Stars Launch Bay Closing Permanently at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Breaking news from Disney! Star Wars Launch Bay in Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World will close soon to make way for a new, fun experience for kids of all ages.
Star Wars Launch Bay Closing
On July 22, Walt Disney World announced that Star Wars Launch Bay will close permanently on September 25, 2025. In addition to the Launch Bay closing, the theater that has been host to Disney Jr Play and Dance will also close!
Star Wars Launch Bay has been the area that allowed guests to meet and engage with some favorite Star Wars characters over the years. Character meets have included Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and BB-8. No word on if those characters will relocate, but Kylo Ren and Chewbacca do appear in Star Wars Galaxy's Edge.
The Disney Jr building has hosted many different iterations of kid-friendly sing-alongs over many years. The sing-alongs have included Bear in the Big Blue House, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Handy Manny and many other Disney Channel favorite dance and sing opportunities.
Something New is coming!
Disney just announced that The Magic of Disney Animation will come (return?) to the current Star Wars Launch Bay building. Disney has stated that it will "be a place where kids and kids at heart can laugh, draw, dream, and explore animated new experiences."
Prior to being used as a Star Wars experience, it was the location for actual Disney animators to work. We could peer into their active world and explore a bit of movies they were creating. We could draw our own animated character and even meet fun, Disney characters!
It sounds as though they are returning to a bit of their roots with the return of an animated experience, but will not feature actual Disney animators at work. Disney stated, "Our story in this newly re-imagined 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!"
The Transformation Shouldn't Take Too Long
In their announcement, Disney stated that the new "The Magic of Disney Animation" experience will open at some point in 2026. That's exciting news that we might have a new, interactive offering before we open Christmas gifts next year. Is it being greedy to request the new experience to open by Summer?
Star Wars Launch Bay will close permanently on September 25, 2025 to make way for "The Magic of Disney Animation."
It sounds as though Disney will offer an animation experience in the small theater that was being used to experience "Stars of the Saga" and that the current meet and greet areas will be remodeled for use by new Disney friends.
We are excited to hear that The Magic of Disney Animation will open fairly quickly with great, new offerings. What are your thoughts? Will you miss Star Wars Launch Bay or are you looking forward to this new experience too?
