Somehow, the Huge Sorcerer Mickey Hat returned to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Along with that, character pawprints have been added to the new-look Walt Disney Studios Lot land that’s replacing Animation Courtyard. Walt Disney World has shared a couple of sneak peek behind-the-scenes looks at the work, as this area races towards its opening in Summer 2026.
As basic background, Animation Courtyard is currently being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot at Hollywood Studios. The biggest change is that the Roy E. Disney Animation Building is replacing Star Wars Launch Bay, and will house a ‘what’s old is new again’ return and reimagining of “The Magic of Disney Animation.”
Construction crews have been hard at work on Animation Courtyard in the months since it closed last fall, and are racing towards its Memorial Day debut in time for Cool Kids’ Summer. Construction walls continue to shift around, and we noticed more new color schemes on the buildings last week while visiting Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Along with that, aerial photos have revealed more hardscape and landscape work on the area.
The biggest component of the Walt Disney Studios Lot project is the transformation of Star Wars Launch Bay into the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. Crews are hard at work on reimagining the inside of that space to bring back “The Magic of Disney Animation,” which will feature a variety of family-friendly experiences.
The biggest visible milestone of this transformation is the addition of the Huge Sorcerer Mickey Hat, which we’ve been anxiously awaiting, to top the entrance of the Animation Building. While it’s disappointing that we just missed seeing it in person (thankfully, it’s not going anywhere this time), Walt Disney World has released a photo revealing the huge hat’s overnight installation:
I love this. It looks fantastic. A perfect love letter to the Walt Disney Animation Studios, and the real Roy E. Disney Animation Building in Burbank, California. This is a true “no notes” addition.
Not only does it look sharp and perfectly on-theme, but it should be a good practical ‘wienie’ for drawing guests into this previously quiet corner of the park. It’s such a win. I honestly cannot believe the hat is back, or that I’m unequivocally and effusively praising the move. If you told me this would happen a decade ago and that I’d title its return as “triumphant,” I never would’ve believed you. Yet here we are.
Newer fans may not realize it, but there was previously a Huge Sorcerer Hat in Hollywood Studios, and it was quite controversial. Known disparagingly as the BAH, or Big … Hat, some fans loved it and others hated it. As with so many issues, I fell squarely into the “it’s complicated” camp…while still being highly critical of the BAH and cheering for its removal.
As explained in my editorial from 2012 about the BAH removal, my perspective was that the addition of the BAH was clumsy, off-theme, and without regard for thematic continuity. It had all the makings of a calculated corporate decision, disregarding the art direction of the theme park and the thematic coherence of Hollywood Boulevard. It was shoehorned in without regard for its surroundings, and was emblematic of early 2000s missteps by Disney.
However, unlike other critics, I also argued that the BAH was not an eyesore in general (unlike the irredeemable Mickey Wand over Spaceship Earth). Just that it was thematically inappropriate at the end of Hollywood Boulevard, blocking Grauman’s Theater. That although it looked tacky where it was at the time, I wouldn’t have minded seeing it relocated to a new land or location where the fun and whimsical style could work better.
Honestly, I never expected that to happen. Praising the BAH as photogenic (and I have thousands of photos of it!) was more about finding common ground with the then-younger, now-older fans who had grown nostalgic about the BAH. They were understandably annoyed by the old-timers and thematic purists dancing on the BAH’s grave, so I didn’t want to simply say “good riddance” without further elaboration. Because the BAH was a good idea, its execution and location were what was wrong.
It’s now pretty amazing to watch things come full circle, and see Imagineering get it so right this time with the addition of the Huge Sorcerer Mickey Hat (no disparaging acronym here) atop the Roy E. Disney Animation Building. Now this is the perfect fit, and one that now seems so obvious with the benefit of hindsight.
And yet, back on the frontlines of the BAH battle, I don’t recall anyone suggesting a replacement hat being installed atop the Animation Building. (Fans mostly suggested moving it to the Fantasmic Theater, if I recall correctly.) This is win-win for everyone on all sides of that BAH battle a decade ago; just perfect placement by Disney. I cannot wait to see this area in person.
In addition to this, Walt Disney World has shared a look at the new character pawprints coming to the courtyard…
Look who stopped by the Walt Disney Studios Courtyard at Hollywood Studios 👀✨ pic.twitter.com/sV8YNh6aeI
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) April 14, 2026
A play on the celebrity handprints in front of the nearby Grauman’s Chinese Theater, guests will find various handprints, footprints, pawprints, and more from Disney characters and furry friends in front of the Roy E. Disney Animation Building.
Characters featured in the video include Hercules and Pegasus, Mufasa and Simba, Moana and Maui, Cinderella, Yensid, Oswald, Stitch, and more.
This is another nice little touch that’ll give the new-look Walt Disney Studios Lot personality, charm, and color. We frequently criticized Animation Courtyard as having ‘dead mall vibes,’ so it’s great to see Imagineering remedy that with this placemaking effort.
The redone area should exude warmth (figuratively), while also offering shade and protecting guests from the (literal) heat, making it a place people want to spend time. It’s a small thing when evaluating a theme park “on paper,” but a huge win for the in-person guest experience.
It’s like a more localized version of the transformation we just saw with Disney Adventure World, which is still the weakest park in the world, but has improved by leaps and bounds and is now a place we want to linger and revisit, as opposed to getting in and out as quickly as possible. It’s good to see Disney putting the theme and park into these spaces.
If you’ve missed Walt Disney World’s previous announcements about what’ll be found at the new-look Walt Disney Studios Lot when the area debuts in phases this summer, here’s a rundown…
Walt Disney Studios Lot Takes Shade on May 26, 2026
While The Magic of Disney Animation arrives later, the storytelling begins outdoors. Opening May 26, the courtyard surrounding the attraction transforms into “The Walt Disney Studios,” an outdoor space inspired by the iconic Burbank studio lot.
Drawing from the architecture and atmosphere of the legendary campus, the area features familiar studio details, including the Studio Theater and a nearby soundstage, all set within a relaxed, park‑like setting designed for families to explore and enjoy.
Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!
Once you’ve gotten your fill of shade, head inside to “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live” starting May 26, 2026! Inspired by Disney Jr.’s hit series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse+ and already being presented at DCA, this live show turns into a feel-good celebration where you don’t just watch the fun… you help make it happen.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse are ready to kick off the big bash, but when their friends are nowhere to be found, the party turns into a playful search mission. With music leading the way, you’ll clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds — and before you know it, Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto join in to bring the Clubhouse celebration to life.
As someone who has experienced “Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!” dozens of times at DCA, I can say with authority that it’s shockingly good. Better than it has any right to be, quite honestly. The only downside is that it ends (spoiler alert) with an abridged version of the Hot Dog Song, when really that should be played on loop. (Speaking of which, hopefully it is part of the BGM loop for the Walt Disney Studios Lot.)
Once Upon a Studio
As you explore The Magic of Disney Animation, you’ll discover an enchanted art gallery, a beautifully curated space filled with artwork featuring beloved Disney Animation characters. At first glance, it feels like a traditional gallery, but with a little pixie dust your favorite character may spring to life in all-new animations created exclusively for this experience!
From there, your journey continues in the Once Upon A Studio Theater, where you can enjoy the Emmy Award-winning short film Once Upon A Studio. Inside this dedicated theater honoring more than a century of Disney Animation storytelling, enhanced effects add an extra layer of magic.
As you enjoy the film, you may spot characters popping up within the artwork along the theater walls, placing you right in the middle of this enchanting story.
Off the Page Character Meet & Greets
You’ll also be able to venture into “Off the Page!” This is an area where you can meet some of your favorite friends from Walt Disney Animation Studios stories while celebrating the artistry behind every frame.
Each space offers incredible photo opportunities with some of your favorite characters. You can meet Mulan in the Story department, posing in front of an oversized storyboard panel. Or step into the Layout department where Rapunzel waits in a setting inspired by the classic multiplane camera where you’ll see layers of backgrounds and painted cells come together like magic.
Together, these spaces highlight key stages of the animation process, each brought to life through character encounters. Some of character you may see are:
- Mulan in Story
- Rapunzel in Layout
- Chip n’ Dale in Hand-Drawn Animation
- Donald and Daisy in CG Animation
- Goofy in Lighting
- Stitch in Effects
Drawn to Wonderland Play Area
The youngest animators-to-be can explore the “Drawn to Wonderland” playground filled with an oversized flower garden with musical instruments, a Mad Tea Party playset, and a Tulgey Wood exploration area, all inspired by the original “Alice in Wonderland” concept art from Disney Legend Mary Blair. It’ll be the perfect whimsical indoor play area for little ones to grow “curiouser and curiouser!”
This is just one of several interactive spaces inside “The Magic of Disney Animation.” The story in this newly reimagined 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!
Inside, you will interact with and explore silly takes on the iconic Disney Animation headquarters, including the many different studio departments. Only this time, some of our favorite pals have taken over to create the fun adventures.
The playful and interactive moments will be around every corner. You’ll see portraits come to life before your eyes just like they did in Once Upon A Studio, and you can even pencil in some time to learn how to draw your very own character sketch. Speaking of which…
An Audio Animatronics Olaf Draws!
Step into a new Animation Academy experience with Olaf Draws!, where everyone’s favorite snowman takes center stage as your cheerful host. With his signature warmth, optimism, and playful humor, Olaf invites guests of all ages to explore the art of character drawing.
Brought to life as an all-new Audio-Animatronics figure, Olaf welcomes you into a space inspired by one of his most memorable moments from Once Upon A Studio sitting at an animator’s desk, joyfully discovering the art of drawing.
Stepping into a reimagined animator’s studio with playful nods to Frozen, guests of all ages are invited to sit down and learn to draw.
Young animators in the making can spark their creativity at sleigh‑themed tables, while animator‑desk–style workstations invite kids at heart to feel as though they’ve stepped right into the studio.
Since Olaf can’t quite draw on his own, he turns to the expertise of some legendary Disney Animation artists whose pre-recorded guidance brings the class to life. Together, they guide you step-by-step through the creative process, sharing tips, techniques, and stories straight from the studio as you learn how beloved Disney Animation characters come to life.
Each class features a different character, inspired by timeless classics and modern favorites, giving you a unique reason to return again and again. You may find yourself sketching:
- Mickey Mouse, with Dan Abraham, director (Once Upon A Studio, Baymax!)
- Minnie Mouse, with Hyun Min Lee, animator (Frozen 2, The Princess and the Frog)
- Donald Duck, with Austin Traylor, animator (Once Upon A Studio, Moana 2)
- Genie, with Eric Goldberg, animator (Aladdin, Hercules)
- Moana, with Samantha Vilfort, story artist (Encanto, Zootopia 2)
- Stitch, with Fawn Veerasunthorn, director and head of story (Wish, Raya and the Last Dragon)
- Olaf, with Trent Correy, director (Once Upon A Studio, Frozen 3)
- Ursula, with Michael Woodside, animator (Big Hero 6, Encanto)
- Judy Hopps & Nick Wilde, with Byron Howard director, (Zootopia, Zootopia 2)
While the Olaf Audio Animatronics addition is cool, and kids will love it, losing the live animators is a huge blow. It’s arguably a net negative, and the one big unforced error of this entire project. Everything else is a solid win, so it’s disappointing to see the otherwise warm and welcoming reimagining tainted by losing the human touch.
Ultimately, we’re really looking forward to the Walt Disney Studios Lot and reimagined Magic of Disney Animation. This new-look area looks perfect for young families, and will definitely appeal to us more than anything else in Disney’s Hollywood Studios (for now). It’s the park that offers the least to do for toddlers, and this will help remedy that.
The Walt Disney Studios Lot might be a stopgap, singles and doubles-style project–but it has the potential to be a massive improvement over Animation Courtyard, and a true asset to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Losing the dead mall vibes of this area is a huge win.
Gaining an outdoor space with mature trees that’s actually a pleasant, shaded place to spend time should be a massive win. Same goes for having an area and attractions that children who are too young for Toy Story Land can enjoy.
It’s pretty incredible to me that this land is going to go from one of my most-hated in all of Walt Disney World to the one where, realistically, our family is probably going to be spending the most time in the next few years. We can’t wait for the Walt Disney Studios Lot to open on May 26, 2026!
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YOUR THOUGHTS
Thoughts on the triumphant return of the Huge Sorcerer Hat? Like this location better than the old one, or were you a BAH advocate? Excited about Animation Courtyard being reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot? Looking forward to an all-new ‘The Magic of Disney Animation’ coming to Walt Disney World? Any other thoughts or commentary to add? Any questions we can help you answer? Hearing your feedback–even when you disagree with us–is both interesting to us and helpful to other readers, so please share your thoughts below in the comments!