Disney’s Hollywood Studios is preparing for its next big evolution — and while that means exciting new experiences are on the horizon, it also marks the end of a beloved Star Wars era. In 2026, the current home of Star Wars Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard will be completely reimagined into a brand-new space called The Magic of Disney Animation — an interactive, character-driven experience inspired by the acclaimed short film Once Upon a Studio.
As Star Wars fans, it’s a tough farewell. But there’s also hope for what this shift could mean for the future of Star Wars storytelling inside the park.
For nearly a decade, Star Wars Launch Bay has offered a quieter, more personal way to connect with the galaxy far, far away. It was a hidden gem, a place where fans could meet Chewbacca, face off with Darth Vader, explore original props and concept art, and reflect on the legacy of the franchise that changed cinema forever.
Before Galaxy’s Edge, Launch Bay was the heart of Star Wars at Walt Disney World. It gave fans a chance to step into Star Wars history, to learn about the creative process behind the saga, and to meet characters without needing a boarding group or reservation. For many, it was a first introduction to the magic of Star Wars in real life.
And now, as Disney shifts its focus to a more unified park layout, this chapter is coming to a close.
Launch Bay, Animation Courtyard, and the Disney Jr. Play and Dance! show will officially close on September 25, 2025, to prepare for the transformation. During this time, guests will still be able to enjoy The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure and Walt Disney Presents.
It’s a heartfelt goodbye, and it’s okay to feel it deeply. Launch Bay wasn’t just a meet-and-greet area. It was a love letter to Star Wars fans.
In place of Launch Bay and Animation Courtyard, Disney will unveil The Magic of Disney Animation — a vibrant new experience that celebrates the characters, creativity, and playfulness of Disney Animation Studios. Topped with Mickey’s iconic Sorcerer Hat, the redesigned building will feature immersive studio-themed rooms, animation activities, and character experiences inspired by Once Upon a Studio.
Guests will:
- Walk through a living animation building where Disney characters have taken over
- Watch a short film with a unique twist
- Take part in interactive storytelling moments
- Learn to draw their own character sketches
Younger guests will love Drawn to Wonderland, an indoor play area inspired by Mary Blair’s Alice in Wonderland artwork, filled with oversized flowers, musical play pieces, and whimsical décor.
The courtyard outside will also be reimagined into Walt Disney Studios Courtyard, with relaxed seating areas, character surprises, and updates to the Disney Junior show.
What This Means for Star Wars in the Park
While it’s sad to lose Launch Bay, this transition could signal a more focused Star Wars presence inside Hollywood Studios. By consolidating the Star Wars experience into Galaxy’s Edge, Disney has an opportunity to enhance cohesion within the park — something fans have long wished for.
And perhaps, with Launch Bay’s closure, there's space for future Galaxy’s Edge expansions or new experiences that continue to grow the Star Wars story in innovative ways.
Launch Bay’s closing isn’t the end of Star Wars at Disney. It’s a shift. A pivot. And if we’ve learned anything from the saga itself, it’s that endings are just another kind of beginning.
For Star Wars fans, Launch Bay will always hold a special place in our hearts. It was a quiet refuge, a gallery of legends, a bridge between films and fandom. And while we’re excited to see what The Magic of Disney Animation brings to Hollywood Studios in 2026, we also take a moment to thank Launch Bay for the memories, the meet-and-greets, and the magic.
Whether you met Chewie for the first time there, got emotional seeing original Ralph McQuarrie artwork, or just needed a quiet Star Wars space to recharge, this was your place. And we’ll never forget it.
So here’s to Launch Bay, and to what comes next. The Force is strong with both.