Major Overhaul: Star Wars Launch Bay to Close as Disney’s Hollywood Studios Begins Animation-Themed Transformation
In a monumental shift that promises to redefine the magic of Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World Resort has announced the permanent closure of Star Wars Launch Bay by September 2025, marking the end of an era and the dawn of a new themed experience inspired by the iconic Walt Disney Studios Lot. Formerly a hub for Star Wars aficionados to meet beloved characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader, Launch Bay’s impending demise underscores Galaxy’s Edge as the go-to destination for cosmic adventures. Disney fans, brace yourselves for an exciting transformation: Animation Courtyard is set to morph into a captivating homage to Disney’s rich cinematic heritage, with reimagined architecture, interactive elements, and an enchanting Sorcerer Mickey hat centerpiece. As nostalgic echoes of the Disney Jr. Play and Dance show also fade into history, curiosity looms: What surprises will the new Magic of Disney Animation experience reveal? With construction plans under wraps and an opening date undisclosed, anticipation swirls around what this magical metamorphosis holds. #DisneyTransformation #StarWarsLaunchBay #HollywoodStudios #ComingSoon #DisneyMagic #AnimationReimagined
Quick Takeaways:
- Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will close permanently after September 24, 2025.
- The Disney Jr. Play and Dance show will also shut down.
- Animation Courtyard will be redesigned to resemble The Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California.
- A new Magic of Disney Animation experience is in development, inspired in part by the Once Upon a Studio short.
- Construction permits name Buena Vista Construction Company as the contractor.
Star Wars Launch Bay Retires After a Decade
Disney has confirmed that Star Wars Launch Bay will permanently close at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Its final day of operation is scheduled for September 24, 2025. Originally opened in 2015 as a replacement for The Magic of Disney Animation, the walkthrough zone offered themed exhibits and character greetings with Chewbacca, Darth Vader, and BB-8. Interest in the space declined following the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in 2019, which has become the park's main Star Wars area.
End of an Era for Animation Courtyard
The closure of Star Wars Launch Bay accompanies the retirement of another longtime feature: Disney Jr. Play and Dance. These decisions reflect a broader effort to shift the purpose and feel of Animation Courtyard. Both closures pave the way for a complete makeover of the section.
A New Direction Inspired by the Studio's Past
Disney plans to reshape Animation Courtyard by modeling it after its historic studio headquarters in Burbank, California. The reimagined area will include a fresh version of The Magic of Disney Animation experience—this time with interactive features influenced by the Once Upon a Studio short film. The updated space will feature architectural design reminiscent of the Burbank lot, including a new Sorcerer Mickey hat as a visual centerpiece. Construction will be carried out by Buena Vista Construction Company, according to filed permits.
What Happens to the Star Wars Material?
It remains unclear where, if anywhere, Star Wars memorabilia, props, or character meet-and-greets will be relocated. At this time, Disney has not announced what will become of those elements or when the new studio-themed experience will open to the public.
A New Chapter for Disney’s Hollywood Studios
These changes mark a major update for Animation Courtyard as Disney continues to reshape Hollywood Studios to reflect new themes and attractions. Guests can visit Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance through September 24, 2025, before both spaces close for reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changes are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios in 2025?
Disney’s Hollywood Studios is undergoing a major overhaul confirmed for September 2025, including new attractions, updated theming, and expanded entertainment areas. The park aims to offer more immersive experiences and improved guest flow.
When will the Hollywood Studios overhaul be completed?
The overhaul is scheduled to be completed by September 2025. Some enhancements may open in phases before the official completion date.
Will any existing rides at Hollywood Studios be closed for the 2025 update?
Yes, some existing rides and areas may temporarily close or be reimagined during the renovation. Disney has not yet confirmed which specific attractions will be affected.
Is this the biggest update ever for Disney’s Hollywood Studios?
While Hollywood Studios has undergone updates in the past, such as the addition of Galaxy’s Edge, the 2025 overhaul is expected to be one of its most extensive transformations yet.
What new lands or attractions are rumored for the 2025 Hollywood Studios update?
Although Disney hasn’t released full details, rumors suggest new themed lands, updated character experiences, and advanced ride technology may be part of the expansion.
How will the 2025 changes affect crowds at Hollywood Studios?
Park attendance is likely to increase as excitement builds for the overhaul, especially near and after its completion. Guests may want to plan their visits accordingly to avoid the highest crowd levels.
Filipino Translation:
Walt Disney World Resort confirmed na magsasara na for good ang Star Wars Launch Bay sa Disney’s Hollywood Studios, at ang last day nito ay sa September 24, 2025. Big change ’to para sa Animation Courtyard area, kasi pati yung Disney Jr. Play and Dance show ay mawawala na rin, para magbigay daan sa isang bagong themed attraction.
Nagsimula yung Star Wars Launch Bay nung 2015 bilang kapalit ng The Magic of Disney Animation. Dati, sobrang patok siya kasi pwede kang mag-meet and greet kay Chewbacca, Darth Vader, at BB-8. Pero nawalan na siya ng spark nung lumabas yung Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge nung 2019, na ngayon yung main Star Wars area ng park.
May balak na rin si Disney na i-revamp yung Animation Courtyard at gawing parang The Walt Disney Studios Lot sa Burbank, California. Magkakaroon ng bagong Magic of Disney Animation experience na may mga interactive elements, inspired partly by the short film na Once Upon a Studio. Ire-redesign din nila yung buong area para magmukhang classic Disney studio, kasama na yung malaking Sorcerer Mickey hat. Ayon sa mga construction permits, ang Buena Vista Construction Company ang contractor na gagawa ng changes.
Pero as of now, wala pang sure kung ililipat ba sa ibang parte ng park yung mga Star Wars items, props, at yung mga meet and greet sessions. At wala pa ring announcement kung kailan exactly magbubukas yung bagong attraction.
So ayun, both Star Wars Launch Bay and Disney Jr. Play and Dance magsasara na to make way for this huge revamp, na malaking part ng bagong direction ng Hollywood Studios at kung paano nila gusto i-level up yung experience ng mga guests.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios Overhaul Confirmed for September 2025 was first published here.
