Cast Member previews have begun at The Magic of Disney Animation inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios. We observed the preview underway this morning, though it’s unclear which specific groups of Cast Members are currently eligible to participate. The experience is set to officially open to guests on September 14th inside the reimagined Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard. Here’s the latest.
Cast Previews Begin Inside The Magic of Disney Animation
IN THIS ARTICLE:
- Cast Member previews have begun inside The Magic of Disney Animation
- It’s unclear which groups of Cast Members are currently eligible
- A public soft opening remains unconfirmed ahead of the September 14th debut
We saw Cast Members going through the space this morning after construction walls were removed from the area. It’s one of the more visible signs yet that The Magic of Disney Animation is nearing its debut. We don’t yet know whether this preview is limited to a specific group, like leadership, Hollywood Studios Cast Members, or any other groups. It’s also possible Disney has opened it more broadly to Walt Disney World Cast Members as a whole.
We don’t know how long Cast previews will run. As we reported when the “Open House” banner was hung outside the entrance, Imagineering has steadily added finishing touches to the courtyard through August. Cast previews typically come near the very end of that process. Today’s milestone is a sign the space is close to ready to open.
Will There Be a Public Soft Opening?
We’re hopeful that The Magic of Disney Animation will get a public soft opening before its official September 14th debut. That would give guests a chance to experience it ahead of the announced date (and anticipated crowds). We’re not sure if or when that might happen, and Disney hasn’t confirmed any soft opening details. We’ll be sure to watch closely for any possibilities.
Story So Far
- In July 2025, Disney announced plans to replace Animation Courtyard with the Walt Disney Studios Lot concept.
- Animation Courtyard permanently closed on September 25, 2025, to begin the transformation.
- The Sorcerer Mickey hat was installed atop the attraction’s entrance in April 2026.
- The Walt Disney Studios Lot courtyard opened to guests on May 20, 2026, though The Magic of Disney Animation itself remained closed.
- BlogMickey went behind the construction walls for a hard hat tour in late May 2026, getting a first look at the Open House Courtyard concept.
- Disney announced a September 14th opening date in July 2026, alongside first looks at Drawn to Wonderland, Off the Page, and Olaf Draws.
- A new “Open House” banner was installed at the attraction’s entrance in late August 2026, alongside character statues staged around the sign.
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!