Important Change Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Do you love meeting your favorite Disney characters while at Disney's Hollywood Studios? You will want to check out the most recent changes to see how this may affect your next trip.

Animation Courtyard Closing

One thing that sets Disney Parks apart from other Theme Parks is so many great character meet and greets. We all love classic characters like Mickey and his pals, but many Disney fans love rare meet-and-greets.

This summer, Guests loved seeing the many roaming characters available during "Cool Kid Summer". At Disney's Hollywood Studios, special magic came to "Disney Jr. Play and Dance!" as this space was reimagined for "Get Animated".

During this transformation, Disney Junior characters met at different locations and this will not be the last time that characters are relocated at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Star Wars Launch Bay Closing

Today, September 24, 2025, is the final day for Guests to visit Animation Courtyard. This includes Star Wars Launch Bay and "Disney Jr. Play and Dance!"

This closure will allow Disney Imagineering to bring this magic to "Magic of Disney Imagineering." The building will be similar to the iconic Roy E. Disney Animation Building. This building will even be topped with Mickey's iconic Sorcerer hat.

Portraits will come to life right before your eyes. Guests of all ages can also enjoy an Animation Experience. Disney also promises many great character interactions at this newly imagined space, and young animators-to-be can explore the "Drawn to Wonderland" playground.

New Location for Darth Vader

Star Wars Launch Bay has been the area that allowed guests to meet and engage with some favorite Star Wars characters over the years. With it closing today, many of us wondered if these meet and greets would be available at other locations throughout Disney's Hollywood Studios.

September 25, 2025, Darth Vader will begin greeting guests in the queue for Star Tours.

Thanks to Attractions Magazine for sharing that starting tomorrow, September 25, 2025, Darth Vader will begin greeting guests in the queue for Star Tours. It will be interesting to see how this new location will look and function.

Keep following along for updates for the other meet and greets that will be affected due to this closure.

What do you think of this new meet and greet location? Share your thoughts with us and share this news with your Disney pals.