NEWS: Disney Files Permit for "Site Modification" Changes at Hollywood Studios

A transformation is coming very soon to Disney’s Hollywood Studios!

Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is about to go through a major transformation over the next few months. With Monsters Inc. Land, a new Smugglers Run mission, a Muppets takeover at Rock ‘n Rollercoaster, and the new Animation Courtyard, there is going to be a lot happening. Get ready to see construction begin, and, yes, a big new construction crane at Hollywood Studios!

Disney Imagineering just filed a permit for utilizing a large crane at Animation Courtyard. It was announced not too long ago that the Animation Courtyard will be fully reimagined into the Walt Disney Studios Lot. This rethemed area will feature new experiences, including a transformation of the Star Wars Launch Bay into The Magic of Disney Animation. Look — THE SORCERER MICKEY HAT IS BACK! (sort of.)

©Disney

As we mentioned, a permit was filed by Walt Disney Imagineering, which lists North American Crane & Rigging LLC as the contractor. The scope of work listed is “site modifications.” Looking even deeper into things, the address that is listed on the permit is the Hollywood Studios archway, the entrance into Animation Courtyard.

Construction permit ©Orange County, Florida

Now, Disney has used cranes all over its parks and resorts, but it’s not often we see permits associated with this type of equipment. Could this mean that the crane will be EXTRA large? We’ll be watching as construction unfolds.

©Disney

The North American Crane & Rigging LLC is not new to Disney World. The company has been used for big Disney World projects before, including the long Astro Orbiter refurb at Magic Kingdom. The way we picture it, the crane could be placed in the middle of Animation Courtyard, and work around the whole area. We’ll have to wait and see, though!

Astro Orbiter!

When looking at what’s to come for the new area, we’re thinking a crane will have to be used to install the Sorcerer Mickey Hat where Launch Bay currently sits. That’s a big hat, after all!

©Disney

At this time, it’s too soon to determine the crane’s official use and which parts of the construction won’t necessarily require a crane. If Disney drops more concept art and plans, it’ll all start to make more sense. Some of the crane usage might be used for backstage work as well.

Animation Courtyard

The brand-new Magic of Disney Animation area is set to open to guests in 2026, which will honestly be here sooner than we think. The Animation Courtyard, as we know it, will close September 25th, so enjoy Launch Bay while it’s still here. The new “Little Mermaid — A Musical Adventure” will remain open during this time.

Star Wars Launch Bay

For more Disney news and updates, be sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog!

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Are you excited about the changes coming to Hollywood Studios? Let us know in the comments!