Ahead of the May 26th debut of Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! the Walt Disney Studios Lot land is now open at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The new land, or mini-land, really, contains the Little Mermaid show, new Disney Jr. show, and, later this summer, The Magic of Disney Animation. Here’s a look around!
Walt Disney Studios Lot Now Open at Hollywood Studios
In This Article
- What replaced Animation Courtyard and why
- The theming concept behind the Walt Disney Studios Lot
- What’s open now
- Once Upon a Studio Theater details
- What’s still coming later this summer
The End of Animation Courtyard
The Walt Disney Studios Lot occupies the footprint of the former Animation Courtyard, a section of the park that dated back to the park’s original opening. As we covered, Animation Courtyard, Star Wars: Launch Bay, and Disney Jr. Play and Dance! all closed on September 25, 2025 to make way for the transformation, while The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents remained open throughout construction.
The Hollywood Studios archway that had long welcomed guests into the area was demolished as part of the work.
Themed After the Real Burbank Lot
The new area takes its design cues directly from the real Walt Disney Studios campus in Burbank, California. As we’ve tracked throughout construction, existing buildings have been repainted and dressed with architectural details inspired by their real-world counterparts. The building housing The Little Mermaid has received Studio Theater branding, while The Magic of Disney Animation building at the end of the courtyard now features “ANIMATION” signage beneath a Sorcerer Mickey hat, a nod to the Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank.
The theming extends to the ground level as well. As we reported, the iconic Pluto’s Corner street sign, showcasing the intersection of Mickey Ave and Dopey Drive, has been installed in the courtyard. The intersection is a beloved landmark on the real Disney lot, made famous in part by The Reluctant Dragon, the 1941 film that sent Robert Benchley on a self-guided tour of the Burbank studio. A Silly Symphony mural also graces the area, a nod to the series of 75 Disney animated shorts that began with The Skeleton Dance in 1929.
In a nod to the nearby Grauman’s Chinese Theater, guests will find character handprints, footprints, and pawprints embedded in the pavement in front of The Magic of Disney Animation building.
First Look at Walt Disney Studios Lot!
Here’s a look around the Walt Disney Studios Lot. As of this morning, the only thing that is open (beyond the already open Little Mermaid show) is the courtyard itself. Other offerings remained closed at this time.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live! Opens Soon
As we covered when the phased opening was announced, the first experience to debut in the Walt Disney Studios Lot is Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, coming to the soundstage that previously housed Disney Jr. Play and Dance!. The show follows Mickey and Minnie as they head out on a road trip to find Goofy, Daisy, and Pluto in time for a party. The show has been running at Disneyland Resort and makes its Walt Disney World debut May 26th.
Once Upon a Studio Theater
Opening later this Summer, the Once Upon a Studio Theater screens the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon a Studio, which served as the creative inspiration for the entire Walt Disney Studios Lot concept. As Disney announced earlier this year, the dedicated theater features enhanced in-theater effects, with characters appearing within the artwork along the theater walls.
The Magic of Disney Animation Is Still to Come
The centerpiece of the Walt Disney Studios Lot, The Magic of Disney Animation, will open later this summer inside the former Star Wars Launch Bay building. As we’ve detailed, the experience is inspired by the Once Upon a Studio short, with animated characters coming to life as if the animators have just stepped away.
Guests can expect the Off the Page character meet and greet experience, a Drawn to Wonderland playground inspired by Disney Legend Mary Blair’s original Alice in Wonderland concept art, and Olaf Draws!, an animation class experience hosted by an audio-animatronic Olaf. No opening date for The Magic of Disney Animation has been announced.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
Did they put the three dog footprints in the cement at Pluto’s Corner, near the fire hydrant? That’s a fun joke at the actual studio lot