release, Disney described it as 'a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences' and vowed that it will 'bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.' The Star Wars: Launch Bay is a spot where fans can 'celebrate all things Star Wars and come face-to-face with Characters from the legendary space saga.' People quickly rushed to X, formerly Twitter , to share their thoughts on the upcoming change to the park. And while many previous changes were met with fierce criticism, people seemed ecstatic over this announcement. 'I like it. It's a relatively inexpensive way to bring new life into what was a very dead area of the park. Not everything can be $100 million new attractions. Solid move,' one user wrote. 'This is a good change this park needs offerings focused on the elementary school kids,' agreed another. Someone else added, 'That section of the park was so lame so this sounds great!' 'I think that this is a good and very necessary change to Hollywood Studios which feels a lot like an IP dumping ground right now,' read a fourth tweet. 'Actually interactive activities that aren't rides being added into a dead area is so needed.' 'What a great way to use the space for families and pay homage to what made Disney great,' said a fifth. 'As a former Star Wars: Launch Bay performer, I will be sad to see this space go. But, as an overall Disney and theme park fan, this is the right choice,' gushed a different user. 'We are going into Disney's future with a look backwards at what this space used to be, a focus on Disney Animation.' 'I am so here for this transformation. Instead of making the area into a singular IP land, we are getting a tribute to the animators that make IP lands possible. Thrilled to see this!' praised another. Someone else described it as the 'best Disney news' they had heard in 'ages,' while another user said it was 'step in a better direction.' Some people even admitted that the news had made them cry. 'I'm in tears right now,' one user wrote, while another said, 'Not even gonna lie - I'm legit tearing up on the way to work right now at the news.' But other users weren't as excited and shared their dismay. 'Good grief, another cheap quick fix that will be empty in a month. People want rides. These parks lack rides, bulldoze all of this and build three new rides,' urged one user. 'Trying not to be negative, but really would've like to see this space utilized for a future ride or two,' agreed another. Disney noted in the press release that the building will be topped with a giant Mickey's Sorcerer Hat - just like the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California. 'Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they're ready to play,' reads a description. 'Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. 'Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.' There will be 'playful and interactive moments around every corner' and portraits will 'come to life before your eyes.' 'You'll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch,' Disney added. Younger guests will be able to play in the 'Drawn to Wonderland' playground that will be 'filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art.' In addition to the 'whimsical indoor play area' there will be tons of chances to meet characters, Disney promised. The 'entire courtyard' surrounding the building is set to be 'reimagined' to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, 'taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank.' It will open in 2026. To make way for it, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. The new The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show will stay open during this time, and over at the soundstage nearby expect a 'fresh' Disney Jr. show.


Daily Mail
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Disney World fans left in 'tears' as theme park announces ANOTHER major change after slew of ride closures
Disney World fans were left 'in tears' after the theme park announced another major change following a slew of shocking ride closures. In recent months, Disney has been continuously slammed by many of its longtime fans for doing away with numerous beloved attractions and areas to make way for new ones. And now, it has been revealed that another update is coming to Hollywood Studios... and this one has left people all across the web emotional. The company announced on Tuesday that it will be replacing the Star Wars: Launch Bay with a new experience called The Magic of Disney Animation. In a press release, Disney described it as 'a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences' and vowed that it will 'bring the wonder of animation to life like never before.' The Star Wars: Launch Bay is a spot where fans can 'celebrate all things Star Wars and come face-to-face with Characters from the legendary space saga.' People quickly rushed to X, formerly Twitter, to share their thoughts on the upcoming change to the park. And while many previous changes were met with fierce criticism, people seemed ecstatic over this announcement. 'I like it. It's a relatively inexpensive way to bring new life into what was a very dead area of the park. Not everything can be $100 million new attractions. Solid move,' one user wrote. 'This is a good change this park needs offerings focused on the elementary school kids,' agreed another. Someone else added, 'That section of the park was so lame so this sounds great!' 'I think that this is a good and very necessary change to Hollywood Studios which feels a lot like an IP dumping ground right now,' read a fourth tweet. 'Actually interactive activities that aren't rides being added into a dead area is so needed.' 'What a great way to use the space for families and pay homage to what made Disney great,' said a fifth. 'As a former Star Wars: Launch Bay performer, I will be sad to see this space go. But, as an overall Disney and theme park fan, this is the right choice,' gushed a different user. 'We are going into Disney's future with a look backwards at what this space used to be, a focus on Disney Animation.' The 'entire courtyard' surrounding the building is set to be 'reimagined' to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, 'taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank' 'I am so here for this transformation. Instead of making the area into a singular IP land, we are getting a tribute to the animators that make IP lands possible. Thrilled to see this!' praised another. Someone else described it as the 'best Disney news' they had heard in 'ages,' while another user said it was 'step in a better direction.' Some people even admitted that the news had made them cry. 'I'm in tears right now,' one user wrote, while another said, 'Not even gonna lie - I'm legit tearing up on the way to work right now at the news.' But other users weren't as excited and shared their dismay. 'Good grief, another cheap quick fix that will be empty in a month. People want rides. These parks lack rides, bulldoze all of this and build three new rides,' urged one user. 'Trying not to be negative, but really would've like to see this space utilized for a future ride or two,' agreed another. Disney noted in the press release that the building will be topped with a giant Mickey's Sorcerer Hat - just like the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in California. 'Our story in this newly reimagined space begins as the animators have temporarily stepped away… but the building is still buzzing with activity as the characters have come to life and they're ready to play,' reads a description. 'Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. 'Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.' There will be 'playful and interactive moments around every corner' and portraits will 'come to life before your eyes.' 'You'll even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch,' Disney added. Younger guests will be able to play in the 'Drawn to Wonderland' playground that will be 'filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original Alice in Wonderland concept art.' In addition to the 'whimsical indoor play area' there will be tons of chances to meet characters, Disney promised. The 'entire courtyard' surrounding the building is set to be 'reimagined' to look like the real Walt Disney Studios, 'taking inspiration from several buildings found in Burbank.' It will open in 2026. To make way for it, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! will close beginning September 25, 2025. The new The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure show will stay open during this time, and over at the soundstage nearby expect a 'fresh' Disney Jr. show.


Gizmodo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gizmodo
Disney World Is Shutting Down One Part of Its ‘Star Wars' Experience
Another Walt Disney World attraction will be making way for something new at Hollywood Studios. Star Wars Launch Bay will be closing down for good and will be replaced by The Magic of Disney Animation . The Disney Parks Blog news follows the final days of Muppet*Vision 3-D and the courtyard closure to begin construction for the new Monsters Inc. Monstropolis area and attraction. The Launch Bay area has been overdue for some sprucing, and really, once Galaxy's Edge opened, its days were clearly numbered. Because at that point was there really a need for the curated Lucasfilm memorabilia and character meet-and-greet spot? Harkening back to what Hollywood Studios is about, The Magic of Disney Animation is a much-needed attraction that feels like a no-brainer. When the park opened as Disney MGM Studios, it served as a satellite arm of the animation studio where films such as Mulan and Lilo & Stitch were made. Park guests were able to tour areas to see the films in process as part of that experience. So it's good to see the parks division pay homage to the 'Hollywood' part of the park this way. © Disney Experiences Mickey's Sorcerer Hat returns—though this time it's more in line with how it looks at Walt Disney Animation HQ in Burbank, CA. And once inside, guests experience the studio with a bit of pixie dust that makes the characters we know and love come to life to guide them along on a tour of sorts while the artists are away. Each department will be presented through participatory entertainment led by familiar faces, much like how they came to life in the Disney 100 short 'Once Upon a Studio.' There will also be a Mary Blair-inspired playground and, of course, character meet-and-greets. The refurb is expected to wrap up by its planned opening sometime in 2026. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.