Disney World Set To Replace 6 Long-Abandoned Buildings with New Experiences in Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park is in a state of transformation, with massive projects under construction on both sides of the park: Monsters, Inc. Land on the park’s western edge and the new Walt Disney Studios Lot in the former Animation Courtyard area.

©Disney

Both of these projects are reusing or replacing buildings that date back to the park’s original Disney-MGM Studios days, meaning that they are nearly 40 years old at this point.

The Former Muppet Courtyard

The area once known as the Muppet Courtyard is being transformed into part of Monstropolis from the Pixar classic Monsters, Inc. The former home of the iconic Muppet*Vision 3D…

Muppetvision 3D

… the Studio 1 store…

The Studio 1 Store

… Pizzerizzo…

PizzeRizzo

… and Mama Melrose (which was not Muppet-themed, though it was originally conceived and partially constructed as The Great Gonzo’s Pandemonium Pizza Parlor, a Muppet restaurant that was planned to be as chaotic as its name)….

Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano

… are being reappropriated or deconstructed to make up the front of the upcoming land.

Muppet*Vision building construction

The land’s headline attraction — a hanging coaster based on the film’s iconic door sequence — is being built on land that previously served as a Cast Member parking lot.

©bioreconstruct

The Former Animation Courtyard

Across the park, the area most recently known as Animation Courtyard is being transformed into the new Walt Disney Studios Lot, which pays homage to the company’s real studio lot in Burbank, right down to the sorcerer’s hat. The area’s main building has held several names over the years.

Initially, it was a real working animation studio, a Florida satellite of Walt Disney Animation Studios, where work on films including Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear was completed. It was also home to the original version of the Magic of Disney Animation attraction, a film/tour attraction that took guests through the studio as part of the park’s original focus on production. The building was later turned into the Star Wars Launch Bay, a themed museum experience that featured Star Wars props, sets, and meet and greets with characters including Darth Vader and Chewbacca.

Star Wars Launch Bay

Currently, the building is being transformed into a new version of the Magic of Disney Animation, which will feature a new film, Once Upon a Studio theming, sketch classes similar to the original Hollywood Studios, a Mary Blair-inspired playground, and a family-friendly, air-conditioned area.

©Disney

The are will also be home to Disney Jr. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Live!, a live show revolving around Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse searching for Goofy, Daisy Duck, and Pluto as audiences clap, cheer, and dance along as the adventure unfolds.” The show building has hosted several productions over the years, and was once even home to the Catwalk Bar.

Construction Walls in Hollywood Studios

As Hollywood Studios continues to evolve, more and more of the park’s original infrastructure will likely either be completely retrofitted or demolished to make way for future attractions. Stay tuned to DFB for more on the park’s evolution.

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